Chapter 2
Al Hanad, Yemen
August 1st, 2011
0900
The VTOL craft passed overhead, the sun glinting off its armour. Below the citizens paid it no mind, the lethal attack craft having become more akin to a large bird that just flew around lazily. A bird with twin engine pods and a thin tail and enough weaponry to turn an MBT to burning scrap.
Inside the GDI Orca fighter, Lieutenant Caleb Tanner sighed in frustration for the umpteenth time that day. He was a pilot, meant to control the skies, he was trained to search for enemies amongst the blue expanse of the open sky. Not looking for Nod terrorists on the ground.
He glanced at his instrument panels again, checking his fuel and ammo, and seeing everything was still green. The city below was an oddity to him, although in reality it was far too common across most of the globe. GDI soldiers patrolled the streets, while civilians and Nod terrorists passed by. How many times had a GDI soldier smiled and nodded at someone who was actually plotting to kill them. It was a weird sort of limbo, but one that could explode into all out hell in a moment.
He wished that would happen, that way he wouldn't be stuck on boring patrol duties. But nothing did happen as he finished his patrol route, and with another sigh he turned his craft to begin the route again. GDI had been here for two days now, searching for Nod leaders who were supposed to be meeting in the city according to InOps. Although the reoccurring joke throughout all branches of GDI was that, on a good day InOps could tell you Tiberium was green.
He clicked on his radio as he ordered the Orca's Electronic Video Assistant to handle scanning the city below.
"Warhawk-2 to Warhawk-1, do you see anything yet?" Caleb asked to his wingmate and squad leader.
"Well do you remember my answer from five minutes ago? Because it hasn't changed." Captain Gerhan replied in an annoyed tone.
She commanded the small three man patrol on duty today, along with the other member, Lieutenant Garson.
"Man if I have to hear you bitch one more time today-" The dark skinned man started.
"Wait! I have eyes on potential targets." Gerhan hissed.
Caleb immediately tensed and looked around at the streets below. At first he didn't see anything out of the ordinary, until his EVA unit highlighted three trucks gathered around a small building. Upon closer inspection he noticed all three vehicles had large calibre machine guns bolted to them, giving them away as Nod Technicals. The radio crackled to life as Gerhan made the call to command.
"Warhawk-Actual, this is Warhawk-1. I've got eyes on a potential target." Gerhan stated professionally.
"Copy that Warhawk-1, Lima Charlie. Standby for confirmation from your feed." Lieutenant Sergio replied. "Warhawk-1 this is Warhawk-Actual. Can you maneuver for a better view?" He asked after a few moments.
"No guarantee, but I can try a run by." Gerhan replied.
Caleb and Garson moved their Orcas closer as well. The channel remained open as the engine wash sounded in the background.
"Making my run...shit! just saw people enter the Technicals and they are making a break!"
"This is Warhawk-Actual." Sergio raised his voice over the radio. "Do not let those vehicle get away! We can not risk losing that HVT. You have been authorized to engage, any means of force is permitted."
Caleb's heart began to beat as the three pilots spun into action. Gerhan was chasing after the Technicals as they raced through the city streets, often times almost running over people. She was right on their tail, getting even lower to the streets to get a better shot at them. The Technicals fired back at her but the machine guns couldn't turn high enough to be effective. Despite the adrenaline that was no doubt pumping through her veins, her voice was icy cold.
"Warhawk-1, fox 2, fox 2."
Caleb watched as a missile streaked from Gerhan's Orca. The Technical in the rear exploded and crashed into a building. The other two quickly swerved into another street and Gerhan went to follow until a pair of rockets streaked towards her from a nearby rooftop. Caleb watched in horror as both slammed into the tail of her Orca, sending it spinning towards the ground.
"I'm hit! I'm hit! Mayday! Mayday! This is Warhawk-1 I'm going down!"
Caleb watched her Orca crash into the middle of the street as the two Technicals raced away. Already he could see Nod soldiers swarming out from the buildings towards the downed Orca.
"Warhawk-Actual this is 2. Requesting to go down and help her."
"Negative! Go after those HVTs, I'll send a team to retrieve the Captain." Sergio replied aggravated.
Caleb didn't reply as he pushed his Orca and followed after the two retreating vehicles. He was about to rip into one with his chin gun but Garson swooped down ahead of him.
"Pull up 2 I've got this guy. Fox 1!"
Caleb pulled back on the throttle as a missile streaked out from Garson's Orca. It chased after the second Technical and turned it into a flying fireball before it crashed back down. They both moved to follow the final technical but Caleb's EVA began shouting at him. He felt his heart drop as he realised it was because there was a missile lock. Without thinking he deployed chaff and watched as a missile swerved away from him into the chaff.
Unfortunately Garson wasn't as lucky as another missile flew straight through the chaff field and into the underside of his Orca. Caleb watched as the young pilot ejected out of his craft and slowly parachuted to the streets below.
"Warhawk-Actual-"
"We see him. Keep after that HVT." Sergio interrupted.
Caleb just gunned his craft forward to chase after the final Technical and the Nod leader inside. The vehicle was swerving violently which prevented him from getting a missile lock. He let loose with his chin gun, bullets ripping up the streets and sidewalks. The truck suddenly slowed and Caleb's EVA reported a positive lock, until the vehicle swerved into an alley and out of his sight. Caleb moved his Orca higher but couldn't see where it went.
