Chapter 11
"An advanced Nod Tiberium weapon research program was recently uncovered when a GDI strike team in North Africa stormed a Nod facility disguised to be a water irrigation facility. Science division's evaluation of the wreckage subsequently confirmed several large scale Tiberium weaponisation efforts underway. Of most concern to InOps is evidence of significant progress towards the creation of a liquid Tiberium device of unprecedented destructive power. The liquid form of Tiberium is a relatively new manifestation of the alien substance and its properties are not well known. Nod's Liquid Tiberium research appears to be 5 to 10 years ahead of Science Division.
There were also indications that Nod is working on a more conventional airborne Tiberium explosive and a catalyst for detonating existing Tiberium crystal deposits in a sub-critical reaction.
Analysis of past Nod R&D efforts (which tend to be redundant and decentralised in nature) suggests the Nod Lab in North Africa was only one of several facilities participating in the Tiberium weaponisation efforts."
- Intel Database- Liquid Tiberium Research.
Rio de Janeiro
Y-5
August 5th, 2047
0800
It had been almost fifteen years since Malich had last been to this city. Back then, he had led a desperate army of angered and impoverished civilians, along with a few trained Nod soldiers, in a violent revolt. The great Rio Insurrection saw thousands dead, several key GDI infrastructures burnt down, and miles of slums demolished in a retaliatory strike. Ultimately, Nod had failed to claim the city, but the message had been delivered: the Brotherhood was still alive.
There had also been the added benefit of GDI finally acknowledging the horrid conditions the people of Y-5 suffered in. And for a few short years, it seemed as though the quality of life would improve. Then the War began, and the still dominate favelas of Rio were transformed into a warzone.
Malich now walked openly through the Nod base, located on the outskirts of the city near the harbour and safely hidden under a stealth field. But such safety did not hide the horror that laid before him. Thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, of civilians were taking refuge within the walls of the base. Clusters of people huddled in tents or hastily erected awnings. Many were covered in dirt and ash, and most had bloody cuts or bruises, even the children. As Malich walked through them, he noted the vacant stares on their faces, having just witnessed their homes be destroyed and family members killed. Only the young children, who despite the carnage managed to maintain their innocence, gave Malich wide smiles as he walked past. But amongst all the despair, the wounded moaning in pain, and all the confused and scared children, he noted people helping each other. Coming together to pray. It was inspiring.
"Excuse me? Sire?"
Malich turned around to see a young girl, perhaps fourteen in a tattered dress standing behind him.
"My brother and I…we…we need water. Please sire, I beg you."
"Water?" Malich asked dumbly.
He glanced around at all the people, noting how almost no one had any food or water, and those who did handed it to confessors who were distributing it to families with babies and small children.
"Do you all need water?" Malich asked the girl.
"Yes, sire."
Malich grabbed his personal canteen and gave it to the girl. Her eyes lit up like Kane himself had just handed her the keys to heaven.
"Messiah bless you!"
Malich watched the girl run over to her brother, and the two greedily drank from it. Malich gave a weak smile, before quickly running off back to the Tzadik.
… … …
"All of it."
"But…sir! Our troops need food and water too." Radec protested.
"I said ALL OF IT!" Malich roared. "It is our sacred duty as warriors of Nod to defend our people. And they need food and water. So give them all. Of. It."
Malich noted the faces of those gathered around him: Radec still seemed dumbfounded, Ajay was keeping his emotions hidden, while Muerta gave an approving smile.
"Major, we don't need much. As soon as we can get to the port, we'll be heading back to Sarajevo anyways. If we keep maybe a week's worth?" Ajay said.
"These people have suffered at the hands of GDI. Our men can go one week without food. Their faith shall sustain them." Malich retorted.
"Our men have been pushed hard since B-2! They will not endure a week long voyage." Radec countered.
"Malich, I am touched by your passion for my people. But the Major is right: your men need provisions too. Take what you need, and we can distribute the rest. It will be enough." Muerta interjected.
Malich took several deep breaths to calm his raging thoughts. Finally, he gave a slight nod to Radec.
