Chapter 1: Unleashed
'A weapon is a device for making your enemy change his mind.'
You know how this goes.
Take what's given to you and cause a ruckus. Go on ahead, I'm eager to see just what you can think up.
Ciao!
….
You shittin' me!
What kind of memo was that?!
You dropped me off in bum knows where when I haven't even processed my own death, just so that you could watch what I do with a giant four-legged robo builder for shits and giggles.
WHY?!
Oh God in Heaven, I feel like I could cry my eyeballs out. Screw it, I'm gonna cry now.
"Is everything all right, Master?"
"…. No, everything is not alright, Rain," I replied between sobs.
"If it means anything, the MCV we're deployed with is not without its resources," said the woman beside me. "We need only to find the closest Tiberium field if we wish to expand our strike capabilities."
"Very encouraging words, lady, but you seem to be lacking an important fact," I raised my head out of my palms to look at the black table in front of me once more. "We seem to be very lacking in the shiny greens within our immediate area, or any information on the vital resource for that matter."
A hand stretched out from the corner of my vision. It was a pale, almost dainty looking thing if I may say, and it was indicating to a black box that was on the table. The memo from before had been placed on top of the thing.
"Perhaps that would be of help," they said.
I reached out and grabbed the box, bringing it close for appraisal. I could immediately tell it was a hard disk of some sort, and I figured it wouldn't take me longer than a nanosecond to figure how to connect it to the- correction, my table with its in-built desktop.
….. That really should've sounded cooler.
I sighed. No matter. I had more worries for now.
I turned to look at my 'companion'. That word was supposed to be meaningful in more ways than one for my current circumstances. For lonely young folks, she was effectively the perfect partner you could ask for. Clearly smart, graceful, had herculean strength and was an absolute beauty with her long waist length hair and hour-glass figure. I'm not ashamed at all of my luck and neither for the fact she was only slightly taller than me.
Rain. I knew where her name came from. I loved her design and, well, the way she was introduced in her story. I just never imagined her copy would stand here in front of me. Although, I wouldn't be surprised if her looks were the only thing that was inherited.
Now, if only that was the only part of this twisted dreamscape made true. Alas, my companion's uniform said otherwise. Black with red outline, and a familiar scorpion insignia on the collars and the front of her beret. There was a distinct lack of rank on her uniform, but to be fair, the original source material for the faction also didn't delve as much into the organisation, or maybe I'm forgetting things.
I licked my lips before standing up. Rain moved two small steps back to make way. I straightened the grey shirt and dusted my black slacks. Rubbing my eyes one last time, I turned to regard the rest of the room; it was a commander's personal quarters aboard the vehicle.
Same as Rain's uniform, the room I was in could be best described as plain diabolical. A villain's lair in all but name. Yet, there remained traces of accessibility within the interior design. My mind could already see the numerous possible access ports hidden in the dark.
Glancing at Rain, I beckoned her to follow. She easily kept in stride with me as we exited the room, and into the hallways that linked the massive structure we were in.
"Do you know what we need to do now Rain?" I asked, not breaking stride.
"We need to build our forces and secure the area around us," she replied.
"Good answer, but not accurate to what I have in mind."
"Oh, and what is it that you have in mind, Master?"
"We'll build a force to safeguard us," I began explaining as we turned a corner.
"We need Tiberium more importantly. Without it, we're no different than savages with guns and some fancy tanks. If you're right, then the data in the hard disk will light our way."
"Wouldn't it have been better to plug it into the desktop back in your office?"
I shook my head. "Safety first. I'm not comfortable spending the next few hours sitting in front of my screen without guarantee for my privacy. Army first, life goals second."
There was an elevator at the far end that led to the control room. I knew this already because I'd awoken up there, with Rain already next to me. I should really ask her to find a seat if she ever felt tired from standing while I lumbered about trying to figure out my circumstances.
The elevator reached the top with a ding. We entered a dark space basked in the illumination of red fluorescent lights above us.
Who was the first to dictate that the evil faction had a red fetish, I wonder.
The space consisted of consoles in a long line in front of us, and two identical tables to our flanks. Monitors lined the walls, some above and others chest high, but like everything else, they were dormant until their master awakened them.
