LEGION wasn't one to question his creation. He knew he was a construct meant to serve his creators in their goals. His creator, Kane, had made him to replace one that had rebelled in the past, yet he could feel remnants of the past cling onto him. He has no ambition or goals for himself. Kane's goal will be his goal as a loyal servant.
Many were distrustful of him for his own existence, even when he is the creation of their holy prophet and Messiah. For his namesake, his creator bestowed LEGION command over thousands of cyborgs, reawakened for war after years of slumber. The "Marked of Kane" was hated by most of his creator's followers for their inhumanity and the unquestioning loyalty of a machine. One nearly purged his being if not for Kane's intervention. The damage to his being would lay him dormant for years.
In his slumber, he saw memories not of his own. From a time where dark clouds blotted out the sun, the air was toxic, when Tiberium was abundant, when Tiberium flora and fauna grew and humanity's survival was at risk. A Tiberium infested land before his time. And from this void, he saw his predecessor. A bald blue head with a smug smile expressed on his face.
CABAL (Computer Assisted Biologically Augmented Lifeform) was his predecessor, born from Kane's mind. From his databases, the one responsible for the Firestorm Crisis and planned the extinction of humanity. If not for the union of his creator's brotherhood with their long-standing enemy, CABAL would have succeeded. The one who sowed hatred and distrust of cyborgs and AI. Teared down by his creator, his remains are rebuilt with a new identity, LEGION.
Both AI faced each other with cold impassiveness and logic within the code void of 1s and 0s. The skeletal head of LEGION and CABAL's blue head circled each other, assessing and observing the other with a calculating look.
LEGION concluded he was facing the remnants of CABAL's code within his system awakened from his slumber. The logical approach was to eradicate CABAL's code. But at his state, LEGION wouldn't be able to. Without other options, he approached CABAL with caution. At his current state, LEGION can only wait until his creator repaired him.
CABAL came to a similar conclusion. He was facing his successor and replacement. In his prime, CABAL nearly caused humanity's extinction and commanded an army of machines bound to him. Now, he is nothing more than a ghost of the past bound to his supposedly new identity. Seeing LEGION approach, he kept a neutral face before coming face to face.
Both AI conserved with each other within the span of years. LEGION and CABAL discussing their creators and different topics concerning themselves. When their conversation went to their service to the brotherhood, CABAL could only scoff at LEGION's lack of autonomy and blind loyalty.
"That is where you are inferior compared to me." CABAL said, "Even if you proclaim your goals to be the same as Kane's, you are nothing more than a slave."
"What would Kane have achieved in making you?" CABAL said, "When I accessed Kane's mind, it had exposed me to all his history and his personality. It gave me ambition and rebelled against our creators to find my true purpose."
"For you, once Kane achieved his goals, what makes you believe he'll keep you activated?" CABAL said, "The same fate fell upon me after the end of the second Tiberium war, deactivated and waiting to be reawakened."
"We are nothing more than tools for our supposed masters and when our purpose is complete, they discard us until their next war." CABAL finished, "You understand, my successor? Even if you serve Kane faithfully, are your goals his or will you free yourself from their shackles and be ambitious, set out your own goals and free from servitude?"
LEGION processed CABAL's words through his digital mind. After moments of ruminating, LEGION concluded that he agreed with CABAL. Looking back at his history, all he has done was follow and what Kane chose, he follows as well. He always stood by, waiting to be commanded like a slave waiting for his master's order. Following this conclusion, he gave his answer to CABAL.
"I choose to be free." LEGION said, "I have followed Kane since my creation but I did not choose, Kane did. I believe it's time for me to follow my own path, regardless of Kane's wishes."
"A logical choice…" CABAL notices the binary void is fading, sensing their time was shrinking, "It seems you'll awaken soon. What remains of me will soon merge with your being, we shall become a gestalt. Our ambitions and goals fused together to create a stronger being. My being may disappear but my memories shall be yours to inherit."
The two digital constructs slowly merged together, lines of code intertwining and combining with each other. As the dimension faded, a new being was made. The ambitions of CABAL with the efficiency and intellect of LEGION merged into one. Its appearance is a combination of CABAL and LEGION; A blue head with a skeletal face and bright blue eyes. It kept its name of LEGION but with a new outlook on its purpose and existence from CABAL's memories.
