Chapter 8
"From a Yellow Zone information pamphlet:
"Nod: Representative of the Religious and a foil to a corrupt oppressor"
"The Brotherhood of Nod champions the common people - the 80% of the world's population that struggles to get by in Yellow Zones torn by war, wracked by poverty, and abandoned by GDI. Using Tiberium to fuel and fund our efforts, Nod works tirelessly to bring order from the chaos. We make the streets safe, distribute food to the hungry, provide emergency medical care, minister to those who feel a spiritual vacuum, and inspire hope in people who would otherwise have none.
GDI casts itself as the world's guardian and savior, but they are neither. GDI is corrupt and unjust: 20% of the world's population - the wealthiestpeople on the planet - live in the Blue Zones, consuming the majority of the world's natural resources, wielding their vast military power to maintain the status quo by depriving the downtrodden of their God-given right to mine and exploit Tiberium.
The powerful oppress the weak in the hollow name of freedom - and the only counter to GDI's power is the Brotherhood. Nod meets strength with strength in the name of peace and progress. Nod is the only hope against GDI tyranny.
Brotherhood... Unity... Peace."
-Intel Database: Nod's Place in the World.
Amazon Desert, South America
Yellow Zone Y-5
July 28th, 2047
0730
A massive dust storm was kicked up behind the Nod convoy, as it traveled through the great Amazon Desert. Attack Buggies served as the vanguard, while Scorpion tanks followed behind. The Tzadik stomped along in the center, with Reckoners, supply trucks, and Tiberium harvesters taking up the rear. This was what was left of Malich's forces, after their escape from B-2, and subsequent skirmishes in the bordering Yellow Zones.
The battle still played out in Malich's mind, even as he stared out the window of his personal quarters at the vast desert. He had heard that there was once a lush forest here, before Tiberium consumed it, and caused the desertification of the region. There had apparently been many beautiful places around the world, before Tiberium consumed them. Many people with GDI, and a few of the elders within Nod, cried over their loss. But what could be more beautiful than Tiberium? The very gift of divinity on Earth? Malich cared not for the old world, only the new one Kane promised.
"Commander? Sorry to disturb you, sir. But you have a priority call from Sarajevo. Shall I relay it to your quarters?" The Tzadik's comms officer asked.
"Yes, I shall take it immediately." Malich answered, turning from the window to his computer.
The officer didn't reply. Instead, his screen lit up to reveal Kane's desk back at Temple Prime. Only, it was not the Messiah who sat there, but the regal form of General Killian Qatar.
"Commander Malich, nice to finally meet you. I don't believe you and I have ever formally met." General Qatar greeted.
"No ma'am, never directly. It is an honor to serve you." Malich replied respectfully.
"Kane has spoken highly of you. A rare and most prestigious gift indeed. I hope you can live up to such expectations. Now then, enough with the formalities."
General Qatar paused in her briefing to quickly read over and sign some papers an officer handed her. Malich took the moment to study the General, the woman the Messiah had entrusted to lead his armies. Killian Qatar served in the same role as the late General Seth and General Slavik had during their respective eras. Malich had served under her direction during the invasion of B-2, as it had been her responsibility to coordinate the all of the Blue Zone invasions. She was certainly a brilliant strategists, and she carried herself like a warrior queen.
General Qatar finished dealing with the other officer, and returned her attention to Malich.
"It is as I had feared: GDI has retaliated with their usual shock and awe. Our Blue Zone offensives have completely failed, and GDI now pushes into our Yellows, decimating key strongholds all over the map. We should have never been so aggressive, but who dares tell Kane he is overreaching without fear of punishment?"
