X-COM Enemy Unknown - Season 3 - JOURNALS

[Aristeus]

Name: Jorn ´Juice´ Lemonade
Current Rank: Cpt.
Total Kills since joining XCOM: 12
Total missions in XCOM: 8


Audio Log #9:
That were two very interesting missions, first a ship, and then some heavy alien figheters. New alien fighters... new aliens, why do I always get the new aliens? How many more are there?! We have one kind of human, why do they have 4 or even 5, those aliens are rediculous. The ship was pretty interesting, pretty big, and quite a lot af aliens, I had the chance to use my new arc thrower, I'm glad the thing works. My friend Colin also joined the fray, he has a pretty good aim, better than me with the rifle. Well everyone is better than me with the rifle. I also saw Vash, wierd, I never seen him around base, and not many people have spoken to him, pretty wired.
*Jorn thinks and it's quiet for a moment*

My hart skiped a beat in the last mission we got pinned down, yes... we were in a real pickle, a really big pickle, I'm hungry, a pickle is some kind of food right? Yeah, I sould ask the kitchen for some pickles. No. No more jokes. No more slacking off! No more goofing around dammit! Because I did well on my first mission, doesn't mean that it will be always like that. My comrades were in danger because of me. Because I failed. Because I failed, they had to clean up after me! They almost got hurt because of me! *You hear a bit of sniffing* It was not only the rifle, it was also my arrogance! Why am I even Captain! I should still be a fucking squaddie!
This stupid organization! Why does the commander even think I'm worthy of a Captain, why does even anyone even think I'm worthy, that I'm capable of being a Captain. They must be asking themself the same thing. *Jorn slams on the table* I don't do shit, Zhang is cleaning up all the dirty work. I don't know anything that happens around base, I knew about the trial because Colin fucking told me! I suck at everything! I lose with boxing, I even lose with chess, I lose with everything, I can do nothing right. I'm just a loser with a big name! I dont even take my responsibilities.*Jorn is crying and it's silent.* All I can do is shoot!
No more jokes.... No more slacking of... What I did until now is not enough!

I... think I need to rest for a whyile. I need to think... *Jorn lets out a deep sigh* I hope no one heard that. *Jorn wipes of his tears and sniffs* I'm going to bed, Lemonade out.
--] End of log

 

[PrismaCube]

Name: Colin Weger
Current Rank: Recruit
Mission Name: Operation Falling Law
Mission Objective:
1. Locate and neutralize the enemy forces
2. Gain entrie to the UFO
Kills this Mission: 1
Total Kills since joining X-COM: 1
Status: Excited yet feeling unnormal

Hey! Picked again for battle, but I should have figgured that, I'm the only one who has not killed an alien yet. So I got in my pink armour that I'm just rocking in, and my nano fiber vest, which is really hot, I mean if you think that the armour is warm, armour and nano fiber vest is like an oven. Anyway it's a long ride to Sourth Africa I should get a little nap during flight, not like anyone is talking during flight anyway.

Just arrived, it is night outside and very cold...in my face, my body is melting almost inside this armour. We all got into cover and checked for aliens, and just like that Floaters and three of them, but they were really far away so no threat at the moment. Say I noticed how we are in a forrest but all the tress are like cut down to half, makes you wonder why. Anyway I got behind one of those half cut trees and coverd my comrads back's.

Just then a Floater came from our left and noone expected it, 3 of us reacted quick enough to get a shot but those floaters are really fast with there jet pack thingy, we all missed. Then another Floater flew across and the other 3 of us shot, again it was mostly a miss but one of us got him hard. Got to say good shot. Then Vash got a kill and Zhang also killed one.

Jorn has that new capturing device I learned about at school and I have to say he is a brave man, he ran up to one of the wounded Floaters and shocked him. Dr. Vahlen sure sounded excited because of that. After that we all got to cover waited. Booker all of the sudden shot something I could no see and before I knew it a floater faceplanted into the wall just infront of me, was funny to watch but dang that Booker got a floater while he was flying, really nice. Then Zain saw another Floater, Booker tried to get a shot off with his pistol but missed, and I just thought screw it let's go.

I ran up to the tree beside my friend Jorn said hello turned to the Alien and...dead! I did it! All this training, I killed my very first alien, kind of feels strange though. Anyway I have to think about it later for now I have to keep going. We all moved up some more and grouped up I heared something and I was like "I don't think we are alone out here." Then I realised how stupid that sounded since we are trying to find a UFO in a forrest full of aliens , anyway then I was thinking about if a gernade was thrown down here, it would mean the end for all of us. So we all went to or own cover again, covering more ground. Except for me I had to reloade so my buddy Jorn coverd me.

Then I saw it. This big beautiful house...ship...spacecraft...whatever it looks very cool, I do hope I can fly one of these someday. None the less we all bunched up near the ship. I kinda overdid it and ran right in without looking, was not the best idea but my buddies coverd me. I covered the entrence and check inside, it all looks so amazing in there. Oh and I guess no aliens were in the first room, but who cares the ship looks amazing. Something just comes over me I have all courage and bravery litterly leading my commrads into battle.

Jorn somehow opend the door by touching it and I saw two thinman inside, I ran in and made sure not to get to close to them, Jorn on the otherhand ran right in and killed one, he probably did not know about the poison, should have come to school I guess. And then Zain did it, but he was careful enough to stay away from the cloud. Jorn on the other hand was nowhere in sight, covered in poison clouds. I ran up a bit more and coverd the door, Jorn was coughing somewhere in the cloud behind me and then ran out of it. Zain then ran to him an insulted him after healing his poison.

