RP XCOM: The Story of Defiance.

[MarineAvenger]

Game Changer Part 1

Lüsett had been intrigued by the recent bit of news she had received. Her expectations for Patient 42 had been blown out of the water, the sole fact he saved so many people with so little showed she was not wrong in her decision to keep him alive. She was not pleased to here however, that he had been put in such a critical condition, and if her research were to continue, he would have to pull through. A lot was riding on that man, he better not let her down.

As for Eva, well her mission was proceeding. She was pleased she was following instructions and keeping her updated on X-Com's movements and advances in tech. Lüsett rubbed her fingers on the bridge of her nose and heard a knock on her door. Eve's head poked through the door, giving her the usual blank stare. "Mother, the..." She looked behind her and gave a look of digust, "Man you sent me to get is here." Lüsett gave a hollow smile and nodded her head. The tall man walked in, his step heavy as he approached her desk. He stopped right it front of it and took a seat.

"Viktor Dorian, I would call this a pleasure but this is all but." The big man smirked and let out a booming laugh.

"Now, now, is that the way to talk to an old co worker."

"You disobeyed my orders and were going to sell the cloning formula to the highest bidder!" Lüsett stared at the man and put her chin in her hands. "I didn't kill you the first time but don't think I won't hesitate to do so if you should turn on me again. This is not what I wanted but there is a war coming, and I don't want to be on the losing side. I expect results in the coming week, got it Viktor?"

The big man laughed once more. "Come on now love, would you expect anything less from the man who created Patient 42..."

 

[DarkGemini24601]

Psionic Progress I - Atka Ipiktok

Atka stepped out of the elevator into the cold wind. Siberia seemed to give the summer months little heed. At least there was no snow currently to reduce visibility. The Inuit woman drew her parka tighter, and started walking. She went up the cliff face before finally arriving in that secluded spot where she could do what she came out here to do.

She outstretched her palm, concentrating on bringing forth the energies she had brought to life several times now. A soft light blue glow rimmed Atka’s eyes, and slowly a helix of watery blue energy wound itself in a helix up from her hand, ending in a spike.

The Inuit soldier steadied her breathing, calming herself. She closed her eyes for a second. Courage, calm, and lastly skill. Combine those three and you have the makings of a great hunter, Ipiktok had always told her. Atka’s eyes snapped open, and she envisioned her enemy in front of her. From around the corner in the gorge aThin Man began to lift his gun, while a Sectoid had taken shelter near a rock. A Floater hovered nearby.

Atka dashed for a rock, and send her mindfray strand at the enemy. It reached about halfway towards the Thin Man, and then broke apart and dissipated. It’s too weak…it isn’t controlled enough. She ducked down to avoid the incoming shots, letting the rock take them for her, and then moved behind higher cover, imagining that the rock had been blown apart.

Another helix wounded itself in her hand, though Atka forced it to be stronger. Before her eyes, the once ‘watery’ shape crystalized into a more ice-like structure. She outstretched her right hand, flipping around the corner, and successfully mindfrayed where her ‘Thin Man’ would have been. There was no telling how much damage it would actually do to the mind of an alien. Atka dispelled the imaginary invaders, and walked out of her cover.

Atka formed the icy helix of blue psionic energy again. Looking over the triangular, spike tip, it did not look that powerful on its own. She closed her eyes, envisioning a more deadly variant, one that could surpass her own. Opening her eyes, there was no change.

The Inuit woman sat down onto the ground. She glanced over at icicles hanging from a colder shelter beneath a rock face, marked by smaller, jagged pieces of ice. Atka slowly started to smile. That’s it…

She took a deep breath, relaxing for a minute so that she did not tax her mind in creating so many. After she felt well enough, Atka spun a fresh strand in her hand. This time, the icy helix was marked by small icicle branches, and the ‘spearhead’ was jagged and spiked as well.

“You’re going to hate the cold more than ever now, siquttippa,” Atka said quietly to herself.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

Zain Shah and DarkGemini24601: “Unexpected Pressure”

X-COM Bar
1900 hours

Leon steps into the bar, cleanly shaven yet still wearing his labcoat. He goes up to the bartender and says “Anything without that poisonous alcohol.” The bartender quickly pours Leon a drink; Leon observes it at first for a moment before taking a small sip and spitting it out, back in the glass. “I’ll have some water.” Leon passes the glass back and the bartender gives him a glass of water. Leon soon realizes that there is only one other person in the bar, sitting a few stools away from Leon. “Excuse me” Leon shouts.

Modya glances over at Leon, wearing his typical black ushanka and coat. “Yes?” he asks in a normal volume, an eyebrow raised at the scientist.

Leon walks over to Modya. “What are you doing here all alone?”

“I was just grabbing a drink before I head over to the lounge,” Modya replies with his ever-present Russian accent, motioning towards the shot of vodka before him.

“You must be one of those half-wits they call soldiers.” Leon chuckles. “So, what’s your name?”

Modya crosses his arms. “And you must be that ‘ego-manic’ scientist I have heard about,” he says with a mixture of amusement and annoyance. “My name is Modya Dragomirov.”

Leon smiles. “So Modya, made any friends around the base?” Leon says with his signature arrogant smile across his face.

This guy… Modya nodded. “Plenty,” he answers dryly.

Leon’s smile widens. “Have you seen the beautiful women that walk around the base? I’ve seen my fair share of them.”

So this is what americans call a ‘shit-eating grin.’ “Perhaps...what is this about, Leon, was it?”

“Yes, it was and still is Leon; I just wanted to see if you’re the flirty type of man who have nothing better to do than let their hormones control their actions.” Leon draws closer to Modya. “Jessica Lockheart,” Leon says directly.

Too close! “What about her?” Modya narrows his eyes at the nosy scientist.

“How serious are you about her?” Leon’s arrogant smile fades away and is replaced by more serious look.

“She told you…” Probably not by choice. Modya sighed. “Jessie and I have much in common, and I care deeply about her. I don’t know that it is any of your business, though.”

“You do not determine what is my business is.” Leon draws even closer to his face to the point where their noses are almost touching “Are you one of those lecherous perverts out for girls how ever many years younger than you?” Leon shouted.

Modya takes a step back, made very uncomfortable by how close Leon is getting. I did not even think about the fact that she is much younger... The rocketeer shook his head. “First of all, why the hell would I be in the military if that were the case,” Modya growled. “And secondly, I could have taken advantage of her when she was drunk when we first met, but I didn’t. Does that satisfy your curiosity, doctor?” he finished quietly so only they would hear, despite the fact that the bartender was the only other one in the room.

Leon’s state of rage starts to dispel. “Let me ask you exactly what I asked her: Do you love her? Do you want to be in a relationship with her?” Leon sighs.

“Of course I do,” Modya answers, frustrated at Leon’s string of personal questions.

“Then tell her! People over-complicate relationships.” Leon sighs once again. “All people need to do is ask one another if they both love each other and if that is the case then you’re in a relationship.”

“Have you ever even been in one yourself?” Modya asks, not really expecting Leon to say yes. “And I have no idea where you’re coming from. I would think that kissing a woman confirms something like that…” he says, exasperated.

“I find relationships to be completely unnecessary; why do I need a woman to love me for my life to be happy?” Leon shakes his head “She wasn’t as direct as you, all I got from her were fragmented answers to the same question.”

But then how will you propagate the earth with descendants of your greatness? Modya thought sarcastically. “You probably embarrassed her, that’s why. Not everyone is a robot…” Modya suddenly felt as if he understood a joke Atka had made prior. “...Mr Data.”

“I am not a robot, simply a more advanced version of a human.” Leon said sarcastically.

Modya just sighed. I don’t think ANYONE envies you.

“Well, I think I must leave and present Jessica with this news.” Leon finishes his glass of water.

“You...do that,” Modya said, and stood up, walking towards the rec-room to see if he could find a challenger for pool.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Video Log
Dr. Sonya Randolf
SHIV UPGRADES, THE MECH PROJECT, AND HOLOGRAM INSTALLATION

The screen flickers on to display Sunny's usual corner of Engineering. Sunny wears her usual getup, but her usual sunny disposition has dimmed. Her weak smile does little to hide the dark circles around her wary eyes, and the loss of color on her face.

"I, um..." Sunny starts talking, then stops, having immediately lost her train of thought. She shakes her head, and walks over to the gnarled, jagged husk of one of the SHIVs. "It has o-occurred to us th-that the SHIVs might not be enough anymore. Dr. Shen has a-approved my plans to start incorporating alien alloys i-into the SHIVs. I-I have started work *cough* on new plans. I-I noticed that the soldiers like to use them a-as cover. W-with the lighter a-alien material, I can make them bigger so they can a-act as moving cover."

Walking over to a table, Sunny says, "I-I'm not sure why they'd want to, b-but we have volunteers for the Mech project." She rifles through several large blueprints. After a few seconds, she seems to grow increasingly frustrated. Almost in a panic, one of the blueprints falls to the floor. Glancing down at it, she lets out a long sigh of relief. She picks it up and unrolls it for the camera, revealing plans for a large robotic mobile suit. "I found these in the b-back logs when I was building the SHIVs. Th-they were i-initially abandoned because they were too complex f-for human control, a-and too dangerous to trust to an AI. I-I made several improvements, b-but I could never fix that problem. B-but with cyborgs c-controlling them..."

Sunny trails off, almost as though she'd forgotten what she was talking about. She coughs, and rubs her eyes. Moving on, she says, "The C-Commander has approved of the h-hologram program. The cameras and projectors, even b-better then the ones i-in my room, have been set up in th-the new expanded, upgraded shooting range. W-we also set them up throughout the I-Infirmary. D-Dr. Shen a-and the head Doctor s-said that the sterile holograms can be v-very useful for medical p-purposes."

Sunny sighs, rubbing her eyes again. After coughing a few more times, she stares forward for several seconds. "I... um, the missions... after so many missions, so many... people and... and soldiers I failed to..." She shakes her head, and hits a button on a small controller, shutting the camera off.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

ZombieSplitter53 and DarkGemini24601: “Lyudi Strannyye, Part 1”

“I’m just saying, if you give them all guns, they’ll be able to defend themselves.” Ayame pushed a piece forward.

Alexia chuckled. “You just want to stick a gun in the hand of every man, woman, and child, and tell them ‘go shoot some aliens’?” Alexia shook her head.

“Well, the don’t have to fight.”

“But they will,” Alexia insisted. “Give them the weapons to fight, and they’ll try to fight. You forget, just because you can use a gun, it isn’t that easy. Take me. Give me the biggest gun you have, and I’d probably die to a sectoid with a squirt gun before I got a shot off.”

“Oh, you worry too much.” Ayame moved forward, capturing a piece.

“Hey!” Alexia shouted, making some of the soldiers in the rec-room glance over. “You’re cheating. You said the spy beats the ten guys.”

“If he attacks first.” Ayame shrugged. “What good is a spy that doesn’t hunt from the shadows. And I explained the rules, don’t get mad if you forgot.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Alexia pushed another piece forward, flipped the piece in front of it, and cursed. “You’re cheating! That bomb wasn’t there before!”

“You’ve lost three pieces to it.” Ayame laughed loudly. “You need a six.”

“They’re all dead.” Alexia folded her arms pouting.

