Chapter 14

"An archive of unknown age and alien origin, the Tacitus is key to the ascension prophecies, the core mythology around which Kane built the Brotherhood of Nod. While the device has remained safe in GDI's care since the Firestorm Crisis, it is believed that Kane managed to extract an unknown amount of information beforehand. This data vanished with Nod at the end of the Second Tiberium War, leaving us with no concrete evidence as to what the so-called Prophet planned to use it for.

Given the lack of Nod activity over the last few years, one can only conclude that he failed.

Despite Dr. Boudreau's breakthroughs in the early 2030's, progress continues to be slow for our own attempts to interface with the device. What information it holds, and what value said information had to Kane, continues to be matters of serious concern for this agency.

"Obtained by Nod Intelligence, Date Redacted"

- Intel Database: The Tacitus

Sarajevo, Y-1

August 14th, 2047

1207

Phase Line Alpha

Gregorian chanting reverberated through the hallowed stone chamber. Nearly a full platoon's worth of heavily armored Templars kneeled in front the pews, heads bent low in prayer. At the head of the chamber, Confessor Kumar led the prayer, as two abbesses walked down the rows of pews, anointing the Templars with holy oils. An abbot walked down the center with an incense diffuser which filled the holy chamber with Tiberium incense. Zemerik silently mumbled along with Kumar, the sermon he delivered so ingrained into his mind it was the same as breathing and worshipping Kane.

However, a dull thudding caused him to lose pace, and his mind turned to the events beyond the chapel. Sarajevo was under siege. GDI artillery had been bombarding the city for days, and already the outer wall had crumbled, however Nod had yet to relent a single inch of holy ground. But while their brothers and sisters fought and died, it was imperative the Templar undergo this ritual.

"You must wear your spiritual armor as you do your metal ones. Take faith in Kane and Tiberium. Ascension awaits the faithful. One vision." Kumar called just as the chanting ended.

"One purpose." The Templars said in unison.

"Go, and defend Temple Prime. Defend Kane and our glorious Brotherhood. Peace through power!"

Zemerik and his brother Templar rose, grabbing their weapons and left the chapel. The dull thudding of artillery turned into a thunderous boom as they walked towards the ruined outer wall. GDI Juggernauts could be seen on the lip of the crater wall, firing down on Sarajevo. In response, Nod Specters launched shells back at the GDI lines. Several enemy attacks had already been broken, and Zemerik would see the next shatter as well. The faithful would not fail, and soon the enemy would break and Nod would once more go on the offensive. Zemerik was sure of this.

He and Confessor Kumar walked towards their squad, deployed in the remains of the once great outer wall of Sarajevo. Two more rings still remained, relatively unscathed by the infidel assault. But Commander Malich had been insistent they not fall back. The Shredder turrets could just as easily cut down a Nod soldier who sought to break and run as it could the enemy. Zemerik knew his squad would not break, noting Roake and Jörmungandr were manning the heavy machine gun. Akinjide was using a pair of binoculars, no doubt marking targets for mortar teams.

"Glad you could join us, Brother." Akinjide greeted while still staring out at one of the ramps that led out of the crater.

"We are ready to slay infidels. Let them come." Zemerik stated confidently.

"If they keep coming, then we will need a new gun. We've already burnt through one barrel." Roake complained.

"I wish we could get one of those heavy laser guns. Why do the Black Hand get to hoard them?" Jörm asked.

"They are Kane's elite. Besides, Commander Malich was tasked with the defence of this city. I'm sure he knows where to best allocate resources." Zemerik answered.

"The enemy is coming." Akinjide reported, finally placing down the binoculars. "Shadows have reported the enemy's third wave now approaches. Predators tanks, supported by infantry and APCs. No heavy armour like the last two attacks."

Zemerik looked out to the wide ramp, seeing the shapes of GDI vehicles making their way down. It was the second day of GDI's siege of the Holy City, having nearly broken through the first wall during their first push. But the defenders held, even as the walls crumbled around them. Last night GDI attempted a second attack, again failing but this time managing to destroy the Obelisks of Light along the outer ring. Now, only Scorpion and Tick tanks, supported by infantry and Specter artillery, stood amongst the rubble.

"All Ophanim units, focus on infantry units. Our primary targets will be enemy rocket teams and Zone Troopers. Wait for the enemy to reach the killzone, then open fire!" Lieutenant Miličević ordered eagerly.

Zemerik adjusted the sights on his rifle, then took position with his squad, his brothers. He could see the enemy getting closer, but he felt calm, knowing Kane was watching over them.

"Keep feeding me rounds, Roake. I don't want to run out of bullets." Jörm reminded softly.

"Just be careful not to melt the barrel again." Roake shot back.

"You two just focus on the heavy targets. Don't worry about rank and file, we shall deal with them." Akinjide stated.

