Throughout the many nations of Terra, countless stories and histories were passed down from generation to generation. Yet, within their long history, there are always some things best forgotten or expunged from the people's minds. Many all knew of Originium, the black mineral used by nations as a source of power and the catalyst for Oripathy, Terra's deadliest disease.
The Infected, people who contracted Oripathy, are persecuted by all nations for their mere existence. Their disease being the stigma of their persecution and undeserved hate. Many Infected isolated themselves from society in fear for themselves and the stigma they carry. Some would pursue the path of revenge, directing their anger upon their oppressors. And others pursue the path of peace, seeking reconciliation and forgiveness on those blinded by hate. Equality and forgiveness is a long and arduous path for the Infected. Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals is an organization that seeks to help the infected and cure Oripathy from Terra.
Yet this was not to pass.
Years ago, green crystals were discovered by many nations growing in their borders. Scientists discovered it was similar to Originium and saw it as a more powerful resource than Originium itself. Soon, Terra's nations and countless organizations began taking advantage of this crystal named Tiberium after the Minoan scientist who first discovered it, Dr. Marcus Tiberius. Its energy output far exceeds the output of Originium. Tiberium may soon become the world's most valuable resource after Originium. However, in the midst of this revelation, Tiberium soon showed its dark side.
Not long after its discovery, a new disease swept across the world. Common symptoms were breathing problems and suppressed immune system. Later symptoms would see green crystalline growths on the body. It was soon followed by a gradual crystallization of the body and, eventually, death due to organ failure. It was discovered that, unlike Oripathy, physical contact or exposure to high-concentration of Tiberium would almost guarantee death within minutes if not treated. It was more viral and lethal than Oripathy. Overexposure will result in the victim melting into a sentient blob-like mass of flesh called "Visceroid"; An aggressive Tiberium creature that indiscriminately attacks all within its vicinity.
It was named Tiberium Toxemia or Tiberium Poisoning. Further analysis revealed Tiberium was extremely toxic to carbon-based life. Physical contact with it causes the crystal to fuse with the skin in about 20 seconds, resulting in a burning sensation. If not treated soon, a full infection will manifest. The body will soon begin to crystallize and the victim will die of total system failure. Unlike Oripathy that took years to kill its victim, Tiberium Toxemia would kill its victim in months or in a few years. However, this was merely the start of Terra's problems.
Wherever Tiberium grows, the land from which it grew upon will gradually wither like a weed leeching the life of a garden. It sprouts from plant-like pods as it leaches minerals and nutrients from where it grew with its roots, killing surrounding plant life. Tiberium was also shown to have mutagenic effects to its surroundings and organic life. Mutated trees called "Blossom Trees" constantly release Tiberium spores into the air, spreading Tiberium into new areas to grow.
Eventually, a new catastrophe called an "Ion Storm" began to ravage the nations. An electrical storm caused by the saturation of Tiberium in the atmosphere and frequently occurs in heavy Tiberium concentrations. The sky is obscured by Tiberium gas clouds and lightning strikes proliferate as electrical charges build up in the atmosphere. Radar imaging becomes inactive and all electrical equipment becomes inoperable due to electromagnetic interference. Mobile cities and Landships caught in an Ion Storm are rendered immobile and had to wait for the storm to pass with lightning strikes damaging them.
Due to the Tiberium's propagation through spores, cases of Tiberium Poisoning began to rise at unprecedented levels than Oripathy. Millions of people began having respiratory problems, immunity system ailments, and organ failure. Tiberium grew on their bodies and lungs. Countless livestock fell victim to the poisoning, numbering in the millions. The death toll surpassed the deaths caused by Oripathy itself. It was then the world realized that a pandemic had truly begun and the nations began to suffer. Borders closed and a government-imposed quarantine was erected. None could leave and enter no matter what.
For the first time in Terra's history, all nations set aside their differences and joined together to combat this disease. It became far worse when they found out Tiberium grew faster in temperate climates as more land was claimed, leaching nutrients and mutating the land to suit its alien nature.
Something had to be done.
An emergency meeting held by the Council of Nations discussed ways to fight off the disease and limit the spread of Tiberium. Despite its toxicity and mutagenic effects, Tiberium was a valuable resource and it was more abundant than Originium. The meeting concluded on limiting the Tiberium's spread and providing funding for all pharmaceuticals to analyze Tiberium Toxemia to create a possible cure. Rhodes Island's operations soon expanded to the treatment of Oripathy and Tiberium Toxemia as more cases came up. Teams of flamethrower units from different nations began burning down Blossom Trees to limit its spread.