“Then I won.” Ayame turned her pieces to show the surrounded flag. “I gotta go anyway. Got some new assignment to escort some kid around. Guess the last guy was too much of a pansy to babysit. His loss, my gain.”

As Ayame gathered up the game and headed out, Alexia shouted, “I’m bringing the next game! And it’ll be something I’m good at and you’ll hate.” She sat back, closing her eyes and listening to the sounds of ZZ Top on the juke box.

Modya walked into the room, having just beaten someone in billiards. He glanced over, noticing Alexia. “Hello, Jessica,” he said in greeting.

Alexia looked up, taking a moment to recognize the man she’d technically only seen briefly while yelling at him. “Oh, hi. Sorry, wrong girl.”

Modya seemed surprised for a moment, and then remembered what Jessica had told her. “Oh, sorry about that. I don’t think we have met yet, Alexia,” he said. “My name is Modya Dragomirov.”

“I know who you are.” Alexia smiled, a smile that was obviously forced. “My sister has a thing for you. And in a manner of speaking, I know everything about you. You could say it’s almost as if I’ve met you personally.”

Modya sighed, able to read her expression despite not being the best at doing so usually. “I...apologize if I’ve upset you…”

Alexia shook her head. “It’s not like you intended to.” She pushed the seat next to her with her foot. “Sit… please. I’d like to talk to you.”

This should be fun…twice in a row. Modya walked over and sat down, taking a deep breath.

Alexia tapped her fingers against the table for a few moments, looking Modya up and down like she was sizing him up. “Modya… I can call you Modya, right?”

The Russian nodded. “You can.”

“Modya, I’m not sure if you realize this, but I’m kind of… protective of my sister. She, um… she’s a really nice girl. Like… really, really, really nice. And people tend to take advantage of that fact. That’s not to say I don’t trust her to take care of herself, but… I still try to watch her back.”

“I can assure you that is not what I mean to do…” Modya protested.

“Jessica doesn’t seem to think so.” Alexia leaned forward. “And from what I’ve… heard about you, she might be right. But that’s not the only way being to nice can get her in trouble. I’m also afraid she might get involved with someone with one too many issues, and he’ll end up pulling her down with him.” She tapped her fingers against the table, this time louder and more methodically. “I, um… know what happened between you and her.” She lifted a finger and pointed it to her head, making a soft ‘pow’ noise.

“That’s not funny.” Modya said as his expression hardened. “I’m not exactly sure why she felt the need to talk about that...she is free to, of course, but I wish she hadn’t.” The Russian sighed.

Alexia shook her head. “She didn’t mean to. In a way, she didn’t have a choice. But that leads me to my next question; are you doing okay? ‘Cause like I said, my sister kinda likes you, and I don’t need you breaking her heart because you can’t hold it together.”

Modya was silent for a moment. “You’ve put me in a tough position. Honestly, I’m not, and I’m sure you know most of the reasons why. That said...” Modya sighed. “That said, Jessica is one of the reasons why I’m doing better than I was yesterday. Take that away, and I’m...not sure.”

Alexia raised a finger, sternly saying, “Don’t put her in a position where she is forced to stay by your side just because she’s afraid what you’ll do if she does.”

Modya rubbed his forehead in frustration. “That’s not what I’m trying to say, damn it...that’s just how it feels.”

Alexia smiled. “Well… as long as you’re not doing it for that reason.” She placed a hand on her chin. “You know… I can see what she sees in you, to a degree. If nothing else, you’re a very handsome man.”

“Sometimes that feels like that’s just about all I have going for myself,” Modya lamented.

Alexia shrugged. “Oh I don’t know about that. You are a soldier, after all. You have confidence problems, but a good woman could help you with that. And you sure know how to talk to women.” She smiled widely, and ran her hand through her hair.

“I’ve had experience, though obviously not lasting luck, as is apparent,” Modya responded.

“Well, maybe we can change that.” Alexia stood up, and slowly walked behind Modya. “Maybe I can offer you a deal to make sure you shake your confidence problems. A little… incentive to be happier…” She placed her hands on his shoulder, her bosom lightly pressing against the back of his head.

Is she...doing that on purpose? Modya glanced down at his coat pocket where he kept his cigarettes. And why do I get the feeling these will be lost in the deal… “What might that include?”

“Oh come now.” Alexia leaned forward. “Jessie says you’re fairly intelligent, you should be able to read between the lines.” She sighed. “To be honest, I don’t… get out much. I have no time to have a little fun. The special kind of fun, if you know what I mean. And something tells me Jessie isn’t going to offer you that kind of fun anytime soon. A bit too saintly, that one. Well, we have a saying in America. You scratch my back…” She leaned down, whispering in his ear, “...and I’ll rub something against your back.”

Modya closed his eyes for a moment. “If this is a test, you are being extraordinarily cruel, you know.”

Alexia chuckled. “Well, I’d hope you’d know by now that women have a tendency to be cruel. But we all have our needs, me included. And if we help each other out, it’ll keep you happy, and that in turn will keep Jessie happy. And she never needs to know about it.” She pulled Modya’s chair out. Sitting on his lap, she placed her face directly in front of his, and asked, “So want do you say? Do we have an arrangement, or what?”

Modya opened his eyes. “It..it could be easy for us to be found out, though...all it would take is one person to realize you’re not Jessica and tell her, or think it IS Jessica and tip her off by accident...not to mention I’m not sure if this is fair to your sister in the first place…”

Alexia lightly brushed her hand over her hair. “Oh, you worry too much. No one is going to say something like that to her out of the blue, and as long as I look exactly like her…” She grinned widely. “And I’m doing this for her remember? To make sure her little Russian boyfriend is in a good mood. Not that I’m not getting something out of it, of course.”

Modya did not look entirely convinced. “Leon talked to me earlier. He seemed suspicious that I was a...and I quote… “lecherous pervert.” I may have removed some of his suspicions, but that man has no concept of privacy.”

Alexia frowned. “That man sticks his nose into things he thinks are his business. Not that he isn’t easy to manipulate. All you have to do is play to his ego.” She put on a pouty face, and said in a slightly sad voice, “Come on, Modya. You’re not gonna make me beg, are you? How about a little try out. In your room.”

If I regret this, there is going to be hell to pay, seductress… Modya sighed, closing his eyes again for a moment, and then opened them. “With great…” Modya began, and then searched for the correct word, but could not think of what he was looking for in English. Instead, he finished, “Very well...we...we have a deal.”

“Great.” Alexia jumped to her feet and grabbed Modya’s hand, pulling him up. “Lead the way.”

This is not...how I expected to be spending my day. For better or for worse. Modya stood up, and led Alexia to his room.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

ZombieSplitter53 and DarkGemini24601: “Lyudi Strannyye, Part 2”

Alexia quickly closed the door and locked it. “Take your shirt off and lay down,” she said without hesitation, and started to unbutton her own shirt.

Modya felt his heart pounding in his chest as he began to comply. “I should warn you...I haven’t...ever done this before.”

“Really? Huh.” Alexia smiled, slipping off her shirt and humming Modanna’s Like a Virgin to herself.

Modya found that he could not keep his eyes off of her. “Funny...I bet you haven’t either,” he said with a slight smile.

“Mmmmmaybe. But that won’t matter in a minute.” She unbuttons her jeans. “I don’t suppose you have any protection, do you?”

Modya winced. “Not something I expected to need to bring on a military base, you know.”

Alexia shrugged. “It doesn’t really matter.” She slipped off her jeans and kicked them to the side. “Now… lay down.”

Modya laid down, taking in a deep breath or two to calm himself.

Alexia slowly crawled across the bed, sitting down on Modya’s waist. She leaned forward, and again placed her face in front of his. “Kiss me. Like you kissed her.”

Modya paused. “What...what the hell is that supposed to mean?” His expression darkened in concern and suspicion.

Alexia frowned. “What… this isn’t Pretty Woman. I just want you to kiss me. You know, like you would with someone you care about.”

“Which is Jessica... I thought you just wanted this for…” he trailed off. “I thought you said this wasn’t a test!”

“What makes you think this is a test?” Alexia raised an eyebrow. “And do you think I’d be here if it was?”

Modya put his shirt, coat, and ushanka back on, getting up. “You know...you’re the worst kind of person. Taking advantage of my doubt, my wavering faith, my fear...that’s despicable. If this wasn’t a test, then it was lechery, and that’s no better.” Modya clenched his fists. “And if you tell Jessie about this...if you try to ruin what little light I have left, that makes you even worse.”

Alexia sighed. “Well… let’s say this was a test. Let me ask you something. Are you pushing me away because you think it’s a test? Because that just tells me that if another girl came along, and she wasn’t testing you…”

“No. I just realized that I should listen to the reasons that matter. For Jessie’s sake, for my own sanity, so that I can stand in a church without hating myself...that’s more important than whether I satisfy desires like this or not. If that weren’t true...I wouldn’t be myself anymore, and I’d have no right to be a soldier, a Dragomirov, or even have the right to live.”

Alexia looked down, hiding her guilty expression. “Modya, I… I’m sorry. I wouldn’t have done… I’m just worried about my sister.” She gave Modya a cautious smile, a tear welling in eye. “If, um… I know it probably doesn’t mean much, coming from a tramp like me, but if it means anything… I know I was wrong. I’m… sorry.”

Modya sighed. Lyudi...strannyee… “If that really was your intention, next time, do something normal people do. It’s called talking,” he said with frustration evident in his voice. “And don’t get depressed, please. I don’t want to have to find out you have scars on your wrists too and are considering a second attempt. There’s been enough of that already.”

Alexia chuckled. “Wow, you um… you really are special, aren’t you. I’d probably be pissed if…” She looked down at her bracelets. “You… deserve to know something. I know Jessie didn’t want to tell you because she thought you’d reject her if you found out, but I don’t think you will.” She slipped off her bracelets, and patted the bed next to her. “Come here. I promise I’ll keep my hands to myself.”

He sat down next to Alexia, letting all of the negative feelings float away for now. He was about to have a headache if he didn’t.

“Notice… something familiar?” Alexia asked, holding out her arms.

Modya looked at the identical marks. What is this supposed to… Memories stirred, trying to connect the dots. “How are they identical?” Modya asked with complete surprise.

“B-because… I didn’t do this.” Alexia smiled, but her face seemed sad despite this. “Jessica did this to me. To… to us…”

“Us?” A coalescence of memories. Jessica’s strange shifts in personality. Her confusion of pronouns and person. Modya’s eyes widened. “You’re...telling me...you’re one on the same...that you’re two in one?”

“Pretty freaky, huh?’ Alexia looked down. “You would have found out eventually anyway. And if it’s any consolation, she’s the dominant personality. I’m just renting space.” She gave Modya a pleading look. “Please, this isn’t her fault. If it’s anyone’s, it’s mine. If… I could just go away… just give her a chance okay. And I promise I’ll stay out of your way from now on.”

Modya grabbed her shoulders. “Don’t get me wrong, I am furious with you still. That doesn’t mean you should just go away, or crawl up in a corner and die…” He sighed. “And this doesn’t change how I feel about Jessie. I think we’re all going to need to sit down and have a talk, as this does mean something, but I’m not going to let it tear me and Jessica apart, or never forgive you.”

He let her go. “Later, though. I think I’ve had enough...enough…” Modya held his forehead in frustration. The headache had won. “Enough for today…combined with Leon...with this...with everything that’s happened lately.”