So we found a Computer and Dr. Vahlen was all like careful guys! She is really active this mission for some reason, usally she sais nothing. Anyway just then three thinmen came running out of one of the rooms saw us and made there way outside running past all of us. We took this chance and got into cover just incase they come back. Just like that they did and I took another shot and hit the thinman but booker stole the kill. Just then another thinmen ran in not taking the warining and Stampede just one shot him. The last one was a little more careful but zhang threw a gernade blowing his cover and injuring him which Stampede just changed to full death.

Then we got to the main room, covering both doors Zhang, Booker and me being on the left and Shash and Jorn were on the right with Stampede. We opend there doors, well my commrads did I do not know how they do it, and inside was a floating crystal, you know what this mean's...Outisider. I watched as he transformed it was really amazing imagine if we could do that. I ran in and ran into cover, my heart then was racing so fast, the outside was just around the corner, everyone else did the same, surounding him which got me a little more relaxed. Coanan then ran in and shot him but missed, can't blame him something was floating around infront of him. Then Stampede took a shot but he too missed. Zhang took a shot. Hit but no kill and then Jorn captured him aswell. Just like I expected Dr. Vahlen told us how happy she was.

That was it. We all went back to base and I got a promotion, as a heavy, not what I wanted but heck I cannot blame the Commander, I went in hard and hit harder, also all my training that I have been doing got me really strong, I feel like a tank with my muscles...not to brag here, but I can carry these big gun's for hour's I bet not even Zhang could compare. I mean I have become really strong lately, when I kicked that Mac guy I expected to kick him away from Ayame but I kicked him right into consion. Anyway I hope Zhang can teach me a little more for he does know way more about these gun's than I do. Atleast I finnaly get out of this armour and Nano fiber vest. A couple of day's later I got my new cool looking armour, it's green! I was rocking the pink but now I will rock the green since i will be the only one in my team wearing it. Maybe I can request a helmet that would be sweet...and safe.

(Second mission report will come soon, want to take a break for now.)

 

[Jhon Markith]

Security cam 7
Video feed #560363

Stevie walk by a monitor in the hall and see a failure face, then Stevie realize that is the face of his x, it takes a minute to sink in and then He just stares in bafflement and like a titan whos tendons had been severed he fell to his knees and brakes down. He stays for what seems like eternity until feeling a tug from behind him he refused to acknowledge it he heard in afar off whisper Stevie . . . Stevie whaaatss wroong. But he refuses, does not acknowledge, lets the whisper roam by and lets it cease to exsist. He is picked up blurred before his eyes is a friend but he doesnt exsist in this new reality.

Security cam 11
Video feed #573965

Aaron takes stevie to the medical bay, Ayame is peaking around the corner from the medical bay, seemingly trying to think of a way to sneak in, when she sees Aaron and Stevie and gives them a questioning look.

"JESUS! Ayame dont scare me like that. *Aaron notices the curious look* I found him in the Hall just staring at the monitor" *Aaron shifts Stevie on his shoulder* "Im taking him to the medbay i think he might have had a stroke or something"

"Can I look at him?" Ayame asks, trying to get a better look at Stevie's face.

*Aaron holds him under his arms and puts him in front so Ayame could get a good look at him*
Aaron: " He is just so unresponsive i dont get whats up here"

Ayame examines Stevie's face. She places her ear against his chest, and looks into his eyes. "I know this look. It is the look of great loss. You had a similar look when...a few days ago. What was he looking at exactly?"

*Stevie jumps up and reaches for the light and screams* "No, I, I, I lost her. No No No No" *Stevie pants and passes out*

"M-Maybe we..." Ayame gets a nervous look on her face. "W-We should bring h-him...him back to y-your...room."

Security cam 26
Video feed #591735

*Scared by the spastic fit he just witnessed* "Ughh yea lets do that" *Picks Stevie up* " Dont worry Stevie we will get you some where comfortable" *A tear sheds for his friends loss his wounds still stinging fresh and open. This was merely salt pouring on top of his wound* "WE ARE GUNNA MAKE IT STEVIE" *he begins carrying him back to the room his heart beating eratically hurting his chest and he truged through for his friends for his two greatest alies*

The reach their room, and Aaron lays Stevie on the bed. He rushes into the washroom and returns moments later with a cold, damp rag, which he places on Stevie's head. He looks to Ayame for their next step, only to notice she is lingering by the doorway, her hands trembling slightly and frightened look on her face.

*Aaron see the looks thinking of her heterophobia tries to be reasuring* "Trust me nothing will happen to you will im here. Stevie needs you im at a loss so please come on and help I promise you im not like most of them."

"I-I am sorry," Ayame says, "It is just, the last man who wanted me to enter his room..." She shakes her head, and with a determined look, storms into the room and stands next to the bed. She places her hand on Stevie's forehead, then checks his pulse. "I believe he was just knocked out by shock. H-He should wake up soon. What...what did you say he was watching?"

"A news report onthe terror Attack. Where his x wife lived......" *Aaron looks gloomily at Stevie and squeezes his hand tight*

"Ayame looks at Stevie sympathetically. "Maybe she...w-we should ask him when he wakes up. Best not to jump to conclusions."