"Get the bare minimum we need, the rest goes to the people of Y-5."
"Yes, sir." Radec said, before moving off.
"Not many commanders would have done that, Brother. Does the Legendary Insurgent have a soft spot?" Ajay mocked lightheartedly.
"I am not like Saint Artellos or the Great Uniter Slavik. I am just a servant to Kane and his followers." Malich answered modestly. "Our people are suffering, and I will see they are taken care of. But as for these GDI infidels…I shall make them regret ever stepping foot back in Rio."
"Then we should get onto business." Muerta said.
The three turned their attention to the map of Rio's harbour laid out before them. Malich took a quick moment to mentally shift from concerning himself with the plight of his Brothers and Sisters, to being a Nod commander once more.
"A Trojan-class submarine is set to pick up the device, and transport it back to Y-1. The problem is, you guessed it, GDI. They have an aircraft carrier sitting out in the harbour, preventing the sub from picking us up. They've fortified the harbour pretty heavily: automated defences, those damned hover AA tanks, and plenty of foot troops." Ajay reported.
"According to some of my informants, the vessel in question is the GDS Carville. Commanded by a Julian Battersby. Apparently, after the destruction of the Philadelphia, he became the head of GDI's Navy." Muerta added.
"Killing him would be an excellent blow to GDI." Malich mused.
"Is he still onboard?" Ajay asked.
"Of course. Why would he risk leaving his precious boat?"
"What about the favelas? Where is GDI leading their attack?" Malich interjected.
Muerta and Ajay shot each other a quick glance, before Muerta answered.
"GDI forces are concentrated on defending the core of the city. It seems they have not forgotten your insurrection. But…they have been bombing the favelas from one of their aerial monstrosities: a Kodiak."
Malich gripped the edge of the table tightly, fighting to maintain his composure. But it was difficult as he was furious at GDI's cowardice. To bomb civilians from the sky! He would make this GDI admiral pay dearly.
"How do we take it down?" Malich asked.
"Boss, that isn't our objective. Taking out the-" Ajay began before Malich cut him off.
"It is our objective! How do we take it down?"
Ajay glanced over the map for a moment, before pointing to a series of hills on the other side of the harbour district.
"If we set up some Stingers here, we should be able to hit it. Problem is moving through the city, plus if GDI has any troops in those hills." Ajay finally answered.
"Okay, good. Listen, I know you believe I am jeopardizing the mission, but I can not leave these people to suffer. We are going to destroy that Kodiak, then we will hit the harbour. Muerta, prepare our forces and draw up a plan of assault. But the main priority is still the aircraft carrier. How do we destroy it?" Malich questioned.
"Vertigos. If we take out the AA, we can call in our bombers." Muerta suggested.
"Good. Destroying that Kodiak may even cause GDI to pull troops away from the harbour. Alright, let's get this done. For the people of Nod, for the Brotherhood, and for Kane!"
"Peace through power!"
… … …
The old Humvee moved down the debris strewn road. It passed by shops and restaurants, all abandoned, and some outright destroyed. There was no secret Nod presence here, no hidden base or shadow cell. It was just a street where civilians, normal people, came to shop and eat. But that hadn't stopped GDI from blasting the whole area with artillery. That hadn't saved the people whose corpses were mixed in with splintered wood and shattered concrete.
Glancing out the passenger side window, Zemerik could see the flashes and pillars of smoke that indicated more GDI artillery blasts, far off in the distance. The Kodiak hung in the air, belching death down to the ground like a dragon out of old myths. Zemerik felt righteous determination fill him, as his task was to bring that monster down. Two TW1 era Humvees, loaded with Nod heavy weapons teams, drove through the ruined harbour district towards the hills, where they planned to deploy their AA. It was safer than taking more easily identifiable Reckoners, but still offered protection against GDI patrols or desperate looters. But they had yet to see either.
"Copperhead 1-6, this is Rattlesnake 2-6. Uh…Command has advised we detour to grid Echo Charlie Echo. Over?"