“You aren’t entirely wrong...I’m not perfect. I’m certainly not brave...but I won’t fail Jessica. I promise you that,” Modya finished.

A few tears fell down Alexia’s cheeks. She pouted. “How… how dare you make me cry like this…” She laughed. “You really are something.” She quickly got up and grabbed her clothes. Slipping them on, she said, “I should probably get out of here before I start regretting that…” She shook her head, and finished getting dressed. Placing her hands on her hips, she said, “Now, I want you to lay down again, but this time by yourself. I can’t have you getting sick because of me, especially know that I am starting to like you.” She gave him a wink. “And don’t worry about Jessie. I’ll explain how valiant you were, pushing away my advances.”

Modya practically fell back onto his bed. “If you’re going to tell her, tell her the full truth. I’d rather that I am honest with her.” He gave a drawn out sigh.

“Alright.” Alexia headed for the door. As she opened it, she looked back and said, “You know, we share the same body, but that doesn’t mean I can read her mind, so I don’t know for sure. But if I didn’t know better, I’d say she… was kinda in love with you.”

Modya nodded weakly. “I don’t think you’re wrong.”

“She… might not be the only one,” Alexia whispered, and quickly ducked out, closing the door behind her.

Modya looked up at the ceiling, and chuckled with amusement and exhaustion. “People are strange...she is strange, I am strange…” he started to close his eyes. “This whole world...this existence...is strange. Lyudi strannyye, indeed,” he said in barely a whisper, before the respite of sleep was finally upon him.

 

[MarineAvenger]

Game Changer Part 2

Viktor was down in his old lab, going over notes that were covered in dust from years of no use. The complicated formulas and scientific properties were a sight for sore eyes. To long had Viktor been confined to the dark cells that were hidden under the Exalt base. "I made that woman her perfect test subject, and when I wanted the funds and means to get out, she imprisoned me."

Viktor was always bitter towards Lüsett, even when they first started to work together. If it wasn't for him she probably would still be a no one, a little girl with no results of her hair-brained schemes. It was him who made all the sacrifices, it was him who gave up what he cared for most. Viktor got up and walked over to the safe in the wall. He rotated the dial and input the combination. He turned the crank and opened the safe. Inside was a bottle of vintage, an M1911, a thousand in cash, and a framed picture.

Viktor pulled out the picture and took a long look at it. On the left was him, his arm around a scrawny kid holding a bass almost his size. Viktor put his hand on the scrawny kid and his face hardened. "I will make that bitch pay for taking you away from me...Desmond, then I will reshape this world into my own image, a world you would have wanted."

Viktor put the picture back in the safe and pulled out the gun. He closed his eyes and when he opened them again, they were a deep, blood red. Wisps of red flew off his hand and he stomped his foot on the ground, launching everything in a five foot radius in every direction. "I will avenge my brother."

 

[MarineAvenger]

MarineAvenger and DarkGemini24601: “Bonds of the Pack”

It was late at night, or at least that was what the clock said last time Elizabeth checked. Ever since Desmond first woke up she had been filled with joy, but he has been in and out of it the past few days. She was huddled in the chair, just sitting silently in the dark room.

Atka yawned quietly, meaning to check on Desmond before she went to sleep. She walked over to the room, and squinted, faintly seeing Elizabeth in the dark. She opened the door, and turned on the lights on a low setting. “Hey...what are you doing here alone this late?” Atka asked gently.

Elizabeth squinted when the light was turned on but she didn’t advert her gaze. “I have always been here, I haven’t left whenever possible, I just can’t.” She responded, her voice low and muffled from her mouth being in her arm.

Atka sat down in a chair across from her. “I understand. I just hope you aren’t hurting yourself by depriving yourself of sleep...that won’t do him any good.”

Elizabeth nodded. “I know, some friends come to bring me things to eat but...I just can’t seem to be able to do anything. I don’t know why but I just feel...useless.”

Atka sighed. “I think the attack on Moscow hurt everyone’s confidence,” she said, thinking back to her talk with Ammelia Cross. “You’ve done all that you can for now, though, and I think he’ll be fine. He needs time to recover, and as for…” she glanced at Desmond’s bandaged shoulder. “As for that, I hear that Sunny has gotten our cybernetics to work. We can give him back what he lost to the best of our ability.”

Elizabeth shook her head. “I don’t think you can ever give him back what he has lost. Have you ever gotten the feeling that he is never really there? Like he was always trapped in another world? Every time he wakes up he remembers who he is, but he just doesn’t seem...there.” She looked at the girl across from her with watery eyes.

Atka looked sympathetic. “I know what you are talking about. He was like this sometimes even before…” The Inuit woman looked down for a moment, and then back up at Elizabeth. “Elizabeth...I know you care about him deeply, that’s not hard to tell...but I worry that you’re becoming too dependent on his well-being.”

The scout folded her hands together. “We are soldiers...and if something were to happen to him...something worse...I’m afraid you would break down completely, and I don’t want to see that happen. I don’t think anyone does.”

Elizabeth closed her eyes. “I know some people think that, I just look at it is as, if I don’t think about his own well being, I am afraid he won’t consider it himself. As for me…” She smiled at the thought. “I have you guys to help me through this.”

Atka sighed in relief. “Alright. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to talk to me...and Tom’s around in the hours I’m not.”

Elizabeth nodded and buried her head in her arms. “Thank you.”

Desmond stirred in his sleep and slowly opened his eyes. “Hey...guys…”

Atka looked over, giving him a gentle smile. “Hey. Thought you were going to try and be a martyr for awhile there…”

Desmond sighed. “I think I already am a martyr...how have you been holding up...Atka?”

“I’ve been alright...just helping people out after Moscow. Other than that, I’ve been training. Making progress in my skills,” she added, giving Desmond a meaningful look.

Desmond stared deep into Atka’s eyes and nodded. “Just don’t make any huge breakthroughs while I am in here, I want to be…” Desmond coughs violently until he continues. “I want to be there…”

“I understand,” Atka said. “Don’t push yourself.”

Desmond gave a weak smile. “Oh you know me, I will be back to my old self faster than you can say alien.” Desmond kept giving the smile until he fell back into his sleep.

Elizabeth had tears on her eyes and just looked at Atka. “He must respect you a lot. He rarely talks like that to people.”

Atka shook her head. “I’m surprised that he does. We didn’t exactly meet on the best terms.”

Elizabeth smiled. “That sounds like him, he may be battered and hard on the outside, but deep down there is something special in him that just draws people to him.”

Atka nodded, and got to her feet, stretching. “This might come off as an odd question, but is there any animal he reminds you of?”

Elizabeth thought for a second. “A wolf, sometimes alone and fierce, but always has a pack behind him, always caring for those who follow him.” Elizabeth nodded multiple times. “Definitely a wolf…”

Atka smiled widely. “Alright. If he wakes up again, tell him I might have a ‘getting well’ present for him in the future.”

Elizabeth smiled and shook her head up and down. “I will.” She took a big yawn and laid her head back down on her knees, slowly falling asleep.

Atka stood up, yawned again, and turned off the light.

 

[MarineAvenger]

MarineAvenger and Frostlich1228 Disabilities Make You Stronger

Ammelia slowly slinks into Desmond’s room, a doctor standing inches behind her. She reaches Desmond’s bed, trying her best to look away from his arm, “Is he awake? “, she says, looking back at the doctor.

Desmond slowly opened his eyes, looking at the small girl and doctor at his doorway. “Yes I am Ammelia, how have you been holding up?”

“ I… I’m still a little shaken up after that mission, but you’re who I’m really worried about…” She said, finally glancing down at Desmond’s arm.

“Yeah, you could say I am an arm behind the competition.” Desmond gave a weak smile and looked at Ammelia. “I have you to thank for getting me out of there. An arm is a small price to pay when you think of what happened in Moscow.”

She gives him a half smirk, “ I don’t think this is the best time for puns… “, she replied, “ But I’m glad to see you haven’t lost your sense of humor. “

Desmond nodded his head and looked at the doctor standing behind Ammelia. “I am fine doctor, after all I got my guardian angel with me.” He smiled again and added one last thing. “Also if you can bring me some water, I need to take my afternoon pills.” The doctor nodded, walking out the door. “I don’t mind taking them, but why must they make them so big? Sit down you are making me nervous standing there.”

Ammelia pulls a metal folding chair out of the hallway and places it next to Desmond. She takes a seat, making sure not to touch any of the tubes and electrical equipment lining the room. “Atka came to see you the day before last, she seemed pretty worried.”

Desmond nodded. “Yeah, everyone seems to be worried about something or another. Especially this early on in things, this shouldn’t be taking such a toll on us.” Desmond lays back, shaking his head. “It pisses me off knowing I am stuck in here. I should be out there, doing something, other than just sitting here like some worthless person!”

She sighs, “Desmond… You’re missing an arm… I’d be surprised if you ever fight again… “ She says, immediately regretting it.

“They won’t be able to keep me from fighting, I will keep fighting until I am truly in the ground, that is a promise.” Desmond looks at Ammelia. “So don’t ever tell me I can’t fight, because I will no matter what.”

“ Desmond…” She says, carefully considering her words, “You’ve got to think about yourself here… You’re in no condition to fight. What would Eli- “, she replies, stopping herself short.

Desmond sighs looking at the girl with growing contempt. “Ammelia, I am not one who is swayed easily. Now I don’t know what you guys have against me fighting is but I can handle myself. I won’t let any disability hold me back. You of all people should know what that feels like!” Desmond’s eyes widen, realizing the extent of what he had just said.

“I do know what that feels like!” She says, raising her voice slightly, but still trying to keep her composure. “ I know how much it hurts to do nothing… But I needed special equipment for me to fight… That’s no different for you, until that equipment is invented you won’t be going anywhere.”

Desmond sinks back into his bed, a hard look appearing on his face. “Ammelia, I am sorry. I am not used to doing nothing. I live a different life than most do, and that is what makes me want to fight.” Desmond looks at Ammelia. “I wish I could be as strong as you, but I am not. There are things that I am not to keen on and being held back is one of them. I have a lot of respect for you.”

Ammelia chuckles to herself, “ I’ll never understand why people think I’m strong… “, She looks at Desmond, smiling. “ I’m just a blind girl whose father paved a road for her, it’s not like I overcame it myself. I just don’t think I’ve earned such respect…”

Desmond shook his head and placed his right hand on hers. “No, Ammelia, you are much more. It is because of your disability that you deserve respect. Even though you can’t use your regular eyes, you still see what most people overlook. The fact you even joined X-Com is something to respect. We all have disabilities, Ammelia, whether or not they are physical, mental, or emotional, our disabilities make us strong. That is what I respect about you.” Desmond tilted his head. “Can I see your normal eyes?”

She takes a second to think on what he said before replying, “ Sure, you can see my eyes... “. Ammelia gently takes out her contact lens, revealing her milky white eyes.

Desmond smiled gently. “The fact that you can do that means you have overcome your blindness. In fact, I think I prefer those eyes over your artificial ones. They suit you.” Desmond retracts his hand from hers and laid back. “Pain comes in a lot of forms, some you are just not ready for. That is why humans will prevail in this war, because of people like us. We know pain all too well.”