The enemy lacked their walkers, which Zemerik took as a blessing. Perhaps the enemy had run out of them, or perhaps they were holding them back for something, but he was just glad he did not have to face down their Wolverines. That wasn't to say the Predators and Guardians wouldn't be a formidable foe, but the armour was not their concern: the foot troops were. And Zemerik was eager to fill the halls of Hell today.

"Okay, I see a full squad of Zone Troopers, accompanied by a rifle squad." Kumar reported.

"Yeah, I see them. Locked and loaded!" Jörm responded.

"Enemy in range! Open fire! Open fire! For Kane!"

Jörm opened up with the heavy gun, creating a ferocious roar as bullets scythed out towards the enemy. Zemerik, Akinjide, and Kumar added their rifles to the wall of lead the Nod defenders were putting up. GDI soldiers were torn apart by the barrage, but most moved into cover behind blackened remains of armor or into abandoned trenches. The enemy began throwing back their own rounds, striking at the Nod barricades and half standing city walls.

Tanks began trading shells, and explosions rocked the battlefield. Even in the sky, in a oddly clear day for a Yellow Zone, missile contrails and exploding aircraft could be seen. To Zemerik, it all appeared like a biblical battle, between the forces of Heaven and Hell. The righteous warriors of Nod, and the satanic armies of GDI.

Such an image was enhanced by the demonic figure of a Zone Trooper turning to face Zemerik and his squad. The hulking figure brought his railgun to bear, just as Jörm swiveled around and unloaded on him. The Trooper staggered from the barrage, giving Zemerik a brief window. He shouldered his rifle and fired on full auto, driving his rounds into the enemy's visor. Eventually the storm of bullets punched through the armour, and the Zone Trooper collapsed.

"Cover, we're reloading!" Jörm called out.

Zemerik hastily reloaded his own rifle, just as more GDI infantry moved to engage them. He quickly fired a burst at a grenadier, but his shots narrowly missed.

"Templar, on your left!" Akinjide suddenly warned.

Zemerik turned just as a GDI soldier hurled a grenade into their MG nest. Zemerik fired a burst into the soldier's head, sending him collapsing in a spray of blood. Akinjide rushed up, grabbed the grenade, and threw it back towards the enemy. It exploded in mid air, and Zemerik couldn't help but feel a jolt of fear of having nearly been blown apart.

"Back up!" Jörm reported, a split second before his gun began belching rounds once more.

Zemerik took a deep breath before he too resumed hunting for targets. He felt like he was firing metal bullets to stop a tidal wave, as GDI forces continued to push for the wall. They steadily grew closer and closer, and without the aid of the Obelisks, Zemerik began to doubt the outer wall would hold this time.

"Believe in the promises of Tiberium. Believe in the words of the Messiah. The light of Ascension shall protect you. Glory awaits the faithful in death."

The pre-recorded messages of the Messiah played over loud speakers, to bolster the faith of the Nod soldiers. Zemerik took comfort in Kane's voice, but it was not death he feared. It was failing his Messiah.

"Another squad moving up!" Kumar warned.

"Jörm, shift right." Akinjide barked.

Zemerik shifted his own aim at the new enemies, just in time to see most of the squad be cut down by the machine gun. He spotted a soldier crawling forward, with one leg blown clean off. The man tossed a grenade just as Zemerik put a burst into his back. The grenade landed a few feet away from their position, too far away to do any damage, so Zemerik ignored it. Instead, he fired on two enemy soldiers attempting to cover a third as he deployed a Javelin launcher. His first burst killed the rocket trooper, and sent the other two diving for cover.

Zemerik ducked down to reload and had barely finished before Kumar crouched down beside him.

"Brother Templar. 12 o'clock, about thirty meters ahead. Do you see that device with the blinking blue light?"

Zemerik aimed his rifle over the wall and searched down the sights. It took him a moment, but he eventually found the device in question, what he assumed earlier was a grenade.

"Yes, what is it?" Zemerik asked as he crouched down behind the wall.

"I was hoping you could tell me. Whatever it is, it can't be good." Kumar said.

Zemerik again leaned over the wall and aimed his rifle. He fired a single shot into the mystery device, causing it spark and smoke. The flashing blue light ceased to function, and Zemerik was convinced he had destroyed the device.

But they had little time to ponder further, as yet another GDI squad appeared to try and take out their position. Jörm fired a barrage at the new arrivals, sending them diving to the ground behind a small incline. Zemerik, Kumar, and Akinjide fired more precise shots at the enemy, keeping them buried in the dirt and unable to retaliate. It also allowed Jörm and Roake to switch their fire to assist other defenders with the advancing GDI assault.