"Copperhead 1-6 copies all. Diverting to Echo Charlie Echo." Confessor Kumar replied. "Akinjide, head left at the next turn."
Akinjide nodded as he drove the Humvee, following just behind Rattlesnake. A third team was also making its way to the objective, but to reduce risk of being detected by GDI, they had taken an alternate route, and were using a simple beat up civilian van. It was hoped GDI would be too busy with their campaign in the favelas to notice several random vehicles moving through the city.
"Are we sure these Stingers are going to be enough?" Jörm asked as he watched the Kodiak through the window.
"The Kodiak is large, but not invincible. We do enough damage and gravity will do the rest." Zemerik answered.
"Copperhead, be advised: we are passing anoverturned relief truck. Civvies are swarming all over it, so keep your eyes open." 2-6 warned.
"Copy that. Brother Roake, keep your gun pointed in their direction, but do not engage unless fired on first." Kumar ordered.
"Understood." Roake replied down through the gunner's position.
Zemerik readied his rifle, just in case. The Humvees drove down the street and passed slowly by the truck. Relief supplies were scattered everywhere, and people were hastily grabbing what they could. They paid the Humvees little attention, as they scrounged for food and water. Zemerik spotted the bodies and several GDI Peacekeepers tossed to the side.
"Fucking pigs got what they deserved." Akinjide spat.
"Okay, we're about ten minutes out from the objective. Let's hope nothing else exciting happens." 2-6 stated over the radio.
Zemerik watched every building, wary of ambush, but also noting the severe disparity between Yellow and Blue Zones. Weeks ago he was fighting through clean paved roads with towering skyscrapers. There had been running water, electricity, and plentiful food. Here though, there was only decay, disease, and starvation. Only a few were strong enough too meek out a living, and now the enemy rained fire down from above, destroying what little they had. Zemerik regretted not doing more to make the Blue Zoners suffer even greater for their greed and gluttony.
The Humvees continued towards the edge of the city, where the city streets turned to unpaved roads that snaked up into the mountains. Supposedly there had once been a great statue to some false prophet up in these hills, before the age of Tiberium, but it had long ago collapsed. As the Humvees drove unto the unkempt roads, it caused Zemerik and the others to bounce as the vehicles rolled over the rough terrain. Zemerik could see the van that carried the third squad ahead, and began driving as soon as it saw the two Humvees.
"Good to see you Copperhead, Rattlesnake. Any trouble?" Anaconda 3-6 asked.
"No troubles." 2-6 responded.
The three vehicles continued up the winding road, rising above the city and giving everyone a better view of the destruction. Zemerik could see the hulking frame of the aircraft carrier out on the water, while explosions continuously went off in the favelas. Above the entire city, the Kodiak hovered as it rained down death. It seemed imposing, but Zemerik was confident they could bring it down.
The van turned around a bend, briefly moving out of view of the Humvees. Zemerik's attention was still focused on the Kodiak when the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. He looked out front, only to see the van on its side dangerously close to the edge, and the occupants scrambling to get out. Before Zemerik could assess what was going on, a missile struck the overturned van, causing it to explode in a shower of shrapnel.
"Pitbull! 12 o'clock! 12 o'clock!"
"Gunners, open fire!"
Roake and the lead Humvee's gunner opened up with the heavy machine guns, just as Kumar ordered everyone out. Zemerik snapped up his rifle and spotted the Pitbull blocking the road, along with a squad of riflemen. Zemerik fired a burst towards the enemy, but only hit the armour plating of the GDI recon vehicle. The heavy guns punched through the windshield of the Pitbull, and Zemerik could see blood splatter the interior. Zemerik again spotted an enemy and fired, this time hitting them in the leg and sending them tumbling down the cliff. Just as he was about to find a third target, the shooting stopped.
"Copperhead and Rattlesnake, proceed up the road. Anaconda will now proceed on foot up the cliff. Double time people!" 2-6 called out.
