Author's Notes: I just wrote this cross-over fanfiction story simply because I liked Command and Conquer: Generals and its expansion Zero Hour aside from Zero no Tsukaima. Sadly, I'm not able to play it because my computer, or laptop for this matter, doesn't read the game's CD whenever I try to install it (actually, it aborts itself when the installation meter reaches 70% or something). By the way, I chose the USA as the faction where my five-man OC team will come from. I simply chose the USA because this is the faction that I always choose whenever I play the game since it suits my strategies (whenever I got the chance to play this game on other computers).

Anyways, about the story, this story will take spy fiction elements like infiltration, deception and, at times, assassinations by a wide margin unlike General RTS' fanfic "Drifter Series: Revolution and Freedom" and it's sequel, "Drifter Series: The Bloody Crusade" which both basically relies more on military fiction based on my POV. So, expect some unlucky royalists being assassinated as the story progresses (probably including Henrietta but I would not confirm it at the moment). Saito and the official cast will be appearing as well though the main point of view will be on the leader of the 5-man Ranger team and, at times, his subordinates. Before I forgot, the main OC's rank will be Captain instead of Commander because the rank of Commander is reserved for the Navy. The reason for this is because the main OC will be engaged in military affairs where he will need to COMMAND his men to victory later on in the story. Other OCs will also have a role to play.

This fanfic story takes place during the events shortly after Wales' death which preludes the Albion invasion of Tristain during the first season and during the aftermath of Command and Conquer: Generals Zero Hour where the USA recalls a majority of its forces in Europe to defend the US mainland from a suspected GLA attack. Oh yeah, trust me, this fanfic is different from the other military-themed fanfics of Zero no Tsukaima. Expect something unpleasant as you read. Some characters will be likely losing an arm or a leg or even a head. War is always as bad as it gets.

I don't own any of the Command and Conquer games and Zero no Tsukaima. All credits go to their respective owners.

Oh, aside from liking the games said above, another reason why I wrote this fanfic is because I have an easy time coping up with the terms that I read in a book regarding politics and military history. Anyways, on with the story.

A Commander's Path: Road To Freedom fanfic by foldguy24

COMM... Loading...

========== Prologue: Moving Out ==========

At a briefing room of a US Strategy Center somewhere in the Russian-Kazakhstani border…

0800 Hours…

The inside of the briefing room is dark while a projector is displaying different information on a clean white wall. A US Army officer is debriefing five men wearing Ranger-Standard Battle Dress Uniforms.

"Listen men", Lieutenant-Colonel Tom C. Marshal said, "We received reports from our agents in Kazakhstan that a Global Liberation Army cell is using an abandoned industrial area as a hiding place for toxins that are believed to be stolen from the People's Liberation Army. Right now, your team's mission is to confirm if this Intel is right and, if confirmed and possible, you are to safely dispose them. We already have permission from the Chinese government to destroy these stolen toxins so we won't suffer any reprisals from China the moment you destroyed the toxins."

"Understood", one of the men in ranger's uniform said in a tone that implies that he's the leader of the team, "Is there anything else?"

"That's all for it Captain", Tom said, "You'll be informed through radio if there's any changes in your mission parameters. You are to leave at approximately 1000 hours and I believe you'll reach the area of operations within two hours. All men, you are now dismissed."

All five men then stood up and stretched their arms to salute their commanding officer.

Tom then saluted them in return.

As the men are leaving, Tom said to the captain "Captain, ensure you and your men will come back here alive in one piece. I don't want to see you or any of your men butchered by those suckers in one of their propaganda trash articles. Is that clear?"

The captain turned around to face Tom before replying.

"Sir, we're too awesome to die here. Those GLA bastards won't get us", the captain said with a grin on his face.

Somewhere in Kazakhstan, Old Industrial Area (Abandoned Facilities)...

1200 Hours...

A CH-47 Chinook is flying towards what seems to be an old industrial area littered with derelict factories and warehouses. As the Chinook neared the area, it decreased its speed to make a stealthy entry into the area. When it is already above an abandoned building, a warehouse to be exact, a group of 5 rangers rappelled downwards until they touched the roof of the warehouse. When the leader in charge of the team was sure that his men are all on the ground, he waved the Chinook to say that everything is fine. The Chinook then ascended upwards and flew out of the area until it now looks as a tiny speck in the sky.

