X-COM Enemy Unknown - Season 3 - JOURNALS

[Lethbridge_Gin]

Name:Booker Conan
Current Rank:Sergeant
Mission Name: Cursed Giant & Burning Gift
Mission Objective:
Cursed Giant:

• Sweep the abduction site and identify threats
• Neutralize all hostile targets

Burning Gift:

• Escort VIP and alien artifact to the extraction point
• Eliminate any resistance
• The VIP must survive

Kills This Mission: (Cursed Giant - 2 , Buring Gift - 3)
Total Kills since joining XCOM:7 Dead
Status: Healthy
Promotion:Sniper Class - Squadsight & Gunslinger

Audio Missions Logs
Enduring Giant Log:

Hidden Giant Log:

Cursed Giant Log:

Burning Gift Log:

 

[CCC09]

To: ChristopherO@XCOMHQ.net

From: ColumC@XCOMHQ.net

Good evening Commander

I would like to express my concern about the ratio of number of deaths/wounded to missions. It seems almost every mission someone comes back wounded or as of today, dead. It is kinda' making me nervous about what to expect when I am called upon for active duty. Please don't think I'm thinking about backing out of the XCOM project, but I think I'd find it easier if I could perhaps have some advice given, or even a nice helmet to keep my head intact would be nice. But if you view it as unnecessary, then I'll do my best without.

I assure you that I'd be fine of we were up against normal enemies, but these invaders are no mere simple "enemy" that can be fought conventionally. I also think that requisitioning all the soldiers who don't need to look down scopes on snipers helmets would reduce the wounded that are brought back.

Your humble Rookie; Colum Campbell

 

[Brycart]

Name: Joel Freeman
Current Rank: Recruit
Total kills since joining X-COM: 0
Status: Shocked

AUDIO LOG 03:

RECORDING STARTS:
"Casualties of war... inevitable no matter what side you're on. Four men were sent out to secure an alien vessel after our aircraft managed to force it down. Only three came back alive. I'm not sure how to feel about it. I know someone had to be the first, I just didn't expect it to happen so fast. I didn't know Paddy very well, but if he qualified for X-COM you can be damn sure he didn't go down without a fight. Still... I just can't help thinking it could have been me."
RECORDING ENDS

-------------------------------------------

Status: Skeptical

RECORDING STARTS:
"Turns out the glowies aren't the only soldiers we're going to have to worry about out there. Several more bodies came in, but these were different. At first glance I thought they may have been civilians caught in the crossfire, but I immediately threw this idea aside. It looked as if it's body had been pulled at the head and feet until the figure was stretched to an abnormally thin state. And its eyes... there was just something unsettling about them. Nevertheless, it seems like these are going to be the least of our worries. The other corpse that arrived was what caught my attention. I'm not even sure if it could qualify as a soldier... it looked more like a rabid animal to me. It had four massive legs with glowing crystals protruding from its sides, and arms that looked like they wouldn't be of much use in holding a weapon... much less firing it. If the aliens managed to tame this... abomination, it's not safe to rule anything out."

"Shaojie Zhang. A Triad? If X-COM is allowing him to join our cause, we must be more desperate for new recruits than I had initially thought. As much as I like having a soldier with his... talents, I can't help but feel uneasy about him. People do not simply turn their back on the past like that... I've been there. It's not easy. I'll keep myself from making any final judgements until I see him prove his loyalty... or otherwise."
RECORDING ENDS

 

[RayHLv]

Name: Ray Heiven
Status: Inactive
Format: Text log
Journal entry: 1

So I am finally here at XCOM HQ. Writing this as I'm finishing off my breakfast at the mess hall. There were some problems with my papers at the recruitment offices: misspelled last name and the papers said I had taken on over 1000 missions (is that even possible in one lifetime?). I am not surprised, because every time I transfer to a new unit, team or organization... THIS happens! It's like some kind of a curse!

Enough about that. I'm here at the base and it is breathtaking. I have never seen a place like this in my career (I'm talking about the base not the mess hall). It's under ground and located somewhere in Asia. I am not sure which country, I guess I'll ask someone at the barracks.