However, not all are killed by Tiberium Toxemia. The rare few who survived poisoning had their bodies mutated. The crystal within their bodies forming a symbiotic relationship with its host. With this symbiosis, the host's injuries heal faster in the presence of Tiberium and their Arts are far more powerful than the Originium Arts. However, much like the infected, they were despised by society as mutants and were exiled into the wilderness, leaving them to die.
Soon, stories of those exiled told of nomadic tribes began to circulate the world. A conglomerate of Tiberium mutant tribes who take the infected under their wing, regardless of origin. Unlike Terrans, they lack animalistic features. They were known as The Forgotten; A secretive community of mutant warriors and scientists who secluded themselves from civilization. Unlike Reunion, most did not seek revenge for their exile, isolating themselves as they alienated themselves further from civilization. They are not afraid to fight should they be threatened. They lived a nomadic life within the world's Tiberium fields. Alongside the Forgotten, they're accompanied by Tiberium wildlife that came from the ecosystem's mutated fauna.
One such creature was known as "Fiends"; A canine-like creature the size of a small horse with Tiberium growing on its back. Another was the "Floater"; A jellyfish-like creature that releases Tiberium gas to float through the air.
It was rumored that their leader, Tratos, was in possession of an artifact containing knowledge of Tiberium. It was known as the Tacitus, an orb containing overwhelming alien knowledge of advanced technology and Tiberium. Tratos's goal was to find a cure for his people and he was the only being in Terra capable of translating it. Due to the Mutants' distrust of non-infected people, who they call 'Blunts', the Forgotten Tribe were reluctant to accept aid from outsiders. Those who tried stealing the Tacitus were met with violence continuously.
The Forgotten fought with any weapons or technology they could scavenge from old husks of mobile cities and landships within the Tiberium fields. More recently, using knowledge learned from the Tacitus, the Forgotten built Tiberium-based weapons, vehicles, and aircraft. Combined with firearms knowledge from mutant Sankta and the engineering of former Rhine Labs scientists, they were a deadly force on the battlefield. This was supported by their domesticated Tiberium wildlife. Fiends launching Tiberium crystals from their backs. Floaters release Tiberium gas onto the enemy, tearing apart enemy vehicles using their tentacles and sending vast quantities of electricity through their target, and carrying troops to battle or scout. Their fixed settlements are built near Veinhole Monsters, massive Tiberium plant-like creatures similar to Venus Flytraps, using its veins to tear apart and consume non-tiberium life while spewing Tiberium gas from its mouth, providing a natural defense.
Many saw the Forgotten the same way they did with Oripathy infected, disdain and hate. Believing them to be the same as Reunion. Yet, only few ever acted in violence with most content in their isolation. Their only desire was to be free of Tiberium's curse, hoping their leader would find a cure and end their misery.
If none took action sooner, Tiberium will soon overrun the world and change the world we call home into an unrecognizable alien world. In the words of Dr. Marcus Tiberius: "It is not an exaggeration to state that the future of the entire planet may be in jeopardy. May God have mercy on our souls."
Rhodes Island Landship
The Doctor was what many would call a man of a few words, listening and rarely speaking in conversations. But when he speaks, he is able to unravel enemy plans, uncover conspiracies, and outsmart his enemies. The Doctor may have amnesia but never lost his strategic intellect. His close bond to his operators and Rhodes Island as a whole is what drives him forward. To see them smiling and relieved from their burdens. And the world may need him the most for it is in crisis.
Doctor remembered how Amiya recounted Rhodes Island's operation to extract him in his sarcophagus inside Chernobog. Due to the quarantine, operator squads had to sneak into the city undetected by military patrols enforcing the quarantine. Reunion was reported having planned to attack the city but most of their ranks contracted Tiberium Toxemia alongside Oripathy, leaving them unable to mount their offensive. After his extraction, the operation was uneventful and exfiltrated to the extraction point. During their exfiltration, a group of Ursus students known as the Ursus Self-Governing Group joined them as they escaped from their school. The Doctor didn't mind and was brought back to the landship, safely returning with no trouble.
Once in the landship, first impressions were surprising and shocking. The landship was busy with many doctors and nurses rushing to get new patients treated. Rhodes Island's medical wing was at near Max capacity with more patients coming in. Patients with Tiberium Toxemia are separated from Oripathy patients to avoid Multimorbidity among the patients and operators. Amiya and Kal'tsit were buried in their work as more patients were rushed to the ER. Most medical staff wore protective equipment when treating Toxemia and Oripathy patients. Most were overworked due to the constant influx of patients with little time to rest. A Two Shifts system was made to compensate for the workload with day and night shifts for medical staff.