The small US Ranger team consisting of 5 rangers is stealthily making their way into a suspected GLA-occupied location. Intel suggests that the area is occupied with remnant GLA forces and is believed that the GLA forces in question are using the area to store dangerous toxins known as the Anthrax Gamma. The toxins actually belonged to the GLA but the People's Liberation Army is said to have seized them from an operation although the GLA was able to retake it back at the cost of heavy casualties on their side. Their main objective is to confirm whether the Intel is right and, if possible, find out a way to safely dispose said toxins.

Right now, the Ranger team is in an urban location with lots of abandoned houses and other structures like warehouses and vehicle depots. So far, the team haven't encountered any GLA rebel as they continued to advance. As they advance, one of the rangers asked his commanding officer.

"Captain, are you sure that the Intel's right?", a soldier by the name of Private Henry K. Elsen asked.

The captain turned to his subordinate and answered.

"Whether the Intel's right or wrong, we basically don't have any choice Private", Captain Mark A. Mitchell answered.

Well, the remnants of the US Military Command in Europe have no choice but to make due with whatever of their forces is left. The US Military Headquarters in Europe located on Stuttgart-Vaihigen, Germany has been overrun by GLA forces. Because of that, American forces have to retreat not to mention that the US government has ordered a massive recall of all US forces in Europe to defend the US mainland against a suspected GLA attack. And consequently, this resulted in few American forces left in Europe to deal with the GLA. The bad point of this situation is that the GLA got their hands on high-tech American military hardware which, as Mark says, is a real pain in the ass. Now, the GLA is likely able to mount a real punch in the battlefield thanks to stolen American weaponry.

The team continued to move on and on around the area. Finally, or should Mark say "at last", the team finally found a bunch of rebels lazing out on the second floor of a high-rise building. Mark raised his hand to tell his men to stop and hide behind the walls so as not to get spotted.

"Lieutenant, see if there's more of them in the building", Mark said to one of his men.

"Roger that", Lieutenant James S. Boyle replied.

James then took out his binoculars and turned it to thermal sight configuration before peering through it.

"Eight tangos located at the first floor", Lt. Boyle said as he saw the heat signatures of the GLA rebels in the area.

"Understood", Mark said, "Listen men, our objective is to confirm the existence of the alleged toxins in the area and, if possible, safely dispose them. We have limited manpower at the moment as High Command recalled the majority of US forces in Europe to defend the US Mainland from a suspected GLA Attack. Men, make this shot count."

"Roger", all of his men said.

The Ranger team then made a detour to evade with what seemed to be a GLA lookout post.

As the team advanced, Mark asked one of his men which happened to wield an M240L machine gun.

"Sergeant Lipton, you're in charge of safely disposing the toxins once we secured them. Is that clear sergeant?", Mark asked.

"Affirmative", Sergeant Kenneth J. Lipton said.

Meanwhile, at a US Strategy Center...

1230 Hours...

"[COMMS] This is Command to Recon Team, did you find the target?", Lieutenant-Colonel Tom said over the radio.

"[COMMS] Not yet", Mark replied, "[COMM] The area's littered with GLA forces, we can't move that freely."

"[COMMS] Understood", the Tom replied.

The officer then terminated the transmission. Just as he is about to recline on his chair, CIC officer went up to him.

"Lieutenant-Colonel Tom, we got a hit on radar", the CIC officer said.

Tom looked up at the CIC officer and said "Is that a group of heavily armed GLA forces?"

"Not quite, it appears to be some sort of transport convoy and it's heading to where Captain Mitchell's team is in", the CIC officer replied, "It's also lightly guarded as well."

Tom pondered for a moment before replying.

"Can you give me a visual of that convoy?", Tom asked.

"Yes sir", the CIC officer replied.

In the next few moments, an LCD screen lit up in front of Tom showing trailer trucks with only a few machine gun-armed technicals acting as escort.

Thinking of a decision, Tom immediately re-established connection with Captain Mitchell's group.

"[COMMS] This is Command to Recon Team, a transport convoy is inbound to your location. You are to find out whatever the cargo trucks contain and destroy them if appropriate", Tom said.

"[COMMS] Copy that, Recon team out", Mark said.

Back at Captain Mitchell's Group...

Old Industrial Area (Abandoned Facilities)...