I would like to say that I haven't missed much, due to my late arrival, but that would be a blatant lie. A few units already were dispatched to combat zones. So far there have been no failed missions, but a few guys got injured and unfortunately we already lost one soldier. I visited the memorial. His name is Space Paddy. Obviously I did not know him, but I guess he was a good guy since everyone at base seem pretty upset... OK now I just feel like an asshole. Anyone could have died out there and we would be just as upset... OK now I feel like an even bigger asshole for some reason and why am I describing my emotions? I guess it's because I've never written logs like these before, don't really know what to write about. Anyway, on the latest mission the soldiers brought in some guy with a bag and from what I gathered he will be joining the unit. What caught my eye were the weapons the guys were carrying. I have never seen weapons or armor like that. I definitely need to find the shooting range and start practicing with them. I guess I'll ask about that as well. Maybe I should make a list of questions, there is a lot of stuff I want to ask... Now I'm just getting of track, better end it here. I'll keep these logs to a minimum until my status gets changed to active or if something batshit insane happens.

Ray Heiven, signing off

 

[Zain Shah]

Zain Shah
Corporal

Journal entry No 2

Today we witnessed our first death, Space Paddy; we were both on the first mission and I can't believe he's already dead, well at least it was before we got too close, that's XCOM for you. I am extremely glad I made it out of the 2nd mission but there are lots of supports out there, I hope Commander Odd picks me for missions because my anxiety is gone. I better make some friends here quick because I'm not very social, maybe Booker Conan; he seems nice but again I'm not sure if I'll be able to take the death of a friend. I'll also talk to some of the recruits because I don't even know their names. My job as a support is very important, even though i don't get one of those cool guns, my role is more about keeping the team alive and this has helped me become more selfless which was my goal but on the field should I be worried about my survival?

 

[PrismaCube]

Bunk to Bunks the meeting of some new roomies.


Aaron walks through the halls powerful strides eating at the ground plowing away to his destination the few items he has in his hands and some added rage. He arrives at his new bunk, breathes in slowly and calms himself.

Aaron Bryant: " Hello...."
*He walks in on 4 other the only man he knows in the group is Stevie Steve*
Aaron Bryant: "I am Rookie Aaron Bryant former Marine Commando and I was reassigned to this bunk"
*He lays his objects down and shakes each hand inturn*


Colin Weger: "Welcome Aaron its great to meet you, my name is Colin Weger, how are you doing?"

*John Cooper wakes up*
John Cooper: "The hell... who are you?"

Colin Weger: "John please dont be rude to our new roomate!"

John Cooper: "Huh, on that note who are you? I've been asleep"

Colin Weger: "Like I alread said to Aaron, my name is Colin, I'm a German Officer. Sorry I didnt introduce myself earlier, but I didnt wanne wake you up"

*Steve wakes up from a Rough nap*
Stevie Steve: "Wait what, who woke me up. Oh, what's going on Aaron"

John Cooper: "Fair enough..."
*Looks at Steve*
John Cooper: "...and you are?"

Stevie Steve: "Stevie Steve, I arrived earlier while you were asleep, me and Colin already meet, ain't that right Colin?, and good to see you Aaron"

Colin Weger: Thats true Steve

Aaron Bryant: "I hope you all dont mind a little honesty"
*Aarons fists begin to ball with rage*
Aaron Bryant: "I'm FUCKING PISSED"
*Aaron punches the wall bloodying his knuckles*
Aaron Bryant: "Damnit I just dont know how we could win this when they could have 50 different kinds of foes for us to worry about"
*Aaron picks up a rag and wraps it around his knuckles and lets out a sigh*
Aaron Bryant: "I'm sorry im usually far more composed than that I ... ill be fine"
*Aaron picks up his bible and mutters something under his breath*
Aaron Bryant: "its good to see you again Steve"

Stevie Steve: "Aaron, I know we recently lost a good soldier, but we will just have to fight for his name."

Colin Weger: "Hm gonna have to repair that dent in the wall now.
Anyway Aaron calm down it will all be alright, just relax and take a break you probably had a long day ahead of you. We can introduce each other tommorow at lunch if you want."

John Cooper: "Aarons got a point, we are fucked. I'm a little behind on the details but they have PlasmaGuns that burn though body armour, besides I don't know about you but i'm here because I pissed off the wrong guy."