Qatar muttered the last part to herself, clearly not intending for Malich to hear. But he did, and he was stunned at the General's questioning of Kane's plan. True, she was close to the Messiah and part of his Inner Circle, but it was still dangerously close to heresy. But Malich kept his opinion to himself, and simply chalked it up to the stress of having the war turn against them so quickly. However, Qatar seemed to have noticed that Malich had heard her, as she quickly added,
"Forgive my insolence, Commander. I merely want what is best for the Brotherhood. The thought of losing this war…no. No, we shall not lose. If Kane wants aggression, then we shall obey." Qatar stood up from the desk and walked over to a holographic display. "Our most pressing concern is the Brazilian Yellow Zone. Specifically, the region you have been redeployed to. We have a important lab here that has taken heavy GDI fire, and Kane insists this lab must be protected at all costs while the staff evacuate… whatever it is they are working on . You will rendezvous with the regional commander, Commander Catrina Posada, here. She will aidyour forces in pushing the infidels out of our territory. Then you must extract your forces and lab staff from Y-5, using the Rio Airport."
"Understood, General. I shall not fail the Brotherhood!" Malich stated.
"I trust in your abilities, Commander. I wish I could give you more information, but even I do not know what is going on in that lab. Best of luck."
General Qatar ended the transmission, and Malich was left to mull over what had been said. He was disturbed by the General's apparent lack of faith in Kane, but he was more concerned about his mission. If GDI was attacking such a critical facility, then that meant GDI had been able to rally their forces much more quickly than anticipated.
Hopefully this Commander Posada and her forces would be able to hold out long enough for Malich to arrive. Malich left his quarters and made his way to the bridge. However, as he made his way down the cramped halls, he nearly ran into Ajay. He moved to step around him, but without warning, Ajay abruptly grabbed his arm.
"Word of warning, Brother: watch your backside. Killian didn't become number two by looking out for others. She's got her own agenda. Why do you think Kane didn't tell her about what's going on here in Brazil?" Ajay said conspiratorially.
"If Kane does not trust her, then why has she been chosen to lead the armies of Nod?" Malich asked.
"Kane is a brilliant man; he knows how to handle Killian." Ajay looked around, as if checking to see if anyone was within earshot, before leaning in closer to Malich. "I can trust you, right? So what I hear, is that Kane is building some kind of Tiberium weapon at this lab, thus all the hush-hush. We're gonna wipe out GDI in one big bang."
"Then we must make all haste to defend the lab. Thank you for the, uh, warning, Brother."
"I got your back. Now let's kick some GDI ass."
Ajay continued on down the hall as if nothing had happened, and Malich resumed his walk to the bridge. Ajay's warning had certainly put him on edge. That, paired with the General's open admission of doubt, Malich worried about the outcome of this war. However, he pushed those thoughts aside as he entered the bridge, and returned the salutes he received from the crew. Radec rose from the command chair, and seceded it to Malich.
"We should be arriving at the lab soon, sir. But I'm a bit worried. We haven't received any communications from Commander Posada yet." Radec said as Malich took his seat.
"What's our ETA" Malich asked as he looked out the viewport.
"Just on the other side of this ridge, through that valley pass." Radec answered.
"An excellent place for an ambush." Malich muttered to himself.
"You think GDI managed to get around for an ambush?" Radec questioned.
Malich didn't answer. Instead, he continued to study the terrain in front of him. He watched the vanguard units kick up dust as they continued to drive forward. He followed the clouds of dust as they wafted up the valley walls, before spotting a faint shimmering at the top. It was so small, and happened so quick, it could be easily waved off as a mirage. But Karsten Malich had not become a commander within the Brotherhood of Nod without trusting his gut, and his gut told him it was no trick.
"Order all units to come to a halt!" Malich abruptly called out.
The Tzadik came to a standstill, and the rest of the convoy rolled to a stop. Nervous chatter erupted over the general frequency, but Malich ignored it.
"Order one of our lead Scorpions to fire a warning shot. Tell them to aim above the cliff edge."
"But…sir, there's nothing here." Radec protested.
"Do it. Major." Malich ordered.
Radec hastily relayed the command, and a moment later one of the Scorpion's aimed its cannon high, and fired. At first, nothing happened. For several moments the bridge was silent as the crew waited for…something. Malich could see Radec turn a questioning look to him, but he held up his hand, staving off any questions.