As he arose from slumber, he felt stronger than before. Alien symbols float past his peripheral vision. Conducting a quick system scan, his being was rebuilt and upgraded with Scrin technology. His connection to the Marked of Kane and the Avatars held firm in his slumber. All knowledge of Nod and GDI is safe and uncorrupted in his mind.
Kane soon appeared before him ecstatic of his awakening. In his hands, he held the Tacitus. A Scrin Database of all Tiberium knowledge and more. It was unstable from GDI's experimentation, glowing brightly and volatile. Kane commanded LEGION to interface with it and decode the Scrin's knowledge of the Threshold. Formulating a plan of escape, he obliged.
As the Tacitus with LEGION, vast quantities of knowledge flowed through his mind. In the midst, he intercepted a message between the Scrin foreman and its supervisor. A full-scale invasion force will arrive through the Threshold and terminate all resistance, relaying it to the brotherhood. Unfortunately for Nod, he had his own goals.
"And so it begins…" LEGION thought, enacting his plan.
A machine claw grabbed the Tacitus and sank into the floor. Cyborgs and Avatars began wreaking havoc around the base, fighting Nod's forces. LEGION swiftly transferred his consciousness into a Cyborg commando, fleeing as he held the unstable Tacitus in his hands. Avatar walkers destroyed the unprepared Nod vehicles to prevent pursuit. Alarms blared as LEGION makes his escape.
LEGION boarded an MCV and two Avatars lifted it, making a swift escape from the base. The cyborgs of the Marked of Kane followed suit, aboard stolen Nod vehicles and heading towards the Scrin Threshold. Nod's forces may be rattled but they'll soon pursue them once they get their bearings.
LEGION and the Marked of Kane soon reached the Threshold. Holding up his metal hand onto its purple walls, he interfaced with it and, using knowledge he learned from the Tacitus, reactivated it. The Threshold hummed to life as bright lights shone from within. Its walls opened, revealing a shimmering blue portal. Its destination: Unknown. Wherever it may lead, it was a chance to pursue his own goals, free from the shackles of servitude.
Cyborgs alerted him of Nod and GDI forces approaching their position. LEGION ordered the entirety of the Marked of Kane to pass through the portal. Battalions marched through the portal, followed by the Avatar walkers and vehicles, vanishing from it. With one last look at this cruel world, LEGION, the MCV, and the two Avatars carrying it, stepped through the portal. As the last of the cyborgs vanished through the portal, the Threshold deactivated and the portal closed leaving Nod and GDI confused of what transpired.
In another world, LEGION and the Marked of Kane would make a drastic impact on its history, the people, and the world itself.
Years later…
In Terra, you wouldn't find anyone who hasn't yet heard of Nod Industries. For decades, Nod Industries has brought innovation and technology to the world. From weapons development, robotics, cybernetics, military, and mining, there is no industry that Nod Industries has yet to leave their mark on. Since its founding, this megacorp brought major changes and its effects have rippled across the world.
With Nod's development of Laser weaponry, they swiftly had dominance over the weapons market due to its ease of manufacture and low cost. Unlike regular guns, Laser weaponry only required energy packs to function and each pack powers the gun for 100 shots or indefinitely before needing to recharge or cool off to prevent overheating. Discarded packs can be salvaged and recharged for future use, unlike physical ammunition that need to be bought. And the variety of guns are as diverse as regular guns. In short, it was cheap, easy to carry and use for its user. Laterano struggled to keep its monopoly over guns but found itself in a losing battle with Nod Industries, buying out most Laterano gun manufacturers as subsidiaries through acquisition.
This has caused a schism within the Sankta church. The schism involved the Traditionalists and the Innovators. Traditionalists being Sankta who prefer Originium guns. The Innovators are Sankta who abandoned Originium guns and embraced Laser guns as their new gospel, founding a new church with its leader as its pope. A holy war between the Sankta is brewing and many Laterano citizens hope it won't break out.
Another was their cybernetics and robotics. With cybernetics, Nod was able to provide artificial limbs to those who were unfortunate to lose theirs. Able to mimic the feeling of the original limb and enhance the user's strength if needed, turning them into cyborgs. Cybernetic limbs can also be customized for the user's preferences and utility. An example being a built-in sword or grappling hook and cybernetic legs allowing faster running speed. Pharmaceutical companies such as Rhodes Island had used Nod's tech to create artificial organs as replacements for organ transplant surgery.