1245 Hours...

"Sir, additional objectives?", a ranger wielding an SR-25 sniper rifle by the name of Michael M. Simmons with a rank of Private said.

"Yes", Mark said, "Alright men, Command sent us a new objective. The process is still the same. We need to destroy it if needed."

His men nodded at what he said. Shortly after sorting up the new objective, the team proceeded to move on.

After searching the entire GLA compound, the Ranger team eventually found their target: a pile of barrels holding Anthrax Gamma and is inside on what appears to be a storage room. Thankfully, the toxin is inert at the moment because the only content of the barrels is just one of the primary ingredients for the toxin. The GLA is yet to mix it with the other ingredient to completely make it usable. There are three guards left in the storage room and they appear to be lazing off.

"All men, grab your knives and move behind the storage room. We need to take them out silently", Mark said, "Henry, you take the lead. Slice that bastard over there from behind."

Henry nodded and quietly sneaked up behind the GLA rebel along with the other members of the team including Mark coming from behind the storage room. The moment he is finally behind the rebel. He delivered a powerful blow to the rebel's neck sending the man reeling in pain. Henry then sank the blade on the back of the rebel's head.

"Hostile neutralized", Henry said as the rebel's blood drip on his M9 combat knife which he immediately pulled out.

The other two guards were taken out by Mark and Kenneth in the same fashion as well.

"The coast's clear", Michael said.

Once Mark considered that the room is already clear of GLA rebels. He ordered Kenneth to do his job.

"Sergeant, neutralize the toxins now. Do it fast", Mark said.

Kenneth nodded and walked up to the barrels of inert toxin and started to dispose it by inserting another chemical that will ruin the composition of the Anthrax Gamma.

"Sir, the toxins have been neutralized", Kenneth said.

"Affirmative", Mark said.

Mark then took out his communication device and activated it.

"[COMMS] This is Captain Mitchell to Command, the toxins have been neutralized", Mark said over the radio.

"[COMMS] This is Command to Recon team, understood", Tom said on the other line.

"[COMMS] Roger that. Recon team will move on to the new objective", Mark replied.

Just as Mark is waiting for Command to reply, an RPG rocket suddenly slammed into the storage room. Gunfire then followed.

"Fuck! We're spotted!", Michael yelled.

"[COMMS] This is Command, what is going on there?!", Tom's voice said.

"[COMMS] This is Captain Mitchell, we've been spotted by the enemy. We need to return fire now", Mark replied.

"[COMMS] Understood, an airstrike will arrive in 30 minutes. The new objective's been canceled so use the time to get the hell out of there captain", Tom ordered.

"[COMMS] Roger that, Captain Mitchell out", Mark said as he tightly held his M16A4 rifle and took cover.

"Everyone take cover!", Mark ordered.

His men then hid behind the walls of the storage room and started firing at the GLA rebels through the windows. The storage room now acted as an improvised bunker for the now-trapped ranger team. Thankfully for them, the GLA rebels won't be using another RPG rocket in fear that they might mess up the toxins which they broke their backs to get their hands on which, unknown to them, is already messed up. Consequently, only AK-47 and machine gun fire from the technicals will be the only ones that will greet the ranger team.

Mark then opened fire from his hiding place hoping to shoot down a rebel. Fortunately, he managed to take one out with a headshot.

"Tango down", Mark said as he saw the rebel he shot fell dead.

Kenneth is busy firing at a group of rebels with his M240L machine gun. The 7.62x51mm rounds that his machine gun fires is really effective in this situation. While the rounds can't penetrate tank armor, the fact that the GLA's armor division is rather frail makes his weapon strong enough to pierce through technicals which are just pickup trucks with a heavy machine gun mounted at the back. Kenneth scored a kill when he managed to riddle down a rebel hiding behind a technical with a several bullets.

"Captain, we need to get the hell out of here!", James said as he open fire on the rebels with his own M16A4.

"I know, but we can't get out of here unless we take out these bastards", Mark replied, "Michael, snipe the gunners on the technicals. They're a real pain in the ass."

"Roger", Michael said.

Michael then aimed his SR-25 at a rebel firing a technical's machine gun into their position blindly. He then took a deep breath as he steady his aim on the rebel's head in an attempt to score a headshot. After a moment or so, Michael pulled the trigger and his rifle barked silently because of the attached suppressor. The hit was a success. The rebel's head exploded like a blasted tomato before the rebel's body fell on the ground headless.