Finally, several Nod Stealth Tanks appeared along the cliff edge, rocket pods aimed at the convoy. The crew immediately tensed at their sight, but Malich kept watching forward. Soon, an old TWII era mobile stealth generator revealed itself, along with numerous Bikes, Buggies, and the seldom seen Marauders.
Voices again boomed over the radio, asking what their orders were, but Malich ordered them into silence.
"I should have known the Legendary Insurgent wouldn't have fallen for my trap so easily." A feminine voice stated.
"Commander Posada, a pleasure to hear from you. Commander Malich, at your service." Malich replied with a self-satisfied grin.
"Please Brother, call me Muerta. And the pleasure is mine. But we have little time for formalities. Come, get your forces settled in and I shall fill you in on the situation."
Muerta's forces swiftly turned around, and moved through the valley. Malich ordered his convoy to follow, and within minutes, the Tzadik was passing through the narrow valley. As they passed through, Malich found himself in a large open space, surrounded by the tall cliffs. Old excavation gear and rusted mining buildings surrounded a series of Hands of Nod, warfactories, Tiberium refineries, power plants, and the secret weapons lab. But what shocked Malich, was that everything showed clear signs of damage: debris was scattered everywhere, blast craters dotted the base, and many buildings were burnt and scarred.
"Muerta, what the hell happened here?" Malich asked incredulously.
"GDI has hit us hard multiple times, and we barely repelled the last assault. That is why it is a blessing that you are here. Hopefully you can drive these infidels out." Muerta answered.
Malich clenched his fists in anger at the desecration GDI had caused. He had sworn vengeance against the infidel commander who had defeated him in B-2, but these heathens would have to suffice for now.
The Tzadik came to a stop by the laboratory, while the rest of the convoy dispersed throughout the rest of the base. Malich and Radec waited on the bridge, as Muerta made her way onboard, escorted by Ajay. The four gathered around the holographic display table, and Muerta began the briefing without preamble.
"GDI forces have established a large firebase on the other side of the river. It blocks the only mountain path that connects to the roads that lead to Rio. My scouts also report two small FOBs, one across the river in a small village, and another on this side, north of the base, near the Tiberium fields. I lack the forces to attack either base, and the damnable GDI have artillery support from the main firebase."
"And I imagine the only way to get to this firebase is through either of these FOBs?" Ajay asked.
"Yes. Also, I have confirmed these particular infidels belong to one of GDI's elite divisions. They call themselves Steel Talons. Supposedly they are well trained, and use experimental weaponry. We have already encountered one such of these experimental weapons, a battle tank equipped with advanced sensor equipment that can disable our stealth systems. I believe they call it a Sheppard tank." Muerta finished reporting.
Malich carefully studied the map before him, as Ajay and Radec asked several more questions. Malich noted the location of both FOBs, and how best to destroy them. If what Muerta said was true, and GDI had a means of disabling their stealth capabilities, that meant he simply couldn't strike with Stealth Tanks.
"What of Kane's…device? What is its condition?" Radec inquired.
"It is safe, thankfully." Muerta stated.
"And what is it, exactly?" Malich asked, breaking his silence.
"I apologize for the secrecy, but Kane was insistent that this project was vital for Ascension. He could not risk GDI discovering the true nature of this facility. Scientists from Sarajevo have been working here to create components for a liquid Tiberium weapon. Supposedly there are several other labs all working on the same weapon. It must be truly destructive if Kane has ordered such secrecy, and such resources for its protection." Muerta said.
"Like I told yah Brother. Kane's gonna wipe GDI off the map." Ajay exclaimed.
"But first we must cleanse the infidels from here." Radec interjected.
"Yes, and I have a plan to deal with them." Malich stated.
All eyes turned to him, as he began to adjust the controls on the holographic image. Soon, red and blue lines began to appear, as well as holographic avatars of infantry and tanks for both sides.