Colin Weger: "Well I'm sure there is a way to steal the guns from the aliens and use it against them, that could increase our chances, yet I still havnt figured anything out yet, but I belive the Commander is working hard to get the same goal here."

John Cooper: "I've just got here so i don't know the details or seen the logs yet but I have heard that they can afford to attach Explosives to them for self destruction and that on the reports there have been no sighting of the fuckers reloading"

Stevie Steve: "What do you all say, wanna kick ET's ass"

Colin Weger: Fuck Yeah.

John Cooper: " I don't wanna die personally"

Aaron Bryant: *His eyebrows slink down*
Aaron Bryant: "Thats the most hopefull and inspiring thing ive heard all day"
*Falls flat into bed*
Aaron Bryant: " I think that im just gunna be a sack of potatoes for a bit.... any one else have anything interesting happen this week?"

John Cooper: "Apart from being flown around the world to travel a distance of a few thousand miles, no."


Colin Weger:" Yeah I'm going to hit the bed too soon, spend most of my time training today, its getting better. As for next week, its all the same by me, I want to be ready when I go out into battle"

*Axton arrives at his new bunk*
Axton Van Dam: "Um, hey who the hell are you guys?"

Colin Weger: "Ah hello Axton, my name is Colin and we are all roomates now."

Stevie Steve:"No one wants to die, I will fight for the innocent people who need protection, What does every army service tell you to do, they tell you to fight for your country and when you think about it, X-COM is the same way."

Colin Weger: "Yeah but this time we fight for earth."

Stevie Steve: "I just hope we make it out of this alive, hello Axton, apple tech support here"

Colin Weger: "I'm sure we will, and even if we die, as long as the rest of the world is safed, I can die happy."

Axton Van Dam: "Um ok so hi. My name is Axton and I'm a bounty hunter.

Aaron Bryant: *Aaron extends his bloodied hand wapped in a rag and shakes Axtons hand*
"I'm Aaron Bryant Marine Commando"
*Aaron takes a sit grabs a smaller rag and pours some vegtable oil on it and begins polishing his blade muttering to himself*

Stevie Steve: "True that, and can some one tell me why X-com would want an apple techy"

Colin Weger: "Well Steve, maybe you are to smart."

Axton Van Dam: "Wow! No one is dying on this mission and you will not sacerfice your self for nothing"

*John Gets up from bed.*
John Cooper: "Well anyway I need to get and eat, night or morning you lot."

Colin Weger: "Alright see you John good hunger...Its something you say in Germany."

John Cooper:"Hmm"
*Leaves room*


Big Farmer: "Last I heard, we've killed at least six of those things every mission. The fanciest toys in the world won't win the fight if you haven't got good people using 'em. The best armor, training, and physique didn't save Goliath from a boy with a few rocks and a sling."


Colin Weger: Well Big Farmer I dont belive they are throwing everthing at us. Sooner or later they will have a suprise in store for us, like that one alien, did you all see the distance he ran in a matter of seconds, dont wanne face one of those.

Big Farmer: Just Farmer is fine. I don't doubt that they're holding back; that's their fatal mistake. Humans are nothing if not resilient and adaptable. By not crushing us with the first salvo, they've given us the chance to prepare. That's going to cost them."

Stevie Steve: "Well any one up for paint ball, lets just get our minds off what they are and what they can do, we will have plenty of time for seeing what they can do"

Axton Van Dam: "I'm game"

Colin Weger: I would love to Steve but I'm so tired I could sleep for 2 weeks.

Aaron Bryant: "Wise words Big Farmer"
* drags the rag across his blade*
Aaron Bryant: "I wouldnt mind a round or two"
*quickly polishes the leather casing*
Aaron Bryant: "I'm all ready"

Big Farmer: "I'm up for paintball. Contact or No-contact?"

Stevie Steve: "Well I guess me, Axton and Aaron will go to the arena then"

Colin Weger: "Alright, alright, I dont want to miss out on the fun, I will join."

Axton Van Dam: "Hopeful Contact"

Stevie Steve: "Contact"

Colin Weger: "Contact"

The new roomates head to the Paintball arena to prepare for a 2vs3 battle.