Zemerik fired at an exposed soldier's head. But the bullets merely grazed the helmet and sent the soldier deeper into cover. Zemerik ducked down himself in order to reload, and he took a brief moment to glance down the line to see how his Brothers and Sisters were fairing. Of the three large ramps that led down into the crater, Zemerik and his unit were charged with protecting the western approach. The center had been hit the hardest by the last two attacks, but this time seemed to be having the easiest time. The eastern line, however, Zemerik couldn't really tell from here, but chatter over the radio suggested GDI was leaning the heaviest on them. He only hoped they held, for if one line fell, the rest were sure to follow.

"Brother Templar. Hand me your hallucinogenic grenade." Kumar demanded.

Zemerik quickly handed the confessor the grenade, just as a tremendous boom sounded in the sky. Zemerik reflexively looked up, but he couldn't see anything, until he spotted tiny black dots descending from the sky. It was clear it wasn't any fighter jet that may have been destroyed, as there were numerous dots and they were all falling very quickly. As such, it didn't take too long for the dots to form into larger shapes, and the realization struck Zemerik like a hammer blow.

Before he could even issue a warning, the GDI drop pods - red and scalding from the rapid descent through Earth's atmosphere – fired their braking rockets. The pods still crashed with tremendous force, but before they even began to cool down, the doors blew open to allow their occupants to exit. Entire squads of Zone Troopers emerged, and with the number of pods landing all across the battle line, there was at least a full platoon. The heavily armored soldiers wasted no time as they stormed into the fray. Railguns and SAWs began punching into the Nod defenders. In a mere instant, entire Nod positions crumbled, and GDI forces began to rally behind the Zone Troopers.

Zemerik growled in annoyance as he and his squad opened up on the enemy. Jörm held down on the trigger, sending a lethal stream of lead into the enemy Zone Troopers, but the barrel began to glow red from the endless firing.

"Jörm! Conserve the gun! Kumar, Akinjide! Concentrate your fire!" Zemerik roared.

But the warning was too late; a Zone Trooper fired a railgun slug and destroyed the machinegun, sending both Jörm and Roake falling backwards. Zemerik let out a guttural scream at seeing his Brothers hurt, but it was cut off as another slug passed inches away. The concussive force of the railgun knocked Zemerik backwards, causing him to slam his head against a slab of concrete.

Zemerik had just enough time to let out a gasp, before his world dissolved into darkness.

… … …

"Come on, get up! Come on, Zee!"

Zemerik's eyes shot open, only to see a GDI soldier standing above him. He immediately reached for his rifle, only… he couldn't move! At least he couldn't feel himself move, but his body did anyways without his command. He watched his hand reach up and grab the GDI soldier's offered arm, and then watched the world shift as he was pulled up.

"What the hell?" Zemerik asked, though his mouth did not move.

He wasn't in Sarajevo anymore. He wasn't sure where he was, but it was still a battlefield. Explosions and gunfire rang out all around him. He didn't know where his brothers were, all he could see around him were GDI soldiers.

"Is the kid alright?" Someone asked.

The voices were painfully familiar, yet Zemerik could not identify them. He felt so confused, so… scared. He just wanted to find Kumar, or Akinjide, anyone that could help him.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Zemerik said, this time out loud.

Zemerik watched his body move with these GDI soldiers, almost as if they were comrades. He felt like a prisoner in his own body, screaming to be heard. Instead his body slid into cover, and popped up to begin firing. Finally, Zemerik could see more of what was happening, and it shocked and confused him further. GDI and Nod soldiers were fighting together!? The two mortal enemies were pushing against legions of nightmarish cyborgs. That could only mean Zemerik was witnessing the moment of Slavik's heresy, when he allied with GDI to defeat the abomination known as CABAL. But Zemerik was never at that battle.

Or was he?

He couldn't understand! How was any of this possible? He was a soldier of Nod, a Templar, a holy knight! He was never part of GDI, he would never work with the oppressors, those who sought to undue Kane's holy work. So why!? Why was he here? What were these memories?

"Zee, on your left!"

Both physical and mental Zemerik turned and brought up their rifle against a cyborg that had somehow flanked them. They pulled the trigger, blowing apart the cyborg's chest and spewing metal and blood across the desolate ground.

"Thanks, John. I owe you." The physical Zemerik said.

"Hey man, I always got your back."

John. John Lancaster. My sergeant, my friend. The man who left me for dead! I'LL FUCKING KILL JOHN LANCASTER!

Zemerik's eyes again shot open, but this time he was not on a battlefield. He was strapped down to a table, a bright light shining directly into his eyes. Memories of this place flooded his mind, and so did the pain. Both physical and mental Zemerik screamed at the top of their lungs. They screamed as loud as they ever had in their lives. But the woman standing above them did not seem to hear. She just continued to cut into Zemerik, opening his chest and displaying it for him to see.