*Time passes by the minutes like hours slowly trickling by* "Ayame im starting to get kinda-" *Stevie starts groaning*

"what the hell, were am I, Aaron, Ayame. Wait, Ayame! What are you doing here? Wait, no, something happened, what was it, what was it. Were did you find me?"

"Aaron found you in the hallway, watching the monitors. I...hate to ask this, but do you remember what you were looking at?"

"Wait the monitor, no" *Screams in agony* "She is gone, I've lost her twice now, no not again" *Stevie gets up walks to a mirror to look at himself* "I cant make it up now, my life, my life is over, I had to make it up to her, my guilt will never end now and I cant see her again." *Tears run down Stevie's face, he Grabs the mirror and smashes it on the ground* "Its all my fault, I, I should have been there 3 years ago. Ayame, Aaron, I, I need your help"

"Of course Stevie, just please calm, down. What do you need from us?" says Ayame

* Walks up to Stevie and Hugs him* "Most people cant say this and it be true but i understand what your going through and you wont be alone we wont leave you alone I promise" says Aaron

"I need your help for revenge on the alien fuckers" says Stevie

"I solemnly swear to kill what i can Stevie. You know I'm right there with you" says Aaron

"And I thank you for that, but I need your help Ayame as well" says Stevie

"Of course I will do what I can for you, but..." Ayame gives him a serious look. "Revenge will not solve everything. It will not bring the one you lost back. You need to understand this, or this will just get harder for you."

"I know I cant bring her back through revenge, its for me, not her." says Stevie

"As long as you know that, I promise, I will do what I can. Come, sit down. Maybe if you tell us who she was, remember some good times, it will make you feel better." says Ayamw

*Aaron stays silent trusting Ayames wisdom in this situation*

"Well, we had good times at the state fair, and at the bowling alley." says Stevie

"Good, good. What was ...is her name?" says Ayame

"Sonia" says Stevie

"It is a very lovely name. And how did you meet?" says Ayame

"well, I meet her when I was 16. She moved into my apartment block, my mother made me go and say hay to our new neighbors, I saw her and pretended to not notice, and then one day she came next door and asked were I went to school, it turned out we were going to different schools. Her mom was out of town for the The Forth of July, so she stayed over at my house that day. she was hyper and curios, she ran to my room and the first thing she saw was my music collection, she just sat there and looked through the CDs, I didn't do anything because I didn't know what to do. Well after looking at my CDs she turns around and says 'you have a good taste in music' to which I reply 'thank you, what albums did you like' I was nervous because I had never had a girl in my room yet alone a stranger, basically. I popped a CD in the CD player and we just lied there and listened the music, and out of nowhere she told me that I was sweet, I just lied there in shock, I was always the loser in school, so girls didn't really talk to me often, but I let it sink in and uncontrollably asked 'do you want to go out on a date' and she agreed." says Stevie

"That is sweet. Now listen Stevie, I want you to hold on to those memories, okay? It is important for you to grieve. If you need to cry, cry. If you need to scream, scream. But in the end, I need you to promise me that you will always come back to those happy memories. You can not linger on regrets, on all the things you should have done and said."
Ayame looks sadly at the ground, and mutters, "It will only make it harder for you, thinking about how you did not protect her from him, how he did it just to spite you."

"Thank you Ayame. I just have one question." *Stevie looks at her with knowing eyes* "What exactly happened?"

"D-do you mean with the attack? I am...not sure, I did not see it." says Ayame

"No, I mean- who did you lose?" says Stevie

Ayame turns away, trying to hide her face. "W-When...when I was a teenager, I had a friend. A really, really good friend. Her name was Elizabeth Ashford. Meeting her was one of the few good things things to happen to me, but when I was sixteen, she...he...took..." Ayame lets out soft sob. "I am so sorry, Lizzy."

"Well, how was she, as a person?" Stevie asks

Ayame looks up, a weak smile on her face. "She was tall, at least a foot taller then I, with long, beautiful blond hair that reached down to her waist, and blue eyes that dazzled like the sea after a storm. She had a perfect body, definitely an early bloomer, and she would have been sought after by all the boys and envied by all the girls if she wasn't in my prejudiced town."
"Her beauty went far beyond the physical. She was the kind of person that always put the people she cared about before herself. She wanted nothing more then the happiness of those around her, but she was also strong, never letting others push her around. She knew when she needed to be kind, and when she needed to be stern."
"She loved to sing, and was quite good at it. I remember, I would brush her lovely hair while she sung to me. I couldn't understand the words, but I didn't care. To me, Elizabeth was perfect."

"Sound like you had a crush, she sounds nice, thank you, both of you." says Stevie.

 

[Blazer]

They said they help me get at the guys that people that kill most of my family but all I am doing is sitting in booth waitng to be called into action when am I ever going to be call.

End of journal entry 1.

 

[CCC09]

Name: Colum Campbell
Rank: Squaddie
Status: Temp off-duty

Wow, like seriously, wow. Tons of shit has gone down in the last week, I mean TONS! And when mean shit I mean SHIT because: some person has been accused of sexual harassment! Unless I'm wrong, but there's been a whole investigation into it and Zhang, the Chinese gangster who's been promoted above his worth, has been dealing with it. Also; Him and Booker have been fighting, I think it's because they were equal rank but Booker has been promoted to Major. Juice also got a promotion too, but I would be if I was given more chances to prove myself, I don't think I did that badly in my first mission did I? I did well enough for a small promotion and a new role, but I wish I'd be brought out more seen as I've spent most of my adult life training for and fighting wars.