With the extra funding received from the Council of Nations, Rhodes Island expanded their landship to accommodate more patients in the Medical Wing and quarters for the staff. Additional medical equipment was also procured thanks to their funding. Research on Tiberium Toxemia and Oripathy has become more important than ever due to the pandemic crisis. The engineering department has also expanded with development of new equipment and research on Tiberium-powered vehicles.
Amiya took some time off to orient the Doctor in Rhodes Island's facilities and operations. Their ultimate goal is to cure Oripathy and Tiberium Toxemia. Since the start of the pandemic, research on Oripathy and Tiberium Toxemia has become vital on the development of a cure. Every Rhodes Island pharmacy and clinic on every nation has their medicinal stock nearly drained at the pandemic's start by desperate people trying to protect themselves from being infected.
From what the Doctor heard, efforts on limiting the spread of Tiberium have slowed due to Tiberium's mutation. Because Tiberium is a mutagenic lifeform, its mode of spread has also mutated after burning countless Blossom Trees. No longer it needs Blossom Trees, it can grow underneath ground deposits and overcome its weakness to cold and dry environments, allowing its spread further to Ursus and Sargon. The crystal itself now releases microscopic Tiberium particulates into the air much like the spores of Blossom Trees and convert any matter it comes into contact into Tiberium down to the molecular level.
Any efforts the world took fighting Tiberium has only made it stronger. Limiting its spread has hit a dead end. Not to mention the ecological damage and mutation it had caused.
In Iberia, the Seaborne had become extinct due to the Tiberium-mutated sea life such as Tiberium crabs and its toxicity was harmful to the species. The villages were overrun with Tiberium and the Iberians were suffering the effects of Tiberium Poisoning. Iberia ended its isolation to receive aid and relieve their citizens' suffering. The Abyssal Hunters consisting of Skadi, Spectre, and Gladiia were horrified at the fate of their homes. What's worse is that Tiberium mutated the oceanic ecosystem.
The Aegir race has lived underneath the oceans within their domed cities, isolated from the dry land. However, that safety had made them lax in the face of Tiberium's relentless growth. Tiberium-mutated sea monsters relentlessly attacked their cities daily; Their aggression directed toward non-Tiberium life. Soon, cities fell from their relentless assault and many Aegir died, not just from Tiberium sea monsters but Tiberium-mutated plants. The oceanic spread of Tiberium was propagated by Tiberium algae, floating mutated algae colonies growing Tiberium that are attached to the seabed making sea travel impossible. Due to its toxicity, any Aegir escaping to dry land would be caught within its hold and die from toxicity.
The Aegir exodus to dry land had reduced their population to near extinction. Any surviving Aegir flocked to Higashi or Iberia for shelter. The Abyssal Hunters welcomed some in Rhodes Island, lamenting the loss of their home and cursing Tiberium's existence for the suffering it brought.
In Sargon, the Sarkaz desert clans and Archosaurian tribes were driven out of their homes by Tiberium and the mutated wildlife. Its temperate and dry climate did not deter its aggressive growth thanks to its adaptation. Tiberium Toxemia claimed many Sarkaz and Archosaurian tribes. Only a handful would survive their poisoning and would seek The Forgotten for shelter. Gavial was heartbroken at her home's destruction and one of her friends, Tomimi, was bedridden from poisoning. Gavial swore to herself she would cure Tomimi from her affliction, no matter the cost.
In Ursus, the nation was collapsing from within. Most Nobility had contracted Tiberium Toxemia including the Emperor, killing them. Their deaths left some cities in anarchy with riots and desperate survivors fleeing to other cities and nations with quarantine enforcement weakening. The remaining nobility became infected and committed suicide than live as such due to pride.
In Laterano, the Sankta and the Liberi were faring no better. Mobile cities rendered immobile due to Tiberium growths and Ion storms damaging them. The manufacture of Originium and Tiberium guns were halted for its toxicity and unethical use for warfare, believing it only spreads Tiberium further. The church was collapsing due to the cease of manufacture of guns.
In Kazimierz, all events and knight tournaments were indefinitely postponed until further notice. Most knights succumbed to Toxemia. The three knight factions of Kazimierz: The Armorless Union, Kazimierz General Chamber of Commerce, and Adeptus Sprawiedliwi Kazimierz have canceled the Kazimierz Major indefinitely due to the pandemic and focusing their efforts on quarantine. The Nearl family has relocated to Rhodes Island for safety. Margaret was more than happy to see her family again, relieved and tearful at her family's reunion.