Zemerik and the others climbed back into the Humvee. He watched the men of Anaconda begin scaling up the cliff, carrying their Stinger launchers with them. The Humvees started to roll forward, driving over the GDI dead and scrapping past the Pitbull. Zemerik glanced inside and found the occupants eviscerated.
"Nice shooting, Roake." Zemerik complimented.
"I love dispensing the Messiah's holy vengeance, Brother." Roake cheerfully said back.
"All victors, keep your heads on a swivel. We don't know how many of the GDI scum are up here."
"Copperhead 1-6 copies all." Kumar stated.
The drive through the hills became uneventful following the ambush. The Humvees made their way through the winding road, routinely passing Anaconda Team as they struggled up the cliff on foot. After several more minutes, the Nod squads reached the top. The area was relatively flat, and offered an excellent view of the city, including the Kodiak. As the vehicles pulled over, and Anaconda Team finally reached them, panting from the exertion, Zemerik and the others quickly scanned the area. A small camp had been set up, complete with tents, cooking fire, and radio equipment. Apparently the GDI troops they had encountered had set up for a long stay, though for what purpose, Zemerik did not know.
"Okay! Let's get the Stingers set up, pronto! We need to take that Kodiak down!" Kumar shouted.
Jörm and the others heavy weapon operators began setting up their weapons. Meanwhile, Zemerik and the remaining Nod troops took position on the lip of the cliff, watching the road in case GDI decided to come up.
"Copperhead locked on!" Jörm abruptly reported.
"Rattlesnake locked on!"
"Anaconda is locked on! Let's smoke these fuckers!"
"Command, we are deployed and ready to fire. Awaiting your order." Kumar reported.
Zemerik never heard the reply, but seconds later the three Stinger launchers fired. Zemerik watched the missiles streak through the sky towards the Kodiak. At this distance, they seemed so impossibly small to do any damage. But then they struck the rear right engine pod, exploding against the plate armour and causing black smoke to belch out into the sky.
"Good hit! Good hit!" Kumar shouted.
"Kodiak is still in the air. Fire again!" 2-6 barked.
Jörm and the others began reloading, but something else caught Zemerik's eye coming up the road.
"Contacts! APC!" Zemerik shouted as he shouldered his rifle.
Kumar rushed over to his side, and glanced down at the approaching enemy.
"Roll grenades down on 'em! Make them bleed for every step."
Zemerik tossed his grenade over the edge, and watched it roll towards the enemy. It exploded long before it reached them, but the APC rolled to a stop regardless. More grenades began exploding around the APC, and it turned its Vulcan turret up to face them. As the APC opened fire, chewing apart the lip of the cliff, GDI soldiers hastily disembarked and began running and gunning up the road.
"Roake, grab the RPG!" Zemerik ordered.
Roake ran back to the Humvee, while Zemerik and Akinjide fired on the GDI infantry below. Their shots did little to stop the enemy, as the APC's gun prevented anyone from getting a clear shot.
"Sergeant! Toss another grenade!"
"All I have is a hallucinogenic grenade!" Akinjide shouted back.
"Fucking toss it!" Zemerik roared.
Akinjide quickly fished out the grenade and let it drop over the edge. The grenade exploded with a loud bang, and both Zemerik and Akinjide fired wildly at the disoriented enemy below. But the APC's turret turned towards them, forcing them back into cover.
"I got the RPG!" Roake said breathlessly as he ran back to the squad.
"Take out that damned turret." Zemerik growled as he slammed a new magazine into his rifle.
Roake hefted the RPG and approached the cliff edge, quickly taking aim. Zemerik and Akinjide attempted to give him cover as he lined up his shot. Roake fired and the rocket propelled grenade exploded against the Vulcan cannon, causing the barrel to split open. The APC, with its main weapon disabled, began reversing back down the road. With the heavy fire eliminated, the Nod troops began firing on the GDI troops below, swiftly cutting them down. In seconds, the enemy was fleeing, chasing down the APC. The Nod soldiers yelled obscenities at the enemy's retreat, just as Jörm and the others heavy troopers shouted that they regained a lock on.
"Fire!" Kumar commanded.