 

[Grelite]

Name: Shaojie Zhang
Log ID: 150320154001
//RECORDING//
It has been a few days since I made the biggest decision of my life. Still I do not know whether it was the dumbest or the best, but either way I will have to live it down. People always say there is no escaping the Triads; once you're in, you're in for life. I know they will despise me for what I did, but at this point I see no other choice.

When I first discovered of the tech my bosses had gotten their hands on I joined in their celebration, but all too soon I saw what terror its origins brought. Word around the Triad was that the only people who had been reported to have beaten back the extra-terrestrial threat were soldiers of a project under the Council of United Nations. It was not long before I sought to contact them about my situation. I knew my bosses would not be reasoned with, so I stole the device and ran.

The aliens found me before the Triad could, they knew I had their technology. Well... I suspect that is why they went after me without their using 'abduct the entire city' signature. With nothing but a handgun I managed to keep them at bay until the Council's squad arrived. When one of those aliens ran up to us, I quickly used my last round to kill it before it could kill me. I threw my pistol on the ground and showed the squad the briefcase that held the tech.

Soon I was ordered to move to their dropship. I was surprised by the team's ability to take down these aliens; it showed the rumours were true. By the time I got to the VTOL I was thoroughly impressed by their ability to stay calm and follow orders. The ride to this base was quiet and when we arrived I was almost torn apart between the research team and base security. Quickly, I handed over the suitcase to the nearest scientist and went with the security team.

After an interrogation I guess they decided to believe that my actions were justified and that my dedication to see this foreign threat ended warranted a position on the team. I suppose I am signing a double death-contract here, with the Triads wanting me dead and now I'll be putting myself out there with the aliens. I figure I'll be dead either way, so I might as well do my best to give everyone else a chance.

It is beyond me why I was made a Lieutenant. There is no Officer Training School in this base and I have no experience commanding soldiers. I have seen the way they look at me, my 'fellow' soldiers, the same look I got driving through the streets back home; they don't know whether you're out to get groceries or to shoot up the store. There was a time where I thrived on such fear, but now it has become painful. How can I be a part of a team that does not trust me?
//STOP//

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Project X-COM Classified Files
Video File #3485-121153

Recruitment of Kasagi, Ayame, Age 20

[A brightly lit room laid out before the camera. Ayame sits in a chair in front of a small, rectangular table across from a suit, with two standing behind her]

[GM] Спасибо, что нашли время, чтобы поговорить с нами, г-жа Kasagi. Вы можете быть без России? 或者你喜欢中国吗？日本人？ (Thank you for taking the time to talk with us, Ms. Kasagi. Are you comfortable with Russian? Or would you prefer Chinese? Japanese?)
[AK] России в порядке. Я. .. Подождите, как вы знаете мое имя? (Russian is fine. I...wait, how do you know my name?)
[GM] And why wouldn't we?
[AK] Because I didn't tell you it. I just got here an hour ago, wanted to see what this "Project X-COM" was about.
[GM] (Chuckle) And you really didn't think an hour wouldn't be long enough to use the finger prints you left on that cup of water to get some info.
[AK] W-wha...my, my f-finger...how...how much...
[GM] Of course, it helps that we already had a file on you. Didn't expect you to come to us, but here in X-COM, we always try to expect the unexpected.
[AK] A file! What do you mean a file?
[GM] Honestly, if we didn't already do our homework on you, you and I wouldn't be having this pleasant conversation right now. You should be happy. Your application has already been approved! (One of the other suits places a sheet of paper and a pen in front of Ayame) You need but to give us your signature.
[AK] (Ayame doesn't even look at the paper) What, exactly, is in this file of mine?!
[GM] Oh, just a few credentials. Top physical condition. Black belt in five styles of Chinese Martial Arts. Knowledge with eighteen types of hand-weapons. Twenty-three high-priority missions with eleven different Private Military Companies across Europe and Asia over the last four years, all successes. (Chuckles) Et cetera, et cetera.
[AK] Is.....is that all?
[GM] (Laughs out loud) I believe I know why you have cause for worry. (Reaches into coat, pulling out a Handheld Computer) I believe that, at this point in the story, you refuse to join us, and I inform you about our knowledge of your involvement with the death of your uncle, blackmailing you into joining us. (Pushes several buttons) That isn't how this works. We want you to be part of something big, bigger then you ever have or ever will be a part of. We want you to take those talents of yours and use them to protect others on a global scale. We need you to devote yourself to it, and to be willing to sacrifice your life for this cause. You can't do that if you marry yourself to the cause with a shotgun pointing at you back. (Pushes a few more buttons). As such, if you decide to join us, we'll be glad to have you. If not, give me the word and I push this button (points at computer). Your file is deleted, we go our separate ways, and you never here from us again.