"I will take you apart. Then I shall fix you, make you even better than before. I do not do this because I hate you. I do it so you will not be damned, so I can save your soul. You shall be set on the path of the righteous. You will be our…brother."

The woman's voice was calm, and it almost sounded like she meant her words. But Zemerik doubted it very much as she ignored his cries and began to remove organs. With the pain came memories, memories of his real life. Growing up back in the United States of America. Enlisting in the GDI Army. Fighting with John Lancaster through the Second Tiberium War. And his capture by Nod, and the experiments they conducted on him.

"This is a waste of time, Abbess."

Kumar's voice was like a slap across the face. Both Zemeriks looked at the figure in the doorway, but only the mental Zemerik knew it was Kumar. His friend, his Confessor. Why was he here? Was Zemerik finally saved?

"Then perhaps you should tell that to Grand Confessor Marcion. He is the one who orchestrated this plan." The woman replied as she continued to work in Zemerik's chest.

"I have raised my objections with him. But he insists this… Templar Project will work. But to waste so much time and resources to turn infidels into monsters? It seems counter productive." Kumar continued.

"We lost many good and noble soldiers in the war. We need replacements, not just conscripts, not just blind fanatics. But true soldiers. Soldiers who are faithful, yes, but skilled. And the enemy shall provide these soldiers for us. Perhaps the procedure is lengthy, but the results will be worth it."

"That remains to be seen." Kumar said dismissively.

Zemerik wanted to call out to Kumar. Could he not see his own brother was being tortured!? How could Kumar leave him there?

Just what in Kane's name was going on?

… … …

For a third time, Zemerik's eyes opened. But thankfully, he was back in Sarajevo, though the joy he felt at that revelation was immediately gone as he saw GDI soldiers move through the shattered remains of the outer wall and enter into the holy city. Zemerik shakily got to his feet, his body once again under his command. His brothers were no where to be seen, and he was at risk of falling behind enemy lines. He grabbed his rifle and began to make his way to the second wall, when he almost immediately bumped into someone. His rifle was up in an instant, but he stopped when he noticed he had bumped into…

"Brother Templar, thank Kane I found you. Come, the order has been given. We must fall back to the second wall."

Kumar started to urge Zemerik to follow, but stopped as he noticed he Zemerik wasn't obeying. Whether it was because he had not immediately moved to follow, or because Kumar noticed a change in Zemerik's eyes, or because Zemerik hadn't lowered his rifle, Kumar seemed to immediately understand that Zemerik now knew the truth. Even as battle raged around them, the two remained locked in place, waiting for the other to react first. After an explosion went off nearby, Kumar broke the silence.

"So, you finally cracked. It was only a matter of time. All you fucking Templars break eventually. I warned Marcion this was a waste." Kumar snarled, as he brought his own rifle to bear.

"Why? Why torture me? Why turn me into…"

"I asked myself the same questions. I suppose Marcion and Kane wanted an army of freaks to replace CABAL and his machines. But much like the over glorified toaster, you Templars would turn against the Brotherhood. That is why I was charged to keep watch over you. For the moment you snapped, I would put you down like a rabid dog."

Zemerik allowed his rifle to fall to his side. He was simply too numb to defend himself. After years of memories flooded his mind, after hearing a man he considered a friend treat him like a beast. It was too much for him to handle.

"A shame those GDI pigs never killed you. I hate to waste a bullet." Kumar taunted.

Zemerik closed his eyes, ready for death. His mind was too fuzzy, too shocked for him to care at the moment. Even as Sarajevo burned around him, he could hear the gunshot ring out. But he felt no pain, no relief of death. His eyes shot open once more, only to see Kumar faced down in the dirt, and Akinjide standing behind him.

"Brother…" Zemerik tried to speak, but the words died in his mouth.

"Hurry! We are falling behind."

"But…"

"I said hurry!"

Akinjide grabbed Zemerik by the arm, pulling him along until he ran of his own accord. The two darted through the rubble strewn streets and ruined buildings, making their way towards the second wall. GDI and Nod forces were still fighting in the ruined outer city, but Zemerik could see most of the Nod forces had fallen back, seeking safety under the cover of the Obelisks of Light and the Black Hand defenders. However, instead of running straight for one of the defensive potions, Akinjide led them into a ruined building that at one time had been a restaurant. They stopped for a moment to catch their breaths, then Akinjide turned to glare at Zemerik.

"I heard everything the Confessor said. About how you are… were, GDI."

"I-I… I don't know who I am." Zemerik answered honestly.

"Listen to me carefully. I did not choose to be Nod. I was taken as a boy, forced to watch my parents be slaughtered, then given a gun and told to fight. I was not converted into the faith. In a way, you and I are the same. But there is a reason I choose to stay with the Brotherhood. A reason I choose to fight for Nod. For in the Brotherhood I found a family."

