Within the scorching hot deserts and tropical jungles of Sargon, amongst the Sarkaz desert clans and Archosaurian tribes, an army rose into power within the many conflicts and power struggles within. An army who strives to fight for lesser nations, fight against the imperialists and colonialists, oppose the tyranny of national superpowers and fight for the people's freedom, whether they are infected or not. Many clans fell and assimilated into their ranks as they gained more power as more conflicts arose. Soon, all of Sargon was under their rule and made an example of those who resist. Under its new regime, Sargon was renamed into Uzbekistan and they will liberate the world from the tyranny of the Bear, the Dragon, the Snake and the Lion. Soon, the world shall know the terror of the Global Liberation Army.
Months later
W, a Sarkaz Mercenary, never would have thought an opportunity would come to her. Having fought in Kazdel's lengthy civil war, the war had hardened her mind through many battles and never had thought an army would conquer Sargon in her lifetime. The Kazdel Civil war came to an end when the Global Liberation Army stormed into the nation and wiped out the warring factions, annexing the country to its own; renaming it as Kazakhstan. The remaining mercenaries who fought in the war were absorbed into the GLA, including her own Mercenary band. Her mercenary band was absorbed into the GLA's Scorpion cell under the leadership of General Rodall "Demo" Juhziz, a demolitions and explosives expert.
She had the opportunity to converse with Juhziz about the GLA and their history. W learned the GLA was highly decentralized with many groups operating on their own, composed of terrorists, insurgents, self-styled freedom fighters, criminals, and people who supported their cause. She was surprised to learn how fanatic they can be about their goal and go as far as strapping bombs to themselves and charge headfirst into battle disregarding their life.
Despite their decentralized structure, the GLA are led by a Supreme Commander only known as the "Legendary Insurgent". No one knew who they were but they were instrumental in winning numerous conflicts and rose through the ranks until they reached the upper echelon of the organization, attaining the rank of Supreme Commander. Under their leadership, the GLA and its cells were a cohesive military force that conquered Sargon and established Uzbekistan as a nation under the GLA's control. With the GLA seen as a violent non-state actor, their expansion will soon oppose its neighboring nations.
Another thing W learn was their weapons. From guns to explosives, all are manufactured by the GLA or bought from the Black Market and none of them use Originum as a catalyst. There are also no Arts Casters within the GLA, seeing them as witches and volatile by many due to their superstitions. Instead of Originium, they use what they call "Gunpowder", a smokeless powder that ignites with a single spark. When she used one of their guns, the unexpectedly strong recoil made her drop it and when it hit the ground, there was no misfire; indicating it was safer and stronger than Originium guns.
Being explosive experts, W and Juhziz conversed on many topics about explosives and how to effectively use them. Juhziz shared his knowledge on how to create high explosives without Originium and W shared her knowledge about Originium and the surrounding nations. After their long conversation, W and Juhziz shook hands and thanked each other for their time. Juhziz said one last thing to W before she left; Telling her to be wary of Dr. Thrax and the Toxin Division as their bioweapons can be deadly to other GLA Cells. W thanked him and went back to her mercenary company.
It was no secret to the GLA they used bioweapons. She only heard rumors of the infamous Dr. Thrax and his deadly Anthrax. She could only shudder at the thought of what he could do with Originium and what bioweapons he would make from it. Anthrax was a disease weaponized by the GLA and refined by Dr. Thrax. Imagine what could do by weaponizing Oripathy, Terra's deadliest disease.
Regardless of what Dr. Thrax's future plans are, it wasn't her problem. She and her mercenaries are now part of the GLA. She may not care about their cause for freedom but they pay a lot of money and she could create new explosives with Juhziz's knowledge. From what she heard from other rebels, the GLA was planning a strike on the Ursus Empire and Dr. Thrax planned on field testing a new toxin he made from Originium. Hidden GLA splinter cells have spread throughout Terra's nations, sowing doubt and resentment amongst the disenfranchised people.