“I prefer my normal eyes as well,” Ammelia replies, “ My dad came up with the contact lens idea… He always wanted me to be a normal girl… “

“There are things that will test our courage and how far we are willing to go. I don’t know how having a new arm will be…” He looked at Ammelia and gave a smile. “I want you to be there when I get my arm. From what I have heard Sunny in engineering is already making one for me.” Desmond sighed and closed his eyes. “Ammelia, have you ever had any questions that you wanted to ask but could never ask them?”

“Of course I have…”, she says, “ Haven’t we all?”.

Desmond gave her a soft look. “There are a lot of questions to be asked. So what do you want to know, I am bored and Elizabeth is at work finally, so why don’t we pass the time.”

Her cheeks turn slightly red, “ I uh… I think I already know the answer anyway… “, she says, with an almost disappointed tone in her voice.

“You can ask me anything. Don’t be afraid or disappointed.”

“ Well I.. “ Ammelia fumbles her words a bit, “ Hey, maybe we can get you a laser gun on your arm!”

Desmond busts out laughing. “Yeah, that would be a sight wouldn’t it. A good idea but I think we should just start on getting me my arm first.” Desmond smiles. “Maybe we will also have to strap a chainsaw to it just for some good measure.”

Ammelia laughs, happy that she had successfully changed the subject, “ I wish I could fire light beams out of my eyes like my favorite superhero, but since the SAaIDA is in my ear… That would just be weird! “

“Yeah, could be worse, you could have a chainsaw attached to it.” He laughs once more with the girl. “So what about relationships, you must have been in some before?”

“Well, not really,” she said, shrugging, “ I’ve never had very many friends and my dad practically investigates anyone who gets within ten feet of me... That alone drives most people away… “

“Well, I am not even a foot from you, and I feel pretty comfortable. You’re special you know that Ammelia.”

“ Thanks, but I wouldn’t get too comfortable if I were you, keep in mind that my dad helps fund this project. He could be watching us right now… “ She replies, looking up at the camera in the corner of the room. “ I know you’re watching me…”, she says with a half sarcastic tone.

“I wouldn’t worry about him, besides I am here to protect you. Besides, I will have a laser arm with a chainsaw so I can be very persuasive.” Desmond smirks and says, “You are a nice girl Ammelia, I am glad to have met someone like you. I hope I get to see you again.”

Ammelia gets up out of her chair, realizing her time is up, “ My door is always open you know, I couldn’t really lock it if I wanted to… “

Desmond nods but grabs her arm and pulls her close, hugging her with his one good arm. “Thank you for getting me out of there, and for being open with me.”

“ Hey, don’t mention it, “ she responds, “And you don’t have to keep saying my whole name. One of my friends back home calls me Ammy, I guess that’ll do… “

“Alright, Ammy it is then, maybe sometime we can play chess, I heard you are quite good, but I will show you why I was best in the state of Alabama.” He gives her one more squeeze before releasing her. “Don’t forget, you have to be there when I get my new arm…”

“ I wouldn’t miss it, “ She says, before leaving room.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Short Circuit

Sunny sat silently on her bed, starring solemnly at Billy's bed. Her eyes were blood shot, the area around them dark and bruised from lack of rest. As she looked at the empty bed before her, her head twitched every so often. Her breathing was labored, but she didn't seem to notice.

Behind her, Alice materialized. With a nervous look, the hologram reached her hand forward, asking, "Dr. Randolf?... Sunny?... Are you al...."

"Emergency diagnostic and security check," Sunny barked out in a raged voice.

"But Doctor, I..." Alice started to say before the hologram projectors turned off for the check.

Sunny continued to watch the bed, saying nothing, barely moving. After a few more minutes, she slumped down to her side.

Twenty minutes later, Alice reactivated herself. "Why did you do that," she asked angrily. "I was only trying to... Dr. Randolf?" Alice slowly approached Sunny, the worried expression returning. "D... doctor?"

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Bump in the Relationship

"I hate you!" Jessica barked out, trying but unable to hold back the tears. "And I hate him!"

"Come on, Jessie, you don't mean that...," Alexia started.

"And I never want to see him again." Jessica reached up in a futile attempt to wipe her tears away. She realized how pathetic she probably looked, weeping like a child, but she couldn't help it. "How... h-how could you do this to me?"

"I'm sorry!" Alexia pleaded. "I... I didn't trust him. From my vantage point, all I could see was his flaws. I couldn't see any reason why you liked him so much. I was afraid he was manipulating you with this suicidal... thing..."

Jessica let out a grim laugh. "So, that's your excuse for seducing him? Really?"

"I was doing it... for... you..." Alexia shook her head, realizing how stupid it sounded when said out loud. "I, uh... I wanted... to give you something... something you can use to break up with him, even if he..."

"So you had sex with him!" Jessica scoffed. "I can't believe you..."

"I did not sleep with him!" Alexia interrupted. "And I wasn't planning to, I told you that! I only needed enough to prove he was disloyal. But he rejected me!"

"Rejected you?" Jessica started sobbing louder. "H-he agreed to... t-t-to sleep with you! You were *sniff* laying on top of him almost naked before he said anything!" She shook her head vigorously. "He... h-he probably only stopped because... he was on to you. I-if you... h-hadn't been test... testing..."

"I don't believe that!" Alexia insisted. "You're right, okay? What he did was terrible. He should have never agreed in the first place." Alexia stomped her foot. "But he made a mistake. One he regrets. He probably hates himself more then you do for it." Alexia looked down, the tears falling from their face now hers instead of Jessica's. "He was in a weak position. His emotions were messed up, he was tired and confused, and I took advantage of that."

Jessica shook her head again. "It doesn't matter. I could never forgive..."

"What I did was unforgivable!" Alexia shouted. "You'll probably never forgive me. And neither will Modya. But that's fine, I don't deserve to be forgiven. But the worst thing I did was possibly ruin what you two had. I messed everything up, like I always do."

Jessica rubbed her brow. "What... what are talking about, 'like you always do'?"

Alexia face turned to one of pure sorrow, as if she was barely holding it together. "Like how... I almost got you thrown out by attacking Ayame. Or how I messed up our ankle over-exercising."

"Those weren't you fault," Jessica said, "You were just..."

"And what about when I got us locked in the warehouse?"

"That was... a mistake. And you're the one who suffered for that one."

"And what about that guy you liked in high school?"

"He... he was a prick anyway, I would have..."

"And what about when I yelled at Cindy? She was your best friend, and she never talked to you again!" Alexia squeezed her fists, the tears coming non-stop. "And Samantha? And our fourteenth birthday? And prom? And... and..." Alexia ripped the bracelets from her arms, throwing them across the room. "And this?!"

"That was my fault!" Jessica shouted.

"Was it?" Alexia put on a crimson smile. "You know as well as I do that those boys wouldn't have... done that... if I hadn't told them off a week before. Face it, I've done nothing but ruin..."

"No!" Jessica insisted. "That wasn't your fault! And even if it was, if they hadn't pushed me over the edge, something else would have. You haven't ruined my life, you've saved it, more then once. And I won't let you take the blame for what Modya did."

"So, that's it?" Alexia placed her hands on her hips. "You don't like him anymore? You don't love him anymore?" Jessica remained quiet. "Say it."

Jessica blinked. "I... I don't... I..."

Alexia quickly walked over to her mirror, raising the cover. Jessica immediately spun around, letting out a loud shriek. "Look at me," Alexia said, and Jessica shook her head. "Look at me!"

With a whimper, Jessica slowly turned and looked at her reflection, desperately trying to hide a look of terror.

"Now, tell me you don't love him anymore," Alexia insisted. When she still didn't get a response, she added, "Here, I'll make it easy. He's eight years older then you. His home is on the other side of the world as yours. He's openly admitted to being cowardly. He has horrible self-esteem. And... he considered sleeping with your sister. Now... tell me you don't have feelings for you. Tell me you don't think he made a mistake. Tell me that you don't believe he has feelings for you, and that, if it wasn't for me, you'd have no doubts about him."

Jessica remained quiet, as though unable to speak. Alexia narrowed her eyes. "If you can't say it to me, then say it to him. Tell him it's over, and you never want to see him again."

Jessica clenched her fists, and stormed out of the room. She walked to the rec-room, and as she suspected, Modya was at the bar, looking at a shot of vodka with a sad expression. At the sight of a woman with an angry expression approaching, a man sitting next to Modya nudged him before ducking away. Turning in his chair, Modya could immediately tell who he was looking at and why she was here. "Jessie, listen, I don't know how I could ever..."

Reaching the depressed Russian, Jessica's hand flew across Modya's face so hard, it sent sharp pains through both. Modya placed a hand on his throbbing face. His expression turning even sadder, he searched for anything he could say. Before he could say anything, Jessica reached out and grabbed his head, pulling him forward and passionately kissing him. As the entire room watched the spectacle in awe, Jessica stepped back, wiping a small trial of saliva away. As Modya starred at her in confusion, she looked around, and positioning herself so the rest of the room was to her back, she quickly pulled up her shirt and said, "There, now you've seen them with me!"

Jessica put her shirt back down and retreated from the room, leaving Modya dumbstruck and confused, along with the rest of room.

I... I can't believe you did that!

N-neither can I, to be honest.

Does this mean... you've forgiven him?

Jessica shook her head.

No. Absolutely not. But... I will give him a chance to earn my forgiveness. And you can work on doing the same.

Will do. And I really am...

I know you are. No more for now. I have work to do. Sunny and I are supposed to...

As Jessica rounded the corner near Sunny's room, she almost walked into Ayame. "Whoa there, gorgeous..." the Asian guard said, but her distressed expression betrayed her cocky attitude.

Jessica glanced past her, noting the nurses standing outside of the room. "W-what's going on? Did something happen?"

Ayame sighed, biting her lip. "Yeah, um... Sunny is... unconscious..."

Jessica's eyes widened. "What! Why?! What happened?"

"We don't know." Ayame shook her head. "Her AI found her like this. And we... we can't wake her up." As Sunny was wheeled out of the room on a stretcher, Ayame placed a concern arm around Jessica's back. "Come on, let's go with them." The pair quickly followed behind the nurses as they headed for the infirmary.

 

[Dahlexpert]

Good and bad news

Well things in X-COM could be better and they could also be a lot worse, first the bad news we lost possible 20 people this month and the month just started, there was Moscow were nearly a billion people lost there lives or worse got captured by the aliens, and now my partner is lost his damn arm, not to mention the aliens seem to be more aggressive now then 2 months ago.

But some good news, We captured some of the aliens and are currently interrogating them, we have new armor that can absorb more of the aliens plasma guns at least for now, we also got new weapons and some augmented solders, even though our augmented solders are limited to men and.... Well it's probable just me but I have to admit these augmentations are fantastic and I feel stronger then I ever have.

But what interest me is what that thin man said, the demon a white haired demon, which means that nut case is some were on this planet terrifying the aliens, I don't even want to think about what she is doing to them after seeing her profile she is probable murdering them and loving every second of it. But enough about Scarlet.

Our commander seems to be in a better mood lately better then she was when I first met her any way, I almost wish she would take it easy some times she could us the break, OU well she will figure it out on her own.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

MarineAvenger & ZombieSplitter53

Visiting Hours

Desmond was just about finished gulping down his pills for the day when a large commotion from outside his door almost caused a pill to go down the wrong pipe. He shifted off the blankets and stood up, his legs shaking at first but gaining his footing, he walked to the door and cracked it open to see nurses and doctors rushing down the hallway carrying a small girl on a stretcher.

