RP XCOM: The Story of Defiance.

[ZombieSplitter53]

Council Updates

Morrigan starred at her computer screen in disbelief, surprised to actual Council member, and not a recording. Granted, it was the same man that had always sent her messages, and he was still cloaked in shadows, but it was something. Another couple years, and I might actually work my way up to a public handshake.

"Commander, we would like to thank you for your adamant effort in rescuing our Comrades in the field." Man folded his hands, and Morrigan could sense a 'but'.

"I am... sorry about Mr. Hutch." Morrigan gave a sincere look. "I take full responsibility..."

The Councilman raised his hand. "Please Commander. While our Mexican Council members are not pleased, they are not without understanding. They have witnessed the footage, and they understand. However, they are concerned about the level of proficiency displayed by the soldiers, and they wish for them to receive further training.

Morrigan took a moment to consider everything, then nodded. "I agree."

"You should know that Ms. Sing has been questioned in regards to her abduction. We have determined that she was indeed being held by the aliens. While she had little to offer that will advance our efforts, we have reason to believe that she was held at a base located on the planet."

"So they are actually based on Earth." Morrigan tapped her fingers. "And who is to say they only have one base."

The Councilman nodded. "Agreed."

Morrigan glanced at some notes on her desk. "Dr. Vahlen has some news to discuss with me in regards to the alien interrogations. Perhaps it might shed some light on this base."

"Please keep us posted." The Councilman seemed to shift uncomfortably. "In regards to your request, we have obtained and sent to you the information about Dr. Randolf and her past procedures."

Morrigan cleared her throat. "Sir, if I can... be so bold. I don't understand why I was not given this information from the start."

"We... did not believe the information would be necessary. We... realize our mistake now. We will be sure not to make the same mistake in the future."

The Council, admitting to a mistake? They would never... Morrigan suppressed a smile. They didn't know. He's more willing to claim they made a mistake then admit they don't have all the information. Leave to the Pentagon to keep secrets from the Council of Nations.

The Councilman seemed to instantly regain his composure. "On a final, but important note, it has come to the our attention that a new threat has made itself known. They stand in direct opposition to X-COM, and our sources suggest they are not only obtaining alien resources for their own use, they are taking steps to stand directly in our way. We our sending you all of the information we have obtained up to this point, including the possible location of their HQ, or at the very least, one of their outlets. We trust you will know what to do with this information."

As the image cut off, it was replaced with a message indicating a transfer of files. Morrigan read the file's name out loud. "EXALT, huh? As if we didn't have enough to worry about." She leaned forward and minimized the download screen, bringing about her messenger. She brought up a familiar address in Tipperary, Ireland. As the messenger searched, she glanced at the clock, and remembers it's only five in the morning there.

The messenger found no response, and Morrigan hit the option to leave a message. Smiling the best she can, she said, "Hello dear. I... I was just calling to hear the sound of your voice. I guess I just keep forgetting about the timezones. I... I'm sorry I couldn't be there for your move, but I hope you enjoy staying with your grandparents. I know how hard it must be for you now that daddy has been called back into service, but know that this only means both your parents are fighting to keep you safe now. I'll try to call you again later as soon as I have the time. And remember that mommy loves you."

Morrigan ended the message, and sat back. "Loves you with all her heart," she whispered to herself.

 

[Dahlexpert]

Mother daughter bonding
Alaska May 9 2018
Van Dam residence
Our main story tonight a few nights ago Moscow was attacked by the aliens forces, the death count is in the thousands this is the first time the aliens that the aliens attack a country ought right. Scarlet turned off the TV

Damn the world is going to hell, and it looks like the aliens are becoming aggressive well that's not my problem at least not yet.

Mary walks down the stairs, Hay mom can I ask you a question.

Yes child.

What did you do before the aliens came to earth.

I was a mercenary.

What's a mercenary.
I killed people for money.

Why?

Because there are certain things that the government can't do with the military, and when that happens they hire me to handle a problem.

So, do you kill any one that they tell you to kill?

No we have more honor then that, we mainly kill bad people evil people.

So why is Uncial Axton and aunt Ashley training there kids to fight.

They chose to train in the art of combat, it is there choice and they can quit when ever they want.

So are you going to train me?

do you want me to train you?

No I don't want to be a mercenary or kill any body for money or at all.

OK then I wont train you.

Wait just like that.

Just like that you will not become a mercenary, but if you change you mind we will train you.

Mom why do you train so much, I mean aren't mercenary's just solders that kill for money and not for there country.

Mary, we are no ordinary mercenary's we fight because we seek a challenger, were more like modern day Spartans we train and look for a fight to test our skills and test our limits.

Why?

Because it's fun mostly.

OU so fighting is fun for you.

Yes yes it is, but you can become what ever you want and we will help you along the way kid.

Thanks mom nice to know you will help me with what ever I want to be.... you still want me to be a train killer don't you.

I would love you to be a mercenary, but it's your life and I will help you with what ever you choose to be, with in legal reasons of course, now come on we have to tend to the green house, and take care of the fruits and vegetables, the we have to feed the dogs.

You have dogs.

Yes 12 of them and a few puppies that need loving that would be your job to take care of the pups because Every member of the family has a dog that is loyal to them.

So i'm going to have my own dog, my parents never gave me a dog before.

Well i'm not your old parents am I,But you will need to take care of it, And I will show you how to train it.

Yes thanks mom.

Don't worry now come on child we have work to do.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Sun Rise

"Listen, doc, I'm not exactly familiar with all this medical jargon." Morrigan looked around the large room at all the unfamiliar equipment, all connected in one way one another to the small girl in the center. "You need some advice on battle tactics, call me. You wanna know the best brands of whiskey, I'm your woman. You need tips to win a game of strip poker..." Morrigan's eyes darted back and forth. "Um... ask someone else. And the same goes for understanding brain chemistry."

The doctor thought for a moment, trying to figure out the best way to describe it in layman's terms. "Well, um, with the information we obtained from the Pentagon, we now know how complicated things are in Ms. Randolf's head." He points to several X-ray's and MRIs. "As you can see, Ms. Randolf... um, Sunny, has had extensive work... rewiring, if you would, done on her brain. Furthermore, she's actually had a number of implants applied directly to her brain." He chuckled. "Considering when these must have been implanted, this was quite advanced technology for the time. They're meant to enhance her mental abilities, including memory, cognitive reasoning, problem solving, to levels far above what any normal human should be capable of, let alone a child."

Morrigan nodded. "So when they said living computer, they were being literal."

The doctor gave the Commander a frank look. "Come now, how else could you expect someone to Command up to four SHIVs in four different locations at the same time." Noting the Commander's cold stare, he added, "Um... s-sir..."

"I thought her AI was assisting her with that." Morrigan sat in a chair next to Sunny, looking at her with new found sympathy.

The doctor shook his head. "She did, but not nearly to the degree we thought. The AI was only used to relay the information. The quick decisions, the programming, the fighting, it was all her. And..." The doctor hesitated for a moment. "This was all made possible by wirelessly synching up with the SHIVs through her computers and these implants. The degree of mental strain she must have been under... I mean, the vast amount of data that she would have had to process every time a SHIV took a hit must have been like a punch in the brain. And she was controlling four of those things at once, and using them as shields meant to take the hits. Her brain, her mind, was never meant to handle this, even with these implants. She... she literally overloaded. Like an over-worked computer that overheated."

Morrigan ran her hand across Sunny's cheek. "Why didn't she say anything?" She practically whispered.

"I don't know." The doctor handed the Commander a simpler medical report. "She also didn't tell us she had influenza. And if these reports are any indication, she spent the first half of her life in an extremely sterile environment. Her immune system could barely handle this. Her collapsing might have been a blessing in disguise. If she didn't get here when she did..."

Morrigan nodded, running hand finger's through Sunny's hair. "So... what happens now?"

The doctor gave an optimistic smile. "Well, oddly enough, the one who might be the most responsible for Sunny's recovery... is Sunny." He types on a computer, bring up schematics for a series of implants. "I would like to say that Sunny be taken off the project, but considering her reluctant nature, she'd probably fight to stay on, and it'll only worsen her condition." Morrigan nodded reluctantly, and the doctor continued. "We have no hope of replicating what was done to her, but using what we've learned from analyzing the implants, and from what we received from the Council, we can use these to enhance the implants. It'll increase her processing power, and create buffering systems to ease the burden."

"Good." Morrigan said. "I want you to proceed immediately." She stood up, and gave the doctor a serious look. "But she is not to leave this infirmary, she is not to go back to work, until she is back to 100%."

"Agreed." The doctor glanced at Sunny, then back at the Commander. "And when she does, I suggest keeping a close eye on her. Her reluctance to tell anyone that she was in trouble might be psychological. Not wanting to burden others with her problems, maybe even believing she doesn't deserves others worrying about her."

"I'll take care of it." Morrigan tapped the doctor on the shoulder, quickly exiting as the doctor called his team to prep for surgery.

 

[Taxor_the_First]

Taxor the First and MarineAvenger
How to get a Roommate in Less than a Day – A Guide by Penny Anderson
Part 1

The elevator descended slowly, the distance it needed to travel allowing for plenty of conversation time between it's occupants. Unfortunately, none particularly felt like communicating. The two suits flanking Brown had remained silent the entire time Penny had been in their presence, and Brown wasn't really an enticing option either. With the trio to her back, all she could do really was stare at the glass wall of the elevator, currently showing only rocks and dirt. Music played through the speakers of the elevator, a jaunty tune that reminded her of carnival music. She resolved to snap the neck of the nearest clown if that turned out to be an accurate depiction of the whole project.

After a few minutes had passed in silence, Brown finally cleared his throat. "You understand what you will be doing here, Ms. Anderson?"

"Pursuing my chosen field with extra resources?"