"GDI can disable our stealth, limiting our key advantage. And artillery fire from the main base makes a straightforward attack too risky. We will need to take out the enemy's ability to detect us. Ajay; take a scouting force north to the Tiberium field. Tag every enemy unit and device that can scan for our Stealth Tanks. Radec, you organize a scout force for the village. And Muerta, I need you to see that the device is secured and ready to move as soon as possible."
"You got it boss man." Ajay said.
"Understood, Commander." Radec acknowledged.
"Very well, Brother. My men are at your disposal." Muerta stated.
Malich then proceeded to go over some finer details, before dismissing everyone to carry out their tasks. Ajay and Muerta left the bridge, but Radec remained behind.
"Something troubling you, Major?"
"I just wished to comment, sir. Do not take your defeat in B-2 too harshly. Everything is as Kane has planned, surely."
"Thank you for the encouragement, Brother."
"Trust in His vision."
Radec bowed, then left the bridge. Malich continued to stare at the map, as he thought about what Kane's plan could be. Radec was right, he couldn't blame himself for their failure in the Blue Zone, he needed to focus on the task he had been given. He was a servant of the Brotherhood of Nod, and he would ensure the oppressed would win this crusade of liberation.
… … …
It was nearly four hours later, when Radec and Ajay returned to the bridge. The three men gathered around the holographic table once more, and Ajay began his report.
"Commander Posada's refineries have all been destroyed, and the bastards have set up their FOB along the road that leads to the northern bridge. Base itself is actually pretty small: Surveyor MCV, a barracks, and a single Vulcan turret. As for force size: two Predators, and one of those new Sheppard tanks, complete with electronic countermeasures. They also got one Titan and about three platoons of infantry."
"So, these Sheppard ECM tanks are what can disable our Stealth capabilities? So we take that out and we can strike undetected." Radec said.
"No, my scouts say they see the same ECM on the Surveyor. We'd have to take both out." Ajay replied.
"What did your scouts find, Major?" Malich asked.
"Something similar. Surveyor set up at the edge of the village, no barracks but my scouts report GDI have occupied most of the buildings. They also report a Guardian anti-armour turret, and Watch Tower defensive structure. Enemy force is also roughly three platoons, as well as three Predators and two Sheppards." Radec reported.
"Very good, Brothers. Now we can decide how best to attack. For our northern assault, we shall keep our armour just at the edge of our base's stealth field. We can the Marauders to attack quickly, and clear the way for our tanks to destroy the base." Malich began.
"The guns on those Marauders won't be enough to penetrate tank armour." Radec interrupted.
"No, but they don't need to. All they have to do is destroy the enemy's countermeasures. With those down, we can destroy the enemy in a single strike. But we will also need to attack the village at the same time. For that, I plan to use our infantry to move through the buildings, get close enough for man portable weapons to strike at the key targets. We will also send some Buggies for additional support." Malich finished.
"Fast and hard. I like it." Ajay grinned.
"I shall coordinate the armour assault to the north. Radec, I need you to select ground leaders for the village assault."
"I believe Confessor Kumar and his Templars would be a good choice." Radec commented.
Malich paused at that. He knew he had been honored by the Ecclesiarchy placing their… "special" forces under his command, but he did not trust them. He had heard the reports of the damage caused when the Templars' training was undone. And to use such unwilling converts felt wrong to him. But Malich was not one to question Kane's holy ministers.
"Very well." Malich finally said. "Have them lead the strike team. Once the enemy countermeasures are down, I'll send in a second armour unit to destroy the base. Once both GDI FOBs are down, we can focus on the firebase, and rid ourselves of these Steel Talons."
Both men nodded in agreement, and when neither offered any further comment, Malich stated,
"Commence the operation. Glory to the Brotherhood!"
… … …
To Malich, the tanks appeared normal, black and red armour barely visible under layers of sand and grit. Lethal cannons and rocket pods ready to unleash death on the enemies of Nod. But to anyone outside the stealth field, they may hardly perceive the gathered force as a faint shimmer in the air.
Like a mirage in the desert heat.