Akinjide's speech was interrupted by a nearby explosion. Gunfire continued to intensify. Zemerik wanted to run, but the problem was, he didn't know in which direction to run in.

"Jörm, Roake, they are my brothers. For a time, so was Kumar. So were you. I was forced into the Brotherhood, but I chose to stay. What will you do?"

Zemerik stared at Akinjide, seeing the sincerity in his voice. The man truly thought of him like family, and until just recently, so had Zemerik thought the same way of him. But what now? What should he do now that he knew the truth?

"Hey man, I always got your back."

The phantom voice of John Lancaster resounded in his mind. Yet another man he had once considered friend. But John betrayed him, left him for dead. Kumar betrayed him, seeing him as little more than a monster. But Akinjide, Jörm, and Roake, they had stood by his side.

Yet another explosion went off nearby, shaking the already compromised building. Zemerik didn't have time to think this over. He had to make a choice here and now, and it was an obvious choice to make.

"I have your back, Brother. Always." Zemerik said.

"Good. Now, let's hurry and get back to the others. This battle is far from done, Brother Templar."

"Right. Oh, by the way, you can call me Zee from now on."

… … …

Onboard the Huron

GDI FOB

"Mayday, mayday, mayday! This is Apollo, we are going down! We can not, I repeat, NOT control her descent!"

"Copy Apollo! Launch life pods! Rage Squadron will attempt to cover!"

"This is Odin! We are taking heavy fire from Nod Shades! Where the fuck is our air cover!?"

"Odin Actual, this is Tsunami 4. We are trying to get to you, but we have a lot of bogeys in the way. Over?"

"Just hurry the fuck up! We can't hold for long!"

John slammed the holographic table in anger, feeling useless as his Kodiak gunships were being torn apart around him. Already Apollo was breaking apart, crashing to the ground like a meteor shower. Nod Shades swooped through the debris, picking off the escape pods as they descended to the ground. InOps had grossly underestimatedNod's airpower, as John had still yet to secure air superiority. If anything, he was just barely keeping the Huron secured in the air.

"Where is the rest of our air wing?" John demanded.

"General Adamek diverted our aerial reinforcements to investigate phantom pings he detected over the Black Sea. Sir." An officer reported.

"Tell Adamek to get those planes over here NOW! We don't have time to go chasing phantoms."

"But, sir. The General is concerned it could be enemy transports or more fighters."

"We need to deal with the enemies in front of us. Not possible enemies behind us. Get those Firehawks and Raptors here ASAP."

"Yes, sir!"

"Colonel, pull those Kodiaks out. They're useless now." John commanded.

"Aye, sir." Athena replied quickly.

"Commander! Message from Lieutenant James; she says OD Stations are in orbit and ready to deploy!" Another officer hastily reported.

"Have beacons been deployed?"

"Yes, sir. But several have been deactivated. However, it is irrelevant now. All the pods need is your order, sir."

John took a deep breath to slow his racing mind. He needed just a second to organize his thoughts and try to make sense of the chaos unfolding all around him: his forces were still bruised and sore from the hell in Croatia. Their numbers were rapidly dwindling from the near non stop engagement since the war began. And now two full assaults, and nearly two full companies, had been crushed. Reinforcements had also been limited as Adamek's Steel Talons had been deployed to Albania to destroy a major Nod arms depot, while other GDI forces were engaged with Nod army groups attempting to close in on Sarajevo. Only the 7th Infantry Division had been able to assault the city directly, and it was costing John heavily.

Fortunately, General Granger had reallocate several Space Force assets to John's command, such as Zone Troopers ready to be deployed from low Earth orbit. The plan was for them to land directly on top of the enemy defences and finally break the first line of defence. Not only would that have sent Nod scurrying behind the second wall, but it would have also leave left the first Ion Disruptor generator vulnerable.

Unfortunately, it would appear Kane had learned his lesson from the First War, when John's father obliterated Temple Prime fifty years ago. The generators could somehow dissipate the energy from an Ion Cannon blast, rendering it useless. Until all three generators were destroyed, John wouldn't be able to utilize GDI's most powerful weapon. He was just going to have to do this the old fashioned way.

"Deploy drop pods, now! Order all Mammoth tank groups to move to the front. I want the outer wall under my control, now! Alert all units that Generator One is top priority!" John commanded.

"Aye, sir!" His crew barked back in unison.

Below the Huron, within the GDI FOB, Mammoth tanks and other units John had held in reserve began to surge forward. His heavy armour had been held back after the first failed attack, but now they would be used to break through the second wall, and hopefully the third. Meanwhile, drop pods began to descend from obit, before crashing into the ground. Within seconds, heavily armored Zone Troopers surged out and began assaulting the Nod defenses. The plan seemed to be working. The enemy simply could not have prepared for GDI troops to deploy literally on top of them. One by one, Nod strongpoints began to crumble, and GDI forces officially entered the city of Sarajevo.

