3 Days later
FOB Mason
Two days. That's how long it took for GDI to establish a proper field base that could fend off another Wanderer attack.
Two days was what it took to turn a patch of land into a forward fortress. His combat engineers and construction battalion did their magic and built a base from practically nothing.
As much as operating in a Redzone sucked, it was also a blessing thanks to the abundant Tiberium around, which could be harvested for materials. Combined with both offshore maritime logistical support and the flow of airborne supplies meant that building up a proper forward operating base wasn't as logistically challenging.
By the end of the first day, there was a hexagonal-shaped base sprawling over several kilometres enclosed by several Concrete and metal walls. All were protected by a myriad of Railgun-armed Watchtowers, Bulldog Rocket, Missile, and Gattling Turrets, Triad Heavy Railgun turrets, Klink Rail 203mm Railgun and Miasma Plasma Artillery Turrets, Regenerative Minefields, and a few Railgun and laser Anti Air defence turrets.
That wasn't counting the rapidly deployed 4th Armoured Division, which served as the primary garrison force for Forward Operating Base Mason with its fleets of Paladins, Mammoths, and Juggerauts smashing any Wanderer recon force. Adding the three hundred aircraft deployed organically to the base, and it alone proved to be a tough nut to crack.
The results proved themselves just when the 4th armoured arrived on station, as another Wanderer division tried to stroll out of the portal. Though deprived of naval gun support, the firepower of two mobile divisions, static artillery, and air power proved decisive.
The combined artillery power of two divisions pinned the Wanderer's laser strains into place while Shockwaves and Sandstorms harried the flanks. When the Wanderers finally got remotely close to FOB Mason, they were fed into a meat grinder of dug-in zone and mechanized infantry, MBTs and Mammoths, and stationary defences.
Meanwhile, Orcas, Forge gunships, and Nova-Firehawks swept in under the artillery bombardment and decimated the Laser class, which allowed for both MRLS and tactical bombers to roll in and flatten the embattled aliens.
Half an hour went by, the dust settled, post-battle assessments were made, and another estimated 14,000 creatures were claimed by GDI forces. The Initative's casualties came mostly in broken Wingman drones, accidental injuries, and the occasional Tiberium-related issue that was sorted out.
When things settled down, elements of ZOCOM's 23rd divisional battle group arrived in the region and began mass Tiberium abatement operations. With a fanaticism rivalling all but the most fanatical NOD members, the 23rd began stripping multiple square kilometres of the desert of Tiberium.
Meanwhile, the 28th was pulled off the line quickly for a bit of R&R and replenishment. Thanks to field-established factories and maintenance yards, the whole division was fully resupplied within a day and awaited the next orders.
All the while, multiple engineering teams and MCVs were flown, doing everything from establishing more proper airfields, armouries, and field war factories to erecting more comfortable barracks and strength in defences.
FOB Mason was now a fully fledged (if still in progress) base that could support further operations.
All that was left was to figure out where to go and what to do next.
That was why Coen was sitting in a temporary office watching a video whose contents would make most people vomit: a recording of a dissection of several of the Wanderer corpses.
The video setting was the sterile white of a mobile field lab, with over a dozen dead creatures and many scientists milling about or cutting into creatures."
"The bite strength of many of these creatures is extremely high, with it looking like these things can chew through most forms of construction materials."
"That being said, it seems that outside the larger Waller forms, the 'fat elephants' ones, and the laser strains, most of these things don't seem to be suited to human-on-human combat."
Coen took a sip of aloe vera as he watched the dissection continue.
"We also don't believe that these creatures are a part of some natural ecosystem, as they defy most forms of biological life. They seem to lack both a proper digestive tract for absorption of nutrients and the organs for independent thought," the off-screen doctor said as several scientists were cutting into one of the creatures' guts.
"Our analysis is concluding that these creatures might have been created though not for combat. Perhaps some form of organic defence system or maybe hunting creatures of some form. Maybe a sort of organic mining system?"
"Which then begs the question: what's controlling these things? If these creatures are a part of some hive-mind or organic drones, it would explain the relative lack of independent movement and herd-like behaviour."
"Now, address the idea of these creatures being made of humans-"
The view shifted to the body of one of the white-toothy creatures being diced up by a laser knife.
"Unfortunately, we have determined that our field troops are correct. Many of the creatures, especially of these strains that resemble mushrooms, have been comprised of biological human material."
"However, that's not all. Many of these creatures seemed to be composed of biological matter from other creatures. We've identified matter from over three dozen known species within these things."
"This brings up the hypothesis that many of the creatures might have been created by recycling biological material. That doesn't explain where they got human bio-matter from-"
The computer began ringing, indicating an incoming call. Coen paused the dissection video and answered it.
A live video took the place of one 5-star General Sawyer, overall Ground Force commander of all GDI forces in the Middle East. Aka, his immediate boss.
"Kid, you seem to be holding up," the old general gruffed.
"I am, sir. All in all, this new alien war wasn't exactly what I expected."