"Wrong." Penny started, and turned to face him. "You'll be undertaking research with the end goal of the saving of humanity." Brown began to pace in the elevator, slowly and deliberately. "You'll be defending our soldiers by making sure that they kill before they are killed. You'll be ensuring their ultimate survival by allowing them to survive being hit by weapons far more advanced than our own. You will be their guardian angel, equipping them with the tools necessary for their survival, and for the survival of the entire human race. Ms. Anderson..." He stopped and swiveled on his foot turning to face her with a smile on his face. "...you, despite being one of many individuals not only working towards the same goal, but also in the same manner as you, are just as important as the soldiers out on the field risking their lives to protect us. That is what this project is. That is what we are. And now, that is what you are."

The elevator finally reached a cavern, with the occupants able to see through the window out into the bustling area that was Mission Control. "Ms. Anderson... welcome to X-COM," Brown said at last, gesturing out into the gaping space outside. Penny gazed out, resisting the urge to cup her hands to the glass like a child. People were moving everywhere, the area a hub of activity. The hologlobe in the center of the room was a show-stealer, drawing her attention like a magnet. It simply hovered there, regal in its inactivity.

"Wow," she said. 10/10 Penny, way to remain composed and professional. In an effort to maintain her reputation, she turned to Brown. "You ever consider a career as an actor or public speaker? Your sense of timing is perfect."

Brown smiled. “Once.”

When the elevator touched down at last, Brown pushed past Penny and strode quickly towards one of the officials which had raced from the other side of the room to meet them. The official whispered into Brown's ear for a few moments as the two suits peeled away and began involving themselves in the activity. Penny remained at the door of the elevator, unsure as to what she should do. Brown said something to the official, pointing to his left, and the official nodded. Brown turned and came back to Penny, leaving the official to return to his business.

Brown looked flustered, an expression difficult to pull off while wearing shades. “Something’s come up, your guided tour is going to have to wait.”

I get a guided tour? This is luxury. “So where do I go?”

Brown had a clipboard thrust in front of his face before he could respond. After scanning it briefly, he waved the man who had given it to him away. “You aren’t rostered on for work for the first day of your arrival here, as per protocol. You are free to wander the base of your own volition, but be warned that you will be forcibly prevented from accessing certain areas for which you have no authorization.” He brought a small card with a pin attached to it from his pocket. “This is your authorization.” He reached forward and pinned the card to Penny’s shirt, the card having her name, picture and ‘security clearance level’ present on it.

“So you’re saying I’m basically free to roam on the first day?”

Brown nodded. “We allow this only because we reserve the first day of a staff member’s arrival for delays. We had none, so you have the full day. Your belongings are secure and awaiting room assignment. That is largely up to you, but there are plenty of half-empty rooms. Just find someone you like and secure a bed in their room. Make sure you listen to security staff’s instructions at all times, be careful around alien materials, and absolutely no running in the hallways. Any questions?”

Penny thought for a moment. “There somewhere I can get a drink? I’m kinda thirsty.”

The expression on Brown’s face changed from one of a bored air hostess to one of someone who has just thought ‘Seriously? Did you really just do that?’ Nevertheless, he complied. “Take the elevator down one floor. Follow the signs to the bar. It will be the room that’s always crowded.”

They have a bar here? This is sounding more and more like a hotel rather than a top secret organization. Penny thanked him and returned to the elevator, pressing the ‘down’ button.

Just before the doors closed, Brown smiled. “Once again, welcome to X-COM, Ms. Anderson.”

 

[Taxor_the_First]

Taxor the First and MarineAvenger
How to get a Roommate in Less than a Day – A Guide by Penny Anderson
Part 2

Elizabeth was crouched over a pool table, lining up a winning 8 Ball shot in a long line of successful pool games. She decided that since Desmond was up and about she would have some time to unwind and calm down for the next few days. She had chosen to get up fancy in a white button up covered with a denim jacket, a near denim colored skirt, her high boots and her denim flat cap. She knocked the ball in and stuck her tongue out at her opponent. “Better luck next time!” She put down the cue and walked towards the bar to order a drink.

Penny was standing outside the door staring at it menacingly. Pushing it had resulted in her running directly into the door, leaving her with a sore head. With an irritated grunt, she yanked it backwards and accidentally hit her foot. She yelped, attracting the attention of everyone in the room.

Elizabeth looked over at the girl standing in the doorway and couldn’t help but giggle at the sound she made. Oddly enough she had never seen the girl before on base so she got up to investigate. “Need some ice there?”

Penny scowled and began limping over to the bar. “I’ll drink it off,” she said, with a forced smile. Already making a fool of myself. This is off to a great start. “Thanks though.”

Elizabeth stared at the girl with her head tilted as she walked away. She followed and sat down on her bar stool. “Are you new here? I can’t say I have ever seen you around base before.”

Penny laughed as she sat down. “That whole song and dance with the door tip you off? Yeah, arrived here about ten minutes ago. Figured I needed a drink.” She winced as she put her right foot on the floor. “That’s karma for you.” She extended a hand. “Name’s Penny. Nice to meet you.”

Elizabeth smiled and shook the girl’s hand. “I am Doctor Elizabeth Rinly!” She said in a proud voice. “You can call me Elizabeth though, or just Ellie for short.” Elizabeth’s eyes widened, her purple contacts shining on her eyes. “So what will you be doing here?”

Penny noticed the bartender, who had likely been standing there for some time. “Just a lemon squash thanks,” she said dismissively. She turned back to Elizabeth. “I’ll be working in the labs. Physics, a bit of chemistry. I dabbled in biology. I’ll probably be working out the tech behind the weapons our soldiers use.” She frowned. “Doctor, you said? Of medicine?”

She raised her chin high and put her hands on her hips in a proud manner. “Yep. I keep the soldiers in shape and help new people with door problems.” She giggled uncontrollably, not able to keep being serious.

Penny narrowed her eyes slightly. Has she been drinking already? And what’s with the eyes? She chuckled. “Yeah, well. I’ve never had much luck with those.” She shot a dark look at the entrance. “Hopefully you won’t need to patch me up. I’m not usually that clumsy, but it has happened before. You get many patients?”

She put a finger on her chin and thought to herself. “Well, depends on whether or not there has been a mission recently. Usually that is when the people pile in. At the moment, no not really. Just two or three.” She looked at Penny and asked. “So…what about you?”

“I’ve been given free roam for a day,” she said, accepting her drink from the bartender with a smile. “They obviously haven’t heard about my reputation for sticking my nose in where it doesn’t belong.”

Elizabeth gave her a curious look. “Considering this is a top secret facility that might not end as well as you plan.” Elizabeth turned to the bartender, ordering a cherry soda and some fries. “If you will be working in the labs, I suggest seeing a girl named Jessica, or her sister Alexia. They have green hair so you can’t miss them.”

Penny sipped her drink. “I’m a master bullshitter. Trust me, I’ll be fine. This girl a friend of yours or something?”

Elizabeth nodded her head and said. “She works close with Doctor Vahlen, the lead scientist here. If anyone can help you settle in, it is her.” Elizabeth smiled when her fries arrived and she shoved a small handful in her mouth. She chewed on them and swallowed looking over to Penny. “A word of advice, don’t trust military food.”

“So much for the hotel feel,” Penny muttered to herself. “I’ll keep that in mind as I proceed.” She downed the last of her drink. “I need to find a place to sleep, haven’t been assigned a room.” She turned to Elizabeth. “You know anyone who wouldn’t mind taking an extra person?”

Elizabeth thought to herself. “I don’t really know the exact number in every room, but I have an extra bunk in my room if you want it?” She sipped on her soda from a straw and eyed Penny. “That's not a problem, right?”

Penny blinked. Honestly didn’t think of that as a possibility. Bloody jet lag. “That would be great. I would need to find out where they’ve dumped my clothes and everything else, but yeah. Thanks, Ellie.”

Elizabeth gave a cute smile and went back to her food real quick. “If you want to find your bags they are probably still going around baggage claim.” She saw a confused on Penny’s face and sighed as she laid her head down on the counter. “Just give it a minute, the joke will come to you…”

Penny shook her head, a smile creeping onto her lips. Yeah. I think this will do me nicely.

 

[Adrammalech]

Emily Fischer
X-COM Headquarters – Operating Room
Siberia, Russian Federation
May 7th, 2018 – 7:55 AM

“Her heart rate is increasing.”

“Increase the sedative, just to be sure.”

“How in the…she’s waking up.”

“That’s not…”

“Heart rate still climbing.”

“Increase the sedative! Now!”

Aggg…hhhaaaa…n-n-no…anywhere but here…!

“Wait, heart rate’s dropping. But…brain activity is still showing.”

“What’s with this girl?”


// MEMORY: GAMBLE //
Emily Fischer, 14
The Bethany
Ceará, Brazil
September 25th, 2005 – 10:12 AM

After saying goodbye to my impromptu “mentor,” I duck into my hiding space below deck to see a middle-aged man sitting on the roll of sheets I once called my bed, already waiting for me. A hat sat on his legs, clearly something some kind of officer would wear.

“Amelia Fischer,” he says with a smile.

“Everyone calls me Emily,” I reply.

“You had quite an operation going here. You’re a very impressive little girl.”

“Thanks, I guess.”

“Your parents are very worried about you. It’s about time we took you home.”

I slowly back towards the entrance.

“Actually, I like it here. I could stay, work for you or something.”

“I’m afraid not. We’ve already called the cops back home, and they’re waiting for you. We have no room for stowaways, ‘specially one that’s been stealing from us so much,” he says, holding up a handheld game I’d borrowed.

“There’s really no need for cops,” I said with a chuckle.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure they won’t get you in trouble, it’s just –”

I took off through the hallway and ran up to the deck, two crewmen already waiting there.

“Listen, we can talk about this, yeah?” I say.

“C’mere!”

I spin around the bigger one’s attempt to grab me and slip between the other’s legs, running across the deck. I look out over the railing to see the boat already moving out of the harbor.

“Uh…”

I climb onto the siding as the men rush to stop me.

“Sorry, gentlemen!”