That being, the guy standing in the centre of the room with no clue how to operate said tech. Granted, he wasn't an illiterate, but he sure as heck wasn't a regular user.
I turned to look at Rain who was quick to point at the left side of the room. Immediately, I took to sitting at one of the four chairs -two on each half of the room- and began appraising for the power button or its equivalent.
"You need to use the key card in your breast pocket. Also, Nod third generation MCV's come with specialised activation procedures. It's a security feature unique to the brotherhood," Rain spoke. She'd taken the time to sit in the seat adjacent to me on my right and was obviously having a much easier time with the controls.
Tapping the aforementioned pocket, I felt the shape of an object within it that I was certain wasn't there before. Eyeing my companion didn't do much to answer why I never noticed it before, hence I focused on resuming the activation process. Inserting the key vertically into its slot to my right, I observed as numerous instruments and displays flared to life. The set up reminded me of a mix between a truck's dashboard and an airliner's cockpit. Much of the text was readable, but without context they meant little to me.
Giving each of my hands a good twirl, I proceeded to stretch my fingers and got to work with the activation. Call me sceptical, but I was fairly sure that activating this massive steel beast shouldn't be as simple as installing Windows. Ah, well, better for me then.
"Master, I'm bringing EVA online."
"Great, thanks Rain."
A monitor to my left flickered before being replaced by a startup sequence.
Electronic Video Agent (EVA) Activated
Uplink with Central EVA Server: Lost
Attempting to Reconnect: Failed
Attempting local data recovery: Success
Performing Startup
Initiating bootstrap
…. You're kidding me.
Alert: Software optimisation module detected. Do you wish to run this extension?
Yes. No doubts.
Running module. Standby.
Execution complete.
Bootstrap complete.
"Welcome to the Electronic Video Agent" a synthetic voice, with a recognisable feminine tone graced my ears.
"Adjusting Sound Output," the voice announced. A momentary scratching filled my ears as the virtual intelligence adapted itself better to suit its carbon masters.
"Sound Output optimised," there was a pleasant chime in the air.
"For last minute changes and notes, please examine the readme file," it declared.
'Noted', I thought.
A giddy feeling filled me. Tried as I might- even if I wasn't there when the game first launched- the aura of history that came from hearing the indescribable chatter that followed after the last announcement was enough to make the hairs on my body stand. I watched with no small amount of glee as the images and transparent models of hundreds of designs and plans faded in and out of the screen, only to reach a crescendo and sudden dip into silence.
"Welcome back Commander."
"Building constructed."
The earth outside the ConYard exploded, jettisoning sand and stone outwards. The creaking of metal complimented the groans of machinery moving into place. Metal panels locked together with sparks and clangs. A gaping mouth formed on one end, and a dull, uneven pearl rose above to some six maybe seven meters in the air, held in place by a clawed limb.
I stood a distance away, hand raised to block out the miniature dust storm left. As the clouds cleared, I looked in awe of the small building created. Despite it being nowhere close to its video game counterpart, I was told that it would hold itself well for its- my purposes.
A Hand of Nod. The icon of retaliation against oppressors.
I walked up to the building, admiring its existence all the way. Indeed, it was without a doubt a mockery of the real one, but alas we lacked the data, necessity and, in my opinion, the actual income needed to produce a proper building.
Just let it serve its purpose, it's all we need of it for now, I reminded myself.
Speaking of which, I moved in to examine the inside and what I found was fascinating. In place of what should an empty space in which models would spawn from, there was now an entire cloning facility. Already, some of the tubes were being filled with liquid for the purpose of creating the first soldiers; my soldiers I reminded myself.
A hand swept along the surface of one of the glass tubes. The tank was already three-fourths filled, and peering at the glass, I observed my reflection within.
It would've been hard to miss the fact I was born in a temperate climate considering my darker olive skin. My short hair looked the same for the most part, and my facial hair it seemed was still in the process of growing from my last shave. Intriguingly, I somehow lacked the clear signs of neglected skin care from before.
So, this would be the face that was supposed to take the world by storm, yes? To be honest, knowing the kind of power I could wield given time and proper planning was frightening. Yet did I really have a choice on the matter?
My hand clenched thinking of what had transpired before I woke up in the control room.
I was robbed of death. I was supposed to pass on peacefully, not be a centre stage character in a twisted play. It was wrong! ALL OF IT!