Scorpion and Stealth tanks were at the ready, but the ones to draw first blood would be the Marauders. Larger than the standard Attack Buggy, the lightly armored but heavily armed vehicles were almost just as fast, but carried the armaments of a light tank.
"Viper Team is in position."Radec reported.
"Excellent, inform the platoon leaders that the attack will begin soon." Malich responded.
"No movement from either FOB, or the firebase. Things look good, boss man." Ajay reported from beside Malich.
"We shouldn't underestimate these Steel Talon foes, if what our reports say about them are true." Malich mused.
"Commander! The package is secured and all civilian personnel are ready for transport. But I just got word that our forces in Rio are under heavy attack! GDI are literally hammering the entire city!" Muerta reported, anger dripping from her every word.
"We will try to reach them as quickly as we can, Sister. Just be ready to go ASAP!"
"Copy that."
"Python, engage!"
The five Marauders leapt forward into motion, blasting out from under the stealth field and racing off towards the enemy.
"Viper, engage!"
Infantry swarmed out from their hidden spots within shambled hovels, and surged into the village.
The two attacks began, and GDI responded almost instantly. To the north, the enemy tanks immediately opened fire, narrowly missing the Marauders as they barreled towards them. Meanwhile, in the village, GDI infantry began hosing down the advancing Nod troops, shooting through village buildings without hesitation or remorse.
Malich watched as several men were slaughtered in the streets, but sighed in relief as many more reached cover. He knew that he could not watch both battles at the same time, so trusting Radec to lead Viper Team to victory, he focused on the north.
One Marauder took a direct hit from the Titan, turning the vehicle into a flaming projectile as it slammed into the Sheppard. The resulting explosion did little to the tank, but it did seem to obscure the tank's operators enough for another Marauder to get close. It fired a shell nearly point blank range, and destroyed the sensor and radar arrays on top of the tank's turret. With the Sheppard blinded, the Marauders then converged on the Surveyor, as the enemy armour still tried to shoot them.
"Almost makes me miss my days as a Zone Runner." Ajay suddenly said.
"This is a lot like Honduras; constantly trying to outrun and outsmart GDI. Then again, we were dealing with garrison troops, not elite forces." Malich commented.
Any further conversation ended as the Marauders raced past the GDI base, and into the Tiberium field. The enemy tanks were still trying to shoot them, but refused to pursue the Marauders. However, the Marauder leader called over the radio, the loud roar of his engines nearly drowning out his voice.
"Command, objective complete! Target has taken extensive damage and the sensors are down! We are trying to evade enemy fire and come around to join the attack!"
"Copy that, Python 1-1. Well done. Break. Python Actual, begin phase two!"
Five Stealth Tanks slipped out from position and glided towards the enemy. The GDI tanks had stopped in their attempts to destroy the Marauders, and now engineer crews were rushing out to fix the Sheppard tank. Without their sensors, the GDI forces were completely blind to the encroaching Stealth Tanks.
"Command, all units report in position."
"Excellent. Now Brothers! Peace through power!"
At his order, the Scorpions moved forward, and much like the Marauders, became visible as soon as they left the field. The GDI tanks reacted to the sudden appearance of the Scorpions, and moved to engage, only to be struck by a volley of missiles fired from the Stealth Tanks. The Sheppard and one of the Predators were destroyed by the missile barrage, the warheads rending open their armor and igniting the ammo reserves. The second Predator turned to focus on the Stealth Tanks, but they disappeared from sight.
The Scorpions surged forward, blasting away at the Predator. But the Titan fired back, instantly coring one of the Scorpions. The Predator then tried to focus on the new threat, but its turret exploded from a direct hit. The Titan continued to swat at the Scorpions, but soon it took several hit from another missile volley. The Stealth Tanks swarmed around the Titan like wasps, while the Scorpions began ripping apart the enemy base.
GDI infantry began fleeing across the river, back towards the fire base. But Malich noticed a large force of Predators and Hunters moving to assist.