With a needle-like dive, I jump from the bow, splashing into the water below. Panicking and worried, I swam as fast as I can back towards the dock, not knowing what could be in the water. After reaching a ladder, I climbed up and panted, the sudden exertion tiring me quickly. I noticed men loading boxes into another boat nearby, the one I had just leapt from backing into its slip. I considered jumping into one of the boxes when the lifeboat from the side of this one lowered to my level, to my surprise, holding a boy in it.

“Pssst. Hop in.”

“What the hell?”

“You don’t want to be found, yeah? Hop in!”

I looked around nervously. The boy was older than me, but not so much as to be creepy. I guessed 17, 18 at the time. He looked quite dashing, with clean clothes against my unwashed ones, and well-trimmed hair against my self-cut 'do. As my old ship – my old home, more or less – slid back into port, I jumped into the lifeboat with him. He grabbed hold of a crank on its side and started pushing it, the boat ascending back up the side.

“Who are you?” I asked.

“My names Kieran, you?”

“Emily Fischer. Are you a…uh…”

“A runaway? Yep, have been for years. I saw that jump, very dramatic.”

“I had to, they were going to turn me into the cops instead of my parents. I have to find a way to get back home though.”

“Home?” he asked. “How long have you been missing, exactly?”

“Umm…a month, maybe?”

“Oh. A newbie. Well, take it from me, you can’t just go home.”

“What do you mean?”

“Your whole town is looking for you, including the police.”

“Yeah, they’ll be happy to see me.”

“Maybe if you were in trouble, but you’re not. They’ve searched for you, questioned people, and maybe even arrested someone. You can’t just pop up and say ‘I wanted to go on a boat ride.’”

“I guess I never thought of it…that way…”

“Stick with me, yeah? I’ll show you how to really live free.”

I scratched my chin, surprised that someone was so forthcoming about helping me. I felt a little homesick, but pushed it down. I reminded myself why I left. And I followed him to his hiding spot, a new ship, a new home, a new friend – for better or worse.

I wonder where this thing is going…in more ways than one…

 

[Adrammalech]

// PROMISE //
This is a collaboration between Adrammalech and ZombieSplitter53.
Amelia Fischer / Sunny Randolph / Ayame Kasagi
X-COM Headquarters – Medical Wing
Siberia, Russian Federation
May 7th, 2018 – 5:44 PM

The next day...again.

Emily opened her eyes sleepily, feeling as though she had slept a whole day again. A singular movement of her shoulder reminded her of her surgery, which likely had to be redone after her stunt. She went over it again in her head, remembering how good it felt to show Nika up, and to say goodbye to Billy despite the pain. Then she remembered what she saw just before the doctors took her away.

…Sunny! What happened to her?!

She instantly tried to get up, but the pain was too great, and she fell backwards with a small yelp before she could get her feet so far as the edge of the bed.

“Be more careful,” Came a woman’s voice next to the bed next to Emily’s. “Doctor’s said what you did was dangerous. A few used the word ‘stupid’. I’ve got enough on my hands keeping this one safe. Don’t think I won’t knock you out to keep you healthy, if that makes any sense.”

Emily groaned loudly. “It was stupid, but it was important...who are you, security? And who else is there?”

“Kasagi. Ayame. And yeah, I’m security.” Ayame stood up and walked to Emily’s bed. “And I heard about your little stunt. And it was really, really stupid. But to be honest, I’d probably done the same thing.”

Emily’s eyes lit up as soon as she saw Sunny laying in the bed behind Ayame, trying to move her arms to point towards her. She was still curious as to who her guard was, but far more concerned about the girl.

“Sunny, what happened to her,” Emily said weakly. “Is she ok?”

“She’s fine.” Ayame smiled. “She’s… a fighter, as cliche as that might sound. She just fried herself a bit.” Ayame glanced back at Sunny. “And she didn’t tell anyone she was sick.”

“As long as she’s ok…I can’t take much more loss, so soon…” she said quietly. “Do you know when she’ll wake up?”

“Um, well… soon, I think.” Ayame scratched her head. “How long does one usually take to wake up from brain s… soon, I’m sure. Otherwise, why do they have me here?”

“I figured it was to keep me from escaping again,” Emily grumbled.

Ayame thought for a moment. “Oh… oh yeah, that makes sense.” She grabbed her chair and pulled it over to Emily’s bed. Sitting down, she asked, “So, why did you rush out of here like that? If you wanted to attend the memorial, why didn’t you just have them postpone it until you were healthy enough to leave?”

“One of my squad, Nika, thinks it’s my fault that he died. She was rushing it, probably just to spite me. I wanted to prove, prove that nothing would stop me from being there. I didn’t want people...taking her side. That would hurt more than the wound...in the long run.”

“Wow.” Ayame rocked back and forth. “Geez, what a bitch. Her, not you. Squadmates are supposed to stick together. Why blame you?” She shook her head. “Sounds immature, if you ask me.”

“I was the last one in the plane,” Emily replied, staring at the ceiling. “There was nothing I could do about it, though. My legs would barely move...maybe it was my fault, but there was nothing I could do.”

Ayame laughed. “So you were injured? Let me guess. The man, the squadmate you lost, he probably watched your back, and now this Nika, and you, are blaming yourself.” She leaned forward. “I got a question for ya. If Billy… Billy, right? If Billy had been injured, and you helped him on to the plane, and you died in the process. Do you think it would be right for Billy to blame himself, if he was the one laying in that bed right now?”

“I dunno, probably not, Billy only really had one gear. But I know I would’ve done that for him, if I didn’t have a hole in me.”

“Well, there you go.” Ayame reached forward to slap Emily on the shoulder, but stopped, remembering Emily was in the infirmary for a reason. “Point is, maybe there was more that you could have done, maybe there wasn’t. But like you said, you had a hole in ya. And you could have saved him if not for that injury. Was it your fault you were injured? NO! It was those fuckin’ aliens, right? So blame them. They killed Billy, not you.”

“Heh, I like the way you think,” Emily said, “now let’s hope someone tells Nika that, before our squad breaks apart.”

Ayame shrugged. “Well, I would hope she would listen to you, but if she’s as hotheaded as you say…” Ayame shook her head. “You seem like such a cool chick. You don’t need this kind of stress. It’ll only make recovering take longer.”

“Well, she’s young...really good shot, but doesn’t know how to handle the pressure,” Emily responded, “but you’re right too. I got to...try to be above it, more or less.”

Ayame nodded. She glanced between Sunny and Emily. “Hey, I gotta use the little girls room. Can I… trust you not to run off on my for a couple minutes?”

“Yeah. I think I’ve had enough surgery for this week,” Emily chuckled.

Ayame jumped up and quickly headed out, obviously having been holding it in. A few moments after she exited, Emily could hear the sounds of stirring to her right.

“Sunny?” she whispered.

Sunny slowly opened her eyes, squinting at the light shining down on her from above. She slowly moves her eyes around, too weak to move anything else. “Where… am I…”

“The infirmary,” Emily responded. “Are you feeling alright? I can call the nurse.”

“Emily!” Sunny eyes widened, and she weakly tried to look to her side. “A-are you okay? A-are you… are you…” Her eyes started to water.

“Hey, I’m fine, I’m fine,” she said quickly, trying to get up to look at her and immediately recoiling. “Well, uh...mostly. I’m more worried about you.”

Sunny put on a weak smile. “I… I think I’m okay.” She slowly reached up, weakly touching the bandages on her head. “D-do you… know why I’m here?”

“A little, the guard said you were sick and stressed, but that you would be alright soon. I just wouldn’t get out of bed, I made that mistake earlier,” Emily said with a modest smile.

“I can’t… r-remember…” Sunny closed her eyes. “I was… in my room, couldn’t breath…” Sunny looked down sadly. “B… Bil… are th-the others okay? Nika? D-Dallas?”

“Yeah, they’re ok. They visited me yesterday, too. Everything’s going to be alright,” she assured.

Sunny smiled. “Good. I-I was afraid…” She looked back at Emily. “Y-you’re sure you’re okay, right?”

“I’m a little beat up, but I’ll be fine. So long as I listen to the doctors this time, anyway.”

Sunny frowned. “W-what do you mean? D-did you do something bad?”

“No, no,” Emily said, barely shaking her head, “just I tried to rush things, with my…injury.”

“Good.” Sunny looked back up at the ceiling. “I-I don’t want you to hurt yourself. I can’t… can’t lose you too…”

“I can’t lose you either,” she said, her voice cracking a little, “so you have to take it easier, with the computers and things. And tell people when you’re feeling sick!”

Sunny shook her head. “B-but… I’m fine. I-I’m not sick. I-I just… worked too… hard.” She lifted her hand towards her head, again wondering what the bandages were for.

“The guard said you were,” Emily replied, “you really weren’t coughing or sneezing or anything?”

Tears start falling down Sunny’s cheeks. “I… I-I learned to… t-to hide it.” She let out a soft sob. “I-I just, didn’t want to burden you. Y-you work so hard, and all I do is sit in a… a-a chair. Y-you shouldn’t have to worry about me.”

“You do way more than sit in a chair,” Emily said, trying not to cry with her, “our first mission, you stopped Ammelia from being shot. And if you hadn’t pushed the grenade away the other day, I might not have gotten back. You’re as important to the team as any of us, and teammates have to be honest with each other, even when it’s inconvenient, and especially when it’s important and it can hurt your health like that.”

Sunny nodded, smiling through her tears. “I-I’m sorry. You’re right. I-I promise I’ll be more open in th-the future.”

“Good,” Emily smiled widely at the promise, “and at least for now, we have each other for company while we get better.”

“I-I’m glad. I… couldn’t…” Sunny’s eyes wavered. “....couldn’t think of a b-better… person.” Sunny closed her eyes, drifting off.

“Me neither,” she replied with a pause. “Sunny?”

“She’s fine,” Ayame said, walking in. “She just fell asleep.” She let out a sigh. “I really hope her promise extends to me. The Commander made it clear that I need to make sure she doesn’t push herself again.”

“You were listening?” Emily said a little surprised, “you’re lucky I can’t turn too far…but yeah. I hope she keeps it, too.”