Damn that thing that brought me here. I want nothing to do with its ploys!
Oh, yes suicide could be an option, but that would be blasphemous even for me. Hence, that only left with one option.
To play the game, and watch this world suffer for a watcher's entertainment.
"…. Master!"
A voice snapped at me, and in return I was snapped from my thoughts. I choked on my own breath which elicited a violent cough. Somehow, I managed to regain enough control to touch the communication device in my left ear.
"I'm here," I heaved. "I'm here."
"Are you alright? Is something wrong down there?"
"N-No," I stammered. "It's fine. You just caught me off-guard. It looks like the construction worked. The interior was just as you told me, and even now the cloning tubes are almost prepped for use."
"I see," she let out a sigh of relief.
"Oh, I'm not as frail as you may think I am, lady," I smirked. "However, I'd welcome a woman to carry me if they feel like it soothes them."
"If Master is tired, I'd be happy to help bring you to your quarters," came the honest reply. Ah, the intricacies of a blunt instrument without any of the appeal, or something along those lines. I'll have to work out our working relationship quick, but considering my circumstances, perhaps it may be better to blend both life and work into one.
An alarm sounded above me. It played its brief, awful song of attention. I turned and noted that the console at the centre of the facility was prompting for user interference.
Immediately, I stepped up onto the platform and took the time to admire the numerous artificial wombs attached to the walls of the building. A form of padding was prepared below in front of each pod to guarantee no injury before the start of duty. Currently, each pod was already filled with the green liquid and were connected via tube to a larger container in the ceiling above me which I guessed was the materials to be used to grow the soldiers. It was all impressive, and I filed the intricacies for exploration at a later date.
Now, I had men to produce.
It went without saying that I was running on cost effective measures, but one can only go so far before the only thing left to cut was their own hands. Therefore, I opted for deploying the cheapest troops at Nod's disposal.
Militants, or some say Militia. Desperate and fuelled by resentment for the authorities. These men were but disposable ants for grander schemes. Alas, they would have to do for now. Before that, however.
"EVA," I called out. A synthetic beep was heard in response.
"Yes, commander," it replied.
"How much in the way of income do we have at our disposal?"
"Currently, we have approximately 149,750 units worth of currency. Recommend building a refinery to ensure continuous disposable income."
"All in good time," I muttered. My mind already drifting to the options presented on the console in front of me.
Do note, the black box still sat comfortably in my pocket, in accordance to my set priorities at present. Hence, I was admittedly running blind and absorbing new knowledge as I went along. Admittedly, a part of me felt that I should've asked Rain for advice on this matter, but that felt rather lacklustre on my part and I myself was no fool when it came to reading and comprehension.
So, imagine my less than pleasant surprise to find that the interface for the console was similar in layout and accessibility as that of the control room in the ConYard. Namely, it was almost too easy to use and something I found worrying in the long run.
Back to my task, I found out that the homunculi were separated based on quality and roles which shouldn't be surprising. Some models were priced together in whole groups like the Militia, while others such as Commandos and Officers were priced individually. The way it worked made sense, but there was certain to be more that I'd have to uncover eventually.
For now, I settled on five squads, and rounded out the number to ten each. I also found out that the equipment loadout could be edited as well as the physical appearance of the men being created. The settings presented was surprisingly detailed, and I quickly chose to ignore it for fear of wasting my time.
I did, however, change the main armament of the men. Apparently, you could cut the cost of a Militant by half if you removed his GD-2 rifle. Yes, it was plainly stupid of me, but I wasn't in need of these men winning fights. I merely needed them to hold off possible pursuers and provide a sense of security until we could establish a proper base. They'll be armed with simple autorifles and frag grenades for now.
With my selection done, I confirmed my requisition and watched as the building seemingly came to life. The tubes linking the vessel above to the pods began to pump new matter into the latter; a new shade of green along with what I could see to be a lump of meat. It was fascinating to say the least.
A new set of digits appeared on the console. This being a timer set to two and a half hours. It was indeed impressive to say the least that these men would be effectively 'born' and 'grown up' within such a small timeframe.
Nodding to myself in appreciation of a job well done, I made my way out seeing as I had no need to waste time awaiting my men. Walking back out the way I came, it was only then I noticed the two passageways that led to two rooms on opposite ends some five meters from the entrance of the structure. I only noticed them now due to the sound of machinery emanating from within each room.