I've also decided I'm going to try and socialise a bit, perhaps make some friends. I'm thinking of throwing a party but I think that may be banned but I can dream. But I'm still gonna find some new friends because, I mean no offence to Juice, but he can get a bit boring after a while, as well as only training to fight when I'm not being brought out to fight.

I almost forgot! I heard they brought in a LIVE alien back to the base! Isn't that sick! I don't know much about what they've done with it, most likely interrogation, but I am not 100% sure. They also brought it's gun back in one piece, but we don't know how to use it yet.

I guess I'll be going, I have to go train and find some friends, see you later, whoever's listening, jokes. hahaha.

 

[AaronBryant]

Name: Aaron Bryant
Current Rank: Recruit
Status: Distraught

Begin recording Audio log 9
" Im not handling this well. Stevie lost his ex-wife, and now we are even more alike than i thought we could be. It seems like Ayame, Stevie and I are becoming closer every day. I cant believe that i would have found family here of all places they are slowly helping my heart heal but the processes is like trying to plaster a wall that keeps gettin hit with a sledge hammer hard arduous and almost ridiculous. I hope i make it to the end of this war I want to help the rest of the world to heal i want to make sure that this does not continue i need to get through my grief first though. Itsslow but happening."

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Name: Ayame Kasagi
Rank: Trainee
Sex: Female
Age: 20
Place of Birth: Central China
Nationality: Chinese/Japanese
Height: 150 cm (4 ft, 11in)
Weight: 42 kg (94.5 lbs)
Hair Color: Black
Hair Length: To the small of her back
Eye Color: Heterochromia (One Dark Brown, One Hazel)
Known Relatives: None (All Deceased) [Update: One Possible]
Place of Residence before joining X-COM: None

Written Log [Translated from Mandarin]

These last few missions are going so well, I'm actually starting to have hope that we may come out on top in this war. They had their fair share of tense moments, but Commander Odd has proven himself time and time again.

It is important to remember, however, that it is not only us on base that we have to worry about. With the aliens ramping up their attacks, innocent civilians are dying by the boatloads, or worse (I've seen those old alien abduction movies). Aaron already lost someone in the attack (though I never actually asked how, out of respect), and now the same thing has happened to Stevie. Whats more, it has been over a week and I still haven't heard from the Russian Military about Anna's cousin (though hopefully this is only because they have better things to do then return the letter of some random Chinese girl). I'm almost glad that I don't have anyone out there to worry about (almost), though Anna's recent encounter with that stupid bug thing shows that we're not even completely safe here. The base owes her a debt of gratitude, considering she turned into the guinea pig to show exactly what "dead" is for those things.

Speaking of Anna, she seems to be doing better, and they've eased back on the drugs a bit, which makes her easier to talk to. As usual, she constantly apologizes to me for forcing me to spend all my time in med-bay with her, and I'm constantly apologizing to her for bothering her while she's trying to heal. We have a short, mandatory course on efficient use of our pistols, and since that's the weapon I'm most proficient in (probably not something to be proud of), hopefully I can get through it quicker then usual so I can go see Anna.

At any rate, I need to remember to socialize more. I need to congratulate Anja on her promotion, making us one step closer to getting some girl power up in the ranks. I should also tell Jorn what an impressive alien killing machine he has become since the brass finally came to their senses and stuck a shotgun in his hands. Maybe we should change his nickname to sour, since that's how the aliens feel whenever he hits the field.

Come to think of it, I haven't seen Joel in a while, and I should feel ashamed of that considering the condition he was in when I saw him last. It might not be my place to console him, though. With Aaron and Stevie, I could easily empathize, but Joel lost someone in a way I never have. However, if there is any way I can ease the burden of one who has been so kind to me, who I feel I can now call my friend, I would do it.

 

[Dahlexpert]

Name: Axton Van Dam

Status: Healthy

Journal entry 17#

Well it seems that my prediction about the alien promoting us was true,it seems that the aliens finally sent in there reals troopers.and then they were embedly taken down with there terrible aim.I'll admit I had my doubt about the commander when we first started this war,but after a few months and seeing what he can do I've come around and starting to think we can win.


OK now that my moment of "boot kissing" is over let me talk about our troops and the missions.Right the first mission was a alien ship landing,and i'm sick and tired of saying the same two name over and over again so I will not mention our two majors scratch that the same four names over and over again these are the new people who wen on the mission.Some guy named Vash and my close friend Colin, and of course the mission was successful with no casualty or injuries again,but this time we brought back that piece of crap alien that killed two of our guys in the beginning of this invasion,and some more good news my boy Colin got promoted to a much needed heavy but i'm more worried now because since he is a heavy that means that he will be out on the field more and is more likely to be killed,but I have hope that he will survive this and see his wife and kid again.


But with good news comes mixed news,the commander is holding the rest of us off until Zhang or Booker aprovies this special training that will promote us to squaddie instead of us being rookies,now I have mixed felling about this on one hand i'm still being delayed from the front line which is what I want,on the other hand ill be a squaddie instead of a rookie,which means ill be a heave snipe support or assault a lot sooner rather then latter,sigh well I guess I can wait a few more weeks before I go out.