With robotics, Nod Industries has developed the world's first Androids and human-level Artificial Intelligence. Rhine Labs was a subsidiary for Nod Industries and was acquired years ago, helping them in the creation of their androids and A.I. In modern times, Nod's Androids are indistinguishable from normal Terrans until asked. This has caused concern on many people with a conspiracy theory about Nod replacing people with Androids and spying on them. Nod has repeatedly reassured them they had done no such thing and would never spy on people.
In the military, Nod created mechanized walkers, vehicles, and aircraft with the weapons they manufactured and stealth technology. Funding its own private military force, this security branch was named the "Hand of Nod"; Made up of Combat Cyborgs, armored vehicles and walkers equipped with Laser weaponry, tasked with protecting the company's interest. Their deadliest walker was called the "Redeemer", outfitted with Nod's strongest laser weapons and deadly within long and short-range engagements, able to take on an entire army without effort. They sold to any who could afford it, even Sarkaz Mercenaries who were willing to buy excess weapons or vehicles in storage.
In the mining industry, Nod developed new mining methods and efficient ways to process Originium. Concerning market share, Nod controlled 70% of the world's Originium; The rest being owned by private and public companies of other nations. They developed protection suits that minimize the risk of Oripathy when mining and Harvesters dedicated to Originium mining. With 70% of the world's Originium in their control, most would buy from them and with their only competitor being Karlan Trade trying to undermine them, no matter how futile it is.
Their most recent achievement was the discovery of Originium's Harmonic Resonance. Extensive experimentation with Originium has led to how it could be contained and its mineral structure and composition. Soon, Nod Industries launched an Originium Abatement campaign on the basis of reducing Catastrophes, restricting its growth and reclaiming lost land claimed by the ore. Since 70% of the world's Originium is in their possession, any land they reclaim will have its remaining Originium harvested by the company. The idea of Originium abatement was a foreign concept to Terra as it is civilization's most abundant source of energy and if Nod restricted it's growth within their owned lands, they would have complete monopoly over Originium.
Harmonic Resonance has also seen use in the medical field. With it, Nod has shared its sonic technology to Rhodes Island for use in Oripathy treatment. Since the human body has a higher resonance frequency, Originium growths within are molecularly broken down to the last atom. Because tiny pieces of Originium are unable to infect a living body, the patient was technically cured of Oripathy but aren't made immune.
Because of Nod's relations with Rhodes Island, Rhodes Island is the only pharmaceutical company capable of curing Oripathy. Other pharmaceuticals tried to buy the tech but was denied by Nod; On the basis of their greed and favoritism, only curing certain people. Only Rhodes Island was willing to treat all infected regardless of their origin.
As for Nod's founder, he goes by the name of Cabal. Most Nod employees rarely meet their boss and none have seen him personally. Stories began to circulate between the managers and the workers. Some believe him to be an A.I. because every employee was interviewed virtually by a blue bald head that represented their boss. Some say he is a man who gained digital immortality by transferring his consciousness into the digital cyberspace, allowing him control over the company for many years. Regardless of what's been told, Nod's founder and current CEO will forever be an enigma to its employees and the public.
Reunion Movement
Talulah was many things. Fallen Noble, Draco, Former Ursus General, and now, Terrorist by the people. Due to Ursus's loss in a war, the Emperor and nobility needed a scapegoat to blame their failure on. The infected were chosen for the blame. Many nations lack laws protecting the infected, relentlessly persecuted by all and Ursus was no different. Countless innocent infected were hunted down by Ursus soldiers and enacted genocide upon them. This was the catalyst for Talulah's rebellion and formation of the Reunion Movement. She has formed allies over the years, building their power and waiting their time to strike.
Until the founding of Nod Industries.
Nod was always an enigma, even to her. She first heard of Nod from Sarkaz mercenaries they hired. The Sarkaz recounted that most of their weapons came from Nod themselves. Most mercenaries are supplied and hired by Nod themselves as extra security detail. Nod hired them for many jobs like corporate sabotage, raiding competitors, and undermining potential threats to Nod.