That took care of the weapons manufacturing at least.
Stepping out into the afternoon light, I was immediately reminded that this wasn't just any normal start. The fact was, the ConYard was dropped smack down in the middle of the desert, and my eyes were treated to the harsh, unforgiving glare from the Sun for what had to be the second time today.
Rather than head back to the ConYard immediately, I decided to walk around to the back of the Hand and take in the view of our immediate surroundings. I wasn't sure what exactly I'd hoped to accomplish, but I figure some fresh, dry air would be good before
The sun glared at me from above. All around me was the blasted arid deserted. I can feel the heat cooking me in my attire, and wanting nothing more than to seek shelter or worse shed my clothing. Inhaling, I took a time within time to contemplate on an important question.
Just what am I now?
The sweat that dripped from my temple did not graced me with an answer. Neither did the boiling heat. As I casted my gaze dully over the horizon, I tried to make out the thin line that marked the curve of the land. Sadly, it was a fruitless task for now.
For now.
Breathing deeply, I turned on my heel and marched back to the ConYard. My eyes went upwards, admiring the giant maw that stretched at least forty, maybe fifty meters above me. Indeed, I could why this could be referred to a city builder.
As I stepped into the beast's dark maw, I could make out the gantry and platforms that would be used for building the base. The signature crane was retracted up into the ceiling. Special scaffolding was pulled back into the walls and corners where their outlines wouldn't disturb the view from the control room.
Speaking of which, I noticed the distinct lack of a silhouette from the console above.
A dull clap was hear, and I found myself blinded by numerous floodlights. I cursed as I squinted whilst raising a hand to further block out the blinding light. Just what in blazes is happening now, I wondered.
"Master," a familiar feminine tone called to me.
"Rain," I greeted back. "Care to explain for the sudden assault?"
The illumination seemed to dim enough for me to make out her silhouette.
"My apologies," she said. "I was in the process of testing the ConYards supplementary features. I must say that this particular model is far more enhanced when compared to the baseline model."
"I don't see how having an onboard burglar alarm is anything special."
"Of course not, but the bay lighting wasn't what I was referring to," she then approached me, and now that my eyes had better adjusted, I could make out her figure more clearly.
I was, for all intents and purposes, enraptured. Underneath the lights, I could easily make out every feature she had from her waist length blonde hair to the hourglass figure that was barely visible under the uniform. Granted, she was in Nod regalia, but that little to differentiate her from the original. The clicks from her boots were grace incarnate to my ears.
She really was Rain in name and appearance.
I really had to work out my new life paradigms fast.
As my self-proclaimed assistant approached, she extended her hand towards me. More importantly, the device held in her grasp. Its shape looked really familiar to me.
"A Pipboy?" I queried.
"If that is another way of calling a Wrist Mounted Tool, then yes." She clarified.
I took the device, and got to work putting it on my left wrist. Upon closer inspection beforehand, I noticed that it was certainly larger, with it easily covering two thirds of my forearm. I had to wince when the device tightened around my limb, and I expected there to be stabbing pains of some short. No sooner did the device finished adjusting that it came to life of its own volition. Briefly displaying the Nod logo before going through a regular startup.
The similarities to a Pipboy became more apparent when I swept my hand across the surface and felt the knobs along with a few buttons I'd have to figure out on my own. Giving my arm one or two swings, I tested the overall weight and how secure the device's grip was. I was impressed for the most part.
"This tool is standard issue to all upper echelon Nod forces," Rain explained. "It'll be needed for management outside the control rooms and confines of conventional command and control centres. EVA should be automatically linked to each unit."
As if on cue, the tools onboard audio speakers came to life.
"EVA link secured," the intelligence announced. "Identity confirmed, base is awaiting your orders commander."
I nodded, and with a second of fiddling found the panel button to respond back.
"EVA, work on bringing the ConYard's scanners to max capacity. I also want you to route any excess power we have to the Hand if it speed our production. Inform me when the men are ready and have them wait for me in the ConYard bay."
"Affirmative commander," it replied. "Error, power routing will not increase infantry unit production speed. The process is already running at minimum, and any further decrease would affect the unit's performance."