"Fuck! Actual this is Warhawk-2. I've lost sight of HVT. Repeat, I've lost visual on target."
"Damn it. Understood, RTB. Nod have started swarming into the city. We're mobilizing rescue operations now."
"Copy that Actual. Wilco."
He slammed his fist into the dash, then he went to move back to the GDI base outside of the city. That was until his lock on warning once again screamed at him. He swore as he deployed more chaff but it wouldn't work this time. Another missile streaked up from somewhere down below and blew off his tail. Sending him into a violent spiral. He tried to pull on the ejector lever but the force of the spiral made it difficult. His Orca crashed into the street just at the edge of the alley where the Technical had disappeared. He was jostled around the cockpit, stars exploded into his vision when his head hit the back of his chair hard.
After a few moments of groaning and fumbling around his vision cleared. Everything hurt but nothing appeared to be broken. After a few failed attempts at activating EVA, or calling command he decided to get out of his fighter. He fumbled around the for the hatch release but stopped when he noticed figures outside. Most were garbed in civilians clothes, but quite a few wore the uniforms of Nod soldiers. They circled around his crashed Orca, weapons raised and pointed. Caleb raised his hands in surrender, and swore violently. He had just been captured by the enemy, even worse was that he had been shot down for the second time in his career.
… … …
Sergio Andreas looked at the screen, rage building inside him like a gathering storm. Three of his Orcas had been shot down and the Nod leader that InOps had been tracking had gotten away. And now the city had ignited into all out war. Nod forces had swarmed in from buildings and hidden tunnel networks, GDI forces on patrol had to retreat less they be torn apart. But he had to rescue those pilots, which meant they would have to push back into the city.
As he was lost in thought, Commander Lancaster entered the control room. He was calm and seemed to bask in the chaos brewing outside. Meanwhile Sergio was struggling to keep his temper down less he make some stupid mistake.
"What's the situation Lieutenant?" He asked in the same tone as he did when he asked for his morning coffee.
"FUBAR sir. Patrols have made it back to base relatively unharmed, but I have three missing pilots out there."
"Do we know where they are?"
"Satellite is tracking their IFF beacons and they are split across the city. That tells me they are still alive."
Mark nodded his head and hummed thoughtfully.
"Nod is going to launch an attack on our base. They've been waiting for an opportunity. We will need to keep our forces back and hold the line."
"But what about the pilots? We cant just leave them."
"And we won't. We will send a task force, a small one that can navigate through hostile territory. Two Crusader tanks and four Strykers with riflemen squads should be enough."
"Understood sir. I'll assemble a team now."
"Very good Lieutenant." Sergio turned to assemble the rescue unit just as Mark began barking out orders.
Officers began relaying messages and setting up the defence for the GDI base. On the screen Sergio could see the Nod forces moving through the city. Many were concentrated around the friendly IFF beacons, but countless other blips of enemy contacts were moving towards them. He knew the Commander could handle the attack, and had already planned for dealing with the Nod base located in the hills just outside of the city. But now because of his failure, they had a rescue operation to contend with as well.
Sergio silently screamed at himself, he had been trusted to lead this operation and he lost both the HVT and his pilots. He knew not every operation went without a hitch, but this was still a huge fuckup.
"You can't blame yourself. I need your head in the game if we are going to get those people back." Marm said comfortingly as he walked over to Sergio.
Sergio sighed in response and looked up from the terminal he was working at.
"I appreciate your concern sir. But I do blame myself, but I won't let that interfere. You can trust me sir, I can handle it."
Mark smiled and patted his shoulder.
"Good man. Then let's get them home and shut Nod down."
"Yes sir."
Mark walked back to the main screen where he continued to coordinate the coming assault. Sergio returned to gathering a force that would push right through an incoming attack force and navigate through a hostile city. He could only hope the men he was selecting would be crazy enough to handle such a hell.
… … …
Robert McCoy had seen his fair share of dangerous and borderline suicidal missions during his long stint in the military. So for him this was just business as usual, but he could see that West was more nervous than usual. He couldn't blame the kid, diving head first into an oncoming enemy was never a smart decision. But GDI never left one of their own behind, no matter what.
The squad was busy stocking supplies into their M1126 Stryker APC. They stocked the usual amount of ammunition and explosives, but also additional medical equipment in the event one of the pilots was badly hurt.
Reed was mouthing off about something and King was just nodding his head and agreeing without paying any attention. Rodriguez meanwhile was checking over the engine with a bunch of tools scattered around him.
"Less then two minutes ladies!" McCoy shouted out.
The others gave an acknowledgment and kept working. Around them three other squads likewise worked on their respective Strykers, and ahead were the two Crusader tanks that would be escorting them. Somehow he found himself in second in command of the small task force, under Major Wilson. Even though he had his own squad and had been serving GDI for well over ten years. The idea of leading so many people made his stomach upset. He pushed the thought down and just hoped the Major wouldn't die inconveniently.