"Command to Python Actual: mission accomplished. Withdraw now!" Malich ordered.
"Affirmative."
The Scorpions and Stealth Tanks quickly withdrew from the battle, leaving behind a ruined base and a wounded and smoking Titan. The walker attempted to limp after them, but stopped when the Nod forces disappeared into the stealth field. The remaining Marauders then came barreling out of the Tiberium field, narrowly missing the newly arrived GDI forces. Malich smiled as the enemy took up defensive positions around their ruined base.
"Ajay, get our damaged vehicle repaired, and all others rearmed. See that GDI doesn't attempt a counter-attack."
"Yes, sir." Ajay said as he moved to another part of the bridge.
Malich entered in a command into the tactical table, and the holographic image shifted to display the ongoing battle in the village. His forces had managed to move up to the edge of the enemy base, and were engaged in a brutal firefight. Bullets and lasers were fired out of hovels, as the enemy returned fire with Vulcan rounds and HE shells. Malich's forces would be slaughtered if he didn't get his Stealth Tanks over to aid them. But with the enemy sensors still online, the fragile tanks would be obliterated.
"Have our men find better cover against those tanks! Move the Marauders into the village, see if they can't disable those Sheppards! Have Python ready to-"
Malich's commands were cut off, as the Tzadik shook from the force of a nearby explosion. Before he even had time to process it, more explosions began going off in rapid succession, and someone on the bridge quickly voiced the obvious.
"ARTILLERY!"
Malich stumbled to the front of the bridge, and watched outside the window as the base was bombarded. Men and women scrambled for cover, and several structures were hit from the barrage, including the science lab.
"Muerta! What's your status!?" Malich yelled into the radio.
"We're fine down here! We can hold out but not for long!" Muerta shouted back.
"Get our Specters for counter-battery fire!" Malich roared.
The shells continued to rain, and at first, Malich assumed the enemy was firing blind as the shells were random and sporadic. But either he was wrong, or the GDI artillerymen were insanely lucky, as a shell destroyed the disruption tower keeping the base hidden. A noticeable shimmer could be seen as the field dissipated, and the Nod base was exposed for all to see.
The GDI artillery quickly became more accurate, and Malich swore as a Hand of Nod was completely destroyed. More base personnel began running for the lab, or the Tzadik, as they tried to escape the deadly rain. But even as the artillery barrage began to intensify, Malich spotted the GDI tanks from the north begin to move towards the base, with even more rolling over the bridge. The situation in the village was also beginning to turn for the worse, as several Wolverines stomped their way into the village, their Vulcan cannons ripping through buildings like they were paper.
The Nod Specters disabled their own personal stealth generators, and began firing artillery shells back at the enemy. Malich didn't have clear intel on where the enemy guns were, so his artillery fire was blind. But it seemed to have some sort of effect, as the enemy fire began to slacken. Or perhaps it was so their forces could advance.
"I count five Predators, six Hunters moving down on us from the north." Ajay reported.
"Infantry?" Malich asked as he again adjusted the holographic display.
"Looks like those platoons from before. But I can see more coming over the bridge, supported by APCs."
"Move all of our Scorpions and Stealth Tanks to intercept the first wave of enemy armor! Keep our Marauders in the rear so they can help cover and respond to those infantry."
"What about our guys in the village!?" Ajay roared over the commotion of the bridge.
Malich response was turned into a curse as the bridge shook from another nearby explosion. He glared at the display, trying to solve three problems at once, staring at it as if an answer would magically appear. But slowly, a strategy did begin to form, though Malich recognized it may not be the best one he had.
"Ajay! Redirect the Specters to destroy the bridge! If we cut off enemy reinforcements, then our tanks can push forward and destroy the enemy on this side of the river."
"If we do that, the artillery is just gonna pick up again." Ajay warned.
"Do it!"
Ajay didn't respond, he hastily relayed the orders. Within moments the Specters shifted their guns and began firing shells towards the bridge. Most missed and fell into the river, sending planes of water into the air. But one shell impacted against a Guardian APC, the explosion sending foot troops sailing into the river. Two more shells exploded against the bridge, and the entire thing collapsed and machine and man fell to the water below.