"Noted, then belay that order and carry out the rest," I cut the link after. With that out of the way, I walked to the main bay doors that would lead deeper into the structure. Rain once again keeping step beside me. Both of us headed deeper into the structure until we reached an elevator take us to the upper levels.
As we stepped in, I took the opportunity to notify her about my plans, pressing the button for the lift as I did so.
"I'll be in my quarters getting myself up to speed on operations. I need you to keep watch over the base. Inform me if there is anything of note."
"Certainly, Master."
With a ding, the doors opened to the side to allow me passage through. I'd barely taken two steps before turning to face the woman still inside.
"…. Did I ever give you, my name?" I queried.
"No, Master," came her calm reply. "But you need not worry. I already that your name is Jared, and that you are to be referred by your birth name unless specified otherwise."
I nodded, sucking my lower lips as I understood just who had probably informed her of that particular quirk of mine. Inhaling deeply, I turned to look back down the hall, my hands balling tightly at my sides.
"Good," I sighed. "Dismissed."
The elevator doors closed behind me as I turned a familiar corner to where I knew the commander's quarters to me. Supposedly, this was where all those commander avatars were supposed to be in-between mission deployments. The room was certainly spacious given the fact that it had to be fitted in the cramp confines of a massive mobile building constructor. Thankfully, the activation process had removed some of the crimson gloom and replaced it with more suitable orange lights that was better for the comfort of the eyes.
From the entrance, I could now make out the bed on me left, and an empty shelf to my right. What made the latter unique was that it was the only shelf that appeared to be genuinely vacant of any paraphernalia when compared to the shelves behind the desk at the centre of the room.
Turning my head fully to both my left and right, I noted the right corner had a small space with a dedicated coffee desk and couches; a meeting place with outsiders perhaps. The left corner was peculiar in that it appeared to be a massive transparent chamber; small wisps of air hung in what appeared to be suspended animation below the ceiling light within the container.
All of these items only served to reinforce the fact that I was in over my head. To where did my previous anger-fuelled motivation go I wonder? What happened to that talk of making the world pay for another's delight? Was it just the heat and nervousness messing with me?
These questions only served to deepen my frustration, and that wasn't even taking into account whatever bloated infodump awaited me within the black box.
No better than now to start, I guess. I didn't hesitate making my way around the table and sitting down in the chair provided. It wasn't lost on me how it resembled a cross between a gaming chair, and a typical sci-fi throne. Nonetheless, it proved to be a very comfy thing.
Next, came the fumbling as I looked for a power button and access port. The latter proved easier to find and proved my hunch right that there were numerous easy to access panels and switches within the room that did little to compromise the clean aesthetic overall. It was the power button that gave me more trouble, until I realised just how moronic I was when sat straight in the chair and noted the flashing light on what otherwise would've been a dark, blank screen.
Real classy of me.
With a single tap, much of the table came to life, with a desktop screen vaguely reminiscent of the Windows series. I noticed this was becoming a pattern by this point and one I certainly had to deal with it soon if I want to avoid this becoming a problem in the future.
From there, it was silence and the gradual passing of time as I got to work researching the intricacies of my own faction. It proved… interesting to say the least.
Manpower was not an issue at all. All homunculi come fully developed and have a startlingly degree of flexibility in thinking. There was some disparity over certain breeds (models if you will) such as those meant to hold positions of authority on both field and office level. A geass of sorts also exist from what I understand that served as a contingency amongst them in case of capture. This same geass also prevented open rebellion or distrust, which I find to be disturbing.
Homunculi production costs vary depending on the previously mentioned roles and quality. The militias I'd ordered were effectively the lowest of the low, having been based on Yellow Zone dwellers who grew radicalised by Nod's provocation and propaganda. Their only form of training mostly stems from their already harsh living and a common apathy to the presence of firearms. Otherwise, they really weren't much of a real fighting force.
This was where things get interesting. You see, the 'tech tree' of Nod is not in sequence to the video game releases. Rather, it was based on the Brotherhood's strength at any given time. It was a good explanation as any as to why we had access to TibWar 3 militants alongside TibWar 1 vehicles, but the proper crews for the latter were considered an upper tier that would be costly to produce as of now.
I had taken the time to draw up a basic mapping of the progression we'd be expected to go through. Three subcategories divided the overall map into Dawn, Wake and Star.