McCoy was busy strapping down some equipment when a shiver ran down his spine, as the memory of when he reenlisted arose. He had been with his friend, Steve Gale and his family, sitting in their living room chatting while Steve's daughter Olivia watched a cartoon about magical horses. Of course he had paid the T.V. no attention, until the show abruptly changed to the news. The image of a mushroom cloud immediately caused the three adults to go silent, while Olivia incessantly asked what was happening. McCoy just read the bottom text, hundreds of thousands dead in Nod terrorist attack. It was that exact moment he had decided to sign back up with GDI. Because he couldn't stand the thought of Steve and his family being hurt.
He shook his head to clear the memory and brought himself back to the present. Just in time to see the Major walking towards him.
"Sergeant McCoy. Are your boys ready to roll out?" He asked as he looked over the small force.
"Yes sir." McCoy replied simply.
"Very good Sergeant. Mount up, it's time to go."
"Yes sir! Alright ladies let's get moving!"
McCoy and his squad gathered into the Stryker. Rodriguez took the driver's seat while King took control of the heavy gun. McCoy, West, and Reed all piled into the back as the rest of the force mobilized.
Major Wilson's voice soon crackled over the radio.
"Listen up Delta because I'm only going to say this once. Nod forces are bearing down on the base right now, so it's going to make things pretty dicey out there. Our goal is to rescue three pilots who obviously don't know up from down."
McCoy and the others chuckled at the Major's jab at the Airforce.
"Our first pilot is located in a school a few klicks from here. Tanks will lead up front. Any questions? Good, Delta is oscar mike."
Rodriguez moved the Stryker forward and fell into line behind another Stryker and one of the tanks. The other three vehicles moved beside them as they rolled into the city, which was now devoid of civilians on the streets following the Orcas being shot down.
It made things eerily quiet but McCoy knew that wouldn't last for long. He held his rifle at the ready as they slowly drove through the city. The tanks at the head simply pushed or rolled over cars that had been left on the streets, filling the silence with the screeching of metal on metal.
"Man I wish I could drive like this back home! Wouldn't have to deal with L.A traffic ever again." King shouted down from the gun well.
The others chuckled in response and McCoy just scoffed amused. The light hearted moment ended however when the tanks abruptly stopped moving. Shortly after he could hear the sound of bullets pinging off metal armour followed closely by an explosion.
"Shit! We're taking fire!" One of the tank operators shouted out.
"Where the hell is it coming from?" King asked. as he rotated the heavy gun back and forth.
"Hospital. Dead ahead, fifth story." The tank operator replied.
McCoy moved into the drivers cabin and tried to look out the window at the large hospital in front of them. Sure enough he could see brief muzzle flashes from the fifth and sixth story windows.
"Rodriguez get us into cover!" McCoy shouted.
Rodriguez replied by reversing the vehicle then driving them into cover behind a building. The others also moved out of the line of sight of the hospital.
"Warhawk-Actual this is Delta 1-1. We have enemy shooters in the hospital. Can we confirm that it is clear of civilians? Over." Major Wilson asked over the radio.
McCoy tensed as he waited for the reply as more bullets pinged off the Strykers.
"Negative Delta. We can not confirm any civilian presence inside the hospital. Can you get around it?"
"Negative! We are pinned down, please advise."
They were greeted with silence for a long moment before the Lieutenant finally replied.
"You have permission to fire on the hospital."
"Understood command. Delta out." Wilson sounded reluctant and McCoy didn't envy the man. "2-1, 2-2, take out those tangos."
"Copy that 1-1. Target, sixth story, left side."
"Target acquired."
"Fire."
McCoy watched as one of the Crusader tanks punched a massive hole into the side of the hospital. Bits of concrete rained down onto the street. The second tank fired and created another hole, but the Nod forces continued to fire on them.
"Rodriguez move us back into the street. King, take down anyone you can find."
"Copy that Sergeant!"
The Stryker rolled back into the street and all four light vehicles fired at the hospital with their heavy machine guns. Within minutes the side of the building was riddled with holes, and the Nod soldiers that had been shooting at them were silenced.
"Delta 1 this is Delta 2. Looks clear now. Moving forward."
The two Crusader tanks rolled down the street, leaving ruin behind them. The Strykers followed up and once more they found themselves in empty streets. That didn't last long as when they turned the corner into another road they were within sight of the school.
It was a small building, and it was being guarded by two light Buggies. He also spotted a squad of infantry outside the school frantically searching for cover, clearly pissing themselves at the sight of two tanks.
"Delta 2 hold fire. We can't risk hitting the pilot." Wilson ordered quickly.
"Copy that 1. We'll hold back."
The tanks did just that as they rolled to a stop, the Strykers moved past them and came under fire from the two Buggies. King let loose a torrent of bullets that was joined by the other three Strykers. The Buggies were torn apart like wet paper. The Nod soldiers tried firing at them but their bullets did nothing but chip paint, before finally giving up and retreated inside. The four vehicles drove up to the front steps of the school and disgorged their occupants. Four squads of GDI infantry stacked up by the double doors and waited to charge inside.
"Sergeant McCoy. You take your squad and Colt's upstairs. I'll take mine and Santagato's and clear the main floor." Major Wilson ordered.
"Copy that Major."
"Alright. Clean and sweep, let's go!"