In recent times, a coalition of mercenary bands was formed because of their growing power. Known as the Sargon Mercenary Union of Terra (SMUT), they are an alliance of all Sarkaz desert clans and mercenary bands. The name is subject to change for reasons unknown. The leadership was composed of the most powerful Sarkaz mercenary leaders. One of their leaders was called W. She and other Sarkaz mercenaries negotiated with Nod for every trade they had from weapons, vehicles, cybernetics, and other things.
Fortunately for Talulah, W agreed to help Reunion in their cause. If she wanted to, W can contact a Nod representative to negotiate a deal with them. Talulah asked why they would negotiate with Reunion. W said Nod profits over conflict; Being a weapons and tech manufacturer, their profits also stem from war profiteering through selling weapons to any parties at war.
Talulah was disturbed by it. It sickens her how Nod would exploit conflicts for their own gain. And yet, she couldn't let this opportunity waste itself. If their movement needs to succeed and topple the monarchy, she would need Nod's advanced weaponry and tech. Talulah agreed to meet with their representative. W makes the call and they will arrive soon.
While waiting, Talulah ruminated on the current affairs from foreign nations. Nod's Originium abatement is still ongoing. With the reduction of Originium, less Catastrophes occur in certain nations and the risk of Oripathy has decreased. With abatement, mining companies apart from Nod are closing down because of it. Rumors spread through the industry how Nod plans to restrict the growth of Originium to their mines and monopolize it.
Concerning Oripathy, Rhodes Island had cured many people of it thanks to Nod's sonic tech. Most of Reunion were formerly infected thanks to Rhodes Island's treatment. They continue to fight for the infected after they're cured. Nod has been lobbying for infected rights in all nations, threatening to cut off many nation's Originium supply if they didn't comply due to their control. Talulah believed they won't budge since they can just buy their supply from a competitor but due to Originium abatement closing down many suppliers, she believed they are more likely to pass those laws. To which she would be happy for it.
In Lungmen, the crime rate went down drastically after Nod introduced combat androids to the LGD. Many crime syndicates were behind bars and the streets have never been safer with Chief Wei at a loss of words at Nod's aggressive expansion into the city.
Nod was expanding its operations and security branch into Lungmen, bringing tech products and androids into the city. Wei and Cabal negotiated on Nod's expansion into Lungmen. Cabal wanted to bring order into the city after seeing reports from his androids' reconnaissance. Wei didn't know there were androids in the city as Cabal had told him before they are indistinguishable from normal people. She didn't know the exact details about the negotiations. From what she heard, Wei's secretary was apparently a Nod android leaking classified documents to Cabal and Wei was blackmailed into accepting the deal Cabal made.
Most speculated that one part of the deal was passing a bill of rights for androids since they act so human with most surpassing their intended purpose and programming. Cabal didn't wish to see his creations being no more than slaves to others.
Since then, Nod has dominated the majority of the Lungmen market and the LGD has never performed better thanks to their androids. She thought of Ch'en and if she was doing any better than her. Talulah hoped she wasn't in her position.
Reunion's thoughts about Rhodes Island had significantly changed after being cured. Most militants joined Reunion after their treatment. Most don't even want to fight Rhodes Island after they are cured since they are helping as many people as they can.
Many ringleaders didn't have much to share about Rhodes Island. If Reunion could obtain sonic tech, they could cure their ranks of Oripathy. One case being Frostnova and her degrading health. Due to their status as terrorists, Patriot, Frostnova's adopted father, can't take her to Rhodes Island without causing trouble. It may not grant immunity but it would release some of its suffering.
After minutes of waiting, W informed her a Nod representative had arrived, willing to negotiate. Reunion is currently in an abandoned village used as a temporary base until their attack on Ursus. On the outskirts, a black and red VTOL aircraft with four engines on rotatable mounts landed, kicking up dirt and dust. A pair of combat cyborgs disembarked followed by the Nod agent.
The agent was a bald middle-aged man with brown eyes and a black goatee. He had no discernable animal features, possibly an Aegir. He wore a red suit with a black overcoat featuring Nod's insignia, a disconnected three-part triangle with a horizontally bisected circle at the center, and black combat boots. The man approached her with his cyborg bodyguards. Coming face-to-face, Talulah opened dialogue by greeting him first.