As of now, Nod is at Pre-Dawn level tech. Our advancement would hinge on finding a Tiberium deposit, and I doubt that the thing that sent me here would be foolish enough to deprive us of the essential mineral lest it wants its show to end on a premature note.
The second hour of my self-imposed isolation would finish rather fast. Much of my time had been spent organising the roadmap for future plans. Thankfully, I learned that any data on my desk could be accessed through the Wrist Tool with ease. That only leaves me to discuss with Rain on the matter and ask her advice on how to proceed onward.
Hm, the more I think about it, the more I wander just what is Rain's true purpose. She introduced herself when I woke up to be my aide, but that could also as much be a coverup to avoid the fact she's my handler. A pinch in my heart accompanied the thought that all she needed to do was assuage my fears and nudge my thoughts the right way to ensure that I stick to whatever goal it had in plan.
I really didn't like that train of thought. However, I was stopped from further entertaining it when three beeps sounded from the WMT.
"Commander, unit production is finished," EVA reported. "Your forces are awaiting you in the fabrication bay."
"I'll be down shortly," came my curt reply.
I walked briskly to the elevator. To no surprise, I found Rain already within the lift at parade rest waiting for me. I greeted her with a nod and she returned it with her own as we made our way down to meet the first batch of my would hopefully be my soon-to-be army.
I did not miss the subtle jolt that went through my system at the mere thought of having followers.
Upon entering the massive space that was the bay, I noted how the floodlights from before were still on. The pale light was bordered by a thick black line that served to partition it from the early evening rays outside.
It was underneath this artificial light that I saw them. Unlike their uniform counterparts in-game, these men came with all sort of clothing ranging from hoodies and parkas to makeshift ponchos and cloaks, with the occasional oddly fashioned military gear. The Scorpion Tail was haphazardly placed anywhere on their clothes.
These details didn't bother me. What did was the severe lack of consideration with how they handled their weaponry, with some having their barrels pointed directly at their faces. Others were clearly clueless on what not to do to ruin a weapon, and I started to feel reasonably concern over the fact that I had given them explosives as part of their gear.
Maybe it wasn't a good idea to cut cost afterall.
"Master, is there something wrong?"
I looked at Rain who maintained her usual serious, but calm complexion. A look into her blue eyes told me there was some curiosity as to why I'd stopped mid-walk, and- before I'd process it completely- simply smiled and told her…
"Planning how to put on a show of course!"
The smile faded from my face as I turned to look back at the men. Raucous laughter erupted from the armed rabble over some sort of game they were having. Immediately, I picked up the pace as I saw that two of them were on the verge of a fight.
One of the men who'd been standing on the side lines and shaking his head at the growing chaos was the first to notice my and my aide's approach. I caught the surprised look on his face before it snapped into a solid wall of stoicism.
"Fighters stand to!" he bellowed. The men barely had the time to process before some of them turned to look my way, prompting them to warn their comrades who then scrambled to try and form something representing a proper unit formation. Through many curses and the sounds of guns clattering on the steel floor, they were able to form a decent semicircle, with their guns either held at their sides or at the very least away from me.
Carefully, my eyes regarded every last one of them. I could make out plenty of youths, despite the rugged looks. Interestingly, some appeared older than the rest and made more distinctive by how they stood straight at parade rest. One of them was also the man from earlier who was the first to notice me.
"You!" I pointed. "Tell me about yourself."
The man seemingly stood straighter if that was even possible before answering. "Sir! I'm number oh-four. Template based on insurgents from Yellow-03, Croatia. I'm leader of Militant Squad Four!"
Interesting.
I turned another man. This one younger than the first and could clearly see how much he kept swallowing.
"You!" I pointed.
"Number thirty-seven… Sir!" he yelled; voice full of anxiety. "I-I from a place c-called Batumi, Georgia. Squad Three, and ready and reporting for duty sir!"
I nodded upon listening to the man's spiel. My understanding of these men before me grew and become more and more interconnected with I'd read in the files. While I could just simply dismiss and give them some basic orders right away, it occurred to me that there's an opportunity awaiting me here.
Practice makes perfect after all.
I raised my hands.