Two soldiers opened the door and were immediately cut down as a hailstorm of bullets shattered the doors. Four more GDI troops took up position and fired back inside as one tossed a grenade. It exploded a few seconds later and the four troops charged in. McCoy and the others followed right behind, he brought up his rifle and fired a quick burst into a soldier trying to get to his feet.
More Nod soldiers appeared from nearby rooms, all armed with AK-47s. They fired wildly at the GDI attackers and managed to kill another man before the others ducked into cover. McCoy and Reed laid down a fusillade of bullets while King and West made more precise shots. Rodriguez and Wilson were aiming at a group of Nod troops who were positioned on the second floor. It was a violent exchange, and the hallway was quickly filling with gun smoke and bits of splintered wood. McCoy ducked behind the doorframe he was using for cover as bullets ripped up the floor at his feet. He looked up to see a Nod soldier armed with a SCAR-H assault rifle. He fired another burst that caused the plaster wall to crack, McCoy leaned out and fired a return burst but it missed completely.
The firefight continued around him as he found himself in a deadly game of wack-a-mole. Every time he peeked out to fire, the enemy would duck down, and likewise when he rose up to fire McCoy had to fall back behind the door.
"Reed give me a hand." He growled over the roar of battle.
"Having trouble hitting something old man?" He replied while reloading his M8.
"Very funny. When the asshole up top gets up. Shoot him."
"Got it!"
McCoy took a breath then leaned out to fire a burst at the Nod soldier above. More of the second floor railing blew apart but he escaped unharmed. Then he got up to fire but Reed responded faster and riddled him full of bullets. The soldier stumbled forward and fell to the main floor with a sickening splat. By this time the fighting had stopped, they had lost four soldiers in total compared to the fifteen Nod troops. McCoy led his team up the stairs and began the process of searching the school room by room.
Eventually they found one of the pilots tied up to a chair in a schoolroom. Her uniform was torn and bloody and her head sagged down to her chest. Her name patch gave her away as Captain Gerhan. She perked up when they got closer and hope lit up in her eyes.
"Captain are you alright?" McCoy asked as he began to cut her bonds.
"Yea I'm fine. Fucking dipshit was all talk and no bite."
McCoy could only guess at who she meant but didn't ask. When she was freed she stood up and rubbed her wrists.
"Thanks for the rescue. What happened to my wingmates?"
"They were shot down as well. We're going to rescue them."
"Then I'm coming too. They're my men and I need to know their okay."
McCoy just shrugged and led them back out to the main floor. The Major and his men were already waiting for them, a concerned look etched into his face.
"Nod just launched an attack on the base. They repelled the first wave but more are coming. Which means things are going to get more hectic out there." Wilson reported. McCoy sighed and hefted his rifle.
"Then it's going to be a long day. I suggest we get moving. Reed, grab the Captain a weapon."
"You got it boss."
Wilson raised an eyebrow towards McCoy, to which responded with another shrug. Reed returned with a Vector sub machine gun and handed it to Gerhan. Afterwards the team got back into their Strykers and joined the tanks back out on the street.
"Where to now sir?" McCoy asked over the radio.
"Second pilot is located in a small warehouse. Lots of Noddies between us and him."
"Excuse me, Major? Do you know which pilot it is?" Gerhan asked hopefully.
"I'm afraid not. Just know the location by IFF. But don't worry, we'll get your boys back."
The radio fell silent as they made their way through the city. The sounds of battle could be heard in the distance, and as best as McCoy could judge, it sounded fierce. Gerhan had joined him and his squad, she was busying herself with checking over the Vector given to her. He noticed Reed check her over quickly, while West seemed focused on the floor of the APC.
They reached an intersection and as the tanks turned right, one was hit head on by a tank shell. The explosion didn't cause much damage, but the sudden shock of it caused the small convoy to stop hastily. Rodriguez swerved slightly to avoid slamming into the vehicle in front of them.
"Scorpions!"
The two Crusaders rotated their turrets to face the three Scorpion tanks bearing down on them. Another tank shell slammed into the lead Crusader, causing it to rock back before black smoke came pouring out of a gaping hole. They returned fire and one of the Scorpions exploded in a violent fireball. Before the Crusaders could move to the next target, the Scorpions fired again, and this time the Crusader tank exploded. McCoy watched as the tank was engulfed in flames, its crew killed instantly.
"Delta 2-2 is down!"
The remaining Crusader begin to back up as it fired at one of the two Scorpions. Its shell pierced right through the front and a split moment later the second Scorpion was up in flames. The Crusader tank managed to avoid another shell then stopped its backwards momentum as it fired a shell in return. This one exploded off the side, immobilizing it but still leaving it a threat.
The Crusader was about to deal the killing blow, until three rockets streaked towards it. They all slammed into the tank's side, tearing apart the armour. For a moment it seemed as if the tank was fine, until it exploded in a brilliant flash. McCoy scanned the roads for where the attack came from when he spotted a Nod Rocket Buggy moving towards them. It was slightly larger then the standard Nod Attack Buggies, and that was to accommodate the large missile pods bolted to the top. They were lightly armoured and could be easily destroyed by even hand held anti tank weapons. But their range made them deadly to any GDI armoured units.
The four Strykers opened fire with their heavy guns, trying to destroy the Rocket Buggy. Seeing that they were clearly outmatched, Major Wilson ordered them to retreat and find another route. Only to find a company's worth of infantry behind them. Bullets started to ping off the armour, but McCoy and his squad still ducked their heads.
