Echo-Nine was a Gear squad that was stationed in, and patrolled, the Timgad area. Their squad commander was Sergeant Jonathan Harper, who contracted Rustlung during his assignment stationed at Timgad. The majority of Echo-Nine contracted Rustlung after the Lightmass Offensive and so did not take part in active duty between the Lightmass Offensive and Operation: Hollow Storm. However, some members were fit enough for active duty and were reassigned to another squad. For example, Michael Barrick was reassigned to Echo-Six. Echo-Nine took part in Operation: Hollow Storm, even though the squad members were suffering with Rustlung. During the operation, they were subsequently wiped out and the survivors taken prisoner.