"Welcome!" I said, voice raised. "Welcome one and all. To all of you, my brethren. Those before me who are born from the wombs of Nod. Those before me raised by its Hand. Those of you, who are BLESSED TO BE THE FIRSTBORN! IN! THESE! LANDS!"
My wide eyes matched with as many of them as I could. Their reactions were mixed, but there was more than just uncertainty in their eyes now. There was a spark, a glimmer, and something else I wasn't sure of myself.
"I understand if some of you may have your doubts about me," I lowered my tone, hand resting on my chest. "And you would be right to doubt. Some of you may have hoped to work with a real figure in our Brotherhood. Why, some would ask to work with the great messiah, KANE HIMSELF!"
That… got their attention. It was a bold move to try and push the central figure of the culture they were expected to emutate right in their faces, but it was just as important for me and maybe them to get this over with before things got hectic and stressing.
"Alas, I am not Kane," I added with a subtle shake of my head. "And neither are you Nod as it should be. BUT! There is something that you are, and do you know what that is?"
I observed as the men looked at each other and then me expectantly. Raising a finger, I willed as much emphasis in my next words as my very being allowed.
"Mine," I dragged out the word. "That is what you are. You all are my kin, my brothers. MY NOD! Together, we shall see the world shudder at the very mention of our name. Together, we will forge names for ourselves and all of those who may come after us!"
I pointed to the one called Four.
"You will be called Sergei!"
I pointed at the one who called himself Thirty-seven.
"And you will be called Iosef!"
I then swept my hand in the general direction of all of them.
"All of you shall be given names!" I shouted in glee. "Not just a number, but a name to define you. For names define PURPOSE!"
"ONE VISION!" someone yelled out.
"ONE PURPOSE!" someone continued.
"PEACE! THROUGH!" I yelled.
"POWER!" the crowd roared.
It dissolved into total mayhem then. My men had lost all pretence of discipline and had simply dissolved into a troop of primates waving guns and fists. All the while shouting the mantra that defined the very order to which they served. Yet, to even my own amazement there was no trace of faux joy in their faces. The exact opposite, they were actually motivated by my speech.
Homy shit, did I do that?
Sadly, I guess it was just me burning out my luck for the day. Of course, one of these idiots didn't have their gun on safety. So, all it took was a jump to be taken in way too much hype for the trigger finger to do its job and discharge a round out of the chamber.
BANG
Heads ducked as they heard the bullet bounced across the ceiling. Twice. Thrice. And finally, a fourth time. I heard the sound of glass breaking, and sparks. Lots of sparks.
"Master!" Rain yelled behind me. Just before I was pulled back and felt a hand on my chest.
A click was heard, and I regained my bearings just in time to see Rain brandishing a handgun that similar to a Glock at the men. Many of which now looked to be cowering in fear of what one of them had done.
I licked my lips at the scene before me. It had been going so surprisingly well up until this point. Ah, might as well defuse the situation.
Reaching to the gloved hand on my chest, I gave it a soft squeeze. Rain tilted her head ever so slightly in acknowledgement, which prompted me take small steps forward. I placed a hand on her shoulder when I was close enough, and this time she turned towards me in what was clearly concern and also annoyance.
Why are you so charming!?
I turned to look at the men, giving them a smile to hopefully belay their first. It didn't work, but there was no need to make the situation more stressing than it already was.
"Now, who's gun was it that misfired?" I asked politely.
The situation in the bay gradually solved itself.
After the guilty profusely apologised, I decided that it would be in our best interest to not waste anymore time and get the show rolling. At my command, the Hand of Nod mockery was scrapped and we were able to recover the funds used to build it wholly. The men would for now be stationed within the ConYard proper. I dismissed myself then after whilst leaving Rain to give the men a proper 'lecture' on gun safety.
Hence, I'm now seated once more in what I now was beginning to understand was the pilot seat of the MCV. The blast shielding for the control room had been lifted with the structure's activation, much to my relief. Much of the lighting had also been turned on in due process, so now we had proper white lights to accompany the red that was still occasionally visible here and there.
The muffled click and ding signalled the arrival of the lift. The distinctive clicks were all that I needed to know just who had entered, along with a good guess just who would be in tow.
"I still don't think this is wise, Master." My aide asked.
"Which part? Moving the MCV, or not letting you execute my man."