"Rodriguez get us out of here!" He yelled.
Rodriguez didn't reply as he turned the vehicle to follow the others. The Rocket Buggy was still in front of them and had set it's sights on the lead Stryker. But the endless stream of bullets ripping into it finally found their mark as the Buggy exploded. More explosions went of seconds later as the rockets cooked off. One of the Strykers then attempted to cross the intersection, but was destroyed by the Scorpion tank that was still active.
"Everyone out! We can take cover in those buildings. We're too exposed out here!" Major Wilson barked out.
McCoy didn't have to repeat the order as Rodriguez drove the Stryker up onto the sidewalk, creating cover for the GDI troops to get into the small alleyway. They all piled out of the vehicle as it was being pelted with bullets. He turned to see the others trying to fight their way across the street, several GDI soldiers fell to the ground dead. McCoy and his squad turned and fired on the Nod attackers, using their Stryker as cover. They laid down a wall of fire as the others again attempted to cross the road. Again more soldiers didn't make it, save for the Major and two others.
They then retreated further down the alley before picking a door at random. Reed kicked the door open and they all piled in, McCoy and West being the last two to enter. He closed the door just as Nod troops flooded into the alley, then proceeded to follow the others up a fire escape. They reached the second floor and found themselves in an apartment building. Again choosing a door at random they all huddled into an abandoned apartment and gathered in the living room. King immediately went to the window, which overlooked the street where the Scorpions were. Two were still burning while the third sat unmoving, its crews having got out to check over the damage. He could hear the faint sound of soldiers yelling as they swarmed through the streets, looking for them.
McCoy settled into a couch and sighed, letting his muscles rest for a moment. The others like wise relaxed save for King who remained by the window, and Major Wilson. He was pacing around the room talking into his tacpad.
"Command come in. This is Delta 1-1, be advised we are currently pinned down and have been reduced to half strength. Both Delta 2-1 and 2-2 have been KIA. We need reinforcements!"
McCoy shot Wilson a look as they waited for a response. The others like wise were waiting with baited breath. Finally Lieutenant Sergio responded.
"Delta 1 we read you loud and clear. Be advised that we can not, I repeat, can not send you any reinforcements at this time. Nod forces are still attacking the base and we can't redeploy any assets. Advise you remain where you are until we can assist. Over?" Sergio sounded sympathetic, but McCoy could detect frustration in his voice. Who it was aimed at he didn't know.
"Yeah, copy command. Thanks for nothing." Wilson ended the call and muttered a string of profanities under his breath.
"Okay people listen up. We have Nod patrols outside looking for us, we've lost half the unit, and command is sitting with their thumb up their ass. We can't get back to base and we still have a pilot to rescue. So I'm open to suggestions."
Gerhan, Reed, and Rodriguez looked at the Major before looking down at their feet. West and the two other soldiers who were with Wilson were standing in the kitchen while King was still keeping overwatch. After a moment McCoy decided to speak up.
"Well if we can't go back. We might as well go forward. Better then sitting here waiting to get caught."
"That's the spirit." Wilson replied more optimistically. The others nodded their heads and like wise seemed in better spirits.
"Sir, you should come here. Think I found where the pilot is."
McCoy and Wilson joined King by the window and followed his gaze across the street to an open area with a few factories. King then pointed out three small warehouses being guarded by a Nod Attack Buggy and two squads of infantry. He could also see several Attack Bikes parked alongside one warehouse on the far end. Wilson brought up his tacpad again and said.
"Good eye Private. Our man is in the middle one."
Gerhan walked over and joined them.
"How do we get over there? There's a whole company between us and him. Plus even if we do get him out, how do we get back to base?"
"One step at a time Captain. First to get there without being seen by the patrols. If we stick to the alleys, we might be able to swing around." Wilson looked at the gathered force, a sad look crossed his face as the realization of having lost most of his men hit him.
"Take five people. Then we move."
The Major walked off into a bathroom and shut the door. McCoy decided to leave the man to be alone for a moment. The others simply relaxed and checked over their gear. Gerhan grabbed a few more clips off Reed, while West and Wilson's two men were chatting in the kitchen. McCoy got up and sat by King, who was still by the window but was no longer looking outside. The Scorpion crew were still working on fixing the broken tread while Nod soldiers seemed to have given up looking for them and proceeded down the road towards the GDI base. King took a drink from his canteen and fiddled with the fire switch on his M8, switching from single fire to fully automatic to single again.
"How you holding up?" McCoy asked as he bit into a candy bar from his ration pack.
"Good to go Sarge. You know me." The young man replied earnestly. McCoy smiled and patted him on the shoulder.
"Good to hear. Up for cards when we get back to base?"
"Only if Reed plays. I enjoy cleaning him out."
"That's only because you cheat!" Reed exclaimed from the couch. The others laughed just as Wilson reappeared.
"We good to go team?" He asked stoically.
"Yes sir!" They said in unison.
They made their way back down the fire escape. West then slowly opened the door and checked the alleyway. When he reported that it was clear they all made their way back outside and carefully proceeded towards the warehouses. They darted across the street and into another alley, careful to avoid the tank crew. Slowly they made their way into the industrial park and took cover behind a large flatbed truck. Ahead of them was the Buggy and the squads defending the captured pilot.