Jessica quickly followed behind, before a doctor raised a hand and shook his head, ending her advance. Ayame placed a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep you posted.” She followed the team, ignoring the doctor trying to stop her. Jessie watched as the doctors walked through a door, and closed her eyes, a sorrowful expression on her face.

Desmond opened the door, seeing the green haired girl that he had not seen for some time. He turned his shoulder around to loosen it and walked out. He was happy he was at least allowed to where his regular clothes again or else he wouldn’t have even stepped out. “Friend of yours?”

Jessica jumped, so lost in thought she hadn’t noticed Desmond. “Oh! Um… uh…”

Desmond.

“Desmond.” Jessica nodded. “Y-yeah, she… she’s a good friend. But… I don’t know. Something happened.”

Desmond leaned up against the wall. “Yeah, we all seem to be in a bad spot at the moment.” He nudged his head to his left. “Some of us more than others.”

Jessica held her hands up to her mouth, a shocked look on her face. “Oh, god, Desmond, you must think I… I would have been here earlier to visit, I swear. But you were unconscious for so long, and Ellie was with you…” She ducked her head. “I’m so sorry I didn’t come to visit you. If… if it means anything, I tried to check and make sure Ellie was eating whenever I had a chance.”

Desmond nodded. “I heard, you have my thanks for that. She really can’t handle herself when it comes to me but I am glad some people have her back.” He saw her expression and waved his hand. “It doesn’t matter to me if you never came to visit. It is more peaceful when I am alone, but I certainly haven’t been short of visitors as of late.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” Glancing down the hallway and realizing there is nothing she could do about Sunny, she decided to turn all her attention to the boyfriend of her friend she had neglected. “But I am sorry, regardless.” She glanced at his side. “Do you… mind if I have a look?”

He looked down at his stump and nodded his head. “I just took some meds so it is not that sensitive at the moment, so go ahead.”

The two reentered Desmond’s room. Desmond sat on the bed, and Jessica slowly unwrapped his bandage, careful not to do anything garring. She examined his shoulder, an expression of professionalism on her face. “It… it’s not that bad…” She mumbled, mostly to herself.

“I owe Sunny for that one, she used the Shiv to cauterize the wound, I probably owe her a lot more.” Desmond cracked his neck and looked at the girl. “So, how is it.”

Jessica looked up into Desmond’s eyes and smiled. “Well, the med team cleaned it up really nice. I’m no doctor, but from a biologist background, I can say we won’t have to do too much work.” She ran her fingers on some of the uneven parts. “Just a little clean up here and there. Probably just one surgery to get you ready…”

Desmond nodded, taking in the news. “So explain what this procedure will be, what sort of tech will I be bonded with?”

Jessica gives him a nervous chuckle. “Um… I’ll explain it best I can. But you’ll have to excuse me if I don’t know some of the more… technical aspects from an engineering perspective.”

“Should have guessed, you are a scientist after all, or at least that is what I believe you are. We never really talked much after...after that night.”

He means after I yelled at him for being such a dumba…

I remember, thank you.

“I am. I’m working in the gene lab right now. Got my hands in the meld… figuratively speaking, of course.” Jessica takes a moment to gather her thought. “Well, you’ll need to have a procedure to… pretty much turn your shoulder into a receptacle. We’ll set up your shoulder and side’s nerve endings so they are connected to a stationary set of equipment that will stay on your shoulder. That way, we can attach the arm to that, and detach it whenever it needs maintenance or repair, as opposed to hooking the arm directly to your shoulder and doing a small surgery every time we need to take it off.”

Desmond sighed, all that seemed a small price to pay to have an arm back. “Would you mind taking a walk, I need a change of scenery, there are also some questions I may have.”

“Of course, as long as your doctors don’t mind.” Jessica opened the door for him. “So, ask away.”

Desmond walked out the door and the two walked side by side. “Will there be any side effects of the meld trying to fuse to my body? Or any chance of future augments for the arm?”

“Well,” Jessica answered after a moment of consideration, “The meld will have it’s hands full keeping the symbiosis between man and machine together, so it’ll be too busy to try and take over your mind.” She smiled. Afraid she might not have answered the question in a satisfying way, she quickly added, “Don’t worry. The meld is perfectly safe. It’s almost as if it was tailor made for us. As for augmentations, we’ll have to wait for you to adjust to the cybernetics as they are, but I don’t see why we can’t make future improvements. You’d really have to… to…” Jessica frowned. “To talk to the engineers. Like Sunny.”

Desmond shook his head. “Well I guess that might be a while.” Desmond stopped. “That was her on the stretcher wasn’t it? Was she hurt…” Desmond rose an eyebrow. “Or did she overwork? Trust me when I know I can see the signs.”

Jessica bit her lip, clearly distressed. “I’m really not sure. She hasn’t looked well lately.” Jessica’s head droops. “It never occurred to me that… that Sunny might be the kind of person who never tells others when she sick, or when she’s tired.” She scoffed. “God, I’m so stupid. I could tell that she had problems, that things had happened to her in the past, but she never complained about it, not once. Of course she wouldn’t say anything. And I probably missed something obvious.”

Desmond shook his head. “You are wrong there. Even if you wanted to help it would have only made things worse. You saw how it affected me. There are some things that people must overcome themselves before they will allow others in.” He walked up to Jessica and put a hand on her shoulder. “Give it time, a shoulder to cry on or a kick in the ass can really help.”

He continued walking. “There is also one other thing I wanted to ask. Is there someplace that I can get a hold of some blueprints for the arm? If there is anything I could figure out on my own, I would like to see what my options are.”

“Hmm…” Jessica thought. “Well… we could ask Alice. She’d probably have access to them. If anyone did, it would be her.”

“Alice huh, is she a another engineer, or is she one of you guys?” Desmond followed Jessica’s path, which oddly enough seemed to be heading back to the infirmary.

“Um… not exactly.” Jessica looked around, wondering where to go. Shrugging, she said out loud, “Alice. Can you… hear me?”

The young looking hologram materialized next to Desmond, wearing a bright pink nurse’s pair of scrubs. “Please state the nature of the medical emergency,” She said with a smile.

Desmond looked over to his right, not at all surprised by the new girl next to him. Eyeing her up and down he finally responded. “Alice...I get it now. I read the book multiple times so I would recognize a face like that. As for an emergency…” He looked over at his arm. “Kind of self explanatory.”

“Desmond, right?” Alice pulled a chart from thin air and looked it up and down. Shaking her head, she said, “Sorry. I’m afraid you are a bit too asymmetrical. Gonna have to lose the other arm.”

“Go ahead, but be sure to let the aliens know I have a mean kick.” He smiled and put a hand on the holograms head. “Impressive to say the least. Wish I had an A.I like you.”

“I’m here to serve everyone, sir.” Alice smirked up at him.

Jessica took a step forward. “Alice, Desmond wanted to ask you for something.”

Desmond turned to the hologram and asked her. “I wanted to know if I could get a copy of the arm schematics to look over myself. I believe there are some things I may be able to do to tweak my design as time goes on.”

Alice bit her lip. “I… I’m not sure. I don’t know how open they’re supposed to be.”

Jessica scratched her head. “Well, um… who would know?”

“Sunny…” Alice answered hesitantly.

Desmond sighed rubbing his neck with his only hand. “It is not that urgent, and I certainly don’t want to disturb her, I know how bad someone gets when over worked…” Desmond tilted his head as he remembered something in the back of his mind. “Wait, if you work on the mechs as well Jessica, wouldn’t that technically grant you access to the files as a project assistant? That could get us access.”

Jessica rubbed her forehead, sure if she could, but not sure if she should. She knew she should get permission, but she was afraid of unfair mistrust, especially after what happened with her sister and Modya. “I… uh… I guess you could take a look at them. I mean… it’s not like you’re going with them or anything, right?”

Desmond saw the discomfort on her face and put a hand on her shoulder. “Like I said, it is not that urgent right now, I wouldn't want to potentially get you in trouble…” Desmond looked at his stump. “After all I should probably get my arm first.”

 

[DarkGemini24601]

A Troubling Path – Atka Ipiktok

Amanda Ortiz walked down the halls of engineering, taking a deep breath. It was a terrifying prospect, to be sure. Losing her limbs…having them replaced with cybernetic ones. She closed her eyes, picturing the carnage in Moscow, the droves of civilians slain indiscriminately…men, women, and children alike, slaughtered as if they were nothing but pests, many of them turned into those violet monsters. The quiet footsteps of her and her escort of two guards were broken by a voice.

“Amanda…” Atka warned, her expression full of worry and trepidation. “You don’t have to do this.” The Inuit woman stood between Atka and the door to the cybernetics lab, her arms crossed.

The medic tensed. “You weren’t there, you didn’t see what they did. We’re losing too many people, Atka…I can’t just sit by as a medic…”

“I know what they did. That doesn’t mean…”

“That I have to make this singular sacrifice?” Amanda’s expression darkened in anger. “I’ve seen soldiers lose their limbs before…and Walker gave up one of his to save people’s lives…giving up mine is a small price to pay to prevent further loss of life from our ranks, to prevent further carnage!”

Atka stepped back, not expecting such a furious response. “I’m just saying…think about what you’re doing. Not just about what will happen to your body…but the implications of what we’re doing here…”

“The implications…that we could help people that lost limbs regain their mobility? That wounded soldiers could fight again, and in a much safer capacity? I don’t see that as a bad thing,” Amanda shot back.

“That…we’re willing to go this far…”

“I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Someone like you being opposed to pro-“ Amanda stopped, realizing what she was saying. “…Atka…I…”

The Inuit woman looked down. “You’re not wrong. I am more of a traditional person…but I’m just trying to look out for you…for everyone. The things we’re doing here at XCOM…if we win this war…they could change the world, and I hope to God it’s for the better and not something that will ruin us, make us like them.”

Amanda closed her eyes for a moment, and then opened them with determination. “I’m sorry, Atka, but I have to do this. For everyone’s sake, too.”

Atka looked up, suppressing her worry and sadness. “As long as you’re doing this with that in mind, and you stay yourself…then I won’t stop you. She stepped aside, and Amanda and the two silent guards walked into the cybernetics lab, the automatic door hissing shut behind them.

I just hope I’m wrong.

 

[MarineAvenger]

MarineAvenger & ZombieSplitter53

Visiting Hours Part 2

Jessica smiled. She looked down at Alice and said, “Can you go over the blueprints and try to prepare a file that will help Desmond with his maintenance and his own personal work that won’t give away anything that might, you know, get us in trouble? And have them ready by the time his arm is ready?”

“I’ll see what I can do!” Alice gave a salute, and vanished.


Desmond sat down on the floor and laid up against the wall. He could handle an excess amount of workout time but in his state he was in no condition to be up at all. “Remember when you asked if I had my doctor’s permission to leave?” He laid his head against the wall. “Yeah I shouldn’t even be awake right now.”

Jessica grinned. “I figured as much, but I didn’t want to hold you back. Ellie has told me how stubborn you can be. But we better get you back to your room.”