"It sure as hell is not any of what we expected or trained for. But they aren't Scri, so I can live with that," Sawyer agreed.
"I agree. It's weird. Besides the fact that these creatures want to eat us, their life aren't that crazy. They bleed like any other creature not laced with Tiberium. And they die from Tiberium, so that's a plus." Coen scratches his chin. "That doesn't explain where they got the humans to make these creatures, though. Kuwait's been abandoned since the 2020s, at the very least."
"You don't seem to be freaked out by the fact that there are aliens using humans as materials for giant hordes," Sawyer commented.
"We also live in a world where an alien crystal almost ate everything, a bunch of terror and cult groups banded together with more power than old nations, sapient aliens being responsible for the hungry planet eating crystal, and then the whole fuckery with Kane. I'm surprised but not shocked," Coen replied.
"Touché. Well then, you might find out where these creatures are coming from because the Directors are dunking you into the deep end."
"Already? We just started cross-portal recon operations with the Wingman Drones, and our backup divisions aren't here yet.."
"Well, not officially yet. Of course, they're going to wait until you have three divisions covering you." Sawyer leaned back in his chair and grimaced. "However, the public is pressuring the directors for more action, more intel, more information. You know the drill. That means you're being outfitted to go out again. Through the portal."
"This better not be turning Boyle situation," Coen sighed. "What can I expect for reinforcements support?"
"Mostly more drones for your robot regiment, extra supplies and munitions, some new toys, and a few eggheads to join you. But also expect the 23rd ZOCOM Divisional Battlegroup on rapid response."
"No commandos, though?" Coen inquired.
"None available. Except for the ones of the 55th Orbital Strike Division. You wouldn't want them coming with you, remember?"
Coen thought, then shuddered when he remembered who would be among them. "Ah….uhhhh-nope. I still remember the Sovereign Incident. Wait, aren't elements of NOD still calling for the death of most of the 55th?"
"Yes," Sawyer wearily sighed. "Unfortunately, most of our other commando teams are preoccupied with operations in Africa and the Belt. Unless you want the 55th in on the action and all the paperwork-"
"Nope, I don't think we need them!" Coen hastily stated. "So, thank you for the extra regiments, general? Anything else I should expect?"
"Nothing yet. I'll give you a heads up if something is thrown your way."
"Understood, sir. Thanks for checking up." Coen nodded.
"Stay safe, kid. Eagle Actual out," and with that, the view screen winked off.
Coen sighed. "Well, there goes my plan of sleep," he muttered as he yanked another bottle of Aloe from his desk, poured it into his glass, and resumed the video on the Wanderer dissection report.
First things first, learn more about the enemy.
"-nor does it explain the presence of these more exotic materials within the corpses of the ones that shot lasers. Of course, biological laser weaponry is something exceedingly interesting."
()
Existence 01 (Superior, 3rd World) - Inquiry. Exotic material quota not achieved. Carbon lifeforms on continent 04 disrupting mining operations. Requesting update on the quantum event and mining missions.
Existence 09 (Consul Lesser. 3rd World) - Quantum event is analogous to a wormhole-like entity. Location of exit point: Unknown. However, the terrain resembles this world's own. Forays encountered anomalous hazardous material; multiple Bio-Forms were lost to hazardous material.
Existence 01 (Superior, 3rd World) - Requesting description of the material.
Existence 09 (Consul Lesser, 3rd World) - Material is crystalline, seemingly holding vast amounts of mineral material within. Also seems to be easily harvestable and could be utilized in both carbon mining and exotic material production if understood.
Existence 01 (Superior, 3rd World) - Understood. Inquiry: Have samples been collected?
Existence 09 (Consul Lesser, 3rd World) - Sample of crystalline material retrieved through Event, however, most bioforms expired when returning to the current location. In addition, all contact with both deployed through Quantum Event and subsequent secondary bioform waves has been lost.
Existence 01 (Superior, 3rd World) - What occurred?
Existence 09 (Consul Lesser, 3rd World) - Bioforms unknown multiple flying objects analogous to this world's carbon platforms deployed in initial landings. Most were shot down by laser bioforms. Initial waves held the position when they were engaged by unknown carbon platforms from the nearby sea. 52% losses occurred before bioforms were directed to withdraw away from the Quantum Event and further inland. The remaining bioforms encountered both air and land carbon platforms, engaging in combat similar to 3rd World Carbon platforms' combat practices. All bioforms are lost.
Existence 01 (Superior, 3rd World) - Detected you sent two more waves in after. Requesting status.
Existence 09 (Consul Lesser, 3rd World) - First reinforcement wave abruptly lost contact, last readings showed multiple thermal strikes and plasma-based strikes before all contact was lost. Hive base component was lost. The second wave went through and discovered that the terrain had been glassed by unknown methods. Second waved moved further inland and was engaged by air and land carbon platforms. Contact was lost with second wave. Likely conclusion: all bioforms lost.