 

[Frostlich1228]

Surveillance Recording, X-COM Medical Bay
Room of Stone, Anna, 1800 Hours Local Time

The camera turns on to show a strangely calm and happy Med-Bay, Anna is sitting up in her bed looks around as if waiting for something, Eventually Dr. Van Damm enters the Camera's view and sits next to her.

Dr. Van Damm Smiles at Anna. " How are you doing Ms. Stone? Have the Drugs finally wore off? "

Anna smiles back at her. " Yeah! I'm feeling great... Well as opposed to how I was feeling a few days ago of course "

Dr. Van Damm Chuckles a bit. " Alright are you exited to be released today Ms. Stone? "

Anna gives her a strange look. " Of course I am doctor, but... "

" But What? What's Wrong? "

" Do I really have to come for a Full Examination Twice a Day, Every Day? Do you know when you are going to stop Examining me? "

Dr. Van Damm gives Anna a sad look. " I'm Sorry Ms. Stone... But... We won't stop Examining you... "

Anna gives her rather shocked look. " You mean you are going to Examine me Twice a Day, Everyday, until this war is over? "

" Sadly Yes... We have to Ms. Stone... You're a Medical Marvel... There have been no cases of people surviving Cryssalid Attacks thus far and we need all the information we can get... "

" So I am going to be the Science Teams Guinea Pig for the rest of this war? Isn't there some other way? "

Ms. Van Damm frowns a little. " I'm sorry Ms. Stone but there is no other way... "

Anna let's out a long sigh. " So be it then... I suppose... "

Ms. Van Damm's smile returns.
" Come on, enough of this talk now... Get in your Wheelchair, you have a friend of yours waiting for you outside. "

Anna smiles back. " It'll be good to sleep in my own bed again I suppose... "

" See? You just have to look at the bright side. "

Dr. Van Damm gets behind Anna's wheel chair and pushes her out of frame.

You can hear Ms. Van Damm from behind the camera. " Now just remember to Keep off of your feet for the first few days. You haven't walked in a while and all those drugs may have made your legs a little weak. "

" Alright Doctor... I'll Remember. " Anna Replies as the camera shuts off.

*End of Recording*

 

[Brycart]

Name: Joel Freeman
Current Rank: Squaddie
Mission Name: Operation Cold Palace
Mission Objective:
1. Sweep the abduction sight and identify threats.
2. Neutralize all hostile targets.
Kills this Mission: 2
Total Kills since joining X-COM: 4
Status: Dreary

Video Log

(The camera turns on and Joel sits in a chair, examining his hands. They are wrapped in bandages that appear to be slightly dampened by blood. He slowly unwraps his right hand and tosses the bandage aside. His fingers are almost completely healed besides a few bruises and cuts. He yanks the wraps off of his other hand, continuously opening and closing his fingers, attempting to loosen them. When he is satisfied with their condition, he begins talking...)

I hate to say i told you so, but... yeah. The aliens had been holding out their heavy units and just happened to let them loose on MY mission. Things were going well at first and then three of those monsters came out of nowhere. They were giant hunks of meat, nearly a foot taller than any man I've ever seen with a ferocity to match. Colin hit two with a missile, and they hardly seemed to flinch. I would have bet a fortune that one of us didn't make it back after we encountered them, but the commander managed to lead us through it. If he keeps this up, maybe we can turn the tide of this war.

Apparently, some asshole got kicked out of X-COM for sexual harassment... towards Ayame. (Joel clenches his fists.) Guy's lucky I didn't find out. He would be eating through a straw for the rest of his life if I had. Ayame is one of the two people alive I consider a friend, and I'm not gonna let some low life prick take advantage of her. (He loosens his hand and seems to lose focus.) Speaking of friends, I wonder how Wolfe is doing...

Anyways... I uh... (Joel stops himself, unsure if he wants to continue with his sentence) I dreamed about Maya last night. I know she's not coming back, but It's just hard to accept she's gone. I thought for sure, with her stubbornness, she'd outlast all of us... I guess I was wrong. Hmm... I need something to loosen me up. Maybe I could convince people to join in on some tag-team sparring. With everything that's been happening around the base lately, some stress relief might be just what we need.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Project X-COM Surveillance Video #411-2933
X-COM Base Hallways, 1820 Hours

Ayame Kasagi walks through the hallways outside of the med-bay, pushing Anna Stone in a wheelchair. Ayame smiles brightly, saying, "I'm so glad to see you out of that med-bay. I can't tell you how much I hated seeing you in there."

"Well, I hated being in there." Anna looks up at Ayame. "It'll be nice to sleep in my own bed."

"Yeah, it was lonely without you. From now on, lets keep you as far away from the infirmary as possible."

Anna frowns, shaking her head slightly. "Unfortunately, that isn't gonna happen. I have to go there first thing in the morning. In fact, they said I have to come in twice a day, every day."

Ayame gives her a confused look. "W-what? Why?"

"I'm not entirely sure," Anna says. "The doctor said they needed to keep tabs on me, since I'm the only survivor of a Cryssalid attack."

"S-so...they're turning you into a lab rat!" Ayame says angrily. "That's outrageous!"

"Its okay, Ayame, don't worry about it." Anna sighs. "I just have the feeling they still aren't telling me everything."

The two enter their room, and Anna slowly rises to her feet. Her legs suddenly buckle, and she falls forward. Ayame runs forward and catches her, but her own leg suddenly buckles and the two fall to the ground, Anna landing on top of Ayame, both letting out a loud "OOF". Anna quickly climbs off of Ayame, shouting, "I'm so sorry, Ayame! They told me my legs would be weak form not being used, I should have been more careful. Are you okay?"

