The 5th Column Overthrow

Summary



Agree to form a task force

Mender Lazarus

Alright, Red Tomax let me explain something before we get started.

Each of us Menders has his or her own theories on how to stop the coming storm. I call it the 'coming storm' because Silos was very clear to us before we came here that we could not reveal anything regarding the future inva-- I mean 'storm'. We need to control the variables. The more people know, the bigger the circle of those who could potentially cause alterations to the time stream. We wouldn't be able to track or control it. We'd se changes but not know where they came from and we can't have that.

Each Mender has a theory on how to stop the coming storm. So, you want to give me a hand with my pet project?

Facists. It always comes down to fascists.

In your recent past the facist 5th Column party was overthrown and the Council took their place. Now, the Council might not be the best group in the world, but compared to the 5th Column, they at least had some morals. You know nothing about what really happened during the 5th Column overthrow, namely the fact that you were directly responsible for it. Take a moment and let that sink in... okay? Ok.

The battle between the two sides was close and in many timelines the 5th Column survived and prospered creating a world that is a little bit '1984,' a little bit 'Soylent Green,' and a whole lot of 'not good.'

So, right off the top, I want you to go back in time and upload a computer virus onto the 5th Column network. This will give us the intel we need to find out what they're planning as well as disrupting their infrastructure enough to bring them down.

Part 1: Install computer virus (3 5th Column Computers, Defeat Systems Engineer)
5th Column Base @ Ouroboros 5th Column

The first step to bringing down the 5th Column is to attack their computer systems.

Objective: You've finished installing the computer virus.

ClueDeployment Database

As you download the virus, you find a database link to the deployment plans of the entire 5th Column force. How many there are, where they currently are located and what the 5th Column leaders are planning to do with them. You browse through it as you watch the 'now loading' bar crawl across the screen.

Objective: You've finished installing the computer virus.

ClueBase Locations

One of the computers has a desktop wallpaper of a map of the United States showing the location of the 5th Column bases spread throughout the U.S. There is a detailed map of Paragon City and the outlying suburbs as well. Some of these bases must have been around for decades.

Objective: You've finished installing the computer virus.

Clue Future Endeavors

This desktop has a single deaths head icon in the center of it with the text of 'Future Endeavors' underneath it. You open the file.

This tree like organizational document breaks down the plans and tactics of the 5th Column over the next five years. It mentions planned assaults of Paragon City, Los Angeles, Austin and other high tech areas. The 5th Column appear to be focusing their attacks on areas of increasing technology.

Objective: You've defeated the Systems Engineer.

Mission Complete: You've uploaded the computer virus to the 5th Column's network, literally crippling them in the process.

Mender Lazarus

Nice. I noticed that I had access before you even stepped back through the portal. I've been checking through some of their files. It looks like it's time for us to go on a recruiting drive.


Convince Nosferatu to join the Council

Mender Lazarus

You need to convince Nosferatu to join the Center's army. He's working on some very edgy tech and I don't like extrapolating where it could end up. Bringing Nosferatu on as a member of the Council might be the only way to offline his 5th Column projects.

You're going to have to go in under the disguise of a Council member. We don't need to worry about a costume change or anything, we'll just have you upload some information to their systems that gives them the impression that the Council is planning an attack on that installation. Granted, that means they'll be expecting you, but I'm sure it's not anything you can't handle.

Part 2: Turn Nosferatu (Upload false intelligence, Defeat Nosferatu)
5th Column Base @ Ouroboros 5th Column

Nosferatu has always been the right hand of Requiem. It is time for an amputation.

Objective: You've finished uploading the false intelligence.

Objective: You've convinced Nosferatu to join the Council.

Mission Complete: Nosferatu has decided to join the Center. Well done.

Mender Lazarus

Nicely done. Now the conflict between the Council and the 5th Column is in full swing. When Nosferatu arrives with his full contingent of Vampyri, the Center will not look a gift quadruped in the mouth.

One last thing before you go, Red Tomax. You and I have been through a lot. I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate your friendship. Here's to many more past adventures.