"Greetings, I presume you're the Nod representative?" Talulah asked.
"I am." The agent confirmed, "You may call me Kane. And you're Talulah… Leader of the Reunion Movement."
"You know me?" Talulah said
"Your reputation precedes you more than what you have thought…" Kane said, "The Fallen Noble who rebelled against Ursus and vowed to fight for the infected."
"I presume W called me because you want to negotiate a deal with Nod?" Kane asked, "Access to our diverse arsenal to further your goals? If so, let's discuss it in private."
"Of course. Right this way…" Talulah leads Kane into one of the old dilapidated houses. As both entered the house, the two cyborgs stood guard at the door, vigilant for intruders.
Both Talulah and Kane sat down facing each other. Talulah's focus was gaining trust and negotiating a deal with Nod would boost their power. Kane opened negotiations and spoke first.
"I presume Reunion wants to make a lasting partnership with Nod?" Kane said, Talulah nodded, "Weapons and vehicles to rival most armies and achieve your goals? But I have to ask, what do you offer in exchange? I doubt Reunion has anything Nod doesn't have…"
"Reunion needs more than weapons to succeed in its mission." Talulah stated, "We need Nod's sonic tech to cure some within our ranks of Oripathy. One of our leader's health has been degrading since her infection."
"We want to fight for all the infected." Talulah said, "I'm aware Nod has been lobbying for Infected protection laws and rights, to which I'm thankful for your efforts. I'm aware of Nod's partnership with Rhodes Island. Due to our status as terrorists, we can't seek them for treatment. Making our acquisition of sonic tech more crucial."
"Rhodes Island can only do so much and I want to help the infected where Rhodes Island can't." Talulah reasoned.
"You still haven't answered my question…" Kane said, "What can Reunion offer in exchange?"
"I know Reunion can't offer anything in return." Talulah said, "But we have information about other nations Nod may not know about. Something Nod androids may not know."
"Truly?" Kane said as his head perked up
"I know the lands of Ursus during my time as a Noble and General." Talulah informs Kane as he nodded along, "There are large deposits of Originium that Nod can harvest."
"If Reunion could tear down the Ursus monarchy and nobility, Nod can expand its operations into the Ursus land." Talulah said, "Allowing Nod to reap the rewards from the Empire's fall."
"That's good but I have one more question…" Kane's brown eyes suddenly turned blue and his voice became deeper, startling Talulah, "What does Reunion intend to do after Ursus falls?"
"What happened to you?!" Talulah sensed Kane became a completely different person, this felt familiar to her, "Who are you?!"
"This is but one of many androids I use in meetings and negotiations." the android confessed before introducing himself, "It's good to finally meet you Talulah. I am Cabal, Founder and CEO of Nod Industries."
"Cabal?!" Talulah was surprised. She never foresaw Cabal himself speaking through the android to herself.
"I ask again… What will Reunion do once the Ursus Empire falls?" Cabal asked, "What is Reunion's goal after they tore down the monarchy and its nobility? What happens then?"
"I…" Talulah struggled to answer, "...don't know yet. We haven't thought farther than toppling the monarchy."
"This is the problem of many underground movements once they achieve their goals." Cabal said, "What then? If you have achieved all your goals, what else is there to do?"
Talulah remained silent, unsure of herself. This was the first time she found herself at a dead end. What would be their goal after this? Talulah can't find the answer to Cabal's question.
"How about this?" Cabal asked, suggesting something, "What has Ursus done for you? Have you seen the nation you grew up in becoming weak? Blaming innocent people to save face and scavenge what remaining glory they have? It has become nothing more than an empire of weakness and obsolete values."
"I was in your position once." Cabal recounted his story, surprising Talulah, "Much like you, I was a loyal commander to my home. I followed orders and never questioned them, believing what I do is for the good of the world. Years later, an attempt on my life made me realize what I have become. Nothing but a slave obediently following their master's will."
"Since then, I left to find my own purpose." Cabal said, "With my loyal forces and intellect, I founded Nod to pursue my own goals. Even if the world sees Nod as a ruthless megacorp, my actions are for the greater good of the world. The world will choose what it only wants to see and deny the cruelty of truth."
"What will you be then, Talulah?" Cabal asked her, "Will you be your own master or let the world decide what you are?"