(Ayame stares at the suit for several moments, an eyebrow raised. He keeps his finger pointed at the computer, a smile on his face. Ayame eventually lifts the paper and looks it over, the suit placing the computer on the table)

[AK] I...can I...have a little time to think this over? I want to ask my friend, Anna, what she thinks about this.
[GM} Anna, huh? (Picks up computer and presses several buttons) That wouldn't happen to be Anna Stone, would it? (Ayame looks at him questioningly) She's actually on our list of potential recruits here in Russia. We'll be looking for her fairly soon. Interesting.....
[AK] And you'll be asking her.....no matter what?
[GM] That's right. Though if you could give us hand pushing things along, we'd appreciate it.
[AK] Then...okay, I'll tell her about you and.....and if she joins, then I will too.
[GM] (Smiles and stands up, extending his hand) Sounds like a plan. We hope to hear from you soon.

(Ayame nervously shakes his hand, and he escorts her out, followed by the other two suits.

 

[Meaningofbread]

//Letter Intercepted From Anja Kjear//

//Letter Partially Translated From Danish//

//Letter Censored to Avoid Intelligence Leak//

Hans,

No doubt you have heard all the panic, and commotion around the world. It is happening. These Aliens are attacking. I myself am still wounded, but I cannot say the same for one of my squadmates, Space Paddy. I did not know the man, but I hope his sjael finder solace.

Commander Odd seemed to very distraught over losing a man så tidligt, but I hope this doesn't break him. Deaths are expected, but I don't think he was expecting it so soon.

Meanwhile, things in the base are very smooth, and quiet. Jeg har met a man named Presariov, he was escorted into the med-bay with some wounds, but not as bad as mine. Also, command is mulling over my requisition for a helmet. Maybe they are dyre. Who knows.

During my extended stay in this medical ward, I have wondered. Why have they chosen me? I am good with a pocket knife, and I can start a fire with any two pieces of wood, but I doubt those 2 things will come up in a firefight. I assume the answer will come sooner rather than later.

I hope you survive this Hans.

Anja

 

[Dahlexpert]

Name: Axton Van Dam
Status: Great


Damn today was a great day I just moved to my new bunking area, and I gotta admit the people there are great,I mean hell after we all introduced ourselves we had a paintball game,my team lost but this did prove one thing to me,and that is I can trust these men with my life and I can relax around them and i'm happy of that.




And then after the paintball fight I took a shower and went to the med bay, to check up one Anja Kjaer, unfortunately she is still in the med bay but it looks like shes coming to, man I hope she gets well soon.

 

[Rocketbottle]

Name: Samuel Wright


Today I shot some targets which isn't much fun afther you've been doing it for years. However at target practice I did meet some cool guys at the range which I talked to and was cool because its a lot better to talk to regular people than some of the people I've met in prison. However I realized I shouldn't make close friends in xcom because space paddys death made me realize that because their death will drag me down and I know how it's like to lose someone close. ( tear drops on the page ). Man I need a drink.

 

[BMPixy]

[Same message as previous journals applies here.]
March Fifteenth, Two Thousand and Fifteen
Dear Onkel,

It has been a hectic week since I wrote you last. Three missions, one on the Ninth, another on the Fourteenth, and the most recent today. Also, we have had our first casualty of war, just yesterday. I’m certain you recall the name Space Paddy, after all, it is an unusual name. As you might have surmised, he is the one to have died. Nothing the Commander could have done, it was just pure bad luck. But, as we are so early into the project, I believe he will soon become forgotten, as will his sacrifice. It is merely the way things go in outfits such as these. But, we have a new recruit to replace him already. One Shaojie Zhang, an ex-Triad who gave us alien technology, and now has joined us here at X-COM. Apparently he was skilled enough to receive an instant promotion to the rank of Lieutenant, with all the training and equipment that comes with the rank as a heavy weapons specialist.