Ayame smiles, saying, "Don't worry about it, really." She climbs to her feet, and reaches down to help Anna up, ignoring the pain in her own leg. She helps Anna sit on her bed, and starts messaging her legs. "I know an acupuncture technique that would probably fix you right up, but I doubt the staff would approve if I asked for a bunch of needles."

"That's okay. I'm not that keen on having a bunch of needles sticking out of my legs anyway. Besides, I should be fine in a few days."

Ayame continues to rub Anna's legs for several minutes as the two casually talk about the last few missions, and the new aliens. After a while, Ayame stands up, saying, "I'm gonna run down to the cafeteria to get you something to eat, and I'll stop by the med-bay again to get some crutches, just in case you need them. I'll be back in a little bit. Don't go anywhere." Ayame smiles.

Anna returns her smile, saying, "Very funny." Ayame exits, and Anna lays back, closing her eyes.

 

[Teaslurper]

Name: John Cooper
Rank: Trainee

Non-combat log:

John is currently sitting in the canteen smoking with a small smile on his face.

"A couple of days ago I got proof that we might actually be able to win. The first piece is that the crazy bastard Jorn manged to capture that energy creature the brass wanted, well in-between poisoning himself and forcing the barrel of that shotgun down the alien's throats. I gotta say I'm glad they gave him a shotgun."

John smirks

"He might not be able to hit the broad side of a barn but I don't think he needs to with those combat ranges."

"The other proof is that the aliens have finally appeared to understand the concept of body armour and frag grenades. Now I'll admit, if you asked me when I got here if we would survive such an event, I would probably tell you to fuck off. But I guess that's changed now... I mean not only did the guys still accomplish the mission, they all survived. Now I'll admit there were injures, but it's better than when we started and the bloody Sectiods gave us trouble. For the first time I think...I think we might actually win this thing."

John stubs out his cigarette, losing his smile afterwards.

"Though the same can't be said for what happening in base currently. Some suit from R&D was fired for sexual harassment against Ayame and Persephone, heh, apparently one of em gave the bastard a good beating. The people I used to sell to would've kneecapped him, but I don't think Zhang would have allowed that...It's a shame. Also my roommates seem to be slowly going insane, first Axton left for a private room so he could....hallucinate in peace? I'm not sure of why he went but it ended up with Zhang dragging him to medical, I hope Axton is alright. Then coming back to my room, I end up overhearing Stevie's breakdown over losing someone close to him, adding to Aaron's...and I guess my breakdown as well. huh, I guess i'm as nuts as the rest of them. Maybe it's something in the water? I hope Stevie's okay regardless."

"On a brighter note, I noticed that Zain seems to be sneaking around trying to smoke. Haha. I'm not sure why considering I've been doing it openly for quite a while, but it was funny watching him managing to set off the smoke alarm. I guess that means I might be smoking with him in the future...oh, that reminds me. I was digging around in my stuff and found a box of cigars, I'm gonna go and put them by the memorial to be smoked as 'victory cigars'. John signing off"

 

[Meaningofbread]

//Letter Intercepted From Anja Kjear//
//Partially Censored to Avoid Intelligence Leak//
/Letter Partially Translated From Danish//

Mine finest Hans,

Things just get stranger and stranger down here. This hellhole of a military base seems to be breaking new kinds of international standards every day. After observing the antics that seem to be regularly taking place here, i wonder what kind of recruiting system they used to bring us here. Did they randomly select us from global militaries? Or do they have long, documented files on us, hidden in some sort of storage facility, far far away from us.

The need for a re-evaluation of the military crew seems to be necessary now. Already there has been a tribunal type session, which worries me more than ever. Also, one man is clearly a psychopath, and has multiple personality disorder. How in the flying hell did such a man make it into the organization???

So far i can only put my faith and trust into two people. One, an older Chinese man, who seems to be the only one who cares about this operation. He has come up with a training system for the sergeants. But the problem I foresee is that once he dies, (and the rest of us front liners follow) we need a competent second line to fill in the gaps.

(The ink trails off to the side, as if the pen has been put aside.)

Jeg er tilbage! We just came back from a mission, and it seems that these aliens have no mercy against us. We fought in a small section of a construction lot, with many tight corners and areas. It was a short mission, but very tough. I have received another promotion. We barely made it out without major injuries, but I think we may win this war.

Hans, please write back.

Anja

 

[PrismaCube]

The following happend a couple of das after Colin's promotion, and before his next mission.

Finally i got promoted, now I can show of my skills, I did no disapoint the commander and hit my shots, for some reason thou the commander made me a heavy, probably because we dont have any except Zhang, I usally tried to practice with the sniper rifel because i was hoping to become a sniper but now that I'm a heavy I will have to get used to shoot with the big guns now, guess that deafets my year long training amd my lucky eye but I bet I can handel it.

Colin takes out a pencil and paper and start drawing something.

There is something wrong with me thou, I have become really agressive lately, that is not like me but when I get the chance to inflect pain it feels so great, like letting all the anger inside of me that I stored up over the years out in one burst.

Colin reacts to something moving to the left of his eye he turns around to check but nothing is there.

Huh

He goes back to drawing

I feel like somebody is watching me, either that or I might me going crazy, anyway I should probably find someone I could kill right now...wait what the fuck did I just say? Oh god I need some sleep.