"They may be terrorists but they pay well, so I'll just ignore it." W said to herself, "Besides, it'll be fun taking down an empire. I care less about Reunion and their cause. GLA has done better and they don't care about the opinions of others."
"This will be fun…" W dons her gear and grenade launcher, flashing a manic smile as she walks with her mercenary band.
GLA forces gathered outside the city of New Aldastan. The GLA don't make use of mobile cities and only mobilize landships as military transports for their infantry, planes and vehicles. Uzbekistan civilians live in small settlements scattered across the desert with some GLA Rebels garrisoned for defense. Major strongholds and surrounding settlements are connected by tunnel networks, allowing swift and stealthy mobilization following their Guerilla tactics.
W and her mercenaries boarded one of these landships as more of GLA forces from numerous cells gathered. Vehicles from Technicals, Scorpion tanks, Toxin Tractors, Rocket Buggies, Quad Cannons, Bomb Trucks, Combat Cycles, and Battle Busses for the operation. The GLA spared no quarter on this operation in tearing down the Ursus monarchy. The landships slowly departed the city under the cover of an oncoming sandstorm and radio silence.
Their destination… Chernobog.
"This will truly be a fun lovely day!" W smiled as she loaded her grenade launcher.
Chernobog
Amiya wasn't having a good day. The same can be said for the rest of Rhodes Island's Operator squads in Chernobog. What started as an extraction of the Doctor became a full-blown evacuation. A Reunion uprising was underway and had to fight their way through them to find the Doctor's sarcophagus. After the Doctor was found and exfiltration began, that's when the real trouble began. Without warning, angry mobs of Ursus civilians swarmed the ruined streets, attacking the Ursus military and Reunion militants with rocks, Molotov cocktails and machine guns. One was heard shouting "AK-47s for everyone!" and "Death to the Oppressors!" as the angry mobs overwhelmed Ursus military and Reunion militants.
Stuck between the fighting, Amiya and the operator squads continued their exfiltration towards their extraction point. At some point in their evac, they were surrounded by a Reunion squad led by one of its Ringleaders, Mephisto. Not wanting to waste time and rendezvous with the other squads, Dobermann shot a flare, signaling any nearby Rhodes Island Squads for help. Unbeknownst to them, it would attract another.
"Now what was that? A call for help?" Mephisto spoke in a mocking tone, "Heh, regardless of what it is, all of you will be dead by-"
A shot echoed through the ruined burned streets, surprising both groups. A cracking sound echoed and all saw Mephisto, face frozen in shock with a bullet hole through his head. Brain matter oozed out of his head as he fell face first to the ground, lying dead in a pool of blood. Shock swept through the Reunion soldiers at the sudden death of their leader.
Suddenly, masked rebels armed with AK-47s charged out of the ruined buildings. Caught by surprise, the rebels mowed down the Reunion force, sparing none in their slaughter. Rhodes Island only stood in horror as all Reunion soldiers were mercilessly killed. As the last Reunion soldier fell, it was now the rebels surrounding Rhodes Island. One stepped forward and spoke.
"Who are you and what are you doing here?" The rebel spoke in a heavy Sargonian accent, pointing his gun at them while others did the same, "Are you with the filthy oppressors of this land?"
"We are Rhodes Island!" Amiya immediately said, "We are not part of the Ursus Empire or any nation! We only seek to help the Infected!"
"Why should I believe you?!" The rebel angrily said, "You could be lying and exploiting them for your own gain!"
"We are not!" Amiya countered, "We only came to aid any infected in the fighting! We would never exploit the infected for our gain! It is against Rhodes Island's goal!"
Before the rebel could say anything, a hand came on his shoulder. The rebel looked back and was met with the face of their Sarkaz captain, W.
"Calm down, brother." W said, gesturing all to lower their weapons, "They aren't the oppressors. 'Cause I know them." The Rebels followed her orders and lowered their guns.
"Who are you?" Amiya asked, "What organization are you from?"
"Whether I tell you or not, it won't change our goal today…" W began her introduction, "You can call me W. As for who we are, we are the GLA! The Global Liberation Army! We fight for the freedom of the downtrodden and the infected!"