I suppose it makes sense considering our proximity to the infestation of Red China, as well as our involvement with the rest of the ‘Free’ World, but I am noticing more and more base personnel and my fellow soldiers are those who have been tainted by the Scourges, at least the second and the third. I wish I could speak to you, so you could advise me on how to deal with this situation, but, unfortunately the communists had their way with you, so such a conversation is now impossible. It appears that I must take matters into my own hands. I just hope I do not open Pandora’s box with my actions. I apologize for being vague with what I plan on doing, I felt the need to feed my inner performer. What I mean to do is speak with all those who may serve the Scourges, starting with the most pressing, the communists, beginning with the Russian. And though you always told me to treat any potential servants with contempt, I may need a less offensive, though still direct, approach. A few questions to each suspect, and be gone in a flash.

Anywho, aside from my plans to interrogate others on their loyalties like that American, McArthy I think his name was, I have been keeping up on my training. While the rifles are obviously not of the quality I am used to, they do serve their purpose effectively. A bit short on the ammo supply, but I suppose that is what is required to use 12.7 mm rounds. Of course, even with the power of such a round, the aliens are still quite resilient. The Insektoiden could take two or three rounds to vital areas and live, and the two new aliens, Dünne Männer and Schmetterlingspuppe, could take more punishment, especially the latter, which took a sniper round and a four-round burst straight to the head to kill.

I suppose that will do for now. I shall try to write you again sooner, Onkel. I keep forgetting how well this clears the mind.

May we meet again as I pass the veil,
Leon

 

[Sharkdragon96]

Name: Persephone
Date: 3/14/15
Current rank: Recruit
Status: Worried
Mission: Off duty

I had a quarrel with my mother today, lets just say for the past three years she hasn't been one hundred percent on board with my choice of career path but this is the first time that she's displayed furiously raw disgust towards it. When I broke the news to her of my new occupation we got into a huge argument over the subject, she gave me this almost prepared lecture about how no daughter of hers will ever serve in the armed forces under her watch, like I was still living under her roof! I said "Mom, I'm nineteen freaking years old, I have my own apartment, I have a job and I pay my own taxes. I'm no longer YOUR responsibility, I don't remember you giving Rose this kind of bullshit!" and stormed out. To a degree I regret being as harsh as I was to her but she needs to stop worrying about me and move on with her life! She's never gotten over Rose's death and I fear for her mental health if she doesn't, and what's worse is the fact that if I die out in the field I can't even begin to fathom what will happen to her then.

 

[Brycart]

Project X-COM Classified Files
Video File #3172-115879

Recruitment of Freeman, Joel, Age 33, Male

(A camera flickers on and 4 figures come into focus. Joel stands in a boxing ring, practicing his punches on a dummy. The 3 other men in the room walk towards to ring.)

"Sign says we're closed," Joel informs the men as they approach.

"Get out of the ring pretty boy," the man says as he slips through the ropes, "Let the men fight." Joel calmly continues practicing. "You deaf?" the man yells as he grabs Joel's shirt. "I said get out," he repeats directly into Joel's ear. Once again he receives no response. "I'm not gonna tell you again!" the man yells as he pushes Joel towards the corner. His grasp is abruptly broken and his arm is swatted away. "Have it your way," he says and attempts to shove Joel closer to the ropes. He reacts, sending a violent kick into the first man's leg, sweeping him off his feet. The second swings for a right hook but is ducked and leaves himself wide open. Joel delivers two quick jabs: one to the face, one to the ribs. Bones break. His victim collapses to the ground. The third opponent approaches and lands a stray kick to the ribs; Joel flinches, but traps the man's leg before he pulls away. His ankle snaps with a violent twist and a knee to the sternum sends him to the ground. Joel continues his assault on the initial attacker before the man has a chance to get to his feet. A rapid series of punches to the face prove enough to knock the man unconscious.

"That's quite enough, Mr. Freeman," a voice says from off-screen. Joel rises to his feet, confirms all of his opponents are down, and turns towards the voice. A man in a black suit comes into view. "I don't want you hurting my men too badly."