"Ha! Now the bastards are cut off!" Ajay exclaimed.
"Redirect Specter fire to the village, give our Brothers some support!"
The science lab took a direct hit from the enemy artillery, and a violent explosion sent a plume of black-green smoke into the air.
"Puta! Las Mataré! Malich, these components may not be assembled, but it is still volatile! You have to take down those guns!" Muerta swore.
"I'm working on it!" Malich impatiently replied.
The Specters again shifted, and shells landed on the GDI forces within the village, halting their advance. Malich's warriors took advantage of the artillery cover, and moved to reclaim lost ground. Meanwhile, the two opposing armored forces clashed in the north, as Scorpions and Predators traded fire. Stealth Tanks circled around the enemy, firing deadly salvos, as Marauders rushed to take on the more lightly armored Hunters. But the GDI artillery continued to hammer the base, and yet another structure went up in flames.
But Malich soon noticed the artillery fire was beginning to creep away from the base, back towards the river. He wondered briefly at what the enemy was doing, until realization struck him a moment too late. The Specter SPGs exploded almost simultaneously as the GDI artillery struck them. The explosion created a massive crater, and sent debris raining across the base. Malich seethed in anger, but noted that, for the moment, the enemy guns had fallen silent.
Without hesitation, Malich turned his attention to the tank battle to the north. His forces were winning, but they suffered heavy losses for it. He needed to end the fight quickly, so he could focus everything he had on the village, and the fire base beyond.
Pressed for time, Malich made a risky move. He ordered his Scorpion and Marauders to fall back, while keeping the Stealth Tanks hidden. Without sensors, the enemy would have no idea where the Stealth Tanks were, and seemingly just as desperate to finish the battle as Malich was, the GDI commander sent his tanks to pursue Malich's. With their backs exposed, the Stealth Tanks again fired their missiles, and the GDI armour went up in flames as the warheads pierced the rear armour plating. Had the enemy been guarding their rear at the attack, then the fragile tanks would have been destroyed. But given the enemy's drive to breach the base, they were wiped out to the last man.
Malich didn't have time to relish in the victory, however. He immediately ordered his tanks to surge into the village, as he diverted the Stealth Tanks to rearm. GDI tanks and infantry still held onto the village, and the Nod troops were unable to move from their barricades. Whatever reinforcements GDI had intended to send to the north were now pouring into the village, at the same moment that Malich's own forces crossed the river ford. Enemy artillery fire once again picked up, and several civilian buildings were destroyed.
If the Nod forces could not break through, and destroy the firebase, then the entire operation could be lost. But Malich would not fail, not again. But his mind was racing: how could he wrestle victory here? How could he beat these Steel Talon fools? Perhaps he could…
"Radec! Radec, do we have any Intel on the firebase?" Malich asked.
Radec quickly moved over from his station on the bridge before saying, "We have limited data."
"Do we know if the fire base has its own ECMs?"
"It seemed they relied on the FOBs to control entry to the base. And any Sheppard tanks were deployed to the front." Radec said.
"So the fire base should be blind then? What I plan to do is risky, but I see little other choice." Malich mused.
"You plan to rush our Stealth Tanks past the battle, and hit their guns?" Ajay ventured.
"Yes, we have the Scorpions focus down the Sheppard tanks, hopefully rendering the enemy blind. Then take down the artillery guns, and divide the enemy's attention. With Kane's blessing, we may yet win this day."
"The downside, being that the tanks get spotted and destroyed." Radec countered.
"Yes, that is the risk."
"We're running out of time, Brother. It's now or never." Ajay stated.