React to the 5th Column's movements

Mender Lazarus

Let us not forget Newton and his lovely little laws. Simple though they might be, occasionally we can see them in action. With Nosferatu on the side of the Council, the 5th Column is responding by bringing out one of their most powerful members. Col. Burkholder is their 'equal and opposite reaction' to our earlier moves. I believe it's time for a countermove.

The funny thing about Col. Burkholder, and this is simply something I've seen through history investigating him, is that he's not the most loyal individual. If his handlers believe that he'll stand for them, they've got another thing coming. However, he's a smart man so he will put up a good fight either way. I want you to go in with Nosferatu. He's now a Council member and believes that you work for the Council as well so it shouldn't be a problem. Just give Col. Burkholder the same offer you gave Nosferatu and you should be good.

Part 3: Recruit Burkholder
5th Column Base @ Ouroboros 5th Column

With Nosferatu on the Council's side, Col. Burkholder will be aware of something going on. He will be on guard for you.

Mission Complete: You defeated Col. Burkholder.

Mender Lazarus

Excellent. I hoped Nosferatu would help you out on that last mission. He presence in the encounter was key for later events. Now that Burkholder is on the side of the Center, there is only one final step before the Council will truly take control.

We are true allies, you and me. I will speak your name with reverence to all the times of the ages. I am in your debt.


React to the 5th Column's movements

Mender Lazarus

Let us not forget Newton and his lovely little laws. Simple though they might be, occasionally we can see them in action. With Nosferatu on the side of the Council, the 5th Column is responding by bringing out one of their most powerful members. Col. Burkholder is their 'equal and opposite reaction' to our earlier moves. I believe it's time for a countermove.

The funny thing about Col. Burkholder, and this is simply something I've seen through history investigating him, is that he's not the most loyal individual. If his handlers believe that he'll stand for them, they've got another thing coming. However, he's a smart man so he will put up a good fight either way. I want you to go in with Nosferatu. He's now a Council member and believes that you work for the Council as well so it shouldn't be a problem. Just give Col. Burkholder the same offer you gave Nosferatu and you should be good.

Part 3: Recruit Burkholder
5th Column Base @ Ouroboros 5th Column

With Nosferatu on the Council's side, Col. Burkholder will be aware of something going on. He will be on guard for you.

Mission Complete: You defeated Col. Burkholder.

Mender Lazarus

Excellent. I hoped Nosferatu would help you out on that last mission. He presence in the encounter was key for later events. Now that Burkholder is on the side of the Center, there is only one final step before the Council will truly take control.

We are true allies, you and me. I will speak your name with reverence to all the times of the ages. I am in your debt.


Remove the 5th Column leaders

Mender Lazarus

The last piece of the puzzle needs to be put in place. The last three leaders of the 5th Column need to be removed from power. You'll have Nosferatu and your new friend Col. Burkholder on your side to help you out. I bet you can't wait.

Excellent. You simply need to take out Maestro, Requiem, and Vandal. Go to Striga and take them out. Once they are defeated, the rest of the Column will fall.

Now, I warn you to be cautious. Everything I've found regarding this final battle tells me that there's a good chance the 5th Column may exist afterwards. They go so deep into hiding though that I have no record of them anywhere after this point. So, you need to make sure all of those leaders are taken down.

Part 4: Takedown the 5th Column (Defeat Requiem, Defeat Maestro, Defeat Vandal, 115 5th Column to Defeat)
5th Column Base @ Ouroboros 5th Column

This is the final battle that will decide who will gain control of the 5th Column forces.

Objective: You've defeated Requiem.

Objective: You've defeated Vandal.

Objective: You've defeated Maestro.

Mission Complete: You've defeated the 5th Column. The Center is now able to gain control of and remake the Column in his image.

Mender Lazarus

You have taken out the 5th Column and paved the way for the Center to take control. He will rename the group, calling it the Council. His control will be harsh and nearly as deadly, but trust in time. It is for the best.


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