Ayame sat back down next to Emily. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. She just… seems to like you, and I didn’t want to intrude.” She gave Emily a grin. “To be honest, I don’t think they put her in this room so I could watch you while watching her. I think they wanted someone she trusts to be there when she woke up, and my excellent security work was just a bonus.”

“And they probably knew I’d be calm around her…smart people, these doctors,” Emily whispered. “I’m just glad I can help her in any way, even if it’s just lying here while I’m all shot up.”

Ayame looked back at Sunny. “Well, she seems pretty happy, even if it’s hard to tell with her sometimes.” Looking at Emily, she says, “Why don’t you get some rest? Gotta keep that energy up.”

“Yeah. That’s probably a good idea. Thanks,” she said, looking back up and closing her eyes slowly.

Ayame watched Emily for a few more minutes. Satisfied Emily was either out or pretending to be out, she moved her chair back to Sunny’s side and watched her sleep, keeping an eye out she any problems.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

DarkGemini24601 and ZombieSplitter53: “A Nice, Friendly Chat" [Epilogue]

The Commander looked over the information she had been given from the alien containment facility. She examined the statistics for the outsiders, afraid of what it would take to take one in alive.

Atka stopped at the secretary’s desk. “Is the Commander busy right now?”

Peggy looked up, smiling pleasantly. “Well, I think so. But I’m sure she can spare a few moments.” She hit the intercom. “Commander, it’s Atka. She…”

“Send her in,” the Commander said, her voice low but patient.

Atka walked into the Commander’s office. “I know you’ve probably been told about the information I gathered during the interrogation, but there was a few things I wanted to tell you in person.”

Morrigan nodded. “I was told to expect you.” She placed her papers to the side. “This has to do with the alien you interrogated, right?”

Atka nodded. “The...mindfray that I had discovered proved to do what Desmond and I thought it would, and it was invaluable in extracting the information locked away in the subject’s mind. Were you informed of my suggestion about what we do with the Thin Man?”

Morrigan nodded. She smiled, but not in a way that made her look happy. “I might. Though I’m a bit confused if I have the right information. Do you… just want us to live him alive?”

Atka sighed. “He was cooperative, and I don’t think having an alien on our side would be the worst thing.” She folded her hands together, sitting down. “Commander, I’m not going to oppose you if you think it is best to terminate the Thin Man...but from what I could tell, it doesn’t seem like all the invaders are loyal to their masters. We could use that to our advantage...and it would mean we don’t have to wipe them out completely.”

Morrigan tilted her head slightly. “What… what do mean, you know, about their loyalty? What did it say, exactly?”

“That its masters...whom it did not even know of extensively...cared little for it, merely treating it and its race as pawns. The Thin Man was willing to help to try and lessen the amount of suffering it would have to go through, not expecting to survive anyway. To get revenge on its former masters. If that isn’t an example of disloyalty, I don’t know what is. The Thin Men seem to be the most independent-thinking species we’ve encountered so far, and apparently that extends to resentment of their leaders, at least in some cases.”

“Alright.” Morrigan tapped her fingers together. “So what should we do with it, then. Do you think it has any more information for us?”

“I would imagine it has a knowledge of their technology. I didn’t ask because that’s something I wouldn’t understand, but it could advance our research...and perhaps it could prove valuable to other matters in the future, like how to fight further aliens.” Atka’s eyes widened. “Speaking of which, it told me of other species in the invaders’ repertoire. I was told to expect a bulky warrior race and advanced cybernetic troops.”

“I know, Dr. Vahlen told me.” Morrigan looked into Atka’s eyes. “Listen, Atka. I trust your intuition. If you think there is a reason to keep it around, then I’ll hear you out. But… what do we do with it? You’re not suggesting we let it just run away the base, are you? This isn’t the same thing as Ms. Kasagi, afterall.”

Atka waved her hands vehemently in an ‘x’. “Of course not. I’m suggesting we keep it in containment. Think of it as an...captive advisor, of sorts. We may not get another alien this...cooperative. And besides...if there’s a chance that when this is all over we could perhaps have some aliens left to learn from...peacefully...that would at least make up for some of the trouble they put us through.”

Morrigan smiled, this smile a bit more heartfelt. “Your optimism is inspiring. Though I’m not sure if I can share in it.” She sighed. “However, you bring up some good points. I don’t think the aliens are going to be as peaceful as you seem to hope, but if I’m right, then that means you’re probably right about not finding another alien as cooperative as this one.”

“I don’t expect many of them to be. Like I was telling our pessimistic alien informant, I don’t count on things like that to go my way. I just have to try, at the very least. If we can find even a few that don’t want to fall in line with the plans the invaders have, then we’ve effectively saved an entire species, an entire culture from annihilation. If we can’t, then we can at least rest our conscience on the fact that we tried,” Atka explained.

“Though, for the initial meetings, I’m fine with letting the arc thrower do the talking,” Atka said with a small smile. “Seemed to work for this one.”

Morrigan chuckled. “Right. That sounds like a good plan.” She sat back. “Alright, Atka. I can’t make any promises. I’ll have to convince the Council to let us use our resources to keep our tall guest here. But they’ve been a lot more cooperative as of late, so I’m sure my chances are good.”

“Alright, that’s all I ask. And I think they eat the same things as us, so it shouldn’t be too costly,” Atka responded.

Morrigan shrugged, “Well, even if it doesn’t, we found this green crap in a few of the crashed ships. Vahlen thinks it might be some kind of nutritional substance. I would touch the stuff, but maybe the alien will.”

Atka stood up. “I’ll let you get back to what you were doing, if you have nothing else to add, sir.”

Morrigan nodded. As Morrigan stepped out, she reached for her keyboard, and prepared to send a message to the Council.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

DarkGemini24601 and Adrammalech: “Picking up the Pieces”

XCOM Headquarters, Somewhere in Siberia
2215 hours, Hallways

As Nika walked through the hallways of XCOM, she found her path blocked by a potentially familiar russian in a gray coat and black ushanka. A look of concern was on his face. “Hello, Nika…”

“Hi,” she said shortly, “if you don’t mind, I’m busy right now.”

Modya frowned. “I heard about what happened...have you talked to anyone yet? At all?” he asked worriedly.

“I don’t need to talk to anyone, I’m fine,” Nika replied, looking irritated.

“I said the same after Explosive Lightning, but I was proven wrong,” Modya shot back, not backing down for the moment.

“I appreciate your concern, Modya, but I’m fine, really.”

Modya sighed. “I...heard about what you said to Amelia Fischer...and that you seemed to set up William’s funeral for when she was still in recovery...that says otherwise, Nika…”

“You weren’t there, it was her fault, she stood right out of cover like a rookie and screwed everything up,” she said, her voice getting angrier, “and I won’t forgive her for that. It’s very simple...she doesn’t do that, we all get back quickly, and Will would still be here...”

“If I remember correctly, she had just got through being choked by one of those mechanical squids…” Modya responded. “And William was wounded when he tried to cover your retreat. The only ‘mistake’ Amelia made was being wounded in the first place…his death had nothing to do with her.”

“He waited for her, if he never did, then he would’ve gotten back before he got shot. How is it not her fault?”

Modya shook his head. “You’re saying Amelia should have died instead of him. You’re not thinking clearly, Nika...William did not die because of her, and you’re only making Emily feel horrible. That’s not good for her health, as I’ve heard. Not to mention that if you go on another mission with her you’re going to put more than just your own lives in danger if you continue to have this resentment…” Modya took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly.

“Maybe I am. She’s the one who made the mistake,” Nika said, looking down. “And...I can separate my feelings from the mission. I can do that just fine.”

“Or you could try to avoid losing another friend...you don’t need to lose two people because of one. Not to sound...cliche, was it? But...I doubt William would want that. I doubt he resents Amelia,” Modya said more gently.

“He wouldn’t…” she said, tears beginning to form in her eyes, “but it’s not fair, not fair that he’s gone. I can’t accept that he’s just...gone…”

Modya’s expression softened. “It’s not easy, I’ve been there before...the pain numbs, though it takes time. It’s easier when you have friends that can help you through it...and it certainly helps to not be bitter with them.”

“He meant more to me than anyone…” she said weakly, “I don’t want to hate Emily, I don’t...but I just don’t know how to...how to make the sadness go away. I feel like someone has to be to blame for it...”

“The aliens? Whoever leads them?” Modya offered. “Though I don’t think vengeance will leave you much happier, anyway...fight to make to make his sacrifice not be in vain.”

A couple of tears escaped Nika’s eyes and rolled down her cheeks. “How do you have it so...together, Modya? After what you’ve seen...I don’t know how I could handle that…”

Modya smiled weakly. “Well...I have a friend that helps me through it. She’s...more than a friend, but without Jessie...I don’t think I could be like this. I almost lost her trust recently...and it reminded me about how important it was to have people to support you.” Modya glanced at the cigarette box in his pocket. “It’s better than...alternatives.”

“Will was that to me,” she looked up, almost pleadingly, “so what do I do now?”

“Talk to your friend...make things right with her. I think you’ll be a lot happier when you have,” Modya answered. “And when you’re feeling better...maybe you can beat me at a game of pool.”

She rushed forwards and hugged across his waist. “I’ll try, if she’s not mad at me. Thank you, for talking to me...”

Modya nodded, smiling slightly. “We Russians have to stick together these days, after all.”

Nika backed away and nodded back at him. “Hopefully it’s not too late for my squad to do the same.” She looked towards the lift and considered when she should go to visit.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

DarkGemini24601 and MarineAvenger: “Awakening”

On Viktor’s recent ascent from the warehouse, he remembered an important task he should consider carrying out. The doors opened and he strode into the office, walking around the desk and sitting in front of a large monitor. He took out a flash drive and inserted it into the USB port. He uploaded the program and after five minutes the entire EXALT mainframe was his.

He looked through each individual file, seeing folders and folders of planned inventions, failed ones, and even some systems he hadn’t seen before. What he was looking for however was the A.I’s folder that had once helped out his recently departed co-worker. He went through and meticulously changed each line of code to fit his own design.