The firing ceased after about 20 minutes.

"All hostiles eliminated", Henry confirmed as he recognized that none of the rebels are left.

"Okay, move out!" Mark said, "We don't have much time left before the Warthogs blow this place to hell!"

The ranger team then made a run to get out alive. Suddenly, a pair of Scorpion tanks appeared in front of the team in an attempt to block their path.

"Oh Shit!", James exclaimed.

"Fall Back!", Mark said as he and his men fired at the tanks while falling back.

After several moments of running, the team is now holed up in a larger warehouse. Thankfully, they were able to lock the door preventing the rebels from getting in, at least for now.

"Fuck! We're trapped!", Michael said.

Mark is busy thinking on what to do to escape. Right now, he has less than 10 minutes to make him and his team escape the area before the airstrike will bomb the place.

Suddenly, Mark noticed that some of his men yanked up and has a look on their faces that say that they saw a ghost.

"Captain, look at that!", Henry said while his hand is pointing somewhere.

Mark then turned around so he could look at the direction that Henry is pointing at. Much to his shock, he saw a green portal suspended on mid-air and the portal shows a light green and grassy forest akin to those he see in Eastern Europe although the area that the portal is showing is dark meaning the area beyond the portal is in night time. Of course, this is puzzling as it is still noon and the sun is still high up in the sky.

Mark then weighed up his options. Right now, they are currently trapped by the GLA and are now holed up in this warehouse with only a few minutes left before they get toasted by the incoming A-10 airstrike.

"Men, let's move through there", Mark ordered.

"Captain, are you serious?!", James asked with the other rangers looking at Mark.

"We don't have much of a choice lieutenant", Mark replied, "At least we have a chance of saving or asses if we go through there than wait here to get roasted."

James then nodded which means that he now agreed with Mark on the decision. The rest of the team also has the same view as James and they eventually agreed with Mark.

After a few moments, the team stepped through the portal just before the portal itself closed leaving the inside of the warehouse empty. When the GLA managed to get in by having one of their scorpion tanks ram the door. They didn't found anything or anybody. Just an empty warehouse.

Back at the US Strategy Center

1315 Hours...

"Lieutenant-Colonel, we've lost contact with Captain Mitchell's team", the CIC officer said.

"Did they managed to get out?", Tom asked.

"I don't know, sir", the CIC officer said, "their signal simply vanished with no signs of being killed."

Tom pondered for a moment on what happened. His logical brain says that Mitchell's team can't simply disappear without any explanation.

As he wrapped up his thoughts, the only words that came out of his mouth is "What... the... fuck..."

-CHAPTER 1 END-

Soldiers of the five-man Ranger team

Name: Mark A. Mitchell

Rank: Captain

Role in team: Leader

Equipment:

Primary Weapon: M16A4 with M203 Grenade Launcher (attached under the barrel), attachable suppressor and mounted ACOG AN/PVQ-31

Secondary Weapon: Heckler & Koch MK23 (with attachable suppressor)

Tertiary Weapon: M9 Bayonet (Combat Knife)

Ammunitions : 30 rounds (5.56x45mm) in STANAG magazine currently loaded in the rifle with 22 reserve mags for a total of 660 rounds*, 1 round (40x46mm) currently loaded in grenade launcher with additional 15 rounds*, and 12 rounds (.45 ACP) currently loaded in handgun with 30 additional mags for a total of 360 rounds*

*All stuffed inside combat backpack known as the Improved Load Bearing Equipment backpack.

Other Equipment: A flashlight, 4 HE Grenades and 4 Flash Bang Grenades and Communication equipment.

Name: Henry K. Elsen

Rank: Private First Class

Role in team: Close-Quarters Combat (CQC) specialist

Equipment

Primary Weapon: M16A4 with M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System (attached under the barrel), attachable suppressor and mounted ACOG AN/PVQ-31

Secondary Weapon: Heckler & Koch MP7 with attachable suppressor, Zeiss RSA Reflex Red Dot Sight and LLM01 (Laser Light Module 01)

Tertiary Weapon: M9 Bayonet (Combat Knife)

Ammunitions : 30 rounds (5.56x45mm) in STANAG magazine currently loaded in the rifle with 22 reserve mags for a total of 660 rounds*, 40 rounds (4.6x30mm) currently loaded in SMG with 20 reserve mags for a total of 800 rounds*, 5 rounds (12 gauge) currently loaded in under barrel shotgun with additional 20 mags for a total of 300 rounds*, and 12 rounds (.45 ACP) currently loaded in handgun with 30 additional mags for a total of 360 rounds*

*All stuffed inside combat backpack known as the Improved Load Bearing Equipment backpack.