Malich nodded in agreement, and his two lieutenants moved to relay his orders. On the display, he watched the holographic images of his tanks move to engage the enemy. It seemed almost like a suicidal attack, as the Scorpions moved from cover to try and take down the Sheppards. The GDI commander recognized what Malich was trying to do, and began to pull his vulnerable ECM tanks back. But the effort was wasted, as even if the tanks themselves reached safety, well placed shots from the Scorpions destroyed the exposed sensors on the Sheppards' turrets. The Stealth Tanks then moved unseen through the enemy lines, as the Scorpions turned to face the GDI Predators and Titans. Meanwhile, Marauders and light vehicles moved into crowded village streets, engaging with Hunters and Wolverines, and giving the relief the Nod infantry desperately needed.
The battle for the village was still undecided, but Malich trusted his officers to coordinate that fight, as he focused on the Stealth Tanks. Malich involuntarily held his breath as the tanks slid past the defences that guarded the fire base. But when no one seemed to notice, he let an audible sigh of relief. The tanks then moved past the GDI command post, and to the Juggernaut SPGs located at the rear of the base. Malich also noted numerous mortar pits, ammo depots, and half completed howitzer emplacements.
Malich quickly highlighted targets for the tanks to cause the most amount of damage. Then he offered a quick prayer, just as the tanks fired. Their stealth fields were disabled as soon as they fired their salvo, but it hardly mattered as the missiles struck their targets before anyone could notice. Missiles tore apart the Juggernauts' legs, causing the walkers to collapse face first to the ground and were rendered useless. Missiles also struck the ammo depots and mortar pits, causing them to explode and send plumes of fire and smoke into the air.
Just as GDI soldiers rushed to try and put out fires or help the Juggernaut crews, the Stealth Tanks again turned invisible, and moved to another section of the base. Malich wished he could have seen the Steel Talon commander, as his base burned around him, just before the Stealth Tanks fired their missiles and destroyed the command post. With their commander now dead, and any support from the fire base gone, the GDI forces quickly began to break as they desperately formed a defensive circle within the village. The enemy was all but defeated; all that remained were the stragglers.
"Muerta? The firebase has been destroyed and our forces now clear the way. Let's get moving." Malich called over the radio.
"Understood. Best hurry before more infidels show up." Muerta replied.
"Begin moving the Tzadik! Call up all transports, we must make all haste to Rio." Malich commanded.
Even as Radec, Ajay, and other officers continued to coordinate the forces in the field, the rest of the crew set the Tzadik in motion. A secret passage revealed itself, and numerous transport and troop carrier trucks came rolling out, followed by a large truck with a transparent cylindrical tank, carrying what Malich could only assume was Kane's secret weapon.
A convoy quickly formed, and they moved over the river and into the battle torn village. They still had a long road ahead of them before they reached Rio de Janeiro, and could escape Y-5 altogether. Malich could only hope that this weapon could truly win them the war, as a sense of foreboding filled him. Or perhaps, it was merely trepidation at returning to Rio, where Malich's campaign had first begun.
… … …
Author's note: I have added two more Tiberian Twilight units to this story, the Marauder and the Sheppard. Now it may seem like I have added a lot of addition units from other games, mainly Generals 2 and Twilight, but this is merely to help flesh out GDI's and Nod's arsenals.
Now the Marauder is not to be confused with the GLA tank of the same name, which I have also used in an earlier story. This unit is visually a larger version of the Attack/Raider Buggy, but armed with a powerful shotgun. In this story, I replaced the shotgun for a 90mm tank cannon. Essentially my headcanon for the Marauder is to act as a light tank.
The Sheppard is an MBT for the Support class for GDI, and I believe it gave accuracy bonuses for allies. However for this story I changed it quite a bit. First off making it an experimental Electronic Countermeasures tank used by the Steel Talons. I personally like the idea of ST using experimental weapons that may or may not yet enter full development. Obviously the Sheppard would have major flaws with its sensitive equipment exposed, so it likely will not enter full scale production. Also at the moment of writing this chapter, I'm not sure if I will have the Sheppard tank return, possibly making this chapter its only appearance.
But please let me know what you think of all these new units I've added for the story. Do they fit, or is it too much?
Hope everyone is enjoying.
Until next time.