"HURRYIA! HURRIYA! HURRIYA! (FREEDOM! FREEDOM! FREEDOM!)" The rebels chanted, raising their weapons high. The Rhodes Island Operators and the Doctor felt intimidated by their chant.
Amiya realized they were facing the army who conquered Sargon. Whose fighters' fanaticism are unmatched by any nation in the world.
"Why did you kill those of Reunion?" the Doctor asked, "They proclaim to fight for the infected!"
"Have you been sleeping for centuries, Doctor?" W said, recognizing the Doctor, Amiya also just recognized the Sarkaz, "If you can't tell, all they've done today is kill civilians and cause havoc. We came here to liberate the city from its Ursus oppressors and Reunion infidels!"
"How did you know me?" the Doctor asked.
"It doesn't matter how I know you…" W said, "Since I'm feeling good today, I'll let you guys go and leave this city."
"Besides, would you want to fight us with swords and bows?" W rhetorically asked, seeing their primitive weapons compared to theirs. "If I were you, I'd go now and let us go our separate ways."
Amiya and the operators looked at each other for a moment. They nodded at each other before leaving their sight, the GLA rebels watched them disappear amongst the smoke and ruins.
"Is it wise to let them go, captain?" a Rebel asked
"If they are smart, they wouldn't make an enemy of us." W said, shrugging "Besides, they're neutral to all nations and never take sides. We don't have to waste time fighting medics."
"Relay a message to other squads." W ordered, "If any of them encountered Rhodes Island squads, ignore them and focus on fighting the Ursus military and Reunion infidels!"
"Yes, ma'am!" The Rebels obeyed.
"Continue the assault! Tear down all those who dare oppose us!" W shouted, the Rebels cheered as they charged onwards to the fight. W happily skipped as she flashed a smile onto one of the buildings. The GLA sniper commando, Jarmen Kell, seeing her smile, merely shrugged and relocated to another area; Continuing his hunt for Reunion leaders. Leaving a dead Faust with a hole in his heart.
Elsewhere in Chernobog
The GLA were making steady progress in their operation. After their landships had gotten close enough to the city under heavy radar jamming, they deployed their transport planes carrying vehicles and signaled hidden GLA cells within the city to start the uprising. The GLA cells have riled up the Ursus Civilians into open revolt against their nation, arming them with AK-47s. Coincidentally, Reunion also started their attack on the city. Despite resistance from the Ursus military and Reunion militants, the first phase of the plan was done and the second phase began.
GLA Saboteurs infiltrated Chernobog's Originium reactor. Assassinating the maintenance crew, the saboteurs detonated planted C4 charges in the reactor. The resulting explosion damaged it and shut off the city's electrical grid. The power outage halted the city's movement and saboteurs dropped the lower level access ramp, allowing GLA ground vehicles to board it. Technicals and Battle Busses ,carrying Rebels, Rocket Troopers, and Terrorists, boarded the city's lower levels through the ramp and ran over any Ursus or Reunion in their way. The GLA forces disembarked their transports and began securing the city's lower levels. Rocket Buggies destroy key defenses and infrastructure around the city's perimeter with explosive rockets.
Up above, GLA transport planes airdropped Scorpion tanks, Bomb Trucks, Technicals, and Quad Cannons into the active warzone. As they landed, all provided armored support to the GLA infantry and Ursus mobs. Scorpion tanks unleashed HE shells, destroying enemy fortifications and enemy infantry. Bomb Trucks crashed into Ursus defenses, destroying them with high explosives and killing all within its blast; The drivers giving their lives to the cause. Toxin Tractors sprayed Anthrax chemicals into the Ursus infantry and Reunion militants, melting their bodies and thinning out the enemy force. Quad cannons remained vigilant for enemy aircraft while providing anti-infantry support. Technicals provided transport and anti-infantry support for the rebels.
In the midst of the warzone, much of Reunion was retreating as Scorpion tanks covered the GLA Rebels' offensive. Talulah, leader of the Reunion movement, was facing a dilemma. The takeover of Chernobog was no longer in Reunion's favor and one of their ringleaders was killed. She recognized the GLA by how most of their forces dress while some wore their symbol. She wasn't a fool to underestimate the GLA like the rest of the world.