Again the Stingers fired, and raced towards the Kodiak which was still spewing out smoke. The missile struck the rear engine pod again, this time ripping through the armour and causing a much larger explosion. Almost instantly the Kodiak began falling towards the ground. The second engine pod flared brightly as the Kodiak's crew desperately tried to stay airborne. But it was a wasted effort, as the large gunship plummeted to the ground, before crashing violently somewhere in the favela.
The Nod soldiers cheered at having brought down such a large enemy vehicle, and for hopefully saving Nod lives from its malicious bombardment.
"Command, target is down! Say again: target is down!" Kumar reported energetically.
"We see that Copperhead 1-6. Outstanding job. Now double time it to the docks. We are launching our attack, and our escape window is closing."
"Copperhead copies all, out. Brothers! Load up! We are done here."
Zemerik glanced one last time at the smoke rising from the crash site. He spat over the edge of the cliff in contempt for the enemy. Whether in the sky, on the sea, or on land, the Brotherhood would crush the infidels. This time, this crusade would be their last. Zemerik was sure of this.
… … …
The harbour of Rio had been heavily fortified in order to defend the GDI aircraft carrier that sat offshore. Slingshot SPAAGs kept the skies clear as aircraft launched or landed, and Predator tanks helped defend hastily erected bunkers or occupied buildings. But unlike the Steel Talon unit in the Amazon Desert, these GDI forces lacked adequate stealth detection. So for all the barricades, barbed wire, machines guns, and tanks, several Nod Stealth Tanks were able to slip past and moved into position as easily.
Malich watched them reach their designated spots, and waited until he received the chorus of confirmations that they had their targets locked before issuing the order. Missiles were fired from behind the GDI lines, destroying the hover AA guns, blowing up fueling tanks or dock cranes, and ripping apart Predators from behind. The GDI forces were stunned by the surprising assault, and by the time they were organized, the Stealth Tanks were long gone.
Orcas immediately took off from the carrier to hunt down the Nod force. But Malich had anticipated this and deployed his own anti-air. Mantis mobile SAMs rolled out of hiding and began bringing the enemy fliers down.Complimenting the Mantises, Stinger teams and even old, rusted Quad Cannons had been positioned around the city, adding to the fire; GDI's air superiority was instantly shattered. GDI began to rally from the surprise attack, and now infantry platoons supported by Pitbulls and APCs began to move out to take down the Mantises. Malich issued more orders, and immediately his own force of infantry, Buggies, and Scorpion tanks surged towards the harbour. Just as he was about to issue the final set of commands, a voice over the radio interrupted him.
"Commander Malich, this is Captain D'Angelo. We are ready to pick you and the package up, but the carrier is still in the way. We need to move quickly before the enemy detects us."
"I understand, Captain. I am working on it as fast as I can."
"Perhaps you don't understand enough. We have no naval support. We must make best speed back to Y-1 before we are detected." D'Angelo insisted.
"I'll contact you when it is safe to surface."
Malich ended the call and barked for his communications officer to not allow the submarine captain to interrupt again. With the distraction over, and the added pressure for time, Malich called for his squadron of Vertigo Bombers.
"Command to Intruder Actual, area has been cleared. You may begin your attack."
"Intruder Actual copies all. Break. Intruder flight, we are green! Target is GDI aircraft carrier, designation GDS Carville. Computers have designated weak spots, so focus on those. Enemy AA is down, but watch for flak from the ship's guns. Okay Brothers, for Kane!"
Malich tracked the bombers as they flew over the base. Without any AA or GDI fighters in the air, they were completely unopposed. As such, they flew without their stealth fields' active, allowing both Nod and GDI soldiers see their bat-like frames glide through the sky. The GDI aircraft carrier spotted them and began pelting the sky with flak bursts and tracer rounds. But the limited AA of the carrier would do little to stop the bombers. Should luck be on GDI's side today, they would at most shoot down a few bombers, but not all of them.