"Commander. We're getting visual on the second line of enemy defences: more Obelisks, tanks, and Shredder turrets. Plus infantry strongpoints. Though these positions seem to be occupied by the Black Hand." Athena reported.

John grimaced at the mention of Nod's elite. The Black Hand were always a major pain to deal with. All the more reason why John needed the Steel Talons and their Wolverines.

"Nod forces are falling back. Generator One is exposed, sir." An officer reported.

"Destroy it. Then have our forces attack Phase Line Beta immediately. In the meantime, we can set up field hospital and collection points here, in this abandoned church." John ordered.

"Shouldn't we try to soften enemy positions with artillery fire? The enemy defences are formidable, sir. We're going to have heavy losses." Athena cautioned.

"Most of our Juggernauts have been hit by counter-battery fire. Besides, I don't want to get bogged down into another day of prolonged siege." John countered.

"Sir, I must disagree. If we hold our troops back, and bombard the enemy until General Adamek arrives-"

"And let the Steel Talons take the glory of capturing Temple Prime? No. We push." John interrupted.

"'Glory'? Commander this is not about glory. Ending this war is our priority, but we can't do that if we charge into enemy lines and get our men killed."

"You are correct, Colonel. Our priority is ending this war, and we shall do that by capturing Kane. Thus, we can't allow him to escape, so we need to push forward. Do I make myself clear?"

Athena visibly tensed, clearly restraining herself from arguing further. John did not have time to listen to Athena second guessing him. He valued her input, and she was a brilliant strategist in her own right, but he wouldn't hesitate to remove her from the bridge if he needed to. He understood her point of course; he didn't like sending men to their deaths, but this was the moment GDI had been waiting for. A chance to finally bring Kane to justice. The sacrifice of his men was well worth that.

As John was lost in thought, his forces continued to push against the Nod defences. Predator tanks were turned into slag by laser fire from the Obelisks, and his infantry units were halted by Shredder turrets and more MG nests. However, with the arrival of the Mammoth tanks, the city's second wall was already taking extensive damage. John sincerely hoped it would not take another full day to break down this wall as well.

John shifted his focus away from the battle, turning his attention to the first generator. An engineer team hastily exited the building, moments before it exploded. John then typed in a few commands into the table, and a holographic image of the anti-ion shield was displayed. Just as InOps had predicted, the outer city was now exposed to orbital weapons fire, and though the shield was still too strong to penetrate. He would have to destroy the other remaining generators in order to utilize GDI's space weapons.

"Commander, may I make a suggestion?"

John turned to face Athena. Her voice was neutral, almost monotone. But John could tell she was still doubting his priorities for this battle. However, he had always trusted her before.

"Of course, Colonel."

"I suggest we abandon our assault in the middle. Use those troops to reinforce the eastern and western assaults. It should give us a better shot at destroying the generators."

"Hmm. Not a bad idea. Though that would give Nod an avenue to launch a counter attack on our rear."

"Nod's own forces are stretched thin. Its possible they could counter attack, though I doubt they have the forces to commit."

"Very well, Colonel. Relay the orders."

"Yes, sir."

John detected more enthusiasm in Athena's voice. He knew Athena would come around; she always did.

The GDI assault on the center gate slowly began to break away. Units at the front began to fall back as tanks and support units covered them. Most had been ordered to assist the assault on the western gate, where they would have to fight through both the second and third walls to reach the generator behind phase line Charlie. Some moved to assist the eastern assault, where the second generator could be destroyed as soon as they broke through the line of defensive turrets and entrenched Nod forces.

"Commander! The Steel Talon air wing has arrived. Firehawks and King Raptors are already engaging enemy fighters." An officer reported.

"Excellent. Now we don't have to worry about being blown out of the sky." John mused aloud.

As the fighter jets clashed just outside the Huron, John concentrated on the ground battle. The Mammoths were beginning to bring down the Obelisks, allowing for other GDI forces to push against the defensive lines. But the battle was far from determined, as it could still go in either side's favor. John scoured the holographic display, as well as soldiers' helmet cams, hoping to find a way to either breach the wall or otherwise get into the second generator. John was so focused on locating a weak point, he nearly jumped when Athena yelled out a warning.

"Commander! Nod mechs are moving up from Phase Line Charlie! They are attacking both the east and west assaults."

John zoomed out the display to visualize the enemy Avatars. Eight of the heavy walkers, four for each side, stomped their way into position before firing their heavy lasers. Tanks were instantly turned to slag, and soldiers were vaporized. The presence of the Avatars could be enough to break John's offensive. He quickly ordered his Mammoths to prioritize the mechs, even though that would leave the rest of his troops vulnerable to the still standing Obelisks.