“Nah, and miss out on all the fun times to be had, I have had enough being stationary, no one ever got better from sitting on their ass all day.” He got up and slapped the dirt off of him. “So, you know me, but I can’t say the same for you.”

“Me?” Jessica shrugged. “Not much to know, really. I’m just some ditzy lab tech who happens to have the best figure on the base. Though Ellie’s pretty cute herself.”

Desmond brightened up a bit but he didn't show any emotion. “Really I hadn’t noticed, she was always so flamboyant that I never really noticed her.” He said in a sarcastic tone. “So...how did you two meet?”

Without really thinking, Jessica answered, “Well she had a drunk-happy party with my sister, I was a little upset how hung over she was, so I planned to give her a piece of my mind, but…” She shrugged. “What can I say? There is something about Ellie that makes you smile whenever she’s around. And now I enjoy her company as much as Alex.”

Desmond raised an eyebrow. There was something off about the two of them and from what he remembered about Alex there was something he wanted to ask. “You are the same person aren’t you…the similarities are too alike, and…” He trailed off as he wouldn’t mention more but he was more than sure that was the case. He could sense something off about her, he didn’t notice it at first but it was there, a second presence.

“I… no, we… well not exactly…” Jessica frowned. “Did Ellie tell you?”

Desmond shook his head. “No, it is apparent in you body. Your walk, you face, your motions, it is as if you aren’t completely there. When you think for long periods without responding to someone it is also a give away…”

Jessica searched for an excuse to make, but let out a deep sigh, tired of lying to everyone. “It… it probably didn’t help that I didn’t mention I was Jessica at first, so you probably thought I was Alex, and you noticed…” She shook her head. “Listen… I don’t want this getting out to too many people. Can I trust you… to keep a secret.”

Desmond turned his back to her, walking down the hall and making a hand for her to follow. “We all have secrets. Doesn’t matter to me if you two are one in the same, you are still people.”

Jessica quickly followed after. “Thanks. I haven’t had much luck finding such open minded people in the past. Though I’ve have had such luck here.” She laughed. “I guess when you’re faced with an alien invasion, I’m not so weird in comparison, huh?”

“No.” Desmond turned around to look at her. “There are just worse things to be worried about, your sister saw what I mean.”

Jessica nodded. “She told about your… scars.” Jessica shook her head as they returned to Desmond’s room. “Anyway, thanks.” As a pair of doctors run past in the direction Sunny was taken, Jessica frowned again. “Listen, Desmond… I don’t want to sound rude, but…”

Desmond nodded and nudged his head in the direction of the doctors. “Go ahead, thanks for the walk.” Jessica nodded, and ran off, looking for someone who would talk to her.

Desmond slipped into his room. He flexed out his hand, looking at the projector in his room. “Hey Alice, you there?”

“Always,” Alice’s voice responded, coming from the speaker on the bed’s call button. “What can I do for you?”

“I wanted to ask you something about a certain girl I know.”

“Which girl was that?” Alice asked, materializing on the bed.

“An Inuit girl named Atka, have you witnessed anything...special she might have been doing around base?” He didn’t want to risk saying too much but he had to know if Alice could be trusted if she did.

“Hmm.” Alice pulled a small computer out of the air and put on a small pair of glasses. Typing for a while, she said, “Well… that information is classified… but you are included in those classified files, so it looks like you have the same… special something.” She put the computer away. “I’m afraid there isn’t a lot I can say. I can’t even discuss this with Sunny, and she created me.”

Desmond sighed, at least his secret was safe for now. “Well, since you already know then I won’t have to explain it, the reason I wanted the schematics was because I wanted to make sure I could incorporate my psionics into my new arm. If not then…” He tensed and closed his fist. “I will find a way.”

Alice scratched her head. “I’m… afraid I don’t have enough information to confirm that is possible. I’m afraid my programming does extend that far, except with programming the holo-training. But I can look up if that’s possible. And I can prepare those blueprints so you can see for yourself.”

Desmond shook his head. “Not right now, send the files to a secret server I have set up away from the base’s. I don’t want one of the engineers accidentally stumbling onto this after all.” He walked over to the white board and hastily wrote down the IP. “This is it, just send it here and I will get to it when I am available to.”

Alice looked at the white board and nodded. “Got it. And don’t worry. I noticed a slight elevation in your vitals when you were talking about your abilities. Your secret is safe with me. I can’t even open the file myself without permission.”

Desmond nodded. He walked over and put a hand on the hologram’s head, surprised to see he could actually tussle her hair. “Thanks, be sure to visit. I always did have a fondness for Alice in Wonderland. Just be sure, if the cat exists, keep him away. I am enough of a jackass on my own.”

“Ssh!” Alice raised a finger to her lips. “He might be listening. I don’t want him to get mad at me.” She smiled, and disappeared.

Desmond smirked and laid down on his bed. He closed his eyes when not five seconds later Elizabeth walked in.

“Where have you been! The doctors have been scouring the base for you!” She exclaimed.

Desmond laid back as far as he could, at least happy with the fact he didn’t have to deal with a sarcastic cat.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

ZombieSplitter53 and DarkGemini24601

A Nice, Friendly Chat
Part One

XCOM Headquarters, Somewhere in Siberia
May 6th, 1400 hours, the Barracks

Atka Ipiktok put aside the piece of whale bone she had begun to sculpt in the shape of a wolf. Keep watch, will you? She conveyed to Taqukaq.

The husky looked up at her with a bit of a bored expression, seeming to say, Why is it always me? Atka opened the door for him, and the Inuit woman’s companion sat down in front of the door, sitting guard.

Atka held up her hand, and closed her eyes, concentrating. When she opened them she gazed over the now-familiar icy helix. It was still fairly simple, as Atka found herself unable to add fine details to deepen its power and still use it effectively at this moment. Unlike Desmond, she did not feel as if the powers drained her unless she used them too much. Rather, they felt refreshing, as if she was letting her spirit flow. It almost felt...cool to the touch, despite being an incorporeal construct. Perhaps it was the effect on her mind, the otherwise dangerous mindfray not harming its user.

“Hey, buddy,” Ayame said outside the door. “Boss lady getting dressed?’ A bit louder, she asked, “You decent, Atka?”

Atka’s concentration broke, and the mindfray ‘spike’ shattered like shards of ice with her surprise. The shards turned to dusty snow and then faded from sight. “Y-yeah…” Atka replied. She considered telling Ayame the truth of the matter, but remembered her promise to Commander O’brien. “...only discuss how they develop with myself, Desmond, or Dr. Randolf’s AI, understand?” The Inuit scout sighed, if only in her head.

Ayame stepped inside, running her hand from Taqukaq’s head to the base of his tail as she does so. “You alright, chief? You seem a bit… distressed,” Ayame asked, trying to hide the same feeling on her face.

Taqukaq thumped his tail happily. “I was just...thinking. About where I want to go with that,” Atka responded, gesturing over to the beginnings of a new carving.

Ayame smiled brightly at the carving. “Looks good so far as usual.” She picked it up and examined it. “Kinda jealous, to be honest. Never had much of an artistic talent, myself. Only know how to fight, how to swing a knife, a sword. Fire a gun. Not really useful outside of a fight.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself,” Atka said gently. “Besides...a sword? I don’t think I could ever manage that...and I was never the best with a spear back home.”

Ayame shrugged. “Not too hard. Just takes a crap ton of boring, repetitive practice. Maybe I can show you sometime.” Ayame sighed deeply, putting the carving down and walking over to her bed. She sat down and rubbed her eyes. “So, um… I was going to help you with something, but I wasn’t told what exactly. But whatever it is, I’m off my other job early, so…” She shook her head, trailing off.

Atka raised an eyebrow. “Are you alright, Ayame? You seem more distracted than I was.”

Ayame nodded, putting on a smile. A moment later, the smile faded, and she shook her head instead. “I… me, myself, am alright. It’s just this person I’ve been charged with watching. A kid. She’s… not doin’ very good.”

“Am I allowed to know who that is?” Atka asked with an expression of growing concern.

Ayame shrugged. “Probably, not that I wouldn’t tell you either way. Her name is Sonya Randolf. Though everyone calls her…”

“S-Sunny…” Atka said shakily. “What happened to her?” she asked worriedly.

“They, uh… they’re not entirely sure yet, but they have some ideas.” Ayame pointed at her head. “They did an MRI on her, and she had some wacky readings. Couldn’t tell you what they all meant myself, not much of a doctor. But from what I picked up, and what I strong armed from some of the doctors, she was overworking herself. That, combined with her being sick and not telling anyone, kinda… I don’t know, fried her.” Ayame shook her head. “I know that doesn’t make much sense. I couldn’t understand what they were saying. The words, the way they described it, it sounded more like they were talking about a burnt out computer then a person.”

Atka remembered Sunny’s words from before. “B-but you’d need people to mess with your brain…” “She… mentioned something having been done to her in the past, but I didn’t press the issue further… that might have something to do with it.” The Inuit woman sighed. “I’m sure the Commander knows far more than I do about her, though…” I hate not being able to do anything about it. Atka sat down in her chair for a moment, composing herself.

“What kinda stuff?” Ayame wondered out loud. “You’d gotta be pretty fucked up to mess with such a young… but then I guess there are people like that out there, huh?” Ayame gave Atka an encouraging smile. “But like you said, I’m sure the Commander knows what’s goin’ on, and they can probably use that to help her out. And you just happen to room with the girl’s personal escort. I’ll keep ya filled in, trust me.”

Atka nodded. “I just hope with our research into the MELD that we don’t end up doing the same sort of…” The scout shook her head, not wanting to think about Amanda, who refused to be persuaded otherwise despite Atka’s attempt to change her mind. “So where are you going to be taking me for the thing you were talking about earlier?

Ayame scratched her head. “Um… the alien… containment facility.” She chuckled. “Though you’ll have to guide me there, really. Never was good with big places like this, and I get lost a lot.”

I wonder what they want me there for...oh. Atka nodded. “I haven’t been there myself either, but I know about where it is in the laboratories.” She opened a drawer and tossed a bone into Taqukaq’s bed. Stay here. The dog ran over to claim his prize, while the two women snuck out of the room.

As they approached the facility, Ayame asked, “So, uh, what do you think this is about? What can you do that the eggheads with their probes can’t?”

Atka tapped her head. “I’m sure you haven’t forgotten. I’m guessing the Commander thinks I might be able to make contact with them… and I could do more than just grab jumbled images. I can speak to them...in a way...and perhaps dig deeper than machines can.”

Ayame gave a worried expression. “I guess I’m here to watch your back, then. I just hope they don’t want you to dig into one of those psionic bastards. Your telepathy… mind reading thing is cool and all, but you can’t jumble minds like them, and I don’t want them giving you the mental version of an anal probe, if you catch my drift.”

Atka ran a hand through her hair. Not true, but I’m not supposed to tell you that, unless I’ve been given the green light. “I think I will be okay. Regardless of what I’m asked to do.”

Reaching the lab, Ayame opened the door for Atka. As the two walked in, Dr. Vahlen approached them. “It is good that you could get here so promptly.” She looked into Atka’s eyes. “The Commander informed me of your… unique interrogation skills, if not in explicit detail. Regardless, I trust her judgment, and this is why you have been called here today.”

Atka nodded. “Which...one of them do you have in mind?” she asked, being fairly apprehensive despite her words to the contrary.