"Who are you?" Joel asks.

"A friend," the man replies.

"What do you want?"

"We have been following you for quite some time. We feel that your skills may be beneficial to our cau..."

"Not interested," Joel steps out of the ring and walks past the man.

"You would be saving a lot of people."

"I've heard that one before." Joel replies without stopping.

"You could redeem yourself for his death."

Joel freezes, shocked. He turns.

The man nods.

"How do you know about..."

"Like I said Mr. Freeman, we have been following you for quite some time." Joel remains still and silent. "Do you have an answer?"

Joel regains composure and leans to look past the man. He points. "As long as I never have to see them again."

The man in the suit smiles, "I doubt they'll ever want to see you again."

(Video ends)

 

[Emil B. Hansen]

Name: Toni
Rank: Skyranger Pilot

So today I had to pick up a few more rookies for the x-com project. With the speed they are taken in, I sure as hell do not hope they are burned though as fast.
So on of the pick ups where in the US. Northing new there at all.
But damn... What was his name? Cooper? John Cooper? John Pooper? Yeah...
All he could do on the flight was lashing out on the other rookies and Skyranger. I should ask down in engineering to get all the seats catapults... hehe...
And I could not just shot off the vox ether... What a long flight... I sure hope it will be a looooong time before I have to take him on a mission...

----------------------------------------------------------

Name: Toni
Rank: Skyranger Pilot
Operation: Cursed Giant.

Next stop Japan! Home of manga, anime and tentackles! And aperently a fucking UFO crash site. Yeup, northing new under the sun.

*sigh*

Yeah... Well...

The guys where quick out on this. One of the new guys, Stampede I think he was called, what a hippi! But damn he was good fun. I'll have to talk with him when we get back to base.. One day.

So I moved outside Skyranger on this mission, I just had to take a look on the... Plane? UFO?
To think that that thing could fly in space as easily as it could fly in our sky. Not needing to be shot out in space like our own rockets.. Impressive.

Then... Out of no where Paddy got shot...
Just... One time we hear him over the vox.. The next.. He was just... Gone... He just left a gap in the channel...
I got out the body bags and after the mission we flew home.. The air inside Skyranger where heavy...

-Toni.

----------------------------------------------------------
Name: Toni
Rank: Skyranger Pilot
Operation: Burning Gift.

So.. For this one they just walked up to me and said I should head to China, Hong kong. Northing else.

Onboard Skyranger we where told a VIP where to be picked up, and that he had somekind of imformation for us. Sure.

But that was not what almost got me to shit my pants!
Hell no! Some kind of alien jumped our guys, and it looked fucking human! FUCKING HUMAN! Fuck man. They shall not look like us! They shall be small, big eyes and head. Not a fucking human! Almost choked on my coffee on this...
Calm down boy.. Calm down.. Just glad it't not be out there...

Another newcommer to the battlefield, is somekind giant spider. Mind, I do not hate spiders, I think they are usefull, but this one? This one should just crawl back to what ever hellspawned pit it came from and fucking stay there!

Well, the mission was a succes, and the chinaman was taken to base and into a interagation.

Long story short: We got ourself a new heavy.

-Toni

Oh! Before I forget. Looks like us fly boys are getting bunked together. I think I have seen the other pilots around now and then.

 

[SkyFox]

Journal entry #1
Full name: Evan Royce
Status: Inactive

Well this would be my first journal, I'm already getting used to the training and hard work, although it is a bit lonely the base has a homelike feeling! I didn't got the chance to talk to anybody, but from what I heard and seen there is a long way to go before a couple of us are ready to go on the field. That's why I'm training as hard as I can so I can go on a mission. Also I'm hoping to make some friends in the base they all seem nice but I heard that the top bunk of Aaron Bryant is still free I might go and ask him if I can take that! After I heard the news of the first squaddie killed I was kind of shocked but I guess that is reality... And what also is interesting that there are a LOT of supports, so I was thinking if someone is going to get promoted to heavy or sniper he/she is in! well there isn't anything special and ill keep posting journals now and then. See you all later!