"Sir, I suggest we pull back. We can form a-"

"No, Colonel. We will hold." John interrupted.

"But, sir!"

"We will hold, Colonel. Are my orders clear?"

"Sir, yes sir." Athena said unenthusiastically.

"Commander, incoming transmission." EVA reported, cutting through the argument.

"Put it up." John ordered, turning to a video screen.

Lieutenant James appeared, a wide grin on her face. Upon seeing John's tempered mood, she replaced the grin with a professional appearance, before saying,

"Commander, I have good news for you: additional forces are en route."

"That…that is good news, Lieutenant." John stated, slightly bewildered by something good happening for once.

"I was able to relocate some forces from a ZOCOM garrison on Elba Island. Unfortunately it isn't much in the way of numbers. But it should be plenty in terms of firepower. ETA is ten minutes. Good luck, sir."

James cut the transmission, and John quickly relayed the news to his field officers. With the promise of additional support, John relented his earlier stance, allowing his forces to fall back out of range of the Nod defences. However, he would not relent their momentum, thus he ordered his forces to hold the inner line of the first wall. The Nod Avatars did not pursue, but John noted more enemy tanks and foot troops were being moved up from Phase Line Charlie. No doubt the Nod commander would order a counter attack.

As his forces moved back, John grimaced as he saw the full extent of the damage. Countless tanks and APC's were heavily damaged, with one Mammoth even being wreathed in black smoke as it continued to fire its double cannons. The front line triage point was reporting that it was overflowing, with ambulance variant Guardians loaded to capacity racing back to the GDI FOB.

"Sir, I have visual on those reinforcements now." Athena reported.

John watched the three transports fly in from the west. Nod Shades attempted to break off and engage, but the Steel Talon King Raptors quickly chased them down and destroyed them. John quickly issued orders to the ZOCOM reinforcements, telling them to drop off their troops at the eastern assault. John wanted to destroy the second generator quickly, so he could collapse his force into a final assault on the final generator, and Temple Prime itself.

The three transports were careful to avoid the Nod SAM sites, and John noted all three were oddly different. The first to land was an Ox transport, and it quickly disgorged a full platoon of riflemen. However, these were not traditional Army riflemen, as they lacked the uniforms and battle armour. Instead, these men were garbed in the uniform of Zone Operations Command troops, and wore the distinct Tiberium radiation suits. The second ship to land, just as the Ox took off, was an Orca transport. It dropped off a single Predator tank and a squad of combat engineers. Another tank and a full platoon of fresh troops was certainly welcome, but it all paled in comparison to the final reinforcement. John's hope of winning the battle soared, and he even noted Athena's shoulder sag with relief. The final ship was a massive Orca dropship, and underneath its hull, attached by large magnetic clamps, was a Mammoth MK II super heavy walker.

The dropship didn't even attempt to land, instead it moved in to hover above the ground, then dropped the walker. It crashed to the ground with a noticeable shockwave, sending up a cloud of dust. The four Avatars immediately began rushing for the Mammoth walker. Lasers began impacting the heavy armour, but it did little other than to leave scorch marks. In response the walker fired a single railgun slug, and an Avatar was instantly destroyed. The chin mounted Heavy Vulcan cannon began churning up the Nod defences, blowing through them like nothing.

"Commander Lancaster, this is Captain Bannon. We are fully operational and ready to move at your command."

"Understood, Captain. Finish off those Avatars, and take down any Obelisks of Light."

"Wilco, Command."

"All units! Press forward! For GDI!"

The Mammoth walker, supported by the MK III tanks, easily despatched the last three Avatars. The metal behemoths of war then turned their attention to the Obelisks and other static defences. Meanwhile, infantry supported by tanks began to fight their way passed the second wall, and into the inner city. Already his forces were coming within range of the second generator.

"Commander. Enemy forces on the western side of the city are falling back to the Temple." Athena reported, now with greater enthusiasm.

"Order them to press the attack. We need to take out the third generator."

"Understood, sir."

Whatever forces the Nod commander had prepared for a counter attack, were now being withdrawn to the Temple. Nod troops broke formation and began to run for the perceived safety of the third and final wall. Dozens of reports from field officers came flooding in, but John focused solely on the one concerning the second generator. The ZOCOM riflemen were leading a group of engineers inside, where they would disable the generator and then place demolition charges.

It now seemed that GDI's momentum would be unstoppable. Soon they would breach the Temple, where John planned to drag Kane out, kicking and screaming.

"Commander!"

Both John and Athena whirled around at the panicked shout. The Huron's radar operator looked at both of them, pale as a ghost.

"Sir, we have dozens of bandits inbound, from all directions. Its an entire air wing, sir."

"Commander, I've got a battalion sized unit incoming from the east. Confirmed hostile, sir." Another officer hastily added.