News of Sargon's conquest had made headlines over Terra. The GLA assimilated all Sargon desert clans and overthrew their leaders. The nation was now ruled over by the GLA. The GLA proclaimed to fight against tyranny and oppression, yet the world only sees them as terrorists. Many underestimated the GLA and were killed through their warriors' fanaticism and guerilla tactics. Through black market dealings and their own manufacture, all of their warriors are armed with guns and vehicles that outmatch anything except for the strongest armies.
She considered allying with the GLA for their cause in helping the infected. Yet when she came to meet their Supreme Commander, their goals didn't just extend to just helping the infected. They intend to topple every national superpower and end their tyranny and greed by any means necessary, resorting to extreme tactics such as suicide bombers and bioweapons. The Legendary Insurgent refused her offer for alliance as she only cared about the infected and not everyone else, seeing her cause as mere revenge for the nation that betrayed her and the infected being fodder for her. Furious, she stormed off and declared the GLA to be an enemy of Reunion.
A Rebel came charging at her with a machine gun with a bayonet, shooting at her as he came closer. She deflected the bullets with her sword. As the rebel came closer, he tried stabbing her with the bayonet. She parried the stab and swiftly decapitated the rebel. More came charging at her, shooting and charging to stab her. She cut down swathes of rebels and burned some with her Arts. As Talulah cut down another, one charged directly at her screaming bloody murder and swiftly decapitated him. Only to realize a bomb was strapped to their chest and held a dead man switch. For a split second, the bomb detonated before she could protect herself. The blast knocked her off her feet and burned her skin. Fortunately, the burns weren't deep. Ears ringing, she pushed herself up from her back and saw more Reunion militants being pushed back further by the GLA forces and their Ursus civilian allies.
Outgunned and outnumbered, Talulah messaged all Reunion squads to retreat and abandon the operation, deeming it a total failure. As Reunion started a full retreat, Talulah saw a cargo plane flying overhead. It had the GLA symbol printed on its fuselage. A ramp was lowered from the back. Inside, GLA rebels were pushing out a large bomb to be dropped onto enemy forces in the city. As the bomb slid off the ramp, the ramp was closed and the bomb fell whistling downwards. All who heard the whistling desperately scrambled for cover.
The bomb exploded before it impacted the ground, releasing its payload. A black cloud of toxins swept over the city block and carried further by the wind. Talulah saw all Reunion soldiers caught in the blast writhing in pain on the ground. They were screaming about something growing inside of them until black crystals emerged from their bodies. They screamed until every part of their bodies became crystals, silencing them forever.
Talulah was horrified at what the GLA had done. Left with no other choice, she urged all Reunion squads to leave the city and retreat into the wilderness. She didn't foresee the GLA uprising in Ursus and it cost her most of Reunion's manpower. With what she just saw, she is considering allying with Rhodes Island against the GLA, despite how she feels about it.
Aftermath
A news report was broadcasted to the world. Uzbekistanians and the rest of the world tuned in to see the events of Chernobog. ARC News, a global news broadcasting corporation based in Uzbekistan, was on the field with camera crews and field reporters.
On TV, the ARC News logo was displayed before transitioning into a live view of the ruined city of Chernobog. A balding grey haired Sarkaz was presenting the news report.
"Jubilation has swept the city as Ursus military forces have begun a complete troop withdrawal from Chernobog." the screen went static before clearing up, "Losing their bases and the city to GLA infiltration has dealt this humble superpower a bitter defeat."
"With the Ursus withdrawal from Chernobog and their influence a dying echo of their glory, we now look to the GLA and its brave leaders to show us the way to freedom." The reporter then gestured behind him and showed a wide view of the city, "Behind me are the celebration of our brave warriors and freedom fighters victory over the tyrannical Bear."