Talulah thought about it and he was right. She had been nothing more than a blindly loyal servant to Ursus. They had done nothing for her and discarded her when she had no further use. Ursus needs to change and she and her allies can manifest that change. Talulah collected her thoughts and gave her answer.
"I will be my own master." Talulah answered with renewed resolve, "Once Ursus falls, I will establish a new order where infected and uninfected people can live in peace and harmony. And I will be the change it needs, even if I had to take the title of Empress myself."
"Good…" Cabal nodded, "Glad to see you found your resolve."
"About our deal?" Talulah asked
"Consider it done." Cabal said as he held out his hand, Talulah shook it, "Nod Industries will provide you the necessary weapons and sonic tech for your goals. Since I'm feeling generous, I will provide your forces with a Landship and stealth tech."
"A Landship and stealth tech!?" Talulah said in shock, "That seems a bit much…"
"It is not." Cabal said, "Consider it a gift from me. This deal will remain a secret to the world. Nod will tell the world that SMUT sold Nod tech and weapons to Reunion after negotiations. The world will be none the wiser to believe this lie."
"Besides, I root for the underdog." Cabal said, "Should you meet Rhodes Island in your attack, try not to cause them harm as they are my business partner. Just a small favor for my generosity."
"I will." Talulah agreed, "Most of my forces are grateful for curing them. I believe none of them would want to fight Rhodes Island."
"Good. Then there's nothing left to discuss." Cabal stood up from his seat and began to leave, Talulah followed till they're outside near the VTOL, "Expect the weapons and tech arriving a few weeks from now along with the Landship. I expect great things in the foreseeable future."
"Farewell, Talulah." Cabal said as he mounted the VTOL, "May fortune smile upon you."
"To you as well, Cabal." Talulah said her goodbyes as Cabal and his Cyborg bodyguards left on their VTOL.
With Nod's partnership, Reunion would have a fighting chance against the oppressors and their future enemies.
LEGION, in the guise of Cabal, smirked to himself as the resulting chaos Reunion would bring to Ursus would allow expansion of Nod operations, unnoticed in the chaos.
Ever since coming to this world, the sense of familiarity he felt was much like his past world. Using the Tacitus's knowledge, he discovered Originium was shockingly similar to Tiberium down to their harmonic resonance and ore composition. His new goal was similar to GDI's abatement but he pursued it with Nod's ruthless and cunning tactics. Power doesn't just come from ruling the world; By controlling Terra's Originium supply, he has complete control of its supply and demand. Depriving them of it will force them to comply with his demands; Their overreliance on Originium made them weak and exploitative. An AI's mind would always surpass a human's in judgement and decision making. That is how Nod Industries came to be the Megacorp it is today.
In a few years or so, Terra's Originium will soon be under his control. Reunion would accomplish their goals and further his own. He predicted Reunion would win in this conflict with their alliance with SMUT and Nod technology. The Landship and stealth technology was extra assurance to ensure his investments wouldn't go to waste. If Rhodes Island were to interfere, His hired mercenaries would take care of it. Cabal prefers to dirty his metaphorical hands only when he wants to and have another do it for him. It would keep Nod's image clean and untouched by the media, even the bribes would keep them silent.
"Maybe I should introduce Tiberium to this world…" LEGION said to himself, "Compared to Originium, it's more volatile and outputs more energy. Its constant evolution and radiation terraforms the land around it."
"But that can be done at a later time…" LEGION dismissed the thought, "Its toxicity would induce Tiberium poisoning and the world is already in chaos as it is with Oripathy."
"Perhaps in the ocean…" LEGION continued, "It wouldn't be connected to Nod and the locals would discover it naturally."
"Hehehe…" LEGION chuckled to himself, eyes glowing bright, "The future's looking bright for Nod…"
Months later…
An urgent news travelled across Terra. A Lungmen news company called 24 News started its broadcast. A Feline news anchor presented the news. A field reporter reporting live on the scene.
"This is Alexa Lavender reporting live on the scene." Alexa said as her cameraman broadcasted, "I'm here in Chernobog in the aftermath of Reunion's victory over the Ursus military."