In Yan, the state of affairs is much like its neighbouring nations. Cities are struggling to care for their citizens and treat the infected. Lungmen being the worst of them all. Chief Wei Yu died from Toxemia alongside his wife. The LGD continued its quarantine enforcement with Ch'en as acting City Chief and LGD Superintendent. The economy has also been depressed due to the pandemic, leaving most without jobs.
The rest of the world suffered similar conditions much like them. Families dying, economies collapsing, civil unrest, and losing faith in their nation. Columbia and Victoria were the most ravaged by Tiberium with relentless Ion Storms and aggressive wildlife. Rhine Labs struggled to counter Tiberium's growth and most are at a dead end with their research. The world needs a miracle more than ever if they were to survive.
Their only choice left was to contact The Forgotten. The Tacitus was their only hope for salvation. Mending relations between the infected and the non-infected were more important than ever. The Forgotten's self-imposed exile has kept the Tacitus within their hands. Its knowledge being their last lead for a cure and Tiberium containment. Rhodes Island was preparing an expedition to the Tiberium-infested ecosystems. Contacting the Forgotten tribe was top priority and negotiating the exchange of knowledge from the Tacitus was second. Venturing into the Red Zones and its constant Ion Storms is dangerous. But what choice do they have, desperation has forced their hand to pick the nuclear option with complete disregard for their safety.
Kal'tsit and Amiya would be joining the expedition alongside the operator squads. Those who volunteered for this operation knew it was suicidal and their lives could end. Yet they would go regardless because what other choice they have left. Their friends and families were dying of Toxemia and this was their last hope for them.
The Doctor was also joining the expedition. His tactical genius will be crucial in fighting off the hostile wildlife and navigating through Ion Storms. Protective Environmental suits were provided to all squads in the operation when venturing deep into Tiberium fields. They would be travelling by air, landing when an Ion Storm was present. Engineering has developed new Tiberum-powered VTOL aircraft with turbofans that will be crucial in their expedition.
Kal'tsit gave a speech about how dangerous the operation was going to be and thanked them for their participation knowing the dangers lying ahead. Amiya made final checks to ensure all is set to launch. Gavial and some medics ensured the necessary medical and research equipment were brought to conduct medical examinations of the Forgotten Tribes, studying their symbiosis. Combat operators ensure their weapons are maintained to keep others safe from Tiberium wildlife. Pilots made their pre-flight checks in their aircraft, making sure they functioned. Amiya soon gave the pilots the green light for launch.
The aircraft hovered as the turbofans provided lift. All operators held firm from within as they prepared to face dangers ahead. Soon, all aircraft departed the landship with many seeing them off as they wished them good luck. Operation:Tiberium Sun has begun.
Tiberium Wastes, "Red Zone"
Life in the so-called red zones of the world was harsh. Frequent Ion Storms and the wildlife would kill any regular people. However, The Forgotten are not regular people. Living in the red zones has hardened them and adapted to its environment. It has become their home since their foundation. Many have come to seek them and many have lost themselves to the red zones. So long as civilization hates them, they will keep themselves out of their sight. That is how it has always been in the Red Zones; A haven for mutants and hell for outsiders.
Okaru was one of many mutants who took shelter with the Forgotten. After her parents' death, the young Columbian Lupo girl departed her home and sought out the Forgotten due to her infected status. Since then, she found peace in the Forgotten community. Many shared her sentiments and became friends with her. She found a new family member in the form of a Fiend named Rex and they have been together ever since.
Okaru and Rex are inside an abandoned building, resting from their venture from home. They work as surveyors and scouts for the tribe, searching for salvageable tech within the husks of landships and mobile cities. She heard from others that Red Zones are expanding due to Tiberium's mutation. Personally, she believed that it was Mother Nature's wrath unleashed upon humanity as it finally united them under a common cause. It would be better if everyone was a Tiberium mutant where all are equal no matter their origin.
She took a bite on her ration, a mix of meat and vegetables loaded with preservatives. It doesn't taste great but food is food. The weather was clear for once in the Red Zone she lives in, no Ion Storm in sight for the next week. Rex was laying at her side resting with his tongue hanging out.
"Want a bite, Rex?" Okaru asked her pet, offering a ration cube. Rex sniffed it and ate the cube in one bite. Okaru patted Rex as he laid his head on her lap.