Dr. Vahlen waved her hand towards one of the doors. “The Thin Man. This way please.”

Them… Atka thought to herself, the infiltrators still looming large in her mind despite the appearance of the more-vicious chryssalids. The scout followed the doctor through the door.

“Those are the lanky-ass aliens that look like people, right?” Ayame asked.

“That is a… colorful way of putting it, but yes.” They approached the large dome in the middle of the room. “We have detected no psionic powers in them, so the Commander thought it would be the safest one for you to interrogate. We also believe it can speak human languages, though it has been decidedly quiet sense arriving.” They stepped in front of the unusual cell. Behind the glass, the Thin Man stood at full length, its back to them, its hands folded behind it.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

ZombieSplitter53 and DarkGemini24601

A Nice, Friendly Chat
Part Two

Fighting the Thin Men was one thing. Seeing one like this...ominous, was a different experience altogether for Atka. She took a deep breath, preparing herself for what was likely going to be no easy task. “Anything else I should know?”

“Only that we suggest that you do not try to let it out, though I’m sure that much is obvious.” She turned and headed towards the exit. “And don’t worry, this pod does not contain the same psychic shielding as the others, so… do what you must.”

Atka closed her eyes for a moment, and stepped into the center of the walkway. Taking another breath to steady herself, she said, “You can make this easy on yourself and tell me what you know. I don’t enjoy interrogations, but...I’m not going to be as nice to someone who would have killed any of us without hesitation.”

The Thin Man continued to remain silent, keeping its back to Atka. “Hey, asshole!” Ayame shouted. “She doesn’t have to start out playing good cop, you know?”

I wonder if it even knows what that means. If it’s been here long enough… Atka shuddered at the thought that the Thin Men might have been on earth long before the invasion began. Atka placed a hand on the right side of her forehead, and tried to connect with the mind of the alien, not afraid to to force herself past mental barriers if necessary. A soft blue glow emanated from the corners of her eyes.

The Thin Men’s shoulders perked up. It slowly turned around, and looked down on the considerably shorter human before it. “Interesting,” it said in a surprisingly human voice. “Very well, human. What is it you expect me to say?”

Atka opened her eyes. “Let’s start with the basics…” Atka said after overcoming her surprise at the Thin Man actually talking to her. “Why are you here? Are there other species among you? Who’s in charge?” she asked, at a controlled speed rather than asking a senseless barrage of questions.

The Thin Man tilted his head slightly. “Those are some interesting questions. Your species is an inquisitive one. But do you mind if I ask a question first?”

“That...depends on what it is,” Atka replied.

“Oh, it is a simple one, thought quite pertinent.” The Thin Man crouched down, tilting its cracked sunglasses down. “Another interesting aspect of your species is what you call empathy. So tell me, human; if you were in my place, how willing would you be to divulge such information?”

Atka smiled, her eyes flickering shut for longer than a standard blink before being opened again. “I probably wouldn’t be very willing to say anything. I imagine you would have to torture me. My reason for being so stubborn though is that I have a reason to be loyal to my superiors,” the Inuit woman explained. “Do you have a good reason for your loyalty?”

“Indeed.” The Thin Man stood up tall. “For you see, there is nothing you can do to me that would compare to what they would do if they happened to get their hands on me.” It turned around, tapping it’s fingers behind its back. After a moment, it said, “However, as that will not happen, as I have no misconceived hope of leaving here alive, then perhaps some cooperation is possible, if it would save me some pain. I’m not a fan of it, you see, even if I was conditioned to deal with it.”

They’re kept in line by fear, huh. I guess I shouldn’t have expected anything less. “I can’t promise anything, considering...well, how some of the higher ups think, but if you’re willing to cooperate fully, then perhaps I could save your life. If you do help us, the chances of us winning this war will be much greater,” Atka said, sighing. “People tell me I’m naive, but I see no reason to kill you just to tie up loose ends. That’s not how I operate.”

“That is… I believe the word is noble.” The Thin Man turned back around. “But do not make promises you can not keep. In that, you are naive.” It shook its head. “It matters very little. There is not a lot I can tell you. I am not privy to much, the low ranking grunt I am.” It pulled off its glasses, giving a questioning look that showed through its reptilian eyes. “Tell me, human. Do you have a designation? And the one behind you. Does it… she… have one?”

Atka looked over at Ayame. You think we can tell him that? she asked telepathically.

Ayame looked around in surprise. After taking a moment to understand where the voice came from, she thought, Um… yeah, I guess. It’s just our names. I’d stick with our first names, though.

Fair enough. My name isn’t exactly common...but I doubt he is going to be able to use it for anything, anyway. “My name is Atka. This is Ayame.”

“I see.” The Thin Man nodded. “Well, as for me, I have no designation. No name. Only a number. It is all I am worth to them. You see, for all you have gone through to bring me here, I am afraid I am little more than a weapon that can talk.” It smiled, its smile twist and creepy. “Though that is more than I can say for our aerial units. Mostly mindless, the poor monstrosities. However, that does not mean I know nothing of use. You asked of those in our ranks, did you not?”

Atka nodded. “I imagine you know something about that. I doubt your superiors kept you isolated from the others, considering you all fight together. Save for those violet ones we call ‘chryssalids,’” Atka guessed, wondering if her suspicions about the alien’s lack of control over them were true or not.

“You are correct, on both those accounts.” The Thin Man shuddered, or at least did something that looked like a shudder. “Those creatures you speak of are a menace. If I had my way, we would have wiped them out along with the rest of their planet long ago.”

“I don’t think I disagree,” Atka replied. “What other beings came here with you?”

The Thin Man thought for a moment. “Large, hulking creatures, bred for nothing else but battle. Advanced robotics that are likely being tailored specifically to fight you. And of the creature you have already seen, know that they are the weakest of their kind, and expect them to become far more deadly as my superiors see fit.” The Thin Man shook its head, put on another crimson smile. “Except for my kind, of course. We were not deemed important enough to be advanced beyond our current state of being. That, however, I will take to be a good thing, even if we would be led to believe otherwise.”

Troopers and artillery, along with more psionics. I hope we’re ready for them when they start showing up...maybe Amanda was right to be evening the playing field. “I’m guessing we are being targeted for something like that. It remains to be seen if your leaders already know there are people like me, or if they will be surprised, pleasantly or otherwise.”

The Thin Man’s smile widened. “Oh… they know of you. And they are very, very interested. I know not why, though as… human as it might be, I admit to a degree of curiosity for the reason myself.”

“Me...specifically, or just...human psionics in general?” Atka asked, feeling a cold fear clutch her heart.

“Don’t listen to him, Atka,” Ayame said, stepping to Atka’s side. “He’s just trying to psych you out.”

The Thin Man raised his hand. “Nothing of the sort. I doubt it would do little good anyway. Besides, I believe it to be the latter. If they know of anyone specifically, they certainly did not tell me. They do not even know where this headquarters is. Though I imagine that will not be true for long. They have a knack for acquiring useful information…”

Atka steadied herself with a deep breath. “I don’t suppose you know where they’ve been taking the abductees?”

“I… do not.” The Thin Man knelt down once more. “But I can give you the information that might lead you to said location.”

Atka leaned on the railing. “I’m listening.”

The Thin Man shook his head. “I am afraid… I can not say it…”

Atka frowned. “Why is that information any different than the rest? Some sort of mental block?”

“Quite observant.” The Thin Man pointed to its head. “I can not say. But the information is there. You must retrieve it. I am sure I do not need to tell you how.”

The Inuit nodded grimly. “Well, you’ve been a great help, more than I expected,” she said. “And I’ll do my best to see that my superiors at least consider the benefits of keeping you alive. I won’t make any promises, but if it’s within reason, I’ll make it happen. I have to repay you for what I’m about to do, anyway.”

The Thin Man shook his head. “You owe me nothing. Being honest as I am, I must admit I care little for your species, but I despise my superiors even more, as well as my own people for what they have become.” It stood back up, and put its sunglasses back on. “I am ready.”

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

ZombieSplitter53 and DarkGemini24601

A Nice, Friendly Chat
Part Three

Atka grinned slightly. “I’ll take that as a compliment.” She then reverted to her serious expression, and her eyes glowed a deeper blue. The Inuit woman attempted to push past the surface of the Thin Man’s mind, to glean the information she required from its mind.

“Whoa… trippy.” Ayame looked in awe at Atka’s eyes, taking a step back.

Images flooded Atka’s mind, flashes on sterile metal rooms, humans in strange pods, alien shapes. “What are you doing?” The Thin Man practically hissed. “You must delve deeper. Stop holding back!”

Blue spikes protruded out of Atka’s hands, small enough to be barely visible. “Remember... you asked for this.” They receded, and Atka kept the link, but outstretched her right hand, supporting it with her left. Let’s break down this wall. The icy helix of light blue psionic energy formed in Atka’s hand, tipped by a spike. She launched it at the head of the Thin Man, the mindfray’s spike passing into the alien’s head like a ghostly projection.

The Thin Man collapsed to its knee, letting out a high pitched screech that made Ayame wince. “Th… there…” Atka was suddenly hit with the image of a large alien, shaped like a sectoid but bigger. As she pushed even deeper, she saw the strange creature of energy that had been found in the UFOs. She had the sensation that the two were linked somehow. The Thin Man collapsed on the ground.

The icy projection retracted like a harpoon, disappearing into Atka’s palm. The intense glow faded from her eyes, and she fell to her knees, breathing hard.

Ayame ran to her side, kneeling next to her and looking her over. “That… was bitchin… I-I mean… are you okay?”

Atka nodded slowly. “I-I’m fine... I’ve just... never gone that far. I definitely figured out something.”

“That was really something…” Ayame looked up, and pointed to a monitor hooked up to the containment facility, displaying a series of images. “Something like that?”

Atka glanced up at the monitors, showing the images she had seen firsthand. “Yeah. The Outsiders are connected to...some sort of leader alien. I don’t think I found their overall leader, since it was still a sectoid...but it’s definitely important. And its linked to where they’re keeping the abductees.”

“Cool, great, then we have a clear goal.” Ayame eyes wandered over to the Thin Man as it shakily attempted to climb to its feet. “And what about our tall guest here?”

“I’ll do what I can to see to it that we consider his situation, and perhaps work something out. Probably don’t need another security guard, but not killing at least one alien wouldn’t be a horrible idea.” She looked over at the Thin Man. “It may be true that you only helped me to get revenge, but I’d like to believe that it doesn’t have to be the only reason. Humans can change, and if you could change enough to look like us, I’d hope the same could go for what’s inside. If that makes any sense.”

In a ragged voice, the Thin Man said, “You forget, human… Atka… my changes were not voluntary. So too may be these changes you hopes for… what is inside. But we shall see if I live long enough to test this.” It turned around, resuming the position it had when they first entered. “As the humans say, good luck.” It fell silent once again.

Atka nodded, and started getting up. “Come on, we have a lot to tell the Commander.”

Ayame reached down and helped Atka to her feet. “Don’t you think you should rest first?”

“I’m... not going to burn out, Ayame…” Atka protested.

“Alright, but don’t push yourself. I don’t need another one of my friends…” Ayame trailed off, and guided Atka to the door.

As they walked through it, Dr. Vahlen was waiting. “That was… impressive, to say the least.”