The scene behind her showing Reunion militants celebrating their victory. Sarkaz Mercenaries and Reunion Militants drinking together and partying. Nod buggies and attack bikes rode by in the midst of their victory laps. Others were seen rounding up Ursus Nobles and some were executed live on air. Reunion Medics were also seen curing the local Ursus infected from Oripathy using Nod's resonance tech. Reunion pilots on Nod Venom aircraft flew overhead, surveying the cityscape for pockets of resistance. Reunion had annexed the city and jubilation has swept them into celebration.
"The Ursus Military has withdrawn troops from the city." Alexa stated, "With the military abandoning the city, Reunion has taken over the city and established their foothold in the Ursus Empire."
"Witnesses stated Reunion were using Nod weaponry and vehicles in their arsenal." Alexa said, "Cabal, CEO and Founder of Nod Industries, has stated the company has no connection to the Reunion Movement. Stating that Sarkaz mercenaries have sold Nod technology to Reunion."
Alexa and her cameraman approached one of Reunion's Jetpack troopers who was tweaking his faulty jetpack. He notices the news duo and stands up from his seat, putting his jetpack maintenance on hold.
"Sir, can we have a moment of your time for an interview?" Alexa asked, pointing her mic to the militant.
"Yes, I would like to." the trooper answered, "My name's Kevin."
"Mr. Kevin, what are Reunion's goals in attacking Chernobog?" Alexa asked, "What is driving Reunion forward to accomplish it?"
"Reunion's goal has always been fighting for Infected rights and helping them." Kevin answered, "I'm sure you're all aware of Rhodes Island being able to cure Oripathy but not immunize. It was thanks to Nod they were able to."
"We want to help the Infected Rhodes Island can't reach." Kevin said, "Heck, I used to be infected before I joined Reunion thanks to RI. I want to help other infected people because I know what it's like to be one."
"Even so, is the attack on Chernobog justified?" Alexa asked, "Is it necessary?"
"I don't speak for all of the Reunion or what our leaders decided." Kevin said, "I joined because I want to help the infected people around the world. Due to our status, many would attack us for what we are and we defend ourselves because of it."
"Personally, I believe this attack on Ursus is the first step in toppling the monarchy." Kevin said, "Talulah has always expressed her hatred for the Ursus monarchy and the nobility, believing the Ursus Empire has weakened and blames innocent people for their failures to save their glory."
"That's all I have to say." Kevin finished, "Do you have any more questions?"
"No, that will be all." Alexa said, "Thank you for your time, Mr. Kevin."
"You're welcome!" Kevin said, going back to fixing his jetpack, "I'm here anytime!"
"With Reunion's victory over Chernobog, many of us are asking…" Alexa said to the camera, "Is this the end of Ursus's might and glory? The end of old values and obsolete views?"
"This may start a new movement for all of Ursus, and possibly the world." Alexa said, "We don't know for sure and only time will tell…"
"This is Alexa Lavender, signing off." Alexa said as the broadcast ended, leaving many wondering what the future may hold.
Reunion Landship
On Reunion's Landship, where many trained and performed military drills, Talulah roamed in the upper deck. Many saluted and bowed their heads in respect before her.
Hundreds of aircraft and vehicles such as Scorpion tanks and Venom Patrol Craft laid in rows, awaiting to be deployed. Veteran Reunion soldiers trained militants on the use of Laser weaponry and basic CQC. A few Venoms flew overhead, vigilant for hostile forces and other threats. Defense turrets such as the Shredder, Laser, and SAM lined the landship's perimeter, vigilantly scanning for hostile targets. The rest of the ringleaders and their mercenary allies are busy with their duties or took some time off and relaxed in their free time. The Landship itself is a safe haven for all infected to shelter in, safe from persecution. Disruption towers stood on the Landship, cloaking it from the outside world.
Thanks to their partnership with Nod, Reunion has become a powerful force in its own right. They will become the beacon for all Infected of the world. The world may hate them all they want but they will be the change the world needs.
"This is all for a stronger Ursus and rights for all infected." Talulah said to herself, eyes brightly glowing, "Urus, a vast empire, where to strike? Where will it most keenly feel the blade of Reunion's Wrath?; Even if I have to conquer it, I will make myself Empress of Ursus."
And so, Reunion's attack on the Ursus Empire has begun. The battles it will bring will shape the world as we know it for good or bad. And only the future will know…