Colin puts down the picture of a dead floater and goes to sleep.

 

[Aristeus]

Jorn walks trough the underground hall way, and walks up to a door. There is a small display case on the side with a paper that reads "Shaojie Zhang's office." Jorn knocks on the door, waits a second and walks in. "Zhang, do you have a moment?"

"Of course. Have a seat, Captain." He waits for Jorn to sit down, calmly leaning back in his seat, his fingers crossed. "Now, what is this about?"

"I'm going straight to the point here." Jorn leans forward and looks Zhang in the eyes. "I want to change. And I want you to know that you are not alone with the paperwork and the problems here. I have responsibilities as a Captain, I want to do what you do."

"So why don't you?" Zhang looked around the room. "Requisition an office, take up a duty, start giving classes." He looked at Jorn and leaned forward. "Get yourself involved. See what soldiers are up to. It's not only in the field you need to be concerned about where they are and what they do. What do you need me to help you with to get that accomplished?"

"Well, I didn't know where to start. So I thought that you might give me some direction." Jorn looks down and freezes for a second. "You already gave me some advice." Jorn looks back up "So, thank you. But if you have too much on your hands, then I'm happy to take some weight off your shoulders."

"I try to write reports on everyone who attended my training sessions, a personal impression you could say. Not quite something you can help with, but something you can start doing yourself. It helps me understand who I am dealing with and try to find what suits them best in the field and in the classroom. I'd share my notes, but they're quite extensive and that is time lost you could be spending getting to know them yourself."

"Yes, I know but..." He pauses "Do you think I can do it? Not only the lessons and the writing I can do that, but the whole Captain thing. I've just been thinking a lot lately."

"Before you start to doubt yourself, have you even tried? Just start doing and you'll see you're capable of much more than you think. I suppose it's some sort of cruel irony that the guy who's supposed to be running head first into things is the one who starts over-thinking." Zhang cracks a smile. "You're more than a pair of legs with a shotgun, all you need to do is step up. The fact that you came here is the first sign that you got what it takes."

"Yeah but... you know... You are probably right. 'Niet geschoten is altijd mis' As they say in my country. I'll give it a shot." Jorn smiles.

"Great!" Zhang exclaimed. "I'm glad you're setting out to be more active around here. Now, feel free to drop by if you have any more questions."

"Yeah, thanks Zhang! I'm going to get a office right now, and then I will help people in every way I can, And I will start on some paperwork." Jorn stands up and gives Zhang a hand, walks toward the door but stops before he gets out, he turns around and says. " And feel free to ask me if you need any help, or to get some weight of your shoulders." He turns around and walks out.

 

[Dahlexpert]

Surveillance video 1629-77348

X-COM Bar

Joel is sitting in a chair still depressed about is brothers fiances death.

I'm sorry,I should have been there for you.........I should have been there,hay bartender get me some scotch will you and keep them coming

"You got it sir,the bar tender gives Joel cup of scotch.

Axton enters the bar area rubbing his head.Damn doctors are getting on my nerves,hay bartender get me my usual alright.

bourbon whiskey you got it Axton.


Joel raises his eyebrow at axton,Wait your Axton van dam

Depends on who's asking me if your from command you can bite me,if not then yes i'm Axton.


No i'm not from command but I heard some about you,and there not very good.


Relay,Axton takes a sip out of his drink,so what roomers have been going around here about me.

Joel takes a sip of his drink,well I heard that you went on a rampage in the gym,and you tried to kill your self.

HA HA HA,so that's what you heard about me well,Axton finishes his drink,I can tell you that me trying to kill my self is not true,hay can I get a refill


the bartender refills Axtons drink,now let me tell you about my attempt at suicide,see I have a split personality disorder and I was teaching my other half if he ever hurts some one here again I will kill us.


So you weren't trying to kill your self,Joel swallows the rest of his drink.

No,I see killing your self as the cowards way out instead of dealing with your problems,Axton swallows his drink in one go,refill.


Joel gives Axton an intense look,relay that is your view that is your view of suicide,Joel bowels his fist.

Axton notices his anger,relax buddy if I offended you I apologize I did not mean to offend you I tell you what,what ever problems your going through right now can be fixed by this bottle.


Amen to that.

Axton and Joel continued to drink.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

To: X-COM Major Shaojie Zhang
From: Project X-COM Mail Room
Subject: Unusual Letter

Sir, we recently sent out a letter to the Russian Armed Forces on behalf of a Rookie named Kasagi Ayame. We received a response, but it does not appear to be a direct response to her letter. In fact, she isn't even mentioned in it. It is addressed to a "Antony Stone". We are forwarding the letter to you because there is no one on file by that name, and we hoped that, with your rapport amongst the soldiers, you could give us some insight, as we do not wish to send out a personal letter in a general email.

We would also like to apologize for the poor translation of the letter. Apparently, it was accidentally put through an old translation program, and this was after going through another translation from its original language before it was sent to us, making it a message in English, poorly translated from Russian, which was poorly translated from an East Asian language. We are currently working on having the message re-sent, or obtaining the original letter entirely.

Thank You,
X-COM Mail Room/Message Censorship Committee

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

For the people, I hope, will help to keep us together again.

This seems to be a strange letter, I desperately hope you can hear me, although I would not blame you if you did. I am desperately looking for a man. I'm afraid I can not tell you what her name was, or even what my name is, to do so would put her in danger if you do not, I am looking for. However, if you do what I was looking for, and you know who I mean, I hope that you, or she will know who I am.