“Thanks... I’m glad I finally got to put my abilities to use. Do you know how the Outsiders might be connected to the... advanced sectoid I saw?” Atka asked. “And the abductees?”

Dr. Vahlen shook her head. “No, but I have some theories.” She pressed two buttons, bringing images on two screens on the computer before them. “As you can see, the creature you saw appears to be the same as the one we saw one our first mission. We suspect it might have some power of Command, and if that is so, it might have control of somewhere with the abductees.” She looked back at Atka. “As for the Outsider, we can only guess at the connection, but it appears to be a being of pure energy. It is possible it may have more uses we are not aware of. But we will not learn anything from it without studying it, and as it almost completely disintegrates upon defeat, this means we must capture one intact.”

“It’s not going to be easy to net one of those things with the arc throwers... considering their speed and regenerative properties. Not to mention that if they’re not organic I’m not so sure I can do anything to their minds if they’re more of computers than anything,” Atka lamented.

Dr. Vahlen nodded. “Leave it to us. And the engineers. You have done enough for us. More then enough,”

“Damn right,” Ayame said under her breath.

“If you were watching…” Atka began, knowing full well this would not be easy. “Then you know what I suggested we do about this particular prisoner.”

Dr. Vahlen nodded. “I am not sure if we can convince the Commander, and even if we do, I am not sure she can convince the Council. But I will recommend we keep this specimen alive. I doubt we will find such a cooperative prisoner in the other aliens, and the Thin Man may prove to be useful in the future.”

Always the damn council. Atka nodded. “I’ll be fine if we at least try. There are tactical reasons to do so, but I also wouldn’t feel right just killing it for helping out. If we do that, I’m not sure we’re so much better than them.”

“I will be sure to try my best,” Dr. Vahlen responded. “In the meantime, we have a lot to prepare for.”

“Right. Glad I could help out,” Atka finished, and started walking towards the exit, feeling a little shaky, and was worried it was showing.

Ayame followed closely behind her, getting the door for her. “You… really feel strongly about this, don’t you?”

“There’s a difference...between your case and the Thin Man’s, but I don’t feel right with torture either way with sentient beings. I want the information I found to count for something, and I don’t want to have said all that for nothing...even if I didn’t make any promises,” Atka said slowly.

Ayame nodded. “It won’t be.”

 

[Adrammalech]

// FORGET ME NOT //
Emily Fischer
X-COM Headquarters – Medical Wing
Siberia, Russian Federation
May 6th, 2018 – 9:51 PM

The next day.

“Wait, you can’t just–”

“I just want to check on her,” Dallas said, opening the door, “I won’t get in your way for long.”

“She’s not awake yet,” the nurse replied. “She’s been in reconstructive surgery all day, under for most of it.”

“Is she going to be ok?”

“We have no reason to believe she won’t. She still has a lot of recovery to go, though.”

“You mind if I…talk to her, anyway?”

“I don’t, but I can’t leave you alone with her. It’s protocol.”

“That’s fine.”

Emily felt his hand nudge against hers, his fingers lazily holding on hers.

“Hey, Emily. We’re going to hold a service kind of thing…for Billy, whenever you’re ready. Nika wants to do it now, but I’m trying to convince her to wait for you. I told her it wouldn’t happen without our whole team, that's how Billy would've wanted it.”

He looked backwards for a moment, and the nurse squirmed a bit, pretending not to listen. He sighed, but continued anyway.

“I know I was a little…reserved, when you first arrived, maybe. Well, a little. But we’re a team, you, Ammelia, and me and Nika, even the new guy when he arrives. I don’t want you and Nika fighting over this, and I don’t want you to blame yourself for what happened. You’re also asleep, so I don’t know what I’m doing right now.”

Emily squeezed his hand modestly, keeping her eyes closed. He suddenly smiled widely.

“Get better soon, Emily. We need you out there, Nika included.”

Dallas got up to leave, and the nurse stopped him, pointing towards Emily with her clipboard.

“Looks like she heard you,” she said excitedly.

He looked back at her, who was poorly trying not to smile.

“Yeah, I think she did,” he replied.

Dallas and the nurse walked out of the room, the door clicking against the frame. Before Emily had a moment to think, she heard a commotion coming from outside the room, and the squeaking of the door opening again.

“Watch where you’re going! It’s not even visiting hours!” the nurse shouted angrily from beyond the door.

“Sorry. What do you mean,” Dallas said.

“They’re doing it right now,” another male said, “Nika got everyone from our floor to the memorial wall, and they’re doing it hell or high water.”

“But Emily can’t even move! We should do this as a squad!”

“Better two of you than one?”

Dallas sighed loudly. “Fine. Maybe we can stage a second memorial, once Emily’s on her feet.”

The soldiers walked further down the hall, and a few minutes later, the nurse closed the door again. Emily thought of Nika’s last words to her, imagining her pointing at her and blaming her more for missing the memorial. She remembered his last words reaching her ears as she got thrown into the cargo bay seats.

Her feet pulled off the bed and she slid onto her legs, the knees almost immediately buckling as her weak body struggled to stay upright. Her chest ached and she took care not to twist or bend it. She looked at the tubes in her hands, and grabbed the blood bag stand to pull with her. Emily peeked out of the door, until no one was near the hallways.

She pulled herself slowly through the medical wing, suppressing her discomfort and pain. She moved the stand fluidly so the sound wouldn’t alarm anyone. After her slow escape, she hobbled into a lift, and went down a floor to her common area.

“Hey! What the – stop that elevator!” she heard faintly as the lift pulled away from the floor.

A ton of soldiers looked onto the memorial wall as Nika gave a speech about Billy. The wall was covered in pictures of the fallen, several pictures of Billy added recently. The table in front of it had a small bundle of flowers and an array of discarded glasses on a cheap looking cloth. Emily kept moving silently until Nika’s speech was done and the squeaking of the stand’s wheels were noticeable. Dallas rushed over to help her, but she pushed him away, dead set on the wall.

“Billy was one of my best friends on this base,” she said weakly. “We spent time together, and we fought – agghh – side by side. And despite our brief acquaintance, I loved him like a brother, and trusted him like a dear friend.”

Emily placed both hands on the table, looking a shot glass full of whiskey, then up at a small collage.

“I’ll miss him…f-f-fu…god damn, I miss him.” Emily reached to place her hand on his picture, wincing. “Rest well, Billy Campbell. Your battle is won, and you have earned your peace.”

Some of the soldiers let out an appreciative hoot, and Emily threw the liquid into her mouth, dropping the glass roughly onto the table with her hand. She stumbled away without another word, looking angrily at Nika. She moved back across the bar until the eyes were off her and onto the next man paying respects. She lowered before a plastic plant shoved into a corner and spit the whiskey out, the cool and spice-laced breath slipping from her lips. She winced as the taste left her mouth. More…

Dallas went over to her as he saw her leaning, helping her back upright. He pressed his hand lightly on the wound, a trail of blood seeping through the hospital gown.

“Christ, Emily…” he whispered.

“I’m still…part of the team,” she said with a weak smile.

“The medical staff is already on the way. You shouldn’t have been this stubborn…”

She grinned at him dopily, ignoring the pain radiating through her body. She looked over towards their room, noticing the guards and nurses standing around their room.

“W-wait, what’s going on? What are they doing with our room?”

“It’s Sunny, she–”

Her concern was short lived as the doctors rushed through the doors. She groaned loudly as they corralled her back onto a stretcher, yelping with any major movement. One of them immediately injected her with some kind of anesthetic as they took her back to the medical wing.

“She ripped it back open…”

“Jesus, we need to get her back to operation.”

“What the hell was she thinking?”

 

[MarineAvenger]

Game Changer Part 3

Lüsett and Eve walked into the elevator and Lüsett pressed the lowest button on the panel. There was complete silence on the way down except for the whirl of the elevator. She didn't know why Viktor had called her down early in the morning but whatever it was, it had better been important. Another long few seconds past until the elevator hit the bottom floor and the two girls walked out.

They walked down the poorly lit hallway and to the only room on the far end of the hall. Eve opened the door and Lüsett walked in. Originally this part of the base was used as a warehouse for storing all kinds of equipment, but when the two walked in the glass overlooking the large warehouse was blackened and Viktor stood in the middle of the room with his legs apart and arms behind his back.

"Ladies, thank you for joining me at such an early hour but I have important news." He looked at Lüsett with a look between gleeful and insane as he turned around and hit a button. The darkness of the glass disappeared and the warehouse was bustling with life. Throughout it, VTOLs were being built, large racks of weapons lined the wall but what intrigued her the most was the hundred or so men standing in perfect uniform in the middle of the room. "You asked, and I delivered."

Lüsett walked up to the glass, a proud look on her face. "These are all clones of Patient 42's DNA?" She looked over to Viktor expecting an answer. "Yes, there was an unexpected complications but I am working on it now."

She looked at Viktor with her piercing yellow eyes and an eyebrow raised. "What sort of complications, Viktor?"

He narrowed his eyes, shooting a look of contempt. "The psionic capabilities you have asked for are not achievable at this time. Our research is just to thin to figure out how or why the clones are not adept. I have also modified their appearances so none of them can be connected to our operative."

Lüsett looked back over her small army. "When will they be ready to deploy?"

Viktor responded. "In a weeks time, maybe even less. There is...one last complication though..."

Lüsett kept looking out the window over the production when she asked. "What might that be Viktor?"

Viktor gave off a sinister smile, even though her back was turned to him. "You..." He pulled the pistol out of his lab coat and turned around firing a shot directly at Eve's head, the bullet causing her to stumble back and slam against the wall, slowly sliding down the wall as blood dripped from her head.

When Lüsett turned around she was horrified to see that Eve laid slumped on the ground, a bullet hole in her head. She looked at Viktor with a look of horror. "Wha-what...have you d-done, V-Vi-Viktor? My Eve...my dear Eve..."

Viktor emptied the clip from the gun, pulled the chamber back to release the bullet inside, and slid of the slide to the gun, letting it drop to the floor in pieces. "I am taking my rightful spot as leader, my sweet little Lüsett." He walked up to her but when she tried to strike him he grabbed her arm with his left hand, and wrapped his right one around her throat.

"You used me, you used my brother, made him suffer and then disposed of him like trash. When I tried to bring him back and sell the formula, you locked me up. For how many years!" He yelled in a rage. He seethed a blood red wisp around his body until the aura surrounded him.

Lüsett tried to get a breath of air but the hand around her throat was too tight for her to fight back or even attempt to breath. She made a squeaking noise as the life was squeezed out of her.

"Now, little Miss Exalt." He got close up to her face. "I will dispose of you like the trash you are, and take my place as rightful leader of this organization, and the world. No one, will stand in my way."

Viktor's muscles tightened as he used his power to enhance his strength and he threw the girl like a rag doll through the large window.

As Lüsett fell and the last ounce of her life vanished she couldn't help but think of the daughter she never really had.

Viktor looked out the broken window and saw the limp body of the once great Lüsett Exalt strewn on the floor in a pool of blood. He yelled for someone to clean up the mess and he walked out the door, back into the hallway and stepped into the elevator, pressing the button to the main office. It was time for Viktor Dorian to take control of this world. No alien, or Council of Nations would stand in his way.

"This...means...War!"