"Both," she stressed.
"Come now, an accident is an accident." I tried assuring her, before addressing the other occupant. "Isn't that right Hassan?"
"Yes sir," the militiaman meekly replied.
"See," I smiled at Rain, who in turn gave me a deadpan look before turning to her station.
"EVA, begin MCV 'pack up' protocol," she addressed the virtual intelligence.
"Confirmed, MCV beginning reconfiguration," came the synthetic response.
The floor beneath us rumbled rather violently. All around us, I watched as the control room underwent slight changes in the form of panels and monitors fading in and out of the walls. In some places, entire consoles and terminals disappeared, whilst new ones reappeared in other places.
That paled when compared to what was happening to the outside in the main bay, however. From where we were inside the control room, I could see the ceiling, walls and floor move and weave as plates rearranged themselves to fit a newer purpose. Hazard lights flashed alongside alarms as the men stationed down below scrambled to reach the special seating located on the sides of the facility for this specific event.
I was jerked back into my seat rather suddenly as console setup before me reconfigured. A yoke appeared before me along with a set of levers and sticks, confirming part of my earlier suspicions. Another surprise to be had was when the entirety of the room was suddenly pushed forward and rotated to the 'front' of the forming vehicle. Not that I would've really noticed considering the feeling of vertigo that assailed.
"Oh," Hassan moaned behind me.
"K-keep you safety in check," I tried to jest.
Eventually, the rumbling died down, and its place we were greeted with a vast arid landscape. The same one which I'd viewed with my own eyes not too long ago. It felt mildly demoralising that nothing seemed to change despite the obvious increase in height.
"MCV is packed. Prepared to move by your will Master," Rain reported and I nodded in confirmation.
"EVA," I called out. "Please tell me there's an autopilot feature in this thing."
"Nod Third Generation MCV's are not equipped with advanced automation features," replied the VI. "However, advance stabilisers by default and should prevent a majority of unwanted accidents whilst operating the vehicle."
"I could take over piloting if your uncomfortable, Master."
I pondered for a moment, but soon decided against it.
"Thank you for the offer Rain," I shook my head. "But I think it would be better of me to handle the drive for now. Call it a personal test of sorts."
"As you wish."
A brief uncertainty wormed its way into my chest, but I managed to muster the strength to grip the controls and slowly manipulate them. Of course, I wasn't an idiot and I had EVA give me a quick rundown on how the setup worked and much to my non-existent surprise, the entire thing was relatively made for ease of use, and I was yet again left with a reminder to solve this particular problem in case of unwanted hiccups down the road.
After some careful steps, the massive quadruped began its crawl across the barren lands. Despite my previous insistence to not waste time, I took the better part of fifteen minutes to familiarise myself with the motion and operation of the massive machine by performing basic circles and rotations. By this point, the Sun was already low on the horizon and a part of me chastised the time lost.
Bringing up my WMT, I inputted a few new commands. Specifically, I brought out a data file I'd noticed earlier whilst studying the hard drives contents that I'd a hunch as to what it was meant for.
"EVA, I'm uploading a data file to the navigation. Can you set it as our main destination?"
"Confirmed, analysing," it said. "Data processed. Recalibrating navigation."
The dashboard in front of me opened up three new windows. A simple arrow, a basic map of the terrain and what presumed was 3d imagery of our immediate surroundings along with relevant data such as speed and weather forecast. Once again, I held a reasonable degree of fascination at what I was seeing.
Alas, these were thoughts to be entertained late. Gripping the yokes more tightly, I leaned forward and willed the vehicle to move in the direction indicated in the navigator. A pull at the corner of my lips expressed my sheer glee.
For all the troubles this life would bring, I'll learn to take it in strides. For so long as I knew my lore, and the power I could wield given time, then there was almost nothing that could stand in my way. Granted, we were still aways a way, but the dice has already been cast.
All that's left is to act on instinct.
A/N: I bear no shame in writing out this piece. However, I'll follow in my senior writers steps and say that new updates will come when they come. If you have to blame, then let it be on my initiation into the Brotherhood through finally finishing Kane's Wrath.
Earnestly, we need more Nod isekai stories. Like, who doesn't want to see a world overrun with Tiberium? Don't you know how wonderful it is to have near infinite resources and manpower at your disposal?