If this message has reached the wrong person, then pay attention to this letter and pretend you never received. If you are sure that human rights are, however, wrote me a letter telling me that you have received my letter, as well as who you are, who she is, would you believe me if this letter is a more appropriate address will not be sent to the most upright position.

I pray that I will hear you soon.

 

[Frostlich1228]

Name: Anna Stone
Status : Relieved ( To an extent )

Non- Combat Log : 9

It feels like it's been forever since I logged my thoughts...

Anyway I have just came back from my second examination today... and let's just say these exams were... very thorough, I'm just glad Ayame wasn't the person that thing attacked... If she had to go through these examinations every day she would go insane... she couldn't even get through one...

Speaking of Ayame she is really happy to see me after all that time in the Med-Bay...

When I was in Med-Bay I kept seeing this strange man with a scar... He kind of looked liked an older version of my Cousin Marx... I told Ayame about it but she think it was just the drugs...
Maybe she was right... But it felt so real, one day I remember he was sitting next to me and gently rubbing my face with his hand... I don't know how... but he knows me...

I have been in my room for some time because Ayame wants to make sure I don't get hurt again... She is so sweet... She blames herself for what happened to me... I told her that it is nobody's fault... but in truth if I had been working in engineering none of this would've happened... Oh well... I suppose you can't control fate....

I haven't told Ayame yet... but... My dreams are getting worse... First of all they are getting longer, they are also getting much more vivid... I don't know what it means but... I've been hearing faint voices in my head when I am sleeping... Very, Very faint voices, Too faint to make out though... but I can tell they're voices...

Anyway... I'm going to end the log here.

*End of Log*

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Name: Ayame Kasagi
Rank: Trainee
Sex: Female
Age: 20
Place of Birth: Central China
Nationality: Chinese/Japanese
Height: 150 cm (4 ft, 11in)
Weight: 42 kg (94.5 lbs)
Hair Color: Black
Hair Length: To the small of her back
Eye Color: Heterochromia (One Dark Brown, One Hazel)
Known Relatives: None (All Deceased) [Update: One Possible]
Place of Residence before joining X-COM: None

Video Log [Translated from Mandarin]

Ayame sits with a distressed look, her face illuminated by the soft glow of a small lamp, the rest of the room dark. Persephone and Anna can be seen sleeping in their beds. Her hair is matted and her eyes are red. She yawns loudly, then covers her mouth suddenly, looking behind her to make she she didn't wake her roommates. Satisfied that they're still asleep, she turns back to the camera, quietly saying, "I decided getting a short log out of the way would be more productive then tossing and turning, as I can't seem to fall asleep."

She sighs, rubbing her eyes. "There have been some strange things happening to everyone on base. Despite our recent successes, everyone seems so on edge, you can practically feel the tension in the air. And it isn't only those who have lost someone. I wonder if the aliens have been...I don't know, infecting our minds. I makes me worry for our front-liners."

She looks at Anna. "Anna's been tossing and turning even more then usual. I hope her nightmares aren't getting worse. I promised her I wouldn't worry, but I can't help it." She turns back towards the camera. "Whats more, I've noticed some odd man near Anna several times. I haven't actually seen him watching her, but this might just be because he's being discrete. I didn't say anything to Anna, though, because I don't want to needlessly worry. I'd like to confront him, but I'd hate to accuse him of wrong doings like I did with Colin."

Anna suddenly starts fidgeting, jerking violently as beads of sweat drip down her face. Ayame rushes to her side and grasps her outstretched hand. "It's okay, Anna, I'm here."

Anna starts muttering softly. "I...I...can't....don't...don't.....understand..." She suddenly sits up right, a horrified look in her eyes. Ayame tries to get her attention, but she still appears to be asleep. A tear rolls down her cheek before she closes her eyes again. Ayame lays her back down, and gives her a concerned look that practically leaks with anxiety. She retrieves her chair and sits by Anna's bed, grasping her hand and watching her for an hour before falling asleep in her seat.

 

[Jhon Markith]

Journal Entry 9
Name: Stevie Steve
Location: X-COM
Action: None

Its been a few days sense I saw the news and my x-wife die. Well anyway, Aaron and Ayame cleared the entire incident, that I did not know about. Aaron came and found me in a hallway and picked up my lifeless body and went to take me to the med bay, we found Ayame there who looked worried about the scene, I say something like No and some other things and they take me to my bunk. they talk and examine me and wait a few minutes and then I awake. The rest I know, I figured she lost something and I did not expect a friend, but still, it seems like there is more to her story, I don't want to intrude on her past, with this war and all I don't want to try.

Well Ayame's friend Anna is finally out of the med bay, I think she was watching her when Aaron bumped into her, I have seen Anna go to the med bay a lot though, that worries me, just to think that she survived a zombie maker attack. I have heard screams come from there room and that is another thing that scares me, the way I think of it is if something is wrong then we are all doomed. I am not one who looks up nor down, but one who looks straight, I am just worried that things might go wrong any time now.

It has been a while sense I have thought about the day this started for me and I have really stopped asking why do they need me. I was simply an apple techy and was just abducted by men in black and came here to fight, and now it just feels normal, but it will never be normal again for me or any of the soldiers here, I lost my love, Aaron lost his, and who knows who has lost what.