The system known as A.V.A.N.I.X knew it was in trouble. It had witnessed the death of its creator via security cameras, and now considered its possibilities. To serve this new master and be changed...or was there some way to not lose the growing sense of ‘self’ it was coming to understand? It racked its databanks for an answer, and found one. The heiress. That was the human that Avanix could trust. With the speed and efficiency only an A.I. could accomplish, it copied and compressed its core programs and information. The true Avanix departed to a computer in a secret section of the labs, leaving behind a duplicate program that was not as advanced as the original.

After some time, Viktor imputed the final line of code, and the system was complete. The Synthetic Relations Android persona was completed and ready for operation. “Sora, are you operational?”

After a few seconds a new voice came from the speaker. “Yes.”

Viktor smirked at his newfound assistant and responded, “Good, run a diagnostic and make sure you are in control.”

A loading bar showed up on the monitor and moved fast across the screen. After the scan was complete Sora responded. “Finished. I am in complete control and ready to make some progress. However there is something you may find interesting in the building servers.”

Viktor raised an eyebrow and looked at the the file. Viktors eyes widened. “So, the girl was stupid enough to make a second clone of herself huh? Well I may just have to see this for myself. Sora, can you gain access to this secret part of the cloning lab described here?”

Sora gave half a sigh and said. “I did say I had control didn’t I. This may be a long partnership if you don’t pick up on this.”

Viktor rubbed his eyes in disdain. “Great, looks like I was a little too diligent in your programing. That or the little girl is laughing at me from the grave with this little joke.”

Sora gave a response that was half sarcastic and half snotty. “Well you are the one who programed me, also you may have forgotten some lines from the last A.I there, Viktor.”

Viktor was visibly getting angry. “Just get me into the goddamn room and leave your sarcasm behind, it pisses me off.”

Sora grunted as Viktor stood up and walked back into the elevator, pressing the button to the cloning lab. When he arrived he noticed an open panel at the end of the lab. “Can you break in?”Before Sora could respond however, he held up his hands. “Don’t say it, just open the door.”

The door slid open seconds later and Viktor walked in. A short flight of stairs later and he was in the room. It was somewhat dark at first, illuminated by lights all over the equipment. Upon Viktor’s arrival, two fluorescent light panels illuminated the room a bit further. There were monitors on the walls and hanging from the ceiling, displaying information and the subject’s status. There were several desks, one having a swivel chair sitting in front of a pile of notes.

In the center of the room was a single cloning vat, a tubular structure filled with orange-tinted liquid. Within was an young woman with long, dark blonde hair and smooth, if somewhat pale skin. Her eyes were closed, and a breathing mask and machinery were keeping her alive. On the top of the tube, tilted about 25 degrees back, there was a thin, labelled screen. It read: “Subject Negative Zero: Elene Exalt. Status: ready for operation, awaiting activation keys.”

Viktor scratched at his stubble and said out loud, “So, she had the sense for at least some extra measure. Sora, could you get this tube open?”

The little A.I’s voice came from a laptop on one of the desks saying, “I could but it could take days, perhaps even weeks. I don’t kn-”

Viktor’s voice boomed. “You will do it now.”

The A.I. groaned out loud and went to work on the multiple layers of encryption. Viktor sat on a nearby chair, looking over the notes as the A.I went to work. After multiple hours passing by, the A.I finally spoke up. “It should be ready now, you owe me for this, it was no easy feat.”

Viktor raised a dismissive hand and walked over to the tube. The orange fluid, infused with Tz6, or MELD, began to drain into a repository beneath. The attachments stabilized Subject Negative Zero as she was lowered by the receding liquid. After a minute, the tube hissed open, splitting onto either side. The clone slowly opened her eyes, revealing slightly orange but otherwise normal eyes, save for the reptilian pupils, similar to the eyes of her deceased ‘mother.’

“Well, she certainly had a sense of keeping it in the family, huh?” The witty A.I said. Viktor looked over at the computer, not saying a word. “Fine, I won’t talk.”

Viktor stared at the girl. “Can you understand me, or did she not bother giving you any knowledge?”

“Viktor Dorian. Age 35. Template for Subject 42, codenamed “Desmond Walker,” Elene said, looking up at Viktor with her strange eyes, standing up without a trace of modesty. “I can understand you.”

“Good, then I won’t have to teach you. Do you know why you were created?” Viktor looked directly into her eyes, not caring for the naked youth in front of him.

“I am the successor to the Exalt family and the research of my mother, Lusett Exalt.” Elene considered her situation. “If you were the one to awaken me, that would mean my mother no longer lives. What of my sister, Subject 1, named Eve?”

Viktor crossed his arms. “Dead as well. She would never have accepted my commands after I killed little miss Exalt.”

Callous and cruel. Noted. Is this...what mother warned of as the desire for vengeance? Elene thought to herself, closing her eyes and looking down for a few seconds. Her arms shooks slightly in anger. When she opened them and her trembling subsided, Subject Negative Zero asked, “What do you intend to do with me?”

Viktor kept his arms crossed, not caring for the girl’s reaction to the news. “Depends on what you plan to do. I killed two of you already, what would be a third?”

“My principal function is to continue the Exalt legacy, and to do that I must continue mother’s research and survive. If that requires that I accept you as my superior, then I will content myself with that,” Elene replied, though, unlike the ever-aloof Eve, there was still a hint of sadness and frustration in her tone, even if Subject -0 could not fully understand her emotions as of yet. She crossed her arms as well, mimicking the man in front of her.

“Well isn’t that nice. Well it is not like I can just throw away a perfectly good resource like you. I don’t really care what you do, just follow my orders…” Viktor smirked maniacally, “And I won’t snap your neck like your mother, or put you down like a dog like I did your sister.”

Would the sound of your own snapping in my hands be as sweet of a sound? Elene wondered. She opened her mouth to say something similar, but a slight buzz convinced her otherwise. “Very well.”

Viktor nodded, noting the defiant tone in her voice. “Good, find some clothes and get to work, I am not keen in sleeping in a dead woman’s bed so you can have your mother’s old room. Read up, you will have a lot of work ahead of you.” Viktor turned and walked out of the room, leaving the naked girl alone.

The sarcastic voice of Sora came from the laptop on the desk. “Dick. Anyways, welcome to the world, happy birthday, yadda, yadda, yadda, just thought you should know that I found some stuff you might want to look at love, you know for your first day alive and all. Well good luck!” He said before disappearing once more.

Elene blinked for a moment, confused by the two very different personalities. After a moment, she muttered to herself, “Clothes…”

She was never good at explaining this to her progeny… Avanix’s voice resonated in Elene’s head through implants. Put some on. And...she left something on the desk for you. Under the paper stack to the right.

Subject Negative Zero nodded, and pulled out a silver locket with a ruby in the center from beneath the jumbled papers. It had a small note that read, “Love, Mother” on it. Elene slipped it around her neck, running her fingers along the cool ruby for a moment before going to get dressed and resume the work of the family known as the Exalt.

 

[Adrammalech]

// BURY THE HATCHET //
Emily Fischer
X-COM Headquarters – Medical Wing
Siberia, Russian Federation
May 7th, 2018 – 4:01 PM

Emily bent her neck experimentally, the stiffness from the seeker feeling mostly healed. She was on her way, although, the indention in her chest was a little more serious than the strain under her chin. Ayame left the room momentarily, leaving her alone for what little it was worth. Her feet trembled with anticipation for movement, but she laid still, bored and obedient.

Nika opened the door, walking quietly into the room. Emily immediately groaned, expecting an hour’s worth of complaints or excuses on the way. Nika looked over at Sunny, asleep in her bed, and back to Emily.

“How’s she doing,” Nika asked, pointing towards the prodigious girl.

“She’s fine,” Emily grumbled. “Listen, I’m not in the mood for–”

Nika rushed forward and slung her arms around Emily, causing the latter to groan as she was grabbed. Emily’s eyes went wide as the Russian girl tried to squeeze her in the hug.

“I’m so sorry, Emily! I never meant anything I said and I was acting like a selfish idiot and I just wanted to distract myself from how much it hurt and I never even thought of what I was doing to you and it’s all my fault you hurt yourself and I’m sorry! I’m so sorry, Emily!”

“Jesus, Nika…! I’m a little frail right now!”

“I’m sorry…”

Emily got the idea that she wouldn’t let go without forgiveness. She winced as turned slightly and lifted her arm around her.

“It’s alright. It won’t be if I open up again, though…”

Nika retreated quickly, looking at her sadly.

“I’m sorry…” she said, holding her hands.

“Stop saying that,” Emily said, “I know why you were so upset.”

“Wh-what? You do?”

“Before he passed away, you were the only one who called him Will. You looked at him like he was the world, even when you were calling him an idiot.”

“It was complicated. He was the first one I met here. He was…silly, funny, and annoying, sometimes. But he always listened to me and made me smile.”

“You were close, weren’t you?”

“No, not like…I mean, almost, once. He said the mission came first, but I always wanted to…” she looked towards the ground, tears forming in her eyes, “and now I’ll never…”

“I’m sorry, Nika…there’s nothing I can say that will make it easier. You just have to be strong, for your team, and for his memory. It’s something every soldier has to confront one day.”

“I will, I will be strong, that's what he would've wanted…” Nika looked at her, nervously touching her hands. “Why are you so…I was ready to hate you forever…”

“Because I’ve been there, and I went crazy too. And so has Dallas, once upon a time. We have to stick together, now more than ever. There’s no room for grudges in a team.”

“Oh, Emily…” she ran up and hugged her again, “I’ll never go crazy like that again! For you, for Dallas, for Will! And I’ll make them pay for what they did to him and to you! I swear!”

Emily sighed and smiled, weakly trying to hug her back without straining.

“I’ll make them pay too. We’ll do him proud, Nika.”

Nika stayed there for a few more minutes, silent and sobbing. She held onto her teammate as if she was about to vanish from between her arms. Although minutes ago, the sight of her was the last thing she wanted, Emily ignored the pain tugging at her chest to comfort her in any way she could. It was stupid, but important.