John slammed his fist on the table, causing the hologram to flicker. In an instant, his victory had been snatched away from him.

"Order all forces to collapse on the western assault! We need to destroy the final generator." John barked.

"Sir, we should order a retreat. We can not handle an attack on our rear. Plus we don't have the air power to deal with a second wing of fighters." Athena protested.

"There shall be no retreat!"

John glared at his officers, seeing their concerned and frightened looks. He felt ashamed at loosing his temper, he felt guilty for possibly leading the entire 7th to their demise. But this was the moment all of humanity had been waiting for. After fifty years Kane could finally be stopped. To loose it all now was… John simply could not retreat.

But as he attempted to steel his staff, to remind them of their duties, the world outside was transformed into hell. Nod Vertigo bombers began carpet bombing everything. Both GDI and Nod forces were swept away in the inferno. The inner city was reduced to rubble, with only the Temple district being spared. Then the bombers targeted the FOB below the Huron. Barracks, field hospitals, motor pools and warfactories. All destroyed in the blink of an eye.

The Huron shuddered violently, and alarms began to blare. Nod Shades were striking at the Huron, and the already depleted squadrons of GDI fighters could barely stop them.

There was no denying the fact.

GDI had lost the battle of Sarajevo.

… … …

Temple Prime

Phase Line Charlie

The command post deep beneath Temple Prime was nothing short of pure chaos. Officers frantically were shouting out orders or yelling questions. Technicians were busy trying to break down the post but still keep it operational, as the entire Temple was being prepared to be evacuated. Amongst this disorder, Malich stood at the command console, trying to block out the cacophony behind him. He still had a city to defend, and up until a few moments ago, he had been ready to remove the filth that was GDI from the holy streets.

Then GDI had deployed one of their damnable metal monstrosities; a Mammoth walker. The behemoth war machines had been seldom seen during the last war, and virtually absent during the current jihad. But Malich had not accounted for the sudden appearance of such heavy armament. Already his Avatars had been wiped out, and GDI was resuming their push. The second wall would fall, and that would leave just the final barrier before the Temple district.

Malich began formatting a new defence, one he hoped could endure the enemy assault. If they merely held the third wall long enough…

"Commander! It is a miracle! Our Brothers from Albania have arrived." Radec reported with near euphoria.

Malich was more shocked than relieved. Last he had heard, the Nod supply base was being siege by GDI forces of the Steel Talons. How had they routed the enemy and made their way here to relieve the city? Perhaps it was as Radec said, a miracle.

"Friendly bombers are inbound. But… By the Saints! They're going to hit the city!" Radec warned.

Before Malich could even utter a single command, the city was struck by the Vertigo bombing run. Fellow warriors of Nod were wiped out the same as the infidels. Segments of the city that Malich still held were destroyed, completely flattened. But Malich also noticed the GDI base be wiped from the Earth, just as their flying command ship was swarmed by more Shades.

As the dust began to settle, Malich watched the GDI forces flee. He ordered his own troops to stay back and regroup. It would seem their newly arrived Brothers were eager to dispose of the enemy for them. Columns of Reckoners, led by Scorpion tanks, charged into the battlefield. However, the mixed feelings of relief, anger, and confusion all turned into cold dread when Malich noted what trailed behind the column. Bipedal Centurion support walkers marched into the field. Their large composite shields held at the side while their arm cannons were raised and ready. Centurions were the Brotherhood's answer to GDI's Titans, but only one general within the Brotherhood had even employed them: General Killian Qatar.

"Commander. Incoming transmission." An officer reported.

Malich nodded to the officer, and a moment later an unrecognized voice began speaking.

"Brothers and Sisters of Nod! You have been betrayed! You have been lied to! Kane is not the Messiah, he is a false prophet. The great General Qatar has revealed the truth, and now she seeks to liberate the Brotherhood from Kane's lies! Surrender Temple Prime, or die as traitors!"

The Centurions suddenly halted their pursuit of the GDI stragglers, and turned to march of Sarajevo. One siege had ended, only for another to immediately begin.

For the third time in the Brotherhood of Nod's history, civil war had begun.

… … …

Author's note: I'm back ladies and gentlemen! I apologize for the long delay, but it was needed. First off, I really appreciate all the kind words I have received, and the support you guys seem to have for this story. But we are in the final stretch now! Soon Project Genesis shall come to it's end. I have chapters 15 and 16 done, and they will be uploaded over the next two weeks, to allow me time to catch up with the remaining chapters.

Story notes: The Centurion is a Nod unit from Tiberian Twilight. As I have done before, I have added this unit to flesh out the unit roster, as well as to provide a visual distinction between loyalist and traitor Nod forces. In this story, it essentially serves as a Nod version of a Titan.

That's all for now, but it feels great to be back!

Until next time.