Existence 01 (Superior, 3rd World) - Concerning. Halt all expansion efforts through Quantum Event and replenish mining forces. Observe Quantum Event until given further notice. Focus on analyzing Crystalline Material.
Existence 09 (Consul Lesser, 3rd World) - Understood. Will halt exploration missions for the time being.
Existence 01 (Superior, 3rd World) - Transferring tertiary bioforms from Existence 02, 03, and 11 to supplement the mining force.
Existence 09 (Consul Lesser, 3rd World) - Acknowledged. Awaiting reinforcements.
()
GDI Forward Drone Control Center #2
"You know, this place looks just like Kuwait but without Tiberium."
"How would you know? You just got here, you can't possibly tell desert from the desert. Fall all we know. This is that desert world with two suns from-"
If she had eyes, Lumini would have raised an eyebrow at that conversation between drone operators as she filtered out the conversation.
When GDI had learned that their standard communication methods could work through the portal, a squadron of modified Airforce StealthHawk Wingmen drones outfitted with optical camouflage and sensor pods in place of heavy armaments had been prepared, and the first ones just flew into the portal.
The portal itself could accurately be described as akin to a stable vortex of some kind. An inverted flowing hole of energy akin to the many portals GDI had created during its experimentation with Scrin technology. When one looked into it, the portal was just…a flowing swirl of different shades of blue.
And it was huge. As in stretching over three-quarters of a kilometre and was large enough that one could throw a Spirit class Fleet Carrier or one of those new-fangled Global Stratospheric-Space Strategic Transporter Ships through it.
Anyways, back to recon. Over a few dozen stealthy drones went, showed that flying in and out of the portal was no problem and showed that the other side was relatively…..tame.
No esoteric creatures besides more of those Wanderers, no eldritch plant growth growing as tall as space elevators, no esoteric crazies running around. Just an open desert.
Ok, that and some minor Tiberium crystal patches. Probably from some of the Wanderers that went back into the portal before the 28th struck. That was something that needed to be worried about but a problem for later.
Still, it was….abnormally familiar terrain. At least familiar when one considers she was seeing all of this through the cameras of a StealthHawk.
"Controller, please bring one of those drones around to head 93 degrees to your left. I want to see if there's anything over there," Lumini requested from her holographic display behind the drone operators.
The drone controller nodded, tapping his consoles and redirecting one of the automated StealthHawks around. Lumini watched as the sand and desert rolled underneath the drone.
In another world, a scant few drones soared across the skies unopposed. Cloaked to every visual and electronic method of detection, it seemed nothing could track them.
And without anything to challenge them, every second was used to scan, watch, and observe the surrounding lands around the other end of the portal. She was quickly building a map of everything around them.
Which, again, was oddly familiar besides the lack of Tiberium.
But she needed more evidence first.
One of the Stealthhawks' scanners swept the terrain ahead of it. Its systems notified its operators of a new terrain: an ocean.
It pushed its impulse jets a bit more, getting closer to the coastline. As it did, its cameras picked up a sight that seemed…. familiar to its native war-laden world.
It showed what appeared to be the remnants of a smashed city. The StealthHawk noted that many of the roads seemed to be relatively intact, the skeleton remains of a few buildings still stood, and it could pick out a few remnants of port facilities.
But it had seemingly been run over, like a massive creeping artillery barrage or a horde of Avatars running it over.
The StealthHawk collected this information, feeding it back through the portal and to the control centre on the other side.
"Got what appears to be a wrecked city, ma'am," The drone controller reported.
"City? Now that answers some questions and opens up more," Lumini said cautiously.
"Scrin shits, what the hell happened here?"
"Got more rubble and remains. Besides the roads, it looks like someone took the chance to clean everything out."
Lumini paused before quickly accessing GDI's extensive catalogue of data from before Tiberium times. She brought up every possible copy of the urban layout plans of every major city in Kuwait before its collapse and compared them to the data collected.
Interesting.
"Controller, push all drones to a hundred kilometres from the portal and gather all possible information. Track all potential hordes, geographic landmarks, and anything of interest," Lumini ordered.
"I think I have an interesting report to make to the General."
()
As GDI's many stealth craft continued to watch and observe this new world that seemed to be nearly identical while continuing their mobilization, the world seemed to shift ever so slightly thanks to this new presence.
The Wanderers, or simply the BETA to the locals, took this new arrangement seriously. Hundreds of thousands of their bio-mining forms were redirected from other front operations, centred on one location.
It was a sound decision: bring in reinforcements from across the region while waiting to quickly replenish losses in one location and maintain deterrence against this new foe.
However, the withdrawal of so many bioforms caused their problems.
Mining operations disruption, reallocation of critically needed exotic elements, and the usage of time to replenish energy in bioforms all proved to be a minor headache (or would be if they could have headaches) for the BETA.
And such movements were not something that could be hidden all the time. Eventually, the locals would find out and make their moves.
Eventually.
This is a short chapter for today, mainly as I'm dealing with several assignments and me being unsure what else to put here. It might be another chapter or two before we get back into the action, though.