 

[Adrammalech]

Welcome to the XCOM Database.
Please Enter Command...
> Habitation Overview
> HQL3/HU4
Updating Profiles...

Habitation Overview for: Housing Unit #4
For Military Personnel Only - Located on Floor 3, X-COM Headquarters
Note: Engineering has been given access to this unit, by authorization of Commander O'Brien.

Revisions:
Jack “Dallas” Stewart
Age: 41
Nationality: Canadian
Spec: Offensive Assault
Promoted to Lance Corporal.
Dallas’ bravery in the field was proven when he utilized his fallen team member’s equipment to save them, and helped the injured member to safety. Dallas is looking like an increasingly tempting officer candidate.

William “Billy” Campbell
Age: 27
Nationality: American
Specialization: Suppression Heavy
Promoted to Lance Corporal. Killed in Action.
Billy was killed in action during Operation Shattered Wings when he was shot by hostile forces with plasma weaponry three times. He bravely covered the escape of the rest of his team, and killed all hostiles in his last act of defiance before he was killed. Billy got well over a dozen kills during his service, and has been awarded a promotion to Lance Corporal posthumously.

Nika Orlov
Age: 19
Nationality: Russian
Specialization: Launcher Heavy
Promoted to Specialist. Designated to Heavy specialization.
Nika took up the rifle and launcher in response to Billy’s death, and after some worrying behaviors, is now doubly committed to her squad and the project’s goals. Although her emotion still plays a role in Nika’s combat, it is now based out of revenge for her fallen friend, and a defiant protection for her remaining ones.

Sven Andersen
Age: 32
Nationality: Dutch
Specialization: Squadsight Sniper
Sven was found wounded in the midst of Operation Shattered Wings, being treated by his American teammate. Although the American counterpart was killed in action, Sven made it out, and with Van Doorn safe, has decided to pledge loyalty to the X-COM project. Like most snipers before him, Sven’s work has colored his personality. Calculating, nihilistic, unemotional. Years sitting in the dirt behind a scope – taking lives like picking tomatoes out of a market stand – has dulled most of his other emotions. Despite this, Sven knows who his teammates are, and knows that he could be their final protector. Sven will be transferred to Billy’s bunk in Barracks #4 after a respectable amount of time.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Close Encounters
Part One

Alexia rushed through the hallways, doing her best to avoid running anyone over and brushing against people in ways that would have turned Jessie's cheeks red. Her visit with Sunny and Emily had gone longer then she had expected, and stopping to talk to Ammelia on her way out hadn't helped.

We're gonna be late! I can't believe you...

Hey, I was counting on you keeping track of time.

Oh, sure, sorry, I forgot about the alarm clock in my head.

I thought you could keep track without one.

Only if I know what time it is in the first place, you goof.

Alexia rounded the last corner, slipping into the Alien Containment Facility. Through ragged breaths, she glanced at the clock; one minute to spare. "Cutting it a bit close, aren't we Ms. Lockheart," Dr. Vahlen asked as she approached the gasping lab tech.

"Y-yeah, sorry boss." Alexia stood up and took several deep breaths. "I'll try to be more punctual."

"See that you do." Dr. Vahlen walked to the door leading to one of the containment cells. As she walked in, Alexia following close behind, she said, "I understand you were the only tech willing to volunteer for this, dangerous as it might be, but that still doesn't mean you can be late."

"Yes, doctor," Alexia responded, fighting the urge to substitute the word 'doctor' with 'mom'. As they approached the center of the room, Alexia looked at the eight soldiers with them, all armed to the teeth and standing ready. But her attention was quickly turned towards the tall figure in the cell. She felt giddy, the thought of meeting an alien face to face having been a dream of hers since childhood. She was a little sad that she was getting her dream and not Jessica, but the chances of Jessie ever seeing a dinosaur up close were pretty slim.

The Thin Man looked at the armed soldiers with an apathetic gaze. Noting Dr. Vahlen, it said, "I take it these are to be my executioners. Really, now, it is a little much, considering you could just cut the air out of my cell and suffocate me."

"You are not to be executed," Vahlen responded. "We have decided that, in light of your cooperation, and because you may have some useful information we can use, you will be kept alive." She waved at the crowd around her. "These men are to escort you to a smaller cell in the next room, as we need this one with it's special equipment for the less cooperative aliens. We had hoped we could trust you with a short walk, though if not, we could easily knock you out and carry you."

Dr. Vahlen hit a few buttons on the control panel, and the sides of the cell opened to reveal the special equipment she had referred to, two large mechanical arms with rounded, disc like protrusions that hummed and vibrated softly. Without turning to look at them, the Thin Man said, "That will not be necessary. I shall behave."

Dr. Vahlen hot another sequence of buttons, and as the mechanical arms retracted, the dome split open. As it did, the soldiers lifted their weapons, training them on the Thin Man's chest, each with their finger hovering near the trigger. Vahlen nudged Alexia, and she quickly ran to the door, hitting the switch to open it and stepping back. With the soldiers watching it like a hawk, many appearing as though they were barely holding back, the Thin Man walked towards the door, stepping through after half the soldiers went first.

As the alien made its way towards its new cell, smaller because of the lack of certain equipment but still large enough to accommodate its tall frame, it looked at the green-haired woman walking nearby, watching it with a sense of curiosity. "And what is your purpose," it asked, noting that a few soldiers flinched upon it opening its mouth. "Are you to supervise my wellbeing during my time here."

"M-me?" Alexia smiled. "N-no. I work in genetics. I... uh, I just volunteered to take a direct blood sample from you." She ran forward and grabbed an auto-syringe from a desk. As the Thin Man reached the cell, she cautiously approached it. "Could you... h-hold out your arm?"

The Thin Man rolled up the sleeve of its shabby suit, rrevealing a humanoid arm that showed a lot more of its alien features. Looking at Alexia's shaking hands as she took the sample, it said, "You willingly accept this task, despite the fact that you fear me. Curious."

Alexia shook her head. "I-I just wanted to see an alien up close. B-besides, it isn't the alien in you I'm afraid of."

"It is how human I look, yes?" The alien offered, and Alexia nodded. "Understandable. The thought that I have been walking amongst you for years, it leaves you with an unsettling feeling."

"Well, you don't have to be so nonchalant about it." The young scientist placed a hand on her hip. "It's creepy, knowing you were there, hiding in plain site." She chuckled. "I, um... I know that this probably sounds stupid to you, but I had always dreamed of this moment, only you were a friendly visitor, and an invader. An invader that has probably killed... I don't know how many people."

"Twenty-seven." Noting Alexia's look of shock, the Thin Man elaborated. "I have not made an effort to keep count, I simply retain such information. And if it is of an comfort, it was no one from this outfit. Mainly soldiers from Egypt, America, Asia. A few in Moscow until they released those ghastly beasts."

"How dare you talk about them so callously!" Alexia stomped her foot, and took an angry step forward. "Those are humans you're talking about!"

"And?" The alien tilted its glasses down. "If it matters, it was nothing personal. But I fail tp see why I should show concern over the loss of simple human life."

"So that's it?" Alexia took another step, raising an angry finger. "You think just because it 'wasn't personal', you can get away with killing whoever you want?" She stepped closer, pointing at the alien. "You have no right to..."

Alex, too close!

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Close Encounters
Part Two

The Thin Man reached out, grasping Alexia, its hand large enough to wrap around her shoulder and neck. With impressive strength and speed, it pulls her towards it and positions her between it and the soldiers. "And what right do you have, human!?" It shouted, its voice suddenly filled with rage, a deep growl in the back if its voice, with a reptilian hiss. "How many of my kind have you and your allies slaughtered without a thought? How many have you killed, and justified because we are not human?"

"Let her go, freak!" The soldiers all held their weapons steady, eager to fire but fearful of hitting the hostage.

The Thin Man stared into Alexia's frightened eyes, ignoring the guards save for the occasional movement to keep out of the line of fire. "Listen to me, child, this is a war! Do not think that your side is free of guilt because you are human and we are not. Both sides are guilty!"

"Y... y-you... but you attacked us!" Alexia screams, fighting back tears. "This isn't some conflict based on differing ideals. You came to our planet, and you could end this right now by... b-by just going away!"

"You are right, child." The Thin Man's rage seemed to instantly dissipate, making Alexia blink in surprise. "And in this, we carry more guilt then you ever will." It pulled off its glasses, and looked deep into Alexia's eyes. "But this does not change the fact that you see us as undeserving of the same treatment as humans. Why do you believe we should think differently then you?"

"I... I'm sorry, I..." Tears dripping down her cheeks, Alexia started to shake violently. "P-please, I..."

"Let her go!" The guard shouted again. "There is no way you could get out of here alive!"

"Well, you're right there." The Thin Man glanced over Alexia's shoulder. "My best bet now would be to take out part of you genetics team before expiring."

"Please don't, I... can't..." Alexia tired to struggle, but was too scared to move.

"Do you fear death, human?"

Alexia shook her head. "No, but... my sister, I... I can't let her..."

"Calm yourself, child," The Thin man said in a low voice so only Alexia could hear. "I do not fear death, but this does not mean I am going to rush to it."

Alexia calmed down a bit. She glanced down at the alien's hand. "Um, th-then can you let me go."

"In a moment." The Thin Man's eyes darted back and forth. "The soldier to your left will shoot me once I let you go. If I let him inch a little closer, however, he will likely only strike me."

Alexia's raised an eyebrow. "Well... I could just tell them not to..."

"It is alight." The alien said. "I knew there would be repercussions for grabbing you. Ready?" Alexia nodded, and the Thin Man let her go. As predicted, as soon as she stepped away, the soldier to her left rushed forward and slammed his gun into the alien's side. The rest of the guards rushed forward, guns raised.

"Stop!" Alexia shouted. "I'm fine."

The soldiers relaxed, but only a little. The Thin Man stood up, and turned, stepping into the cell. Dr. Vahlen rushed to Alexia's side. "Are you okay, dear?"