A flak burst did catch the lead bomber, blowing off its left wing and sending it spiraling into the water. But the others avoided the AA and dropped their bombs with deadly precision. Numerous bombs exploded across the flight deck, causing massive amounts of damage. Malich even spotted several Orcas and Firehawks be destroyed by the bombs. More bombs began impacting the island, and one even detonated directly inside the main control room, causing flames to begin consuming the entire tower.
It was not often Nod was able to sink an infamous aircraft carrier, but now, they had sunk two during the course of this war. Malich smiled as he watched even more bombs explode against the ship, as it slowly began to sink into the water. GDI crewmen began jumping off the side or attempted to flee via lifeboats, but Nod soldiers along the harbour eagerly began shooting at the floundering crews. Malich might have tried to order them to capture the enemy instead, but he knew they wanted blood for all the death GDI had caused in the city. And he himself felt a tinge of that bloodlust.
"We must secure the harbour. GDI will not take this lightly, and will no doubt launch a major offensive." Malich began ordering his staff. "Begin moving the Tzadik and Kane's device. And inform Captain D'Angelo he may surface now. It is time we leave Y-5."
… … …
Explosions and gunfire continued to go off in the distance. Nod forces, bolstered by the local populous, were fighting back against the GDI soldiers. Without the Kodiak, or the air support from the now sunken carrier, GDI found themselves fighting a desperate urban war against guerilla forces and mechanized Nod units. It provided an excellent distraction as the submarine surfaced, and Malich's forces quickly loaded onboard.
Kane's device was secured, and now only the last of his forces were boarding. Radec and Ajay had already gone ahead, but Malich stayed back with Muerta. They both stood in silence, watching the last of the processions.
"I'll leave the Tzadik with you. It should prove useful." Malich said.
"Thank you."
"I wish you could come with us. You have proven to be a great commander." Malich stated sincerely.
"Malich… Karsten. Thank you, for everything. You have given our people a chance to fight back. My place is here, with them. Your place is with Kane, to see this crusade is finished." Muerta said sternly, as she turned to look Malich in the eyes.
"Good luck, Sister."
"Peace through power, Brother."
Malich made his way to the sub, leaving Muerta and the people of Y-5 behind. Much like he had during the Insurrection. But soon this war would be over, and the people of Nod would be free.
Or so he hoped.
… … …
The submarine had been traveling through the Atlantic for three days, carefully trying to avoid the GDI Navy. It was a boring journey, and many of his forces were growing anxious from being cramped together hundreds of feet under the ocean. Malich hoped they would reach Y-1 soon, or else he might just go mad.
Maybe there were just some places God never intended for man to go.
A knock on the door caused Malich to jump. He was sharing a cabin with Ajay and Malich, but he wasn't expecting either to return.
"Enter." Malich commanded after he regained his composure.
Ajay walked in and immediately sat on the edge of the small desk Malich was currently using.
"We received a comms burst from Sarajevo."
"Kane?"
"The great and regal General Killian Qatar." Ajay said mockingly.
"You know, it's technically a punishable offense to speak negatively of a superior officer. Especially a member of the Inner Circle." Malich stated with a mischievous smile.
"I'm an intelligence operative. It's my job to know things. And I know Killian is no good. But the boss man trusts her, so what can I do?" Ajay shrugged.
"What did the General want?"
"She's been deployed to Australia. Didn't say why, but if I had to guess, it's 'cause Kane wanted to keep her away from Sarajevo. Maybe Kane doesn't want her to see the bomb, or whatever it is he's using the liquid Tiberium for."
"Whatever the reason is. It's best not to question Kane. Those who do tend to turn up dead." Malich remarked, remembering his history lessons.
"Amen to that, Brother."
… … …
Author's note: After being inspired by CopperStandard, who had an art piece commissioned for his main character. I decided to commission one as well! I got an art piece of Autumn Burke done by Reddit user U/Ladylizahh. If you want some good C&C characters done by her, or any character, commission her on Reddit.
You can look it up on the Command and Conquer Subreddit.Alternatively, you can look for my profile (U/Darkfire7881) to see it as well.
Next up is Cairo and the end of Act 2.
Until next time.