"Any ideas on how to take out that Buggy?" Wilson asked.
"Two 40mm grenades should do it. Rodriguez, West, use your underslung launchers. The rest of us will provide cover." McCoy ordered.
"Yes sir." They replied in unison.
"Don't miss."
West nodded his head as the two moved into position. The others stood up from behind the truck and took aim. Most of the Nod troops were armed with standard AKs, but more then a few had more advanced SCAR rifles. McCoy took aim at one soldier he guessed to be a Sergeant or the Brotherhood equivalent to a squad leader.
"Okay people on my go." Wilson started. "Three. Two. One, open fire!"
Together the seven of them opened up on the Nod soldiers. They were caught completely by surprise and several of them fell before they could return fire. The Buggy turned its heavy gun on them but West and Rodriguez fired their grenades. They arched through the air and collided into the Buggy, the twin explosions ripped the vehicle apart. The two quickly added their fire with the others and already they had taken out one squad. Three Nod soldiers broke rank and ran inside the warehouse, leaving the last two guards outside to be mercilessly cut down.
"My guys move forward." McCoy ordered.
He and his squad advanced on the warehouse. While Wilson took Gerhan and the other two around to the back. As they got closer he heard someone shout out to him
"Don't come any closer infidel, or I kill this fascist pig!" The man sounded desperate but he tried to seem menacing.
McCoy held up his hand indicating for his squad to stop. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Wilson move closer, he quickly looked back so as not to give the Major away.
"We just want our friend back. We can settle this rationally. You give him back and we walk away." McCoy said calmly.
"Sarge what are you doing? We don't negotiate with fucking Noddies." Reed protested. McCoy silenced him with a stare.
"Fuck you fascists! Leave now or I will kill him."
"You're outnumbered. Give him to us and we'll leave you alone. There is no point in fighting anymore, Kane is dead."
"Kane lives in death!"
There was the loud bang of a flashbang grenade going off. McCoy quickly rushed inside to find three Nod soldiers stumbling around rubbing their eyes. He quickly fired three shots, killing them all instantly. The others joined him moments later, as he moved towards a man tied to a chair. McCoy began untying him as he started moaning.
"What the fuck man. A little warning next time?"
McCoy just chuckled as he finished cutting the rope, the pilot immediately began rubbing at his forehead.
"Fuck now I have a headache."
"Quit your bitching Garson and be grateful." Gerhan chided. Garson opened his eyes and smiled broadly.
"Gerhan! You're okay, thank God."
"Yeah I'm fine. Where is Caleb? Did you see what happened to him?"
"Sorry but no. There was just so much going on. It felt like they were ready for us."
"Bugger!"
They all turned to the Major who was furiously tapping his tacpad.
"They must have moved the last pilot. It says he's right in the middle of the Nod base."
Gerhan and Garson exchanged looks. McCoy grabbed a SCAR-H off one of the dead soldiers and tossed it to Garson who grabbed it mid air.
"What's the plan sir? Keep moving or wait for command?" He asked as he turned to face the Major.
"Unless you're secretly a commando and didn't tell me, then I don't see how we could storm that base. No we will wait for command." He pulled up the tacpad and opened the built in radio.
"Command this is Delta 1-1. Be advised we have retrieved the second pilot but still need evac. Please advise."
"Good work Delta. Hold position there, we will make our way to you." The Lieutenant's voice was still impassive.
"Copy command." Wilson turned to the others and sighed deeply.
"Okay people sit tight. Reinforcements are on the way, we wait for them, then we can go rescue our last man."
They all nodded in agreement save for King who was positioned by the door and staring through his rifle scope.
"Uh Major. I suggest we find a better place to hold up. Large Nod force moving this way."
Both McCoy and Wilson ran over to see what the Private was talking about. Sure enough he could see two Scorpion tanks and two dozens foot soldiers making their way towards them. McCoy looked around and spotted a tall office building and pointed towards it.
"We can wait in there."
Wilson just nodded and said.
"Let's move people!"
They all ran towards the office building. No longer concerned with remaining hidden, they ran at full speed. They reached the front doors and pushed their way inside. Like most of the city the building was deserted. Wilson moved towards the stairs and called over his shoulder.
"Up the stairs. We can hold on the top floor."
They stormed up the stairs all the way to the seventh floor. They came out into a hall with several large offices, carefully they made their way to one at the end of the hall on the right. McCoy was about to open the door when he heard voices on the other side. Quickly he called Reed up who then shouldered his rifle as McCoy opened the door as slowly as he could. Inside three Nod soldiers were sitting at a table playing cards, their rifles left on a computer desk. At the far end of the office was ammo crates with several sniper rifles balanced on top. And stacked neatly against the wall were Stinger missile launchers and RPGs.
McCoy threw the door wide open and Reed fired a single burst into the room. He killed two soldiers, knocking them to the floor. While the third jumped to his feet and ran for his weapon. McCoy put a bullet into his head and sent him crashing into the desk. With the room cleared they moved inside, King immediately went to grab one of the sniper rifles, a simple dragunov sniper. McCoy made his way to the window where he could see the Nod force still making it's way towards them.