Other Equipment: A flashlight, 4 HE Grenades, 4 Flash bang Grenades, 3 Smoke Grenades and Communication equipment.

Name: Kenneth J. Lipton

Rank: Sergeant

Role in team: Heavy weapons expert and Demolition specialist

Equipment

Primary Weapon: M240L Machine gun with mounted M145 Machine Gun Optic and deployable bipod

Secondary Weapon: Heckler & Koch MK23 (with attachable suppressor)

Tertiary Weapon: M9 Bayonet (Combat Knife)

Ammunitions : 150 rounds (7.62x51mm) in machine gun box loaded on the weapon with 20 additional boxes for a total of 3000 rounds*, and 12 rounds (.45 ACP) currently loaded in handgun with 30 additional mags for a total of 360 rounds* *All stuffed inside combat backpack known as the Improved Load Bearing Equipment backpack.

Other Equipment: A flashlight, 4 HE Grenades, 10 C4 charges, and 3 Tear Gas Grenades and Communication equipment.

Name: James S. Boyle

Rank: Lieutenant

Role in team: Point Man (second in command of the team)

Equipment

Primary Weapon: M16A4 with M203 Grenade Launcher (attached under the barrel), attachable suppressor and mounted ACOG AN/PVQ-31

Secondary Weapon: Heckler & Koch MK23 (with attachable suppressor)

Tertiary Weapon: M9 Bayonet (Combat Knife)

Ammunitions : 30 rounds (5.56x45mm) in STANAG magazine currently loaded in the rifle with 22 reserve mags for a total of 660 rounds*, 1 round (40x46mm) currently loaded in grenade launcher with additional 15 rounds*, and 12 rounds (.45 ACP) currently loaded in handgun with 30 additional mags for a total of 360 rounds* *All stuffed inside combat backpack known as the Improved Load Bearing Equipment backpack.

Other Equipment: A flashlight, 4 HE Grenades, 3 Tear Gas grenades, Binoculars with Thermal configuration and Communication equipment.

Name: Michael M. Simmons

Rank: Private

Role in team: Marksman

Equipment

Primary Weapon: SR-25 with attachable suppressor, mounted Leupold Mark 4 Mil-dot riflescope, and swivel base bipod

Secondary Weapon: Heckler & Koch MK23 (with attachable suppressor)

Tertiary Weapon: M9 Bayonet (Combat Knife)

Ammunitions : 20 rounds (7.62x51mm) in STANAG magazine currently loaded in the rifle with 21 reserve mags for a total of 420 rounds*, and 12 rounds (.45 ACP) currently loaded in handgun with 30 additional mags for a total of 360 rounds* *All stuffed inside combat backpack known as the Improved Load Bearing Equipment backpack.

Other Equipment: A flashlight, 4 HE Grenades, 4 Flashbang Grenades and Communication equipment.

PS: This is my first military fanfic ever and the third fanfic I've written. Hope you guys liked it. R&R so I could make improvements as the story goes on. If you noticed that some of the equipment doesn't fit in with the Rangers compared to the official ones (in C&C Generals), it's because I customized it to my preference. Also, all rangers are wearing their army-issue steel helmets and bullet-proof vest in this fanfic with matching sand goggles. Also, I got Mark's surname from Scott Mitchell, the leader of the Joint Strike Force in EndWar. Speaking of that, I also don't own EndWar. All credits go to its respective owner.

Also, when I said "Ranger-Standard Battle Dress Uniform", just look at what the Ranger wears in Command and Conquer: Generals. That is what the uniform Captain Mark Mitchell's team wears. They also have equipment shown on the portrait of the Ranger in C&C Generals like goggles (with a night vision function) and ballistic vests. And by the way, I can't guarantee any romantic developments anytime soon from my five OC ranger team but it is a possibility. Also, "mags" stand for magazine.

Compared to my first two fanfics, I would have difficulties trying to write chapters for this story so expect at least two weeks for the next chapter to come in.