"Just another day in the wastes." Okaru said to herself, "Nothing much happens but it's for the better. Our safe haven from civilization's hate."
She heard the sound of aircraft flying through the sky. Okaru rushed outside, followed by Rex, seeing a flight of aircraft flying past her resting spot. The symbol of Rhodes Island printed on their fuselages. She had to alert the tribe. Taking out a radio from her robe, she fiddled with its knob and contacted a nearby outpost.
"This is Surveyor Okaru, reporting in." Okaru spoke, "I have sighted a fleet of aircraft heading towards one of our settlements. Affiliation is Rhodes Island."
"Copy that, Surveyor." The outpost operator responded, "We'll take care of this trespassing. Anything else to report?"
"None." Okaru said, "The fleet doesn't seem to be armed but expect hostilities just in case."
"Thank you for your concern." The operator said, "Head back to the settlement. We'll be forming a welcoming party for our uninvited guests."
"Roger, Okaru out." Okaru turned the radio off and packed up her equipment. Rex was at her side, ready to help.
"Let's go, Rex." Okaru motioned for Rex to follow, "Let's meet some old friends from civilization. Hope they brought something good for us."
Okaru and Rex made the journey back to the settlement on foot and hitched a ride on a passing Floater.
Forgotten Settlement
A welcoming party was an understatement when Rhodes Island arrived at the settlement. Groups of mutant warriors anticipated their arrival, weapons at the ready. Okaru was one of many mutants witnessing Rhodes Island's arrival. She saw them landing on the village outskirts upon her arrival, disembarking from the Floater. Entering the village, Okaru saw most of Rhodes Island were wearing hazmat-like suits to protect them from Tiberium exposure.
A rabbit girl came forward and asked if their leader was willing to talk. Fortunately, Tratos was present in this settlement with the Tacitus in hand. He defused the situation and asked why they came here. A Feline woman and a hooded man talked to Tratos about the Tacitus and the state of the outside world. Tratos seemed surprised and welcomed them into the settlement. He led both the Feline and the hooded man to his home, possibly discussing about the Tacitus.
The rest of Rhodes Island's operators began asking the locals for medical examinations for the purpose of studying their symbiosis. Okaru participated in the examinations; Some were scared off by Rex but she calmed him. She overheard they would be staying for sometime until their talks with Tratos finished.
Reconnecting with civilization wasn't easy for the Forgotten. Mistrust runs deep in their minds when they are exiled from their nations. Yet if there is any hope for reconciliation, Rhodes Island will bridge that gap and cure them of their curse. Okaru could only hope the world would accept them again.
Reunion Movement
Reunion was in shambles since the discovery of Tiberium. Countless militants, who were infected, contracted Tiberium Toxemia. The presence of both crystals in the body caused both to fight off each other, causing pain and degrading their host's condition. Many of their rank fell victim to poisoning like a scythe cutting through grass. The movement was nothing but a husk of its former self.
Talulah solemnly mourned the deaths of her soldiers. She rarely showed emotions to others but with what was happening in the world, it didn't matter. The Empire of Ursus was imploding from the pandemic and the deaths of the Ursus Nobility. In truth, she got what she wanted but she didn't want it this way. Their goal didn't seem to matter anymore as the nations began their research on curing Oripathy and Tiberium Toxemia.
She heard footsteps approaching her and saw Mephisto. Gone was the bold and psychopathic demon, he became a silent and depressed introverted boy. Talulah felt sympathy for him. Seeing your only friend wither before you is heartbreaking, knowing their friendship ran deep.
"Any news, Mephisto?" Talulah asked
"No…" Mephisto quietly said, "Only more deaths amongst us and some leaving us entirely."
"I don't blame them for leaving…" Talulah said, "Our purpose is long gone since the pandemic. The nations have started researching a cure for the disease. What else is there for us?"
"The universe seems to hate us, no matter what we do…" Mephisto depressingly said, "We're all doomed from the start anyway…"
"Tend to the others, Mephisto." Talulah said, "They'll need your help more than I do. Do it for your friend. For Faust…"
Mephisto silently nodded as he walked away. Despite his mental state, he was still a medic. Easing the suffering of others is the least he could do for Faust after his death.
Talulah sighed to herself. Reunion no longer has a purpose in this age. Tiberium has claimed many of their lives and caused misery for more. They are no longer needed in this world. There is nothing left for them. Disbanding is the only option left for her, letting them live their own lives rather than chained to her own.
"The world is on the verge of destruction…" Talulah said to herself, "I hope for a bright and peaceful future for all, even if it's wishful thinking…"