"Looks like they know where we are. King go up to the roof, wait till they get in range." He ordered.
"Yes sir." King grabbed a few extra magazines of ammunition then made for the door.
"Santagato, Rogers. Grab those RPGs and join him on the roof. Use them to take out those tanks." Wilson added.
The two men acknowledged and grabbed the weapons before following King to the roof. McCoy watched the Nod force inch closer towards them, his heart began to beat faster as adrenaline started pumping again. Waiting for King and the others to reach the roof felt like an eternity, in reality it was less then ten minutes.
"In position. Waiting for your mark Sarge." King reported calmly.
McCoy continued to watch the Nod forces, the tanks had fallen back slightly to let the infantry take the lead. When they got close enough that he could see the Scorpion's tail insignia on the tanks, he gave the order.
"Take them down."
Two rockets streaked down from the roof and raced straight towards one of the Scorpions. Both rockets found their mark and the tank was rocked violently. Thick smoke began to billow out as smaller explosions tore the vehicle apart. The infantry then began running for the building but one by one many started falling over dead. Samuel King was deadly with a rifle, and death incarnate with a sniper rifle. However despite his skill, several Nod troops managed to make it inside. Wilson prepared the others for when they would storm this level. McCoy kept watch on the fighting outside as two more rockets raced down to the second tank, as King kept firing his sniper rifle. Both rockets missed their mark and the tank proceeded unhindered.
"Shit! Rocket Buggy!" King screamed over the radio. McCoy felt cold dread course through him.
"Get off the roof!" He yelled.
There was no response, the Buggy was still a fair distance away but it fired a salvo of missiles towards the office building. They streaked up to the roof and caused the entire building to shake. Debris rained down past the window and McCoy kept calling frantically into his radio. All he received was static until he heard someone coughing.
"We're alright. Making our way back down." King managed to gasp out.
McCoy sighed in relief but that didn't last long as he noticed both the Scorpion and the Rocket Buggy readying to fire at them. Then the Buggy exploded, burning debris sent flying. The tank followed soon after, and through the smoke and flames he could see GDI Crusader tanks rolling towards them. The infantry that were ready to storm the building turned to face the new threat and were promptly cut down by a group of Humvees that swarmed around the tanks.
McCoy and the others just stood there and watched as GDI forces tore into the Nod troops. Within moments of their arrival, the battle had ended. The team made their way back down the office building and met the GDI forces outside. Already the tanks had moved forward and the Humvees were close behind. However McCoy spotted an officer moving towards them.
"Gentlemen it's good to see you, heard you called for the cavalry. Colonel Young at your service." The Colonel held out his hand to Wilson, who shook it promptly.
"Thanks for the rescue Colonel. What's your objective? I doubt you brought all of this just for a rescue Op."
"You are correct Major. Command has decided to push back against the Brotherhood. We're moving on the Nod stronghold."
"Excellent, we will join you then. Our last pilot is being held there."
"Sounds good to me. I'll give you a lift." The Colonel turned to indicate a M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier.
They all gathered inside and found seats close to the door, as the rest of the APC was already occupied by GDI soldiers. A few gave the two pilots a quizzical look but kept silent. McCoy could see West seemed to visibly relax as he was now inside a heavily armoured vehicle. He just rested his head back and waited for the moment they were thrown back into hell.
… … …
Pain raced through his body as he was punched again. He involuntarily coughed up a wad of blood as the impact was directed to the centre of his chest. Another punch and another wave of pain, his limp body swaying slightly as he was tied to a pipe in the ceiling.
"You will tell me what you know, pig." The Nod officer spoke in a growl.
His green eyes burning with hate, white toned face contorted in unbridled anger. He adjusted his officers cap and rubbed his right hand which was slightly bruised from constantly punching Caleb.
"I keep telling you, I'm just a pilot. I don't know shit."
The officer growled and punched him again, causing more coughing and more blood. He tried to spit it into the man's face, but it came out as a weak dribble that dropped down his chin.
"I will ask one more time, because I grow tired of this. Tell me what you know."
"Okay, okay. I'll tell you." Caleb sounded broken, he couldn't take the abuse any longer. The officer smiled and leaned in close to him.
"See that wasn't so hard. Now then, tell me everything."
"Soylent green. Is made out of people."
The officer stared at him for a minute, processing what he had just said. His face turned red and he punched him as hard as he could. Caleb coughed up more blood again but this time he laughed. It was stupid to anger your interrogator, but if he was going to die then it might as well be pissing off some Nod asshole.
"You think you're funny? Well perhaps you would like to continue this conversation with a confessor? They are very good at getting answers from people. And they won't go easy on you like I did." The officer turned and walked to the door, where two soldiers stood guard.
"Bring him to the Hind."
They silently acknowledged the order and moved to untie him. He fell to the floor and was then roughly brought to his feet. They did not retie his bonds however and simply held tightly to his arms. He hung limply in their grip and pretended to be weakened from the beating, which he honestly was. They led him outside and it took him a few minutes for his eyes to adjust to the sudden brightness.