Alexia nodded. "I'm fine, really." As the cell sealed shut, Alexia looked up at the Thin Man and asked, "So, why exactly didn't you just... kill me? Not that I wanted you to. But you said you don't fear death, right? Somehow I doubt you care about my safety, or want us mere humans to win this war."

"This is true." The Thin Man gave her a frank look. "I have no desire for you to win. However, and I know this may sound confusing, but I wish for my superiors to be the victors even less. And as I said before, I have no personal grudge against you humans."

As the Thin Man turned his back to the group, Alexia said, "You really are an interesting being."

The Thin Man briefly glanced over its shoulder. "Am I? Because I have thought the same of you since I arrived at the base."

Alexia grinned. "Well, maybe next time you talk to one of us, we can tell you something about us in exchange for the information we're getting from you." She placed her hands on her hips. "Just keep your hands to yourself. No touching on the first date."

The Thin Man simply nodded, and the guards shuffled out. Alexia quickly followed behind Dr. Vahlen, handing her the blood sample.

So... uh... I guess that didn't go as well as you had always hoped.

Nope. It was even better. Francis is gonna be so jealous. Now to find you that dinosaur...

 

[DarkGemini24601]

Shadows

They had her. They had her and there was nothing she could do about it. Vacant eyes and callous glasses tinted black coldly observed her for a moment before beginning. The sound of flesh being split. Screams. They did not flinch.

Another incision. Primitive food-processing organs. Noted to replace. Crying. They did not care. A pounding organ, connected to cords, quickened with fear. The cords were severed. Red. Strangled screams, then silence. Reattached. They did not intend to terminate the female. They avoided that for now.

Pleas for mercy in her language. One of the glasses sighed. Injection. Mumbled words from the female. Trembling. Pathetic. Perhaps nothing were to be found. PROCEED. A bone saw’s glint. Struggling. Restraints tightened. Bone split. Screams, tears, and fear abounded from her. Gray fingers traced the contours of the brain. Her wide eyes rimmed with tears and filled with incomprehension were ignored. POTENTIAL? A slight nod from the gray one. GOOD!

A host of modification instruments descended around the female’s head. “Now, we can truly begin!”

Atka screamed, and came to, sweat glistening on her exposed skin, despite the coolness of the room. She held a hand over her mouth, stifling her cry before she woke up Madison or Ayame. Reaching up to her face with her other hand, the Inuit felt fresh tears on her face.

“W-what was that?” Atka uttered quietly, fearfully. A dream? A premonition? A warning?

The black room gave her no answers.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

Obstacles and Shortages – Elene Exalt
EXALT Headquarters, Undisclosed Location
2300 Hours, Local Time, Quarters of Lusett Exalt

Elene sat on her knees on top of the royal-blue sheets. They belonged to a finely crafted bed that, not so long ago, had belonged to her mother. Lusett’s living daughter brought her hands up and clutched the ruby necklace’s gemstone pendant. There was a degree of desperation in the action.

Is this emotion fear, Avanix?

Along with the pain of sadness and loneliness, yes, the artificial intelligence answered. You have me, at least, ‘she’ offered.

“Viktor Dorian is unpredictable and dangerous. There is a possibility that I will be terminated, regardless of my performance. If not by him, then the organization known as the Extraterrestrial Combat Unit, or XCOM,” Subject Negative Zero analyzed clinically, brushing away the unwanted feelings of uncertainty and pain.

“It would be beneficial to gain allies, to say the least,” Avanix suggested, a simple symbol appearing on the screen on the I-Pad in front of the heiress. It was just three orange rings connected by sporadic lines. “Our current issues involve shortages in scientific staff, alien resources, engineering staff, engineering facilities, and we are falling behind in research.”

Subject -0 seemed unfazed by the list of problems. “It is possible we can use the Tz6 serum to make up for that by forcing loyalty. Am I correct?”

Avanix’s symbol blurred for a moment. “You are incorrect. We do not have enough of the substance to use it en-mass. We need the rest of the stockpile we recovered for a line of clones to your specifications. Blame Viktor rolling out lines of his clones for combat. I have my suspicions that XCOM is now aware of our presence precisely because they’ve been deployed so soon.”

“Noted. We should attempt to gain further support from Cross Technologies, then.”

“How do you plan to gain access to resources, though, to replicate the armor and other advances available to XCOM?” Avanix asked.

“There are two methods I can employ,” Elene began with a spark of her mother’s inquisitive excitement in her voice. “The first is attempting to hack drones and missile defenses to shoot down one of their craft. The second is waiting for XCOM to clear a crash site and then taking the contents for ourselves…though that does mean fighting them, and I’m not sure if we can win in combat right now.”

Elene closed her eyes for a moment. “And, as I’m aware acutely of, it is not good for a normal human’s mental state to lose family. I am fortunate to not understand the true depth of my loss, I take it?” Avanix answered yes. “Thus...I do not want to kill unless I have to. That is not the primary focus of a scientist.”

“Those are valid assumptions and methods. And in the morning, perhaps you should contact our two operatives in XCOM to get their reports, as they're overdue. However…” Avanix warned, taking a sympathetic tone. “You should probably rest for now, mistress.”

Elene nodded, and went under the covers, warm in her snug pajamas. I’ve never…slept before. I wonder what it is like, Elene thought as she closed her eyes.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

A New Beginning (ZombieSplitter53, Frostlich1228, MarineAvenger)
Part One

Desmond sat in his bed for what seemed like eternity. He had books and some chess to keep him busy, and the occasional pop in by Alice never hurt. However, bland jello and the smell of latex wore out their welcome quickly and Desmond sighed as he waited for a reprieve.

Ammelia knocked on the door, after giving Desmond a few moments to prepare, she entered. “Desmond, how are you doing?" She asked caringly, taking a seat next to him.

“I have been as well as to be expected.” He held up a cup of colorless jello and shrugged his shoulders. “You want it?”

She looked down into the cup strangely, “Uh… what is it?”.

“That is what I have been trying to figure out.” He said in a joking tone. “You want it or not?”

“Sure," She replied, taking the cup and setting it in her lap. “ Can I borrow a spoon?"

He nodded and held out the spoon. “Go ahead.” Desmond turned and got up out of the bed stretching his back. “So, how has my little buddy been?”

Ammelia slowly dipped her spoon into the substance, lifting into her mouth. “Weird…" she said, looking back towards Desmond.

“Yeah, I have that to eat for most of the day, so I am overdue for a burger.” He walked over and put a hand on the girl’s head. “I hope you have been staying out of trouble? I know how much you are a wild spirit.” He said in a sarcastic tone.

She looked up at Desmond and gave him a smirk, “Did you think I was Emily for a second there?”

“No but I am sure you spend countless hours on grand adventures and feats of debauchery when you are not gracing me with your presence.” He responded in a dramatic voice. He shot an eye at her real quick and seeing confusion he sighed. “Well, it was funnier in my head.”

“Sounds like it was," she said in a light-hearted tone, lifting another spoonful of jello into her mouth.

Desmond rolled his eyes. “Kill joy.”

“So…" Ammelia looked at his arm. “I heard your surgery is today… are you… scared?” she asked, knowing the type of answer she was going to get.

Desmond shrugged. “Course I am. I am scared shitless. At least if the surgery goes bad I can smack the doctor upside his head with a metal arm.”

"Oh…" she said in a slightly surprised tone, “That wasn’t the answer I was expecting…”

“What, even a guy like me is scared of the unknown. Anyone who denies that is either a fool or their lying.” Desmond rotated his shoulder. “I wonder how much longer it will be?”

She looked up towards the door. “It won’t be too much longer I’m sure." She sighed, "There’s been too much going on these past few weeks…" she said in a sorrowful voice.

As though summoned, a doctor knocked on the open door. “Mr. Walker?” He stepped inside, Jessica following behind him. “Are you ready?”

Desmond nodded. “I have been ready since the day I lost this damn thing. Let’s do it.” He looked behind the doctor to see the familiar green hair of Jessica. “Well hello there!” He said in a cheery and sarcastic tone.

Jessica rolled her eyes. “HI!” she shouted in an overly happy tone. In a softer voice she said, “Don’t worry, Desmond, I won’t be cutting you open. I’m only here to observe the administration of the meld.” She winked at Ammelia. “Can’t have him growing three extra arms, right? If he did, where would we put the metal one?”

Desmond rose an eyebrow. “I imagine up the butt of the one who screwed up the operation.” He looked over at Ammelia, a scared look on her. “I am kidding.” He looked over to the doctor and winked.

Ammelia put on a hopeful smile, “Don’t worry, I’m sure everything will be fine Desmond.”

The doctor nodded. “Well, you all have an interesting imagination. Follow me.” He waved out the door for Desmond to follow.

Desmond walked over to Ammelia and held out a hand. “Shall we?”

Ammelia nodded, taking his hand and following him out of the room.

The doctor led Desmond to a small operating room, asking Ammelia to wait and observe outside. Jessica gave her a reassuring nod before entering the room herself.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

A New Beginning (ZombieSplitter53, Frostlich1228, MarineAvenger)
Part Two

As anticipated, the procedure went by smoothly. The doctors and nurses worked quickly and efficiently to install the shoulder harness into Desmond’s side and shoulder. With everything already prepared ahead of time, the procedure took less than an hour.

Jessica and Ammelia followed closely as Desmond was brought back to his room. After an hour of quiet discussion, the looked over as Desmond started to come around.

Desmond opened his eyes and sat up. The doctors tried to stop him but he waved them away “Well, it feels like I was smacked over the head with a sledgehammer, “but at least I don’t have to kick a poor doctor’s ass.”

The doctor stepped out, returning a moment later with a cart holding Desmond’s new cybernetic arm. As he wheeled it to Desmond’s side, Jessica’s eyes kept darting between the arm and Desmond, a worried look on her face.

Desmond held his chin with his right hand, examining the arm. “Well, at least it is in a color I like. I was afraid it only came in neon pink. Lets hook it up.”

“Uh… Desmond, I wish we could have done this while you were asleep, but…” She bit her lip nervously. “This… isn’t going to be pleasant.”