Crowds of GLA Rebels and Ursus Civilians were seen celebrating their victory over the city. GLA flags were waved by the rebels, cheering on their celebration. Some rode on the Technicals waving the GLA flags as they did victory laps around the city. The Ursus flag was also seen burnt by the Ursus civilians who supported the GLA. A golden statue was erected into the city centre; A fist gripping an AK-47, symbolizing their ideals of revolution and rebellion. W was also seen celebrating with her squadron, drinking beer and liquor. Her face was red from drunkenness and jubilation, wobbling in her steps yet kept standing as she raised her glass high with her squads cheering. Jarmen Kell simply drank his liquor in peace from afar, watching W drunk herself blind.
"With the defeat of the oppressor's dogs, the GLA and the downtrodden enact retribution and justice over the tyrants and infidels!" The reporter gestured to another scene.
The camera then showed a group of Ursus Nobles being beaten up by Ursus civilians, both poor and infected alike. The Nobles begged for mercy but their pleas went unheard on deaf ears. Some were lynched with signs hanging on their necks, labelling them as "Tyrant", "Pig", "Ursus Dog" and much more. The Nobles' Children were kept hostage by the GLA and weren't shown by ARC News. Ursus civilians cheered as each Noble was killed begging for their lives. Reunion militants were also lynched and others were beaten to death by the Ursus infected, furious at their false proclamation to fight for all infected when they kill other infected.
"On this day, the GLA has unleashed a weapon that no nation can fight against!" A Toxin Rebel carrying a toxin sprayer with backpack tanks stepped into the camera, a Ursus Noble was dragged by two rebels, gagged and tied down, "This brave warrior has volunteered to demonstrate it on this filthy oppressor!"
The Toxin Rebel raised his sprayer as the Noble begged for mercy with tears streaming in their eyes.
"Prepare to die a most agonizing death, Tyrant!" The Toxin Rebel sprayed black liquid toxin on the Noble's body and into their mouth.
After a few moments, the Noble screamed in pain as black crystals grew rapidly on their body. The crystals also grew inside their mouth, silencing them until their body is covered in crystals, completely petrified.
The Toxin Rebel turned to face the camera while shouldering his sprayer.
"Let it be known to all in Terra that the GLA has weaponized Oripathy!" The Toxin Rebel exclaimed with the two other rebels cheering, "Let this be a warning to any nation who dare oppose us will think twice or have their citizens become Originium. When it does, only Dr. Thrax can help you now!"
"Thank you for the demonstration." The reporter faced the camera, "With this victory, the GLA is one step closer to liberating the Ursus people from the Emperor's tyranny!"
"This is Omar Bil Honzale, signing off." The news broadcast soon ended as nations were shaken to their core. Uzbekistanians celebrated the GLA victory with a feast at every settlement.
Rhodes Island Landship
Rhodes Island Operators who watched the news were silent but deep inside, they were horrified at what they had witnessed. Amiya watched the news with horror at what had happened to the Noble. The Doctor was resting in his room, bedridden from exhaustion and stress. All of Rhodes Island were silent at the horror of the GLA's weaponization of Oripathy.
The landship's PA system rang as it came on. Dr. Kal'tsit was on the mic to make an announcement.
"This is Dr. Kal'tsit speaking." Kal'tsit said, "Will all medical staff and combat operators please gather in the assembly hall for an announcement? Thank you."
Soon, all of Rhodes Island's medical staff and combat operators gathered in the assembly hall for Amiya or Kal'tsit's announcement. The Doctor was also present in the assembly, standing on the stage waiting for Amiya and Kal'tsit. After a few minutes of waiting, Amiya and Kal'tsit stepped on the stage. Amiya stepped forward onto the podium. Tapping the mic a few times, she spoke.
"Firstly, I would like to thank everyone for gathering today." Amiya began her announcement, "As you may have seen or heard on Chernobog, the GLA has made Oripathy into a bioweapon. None in Terra's history has thought of weaponizing Oripathy and the GLA were the first to do so."
A few murmured in the crowd while the rest stayed silent, having seen the news broadcast and GLA's warning to all nations who dare to oppose them.