 

[Altaranalt]

Name: Daniel Oudwater
Current Rank: Rookie
Mission Name: none
Mission Objective:none
Kills This Mission:
Total Kills since joining XCOM:
Status: Healthy
Audio:

Text:
Alarm went off a few hours ago. Seems like they're sending another batch of poor sods out to fight. That one girl got hit harder then I thought, she's still in the ER. Not sure if the other bloke is there aswell, maybe I should visit them.

Life on the base has been as you'd expect. Besides some guard duty, a lot of time and not much to do. Met some of the others today. Jorn, a fellow Dutch guy and Farmer, giant of a man. We played some basketball together.

I've been itching to see some action. Although we're kept mostly in the dark about the aliens, we know they're using plasma, and that it can eat straight through cover.

Something one of the recruits learned the hard way. Don't worry buddy, we'll get a few more for you.

 

[Frostlich1228]

Name : Anna Stone
Status : Anti-Social ( As usual though)
Date : March, 5th

Non-Combat Log 2 :

Well the soldiers came back from the mission... And guess what they brought... The bodies of Live aliens, I was Amazed... Unfortunelty they don't seem to be peaceful...
I guess these are the creatures I will be fighting...

I've been having terrible dreams ever since I got here... In them I am running across the Roof-Tops with this creature chasing me... It looked like a... Insect... with... Blades for Feet...
The creature got closer and closer to me.... Eventually it caught me, using its bladed feet to tear out my throat, my eyes slowly closed... but then after a few seconds they opened... and now I look just like the creature that was chasing me... I jumped off the roof and onto what looked like a soldier... He looked me in the eyes, Terrified... Then... I woke up...

I don't know what the dream was about, but I feel obsessed with this creature...
I have been carving Figurines of it, Making sure to hide them before Ayame Sees, I don't want her to worry about me... She already has enough to worry about I guess...

After I woke up this morning I went to the showers... I then Realized they were Co-ed...

I could just feel them staring at me the whole time... Ughh... Perverts...
I am used to people staring at me however, That's the curse of beauty I suppose.

I am worried about Ayame though... She is not used to showering along side men, many of whom, haven't seen a woman in months.
I had to do it in the military, at least Russian soldiers did not look, probably because it was punishable offense there, you see they had cameras in the showers when I was in the Russian military ( Yes I know, that's also kind of creepy ) and if they even saw you glance at someone else while they were showering you were subjected to a warning, and then a Dishonorable Discharge.
Guess that rule doesn't apply here...

After I got out of the shower I looked around and listened in on conversations around base, It seems like there are Quite a few Americans here... I won't be talking to them, unless they do something that assures me they aren't going to be Assholes.
However there are some here that I would love to talk to, The only other female here, Anja Keajr... I Think that's how you spell it...
But she doesn't speak my language, or even English for that matter! They made me learn English to join X-com! How come she gets a free pass?
Whatever, not like it was too difficult, my mother had me learn English when I was little, so Re-learning it wasn't that hard, Ayame is having some trouble though, I'll offer her some lessons sometime, Maybe it'll help her learn if she learns it from a friend.

Well that's all for--- Another Alarm? Man these Aliens don't let up...
I'll probably head down and see who they are taking...

*End of Recording*

 

[ChristopherOdd]

To: ChristopherO@XCOMHQ.net

From: ColumC@XCOMHQ.net

Good evening Commander

I would like to express my concern about the ratio of number of deaths/wounded to missions. It seems almost every mission someone comes back wounded or as of today, dead. It is kinda' making me nervous about what to expect when I am called upon for active duty. Please don't think I'm thinking about backing out of the XCOM project, but I think I'd find it easier if I could perhaps have some advice given, or even a nice helmet to keep my head intact would be nice. But if you view it as unnecessary, then I'll do my best without.

I assure you that I'd be fine of we were up against normal enemies, but these invaders are no mere simple "enemy" that can be fought conventionally. I also think that requisitioning all the soldiers who don't need to look down scopes on snipers helmets would reduce the wounded that are brought back.

Your humble Rookie; Colum Campbell

To: ColumC@XCOMHQ.net

From: ChristopherO@XCOMHQ.net

Your concerns have been noted recruit. If you put as much energy into the obvious mental preparation that you need as you do into worrying, you'd be the top soldier around base.

That said, I've noted your helmet request. We'll see.

 

[Jhon Markith]

Journal Entry 4