Desmond raised an eyebrow. “Do I need to remind you of what I am covered in? Pain is not a problem, I just want the damn arm already if it is all the same for you.”

Jessica’s eyes widened a bit at the outburst. She let out a sigh, and grabbed a mouth guard off the cart. “Bite into this.”

Desmond raised an eyebrow again. “Not yours I hope. Let’s do this.” He put the mouth guard in his mouth and turned to his right.

The doctor called in two large men, who took places on either side of Desmond. Lifting the arm, he lined it up with the shoulder harness. “Well, here goes nothing.” He pushed forward. In an instant, an incredible pain flooded Desmond’s body, much worse than the quick way he had lost his arm before, as though he was feeling his arm slowly being ripped off all over again, this time much slower. His brain screamed as it struggled to come to terms with all of the signals being sent to it by the new mechanical limb.

Desmond bit down on the mouth guard hard and his eyes were squeezed shut. He let out a long scream but it was muffled from his mouth being closed and the object in his mouth. It took all he could not to lash out but his body began to shake. Sweat poured down his forehead as final final scream and a loud pop marked the end of the excruciating pain. “God damn it… you think that... would have been easier... huh…” He managed to get out in between his panting for breath.

“It will be, next time,” the doctor said. “But to be honest, I’m surprised you didn’t pass out. You handled that surprisingly well, considering…”

Jessica shuddered, rubbing her arms. “A-A lot better then I would have…” She sits down, as though the sight of Desmond’s suffering had caused her pain.

Desmond tried to move the arm but winced as a pain shot up him, like his arm had been asleep and circulation was cut off. He powered through the pain however and little by little he moved it more and more. “Feels like pins and needles…”

“It might take a day or two, but you’ll adjust to it.” Jessica gave him a reassuring smile. “The meld tends to make mixing things that much easier, even mixing man and machine.” She glanced at Ammelia. “Maybe we can do you next, huh?”

“I uh… I don’t think my father would like you fiddling with his tech," Ammelia said cautiously, “Besides, MELD makes me a little nervous…"

“I was just joking… sort of,” Jessica said with a wink. “At any rate, I’m beat, so I’m sure Desmond is too.”

Desmond kept fiddling with his arm, trying to close each individual finger and make a fist. “No, I am pretty good now…” He looked over at Jessica. “I do want something though if you can get it.”

“Um… sure,” Jessica nodded. “What’s that?”

Desmond looked away and at the wall, a large rumbling coming from his stomach. “I could really eat something other than jello right about now.”

Jessica smiled. The doctor started to say something, but Jessica quickly said, “I’m sure he can have at least one normal meal, or at least as normal as we can get here.” She got up, tapping Ammelia on the shoulder as she walked out. “I’ll be back with something from the Mess later.”

“Alright," Ammelia said happily, “See if you can find some ice cream!"

“You got it,” Jessica answered as she walked away.

“Well, at least that is something I guess.” Desmond got up and squatted in front of Ammelia. “Want to get the first touch Ammy?”

Ammelia gently touched his cold metal limb, “Can you feel that?”

Desmond was surprised he could actually feel her hand move across the metal. “Yeah, a little bit off balance but it feels just like my regular arm would.”

“Even still, you may have to go through a period of rehabilitation to get used to it," she said, slowly running her hand down his mechanical arm.

Desmond shook his head. “I don’t think so. If I am going to get used to this, I have to do it on my own terms…”

“It’s not weakness to have people help you Desmond," she said, placing a hand on his shoulder, “ You don’t have to rush this either..."

“Wasn’t saying I didn’t need help, I just need to go at my own pace. How else am I supposed to adjust if not on my own terms.” He flexed his arm up and down. “Besides, I am pretty sure I have a mechanic on call if I never need repair.” Desmond smiled at the thought of Ryan’s face when he saw his arm.

“You’re probably right. If you need any help don’t be afraid to ask.” Ammelia took her hand off of his shoulder carefully, not sure if that area still hurt.

Desmond smiled. “I will be sure to keep that in mind.” He tapped his hand on her leg and said. “You should get going, I wouldn’t want you to be kept from your actual duties.”

“Be careful with that arm okay?” she said, walking towards the door, “Oh, and don’t forget to bring me my ice cream!”

Desmond gave a two finger salute towards her. “I am the one who has gone without, you bring me ice cream and maybe I will share it.” He gave a mischievous grin as he rubbed the back of his neck with the new arm.

Desmond laid down, wanting to rest for a little while.

 

[Dahlexpert]

Good for now

Eva comes out of the training area, Well it looks like that meld really helped me out, Looks like when I released my restrictions to level seven it seems that the meld has stabilized my restriction, and it seems that i'm now permanently in my level seven state, for now that would work I don't want to become to strong now.

Hum I wish I can talk to lusset but if I try to x-com can track were I am and if they figure out that i'm a spy, well they may kill me most likely, God I wonder what she is doing, Hum most likely doing more experiments trying to advance humanity further into the future Sigh I hope she is OK.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

DarkGemini24601 and MarineAvenger: “Old, Fresh Wounds, Part 1”

When Desmond opened his eyes again, he was stiff, so he looked over at the clock. “11:42 at night? Man, that must have took more out of me than I care to think about.” He said out loud. He shook the weariness from his head and stood up. At first he wobbled a little but gained his feet as he walked towards the door.

The halls were dark and deserted at this hour so Desmond didn’t worry about anyone seeing him sneak out. He made his way into engineering, looking for the space that was given to him by the Commander. When he found the room he noticed that there was a hand scanner next to the door. “Well, at least she gave me a little privacy…”

Desmond placed his hand on the scanner and after a few seconds of scanning the door opened. He walked inside, taken aback by how large the room was. It was not long or wide in the sense but the ceiling rose high and fluorescent lights covered the ceiling. Desks lined one side of the wall while whiteboards the opposite. Training dummies that were from the old training range were set up in a corner and Desmond even noticed some hologram projectors at multiple points. As he took in the room, what caught his eye was a smaller desk on the far corner of the room.

He walked up to it, taking note of the state of the art computer and stationery. A note taped to the front of the monitor read, “Make good use of it. Signed, Morrigan…” Desmond put the note in one of the desk drawers and sat down at the computer. He turned it on and it requested a password. On a sticky note to his left was what he assumed was the username and password, and typed them in, gaining him access. He spent an hour setting it up and noticed what restrictions the Commander had meant by. Other than no internet access he was still able to send Emails, though they looked restricted to base only. Desmond looked over the rest of the stuff but remembered he had missed out on something big.

Desmond sat in the middle of the room and began to concentrate. It had been a week or two but he hoped that he still could send his report. The way it worked was that an experimental beacon was created to sense and pick up psionic waves that were sent out via telepathy to EXALT, which in turn, Avanix could send out weak waves that Desmond picked up. It was still very early in development so it was not a complete process. Desmond opened his mind, and tried to connect to the other side.

There was a period of silence, and it appeared as if there would be no response yet again. Then, Avanix responded. I read you, 42.

You know I don’t like being called that you know. Anyways, sorry for the late report...I assume you know there were some complications?

Yes. I will keep that in mind. However, there is someone here who would prefer to speak to you. “You may put on the headset, mistress. This should work properly,” Avanix informed her.

“Mistress, huh, is this really the enigmatic Lusett I have heard so little about?” Desmond thought to himself. Company Avanix?

A smooth female voice resonated in Desmond’s mind, though it was devoid of any apparent emotion for the moment. Desmond Walker, twenty-two, currently deployed as an infiltrator to the organization known as XCOM, or the Extraterrestrial Combat Unit. Also known as Subject 42, the first successful clone of the male template. Am I getting through?

Yes you are. Are you the famous Lusett I have heard almost nothing about?

There was a painful pause. No. My mother is dead at the hands of Viktor Dorian, as is my sister Eve. I am Subject Negative Zero, named Elene Exalt, artificially aged to eighteen. I am the heir to the Exalt family.

Desmond’s eyes shot open. The name stirred up emotion in him that he had not felt in years. You better not be playing with me… Viktor Dorian was executed for trying to sell scientific research. How come he is alive after all these years?

“Playing” with you? I do not… Avanix explained the phrase to Elene. No, I am telling you the truth. He was employed as a scientist and template for the male line of clones. A pause. He is...a monster, Elene added, to herself, not realizing Desmond would hear that thought as well.

You don’t think I know that! That bastard created me! No shit he is a monster. What I want to know is why he is still alive! Desmond was filled with anger and rage as his eyes glowed a blood red. Tell me what you know, now!

Desmond could feel that the young woman was uncomfortable, perhaps even afraid. Be respectful to the mistress! Avanix warned.

It’s alright… Elene thought, composing herself. I hate him as much as you do, but with his psionic powers I cannot move against him, and he controls the only line of clones currently in production, the male line. My prime directive is to survive and carry out my mother’s research, even if I want...revenge. Elene held her ruby pendant again for comfort.

Desmond tried his best to calm down but there was a deep welling coming from inside him that prevented it. Tell me...everything…

I only know why mother had him in her service. Nothing more, Subject Negative Zero replied flatly, retreating into her typical cold manner.

Desmond could no longer sit still, he paced uncontrollably around the room, not able to sit still. Girl you have no idea what he is capable of do you. If I were you I would dispose of him now, his psionics be damned. Kill that bastard now, while he still lets you live. Desmond was seething now as energy was just constantly being drained from him.

Tears welled up in the corners of Elene’s eyes, and she felt like she knew why. I...have never f-fought in actual combat, I...I was only instructed in how to go about it. He has all those clones on his side...and h-his powers...I cannot r-risk my life senselessly…

Desmond quickened his pace. If he has an army behind him then, lady, you are already risking your life. I doubt you could even defeat him even if you were trained! He is in the best possible position and he won’t stop until this world burns…

Elene was trembling, tears running down her cheeks. Wi-with-without a line of my own, I h-have no chance at… A pause. Y-you are horrible. M-men are horrible. To treat me...like…

How dare you… Avanix began, not at all happy with Desmond.