"As for our plans in the future, we are still undecided and some are still being developed." Amiya continued, "Concerning our standing with the GLA, Rhodes Island will remain neutral in any conflict and provide aid to those needed. For now, it is unwise to make an enemy out of the GLA with our present situation."
More murmurs were present in the crowd. Some were wary of remaining neutral in conflicts involving the GLA and most were fearful of fighting them for the toxins they wield.
"Our ultimate goal and mission remains the same." Amiya strongly said, "Even if the GLA weaponized Oripathy, Rhodes Island will strive to help those in need and find Oripathy's cure to end the suffering it causes!"
The crowd applauded her for her speech and Amiya stepped off the podium, thanking them for their support. Kal'tsit stepped forward onto the podium, addressing the current situation of Rhodes Island.
"As Amiya had told you all, Oripathy has been weaponized by the GLA as a bioweapon for warfare." Kal'tsit said, "All information we currently know about this Originium toxin was from the news broadcast and the mercenaries the GLA hired into their service."
A slideshow presenting photos and videos of the Originium toxin was shown in the assembly.
"From what we have seen from the broadcast, this liquid Originium toxin is black in coloration and could infect any organic life with Oripathy. However, from what they have shown, the GLA has somehow accelerated the crystallization process by seconds." Kal'tsit stated
"Until we can get hold of a sample of this toxin for analysis, we don't know what it can do and how it's made." Kal'tsit said, "Fortunately, our informants within Uzbekistan have asked the mercenaries living within GLA territory about GLA's bioweapons."
Next slide showed images of a GLA toxin lab with the army's symbol and biohazard sign and an image of a masked man wearing a turban.
"From the information provided by the mercenaries, all of GLA's toxins and bioweapons are made by GLA scientists in their Toxin division and its leader, Dr. Thrax." Kal'tsit said, "Nobody knew who Dr. Thrax was or when he joined the organization. They said he used to be an immunologist before joining the GLA. None know what made him create toxins for various groups and the GLA."
"He constantly undergoes cosmetic surgery to keep his identity a secret and never stays in one place for long." Kal'tsit continued, "If we want to have a chance to analyse and possibly create a vaccine for their toxins, we would have to interrogate Dr. Thrax directly. This course of action will place us as targets for GLA cells."
Murmurs erupted in the crowd discussing Dr. Thrax and the toxins division. The medics expressed discomfort of coming into contact with who they perceive as a madman.
"I would not recommend this course for the reason stated before. Instead, if we wish to keep our neutrality with the GLA, we will have to send a stealth team to infiltrate one of their toxin labs." Kal'tsit proposed, "The objective is to obtain a sample of Originium toxin for analysis. Any document and information about the toxin is also a priority and must be taken."
"This operation will require utmost stealth and secrecy." Kal'tsit stated, "Infiltrating GLA territory will be arduous. Once you obtain a sample with any info about it, immediately exfiltrate the area and rendezvous with the extraction team."
"Any who are willing to volunteer for this operation, please come see in my office." Kal'tsit said, "Further details about the operation will be given once a whole squad is assembled."
"That will be all for today." Kal'tsit concluded the assembly, "This assembly is dismissed. You all may return to your usual duties."
The crowd of medics and combat operators calmly left the hall in an orderly fashion. Many went back to their usual duties, leaving them to think about their current situation by themselves.
The Doctor remained silent for most of the assembly, listening on with thoughts circulating in his mind. His rumination was interrupted by Amiya and Kal'tsit. The rabbit girl gently grabbed his hand.
"Let's go, Doctor." Amiya said, smiling, "We've got work to do and lives to save."
"I'll notify you about the operation once a whole squad has been formed." Kal'tsit said, "Be punctual for that crucial meeting, alright?"
The Doctor nodded in agreement. Amiya dragged the Doctor with her to orient him about Rhodes Island's facilities and purpose. Kal'tsit simply watched both of them leave the hall. She wondered if the Doctor had truly changed with his memories gone. Is his past-self truly gone or will he repeat the actions of his forgotten past?
Time will tell. Sooner or later, time will tell…