He found himself in a small base built atop a hill. In the distance he could see the city, and all around the base's perimeter were stinger sites and tunnel network entrances. Large tunnels with anti personnel turrets placed atop. There was a barracks and motor pool, along with a makeshift command post and the building he had just been inside. Scorpion tanks and Attack Buggies were arrayed at the entrance, obviously expecting some sort of attack. They led him to a small helipad where a Hind helicopter, painted in the black and red of the Brotherhood, sat waiting.
They pushed him forward and he stumbled to the ground, in a feeble attempt to buy himself some time. The officer had already climbed aboard the Hind and looked back at him with disgust. The two soldiers quickly grabbed him and pulled him to his feet. At that exact moment there was an explosion at the front entrance of the base. They all turned to see the stinger sites and armoured units were now trading fire with someone below the hill. The guards grip on his arms slackened slightly, enough for him to break free. He quickly brought his elbow into the left hand guard's stomach, knocking the wind out of him. He quickly grabbed his AK-47 and fired a burst point blank into the right guard, covering himself in blood and gore. He then turned and brought the butt of the rifle down into the other guard's temple, causing him to fall to the ground dead. Finally he turned back to the Hind to see the officer frantically trying to close the bay door. Caleb held down on the trigger, not bothering to aim or conserve ammo. His bullets ripped the man apart and his body fell backwards into the troop compartment.
The Hind lifted off, Caleb went to fire at it but his rifle clicked dry. A split second later however the Hind exploded in a bright flash. Burning debris came raining down around him. He whirled around to see a Crusader tank push into the base. Followed by others as they rolled past the burning remains of the Nod defence. He began laughing at the sight, unable to control himself.
Nod soldiers continued to put up a desperate defence but it was clear that it would not hold. Humvees chewed them apart as GDI infantry began clearing through the buildings. Meanwhile the tanks reduced what few defensive structures that were left into rubble. Finally an APC rolled up to him, it's back ramp lowering. Two figures got out and ran straight towards him, flight suits stained with blood and sweat. Gerhan practically tackled him to the ground as she embraced him.
"Caleb! Oh my God, you look like shit. Are you okay?" She asked like a concerned mother.
"Yeah I'm fine." Caleb looked up to see a gruff looking Sergeant walk over to them.
"I suggest you save the reunion until we get back to base." He said this as he motioned to the APC.
Caleb and the others quickly got inside. As the door closed and the APC began moving, Caleb closed his eyes and smiled, happy to just be alive.
… … …
It was early the next day, the sun had just begun its ascent into the sky. Mark Lancaster was already in the command room, studying the map of the city. Even though the base had been destroyed and the Nod forces driven out, there were still pockets of resistance. And given that he was reluctant to use anymore air units, it became a slow process of patrolling the city for any stragglers. He took a sip of his coffee as he regarded the tedious work ahead. But he couldn't help but think about the missions failure. Sure they had taken a Nod stronghold and rescued the pilots, but a wanted war criminal got away.
He placed his cup down and switched the computer to display the dossier of General Rhodall Juhziz. Commander of Nod forces in Africa, along side the late General Gabriel Artellos. He had managed to escape GDI forces after the war ended, and later emerged as one of countless Nod warlords who had carved up Africa. He was also the one responsible for the nuclear attack in China. Now more then a decade later the man was here, in the Middle East, and had been meeting with his lieutenants. They almost had him but…
Sergio Andreas walked into the command room. Uniform crisp and pressed and walked as if he was on parade. He smiled broadly at Mark and gave a salute to which Mark replied with his own. But he could see the tired look in Sergio's eyes, the weight of command was a heavy one for him.
"Good morning sir. You're up early." He remarked cheerfully.
"No rest for the wicked." Mark replied in the same tone.
Sergio went to reply but his focus shifted to the screen behind Mark, and his mood darkened.
"We almost had that bastard. He was right there and he slipped away." Sergio clenched his fists in anger, Mark just sighed and shook his head.
"Don't worry about it so much. Yes he got away, but we'll find him."
"But if we had captured him then we would be one step closer to destroying the Brotherhood." Mark felt a pang of annoyance at the young man's naïvety.
"Sergio, the Brotherhood is not going anywhere any time soon. I'm sorry but the reality is the Brotherhood of Nod is gaining support, not losing it. Even when we find Juhziz, there will just be another to take his place. So long as there is Tiberium on earth, Nod will be a constant threat."
Rage flashed into Sergio's eyes.
"Then we will never stop fighting! Not until those bastards pay for everything! Not until they suffer for Italy!"
Sergio visibly tried to calm himself after his outburst. Mark was thankful that they were the only two in the command room at the moment.
"It isn't just Italy. The whole world is suffering." Mark said calmly.
"I know sir. Forgive me for speaking out of term."
"All is forgiven." Mark was about to say something else when EVA interrupted him.
"Incoming transmission from General Granger."
The two men walked over to the communications terminal and waited. Seconds later the General's face appeared and Mark could tell that he did not have good news.
"Commander Lancaster, I've read over the report. Damn shame about the HVT, but we have bigger priorities right now. I'm calling you boys back home."
Mark was genuinely shocked. He didn't expect to be rotated back Stateside so early, there were still Nod holdouts throughout the Middle East. There was something in the General's expression that told him there was something else bothering him.
"Understood sir. We'll pack up and be home before dinner. Is there something going on sir?"
Granger scratched the back of his head and hesitated a moment before he answered.
"There's trouble on the homefront."