RP XCOM: The Story of Defiance.

[ZombieSplitter53]

Written by DarkGemini24612 [Thanksgiving Backlog]

“Friendship is Rocket Science” – Modya Dragomirov

“Hey, Modya!” a cheerful voice called from behind the Russian.

Modya turned around, noticing the ever-cheerful rocketeer he hadn’t seen since Operation Explosive Lightning.

“You haven’t forgotten me, have you?” Megan Connor asked with her hands on her hips, standing in the middle of the hallway.

“No, I have not, Megan,” Modya answered, shaking his head with mild amusement.

“Glad to see you’re doing better than before. I’ve heard it has to do with a woman, which comes as no surprise to me.” Megan grabbed his arm. “Follow me.”

Modya detached himself from the overeager young woman. “You don’t need to drag me…what is it?”

“You’ll see,” Megan answered cryptically. With a sigh, Modya decided to follow her.

Megan lead Modya to the bar, where 3 other people were seated at a table for five. “Allow me to introduce the other rocketeers, so that we might be friends,” The blonde-haired rocketeer began.

“I think we can introduce ourselves,” Sharron said, brushing back her gentle brown hair. She was a rookie when Modya had seen her last, though he had heard of her promotion. “Sharron Temple, 24, from Tel Aviv, Israel.”

“Scarlet Jacobs,” another female rocketeer said, not looking as if she particularly wanted to be here right now. She seemed more bored than anything. “I’m thirty one, and I’m from Wales in the U.K.” She pushed aside a lock of her long black hair on the front of her face, and fixed her reddish-hazel eyes on Megan. “And the next person to confuse me and that psychopath Van Dam gets to eat a rocket.”

“S-sorry about that…” Megan said, embarrassed. She’s contradicting herself there by acting like that…

“Letz Shake,” the only other male rocketeer finished.

“Yeah, my name sounds funny, I know. I’m twenty-nine, from Germany,” the brown-haired man added.

“You all already know me,” Megan began.

“Woo-hoo…” Scarlet Jacobs muttered.

“I’m Megan Connor, from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, nineteen years of age,” Megan finished. Whether she had heard Scarlet’s comment or not was up for debate.

“…uh…” Megan looked over at Modya. “This is Modya Dragomirov, from St. Petersburg in Russia, right?”

Modya nodded. “I’m twenty six years old, to clarify.” He sat down at the table with Megan and the others.

“Nice to meet you, Modya,” Letz said. “I was wondering if I was going to be the only guy around here assigned to blow things up with rockets.”

Modya smiled. “You are not so alone in that role, my friend,” he responded.

“Are you implying that we aren’t as qualified as you?” Sharron said, mostly joking.

“…both men and women are required to serve in the Israeli military if they’re called upon, right?” Scarlet asked after a moment of deliberation.

Sharron nodded. “It’s not as bad as you might think.”

“I didn’t say it was. I just found it…interesting.” Scarlet noticed that the other four were staring at her. “What?” she snapped.

“I think we all thought you hated people…” Letz said.

“I do hate people. Doesn’t meant I can’t enjoy learning about other cultures,” Scarlet shot back.

Megan sighed, closing her eyes for a moment and lowering her head slightly. She’s contradicting herself again...at least I got everyone together.

Modya received a glass of water, and drank it slowly. “I think I’m going to enjoy this group,” he said quietly, loud enough that only he could hear, though he was smiling as he did.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Written by DrakGemini24601 [Thanksgiving Backlog]

“An Angelic System” – Elene Exalt

Elene slowly opened her eyes, looking into her laboratory only lit by computers and blinking lights at the moment. 156, Lily, was sitting tirelessly at her desk, and looked up at Subject Negative Zero in her healing chamber. “Oh, hello mo-…sister,” Lily corrected herself, remembering what 157 had told her earlier.

The pod began to drain, and when it was empty of the Tz6 fluid Lily brought Elene her clothes. “How long have I been unconscious?” Elene asked.

Light swirled around, and took shape nearby in the form of a woman in her thirties. She was wearing smooth, dark gray armor that was a mixture of the appearance of medieval steel and alien alloys. It was very streamlined, as if meant for flight. On her back was a jetpack system with several rockets for propulsion, combined with two angelic wings shrouded in armor. She had the three-ringed symbol of Avanix as her eyes. “A few days, Mistress,” Avanix said.

Elene nodded. “I am glad to see you finished your avatar while I was…asleep.”

Avanix stretched her holographic wings; she barely had the room to do so in the room. “Would you like an update on what you missed?”

“I would,” Negative Zero replied, sitting down in a swivel chair and facing it towards Avanix.

“Emma made contact with Mr. Cross and secured us a laboratory there, and we’ve found a prospective template for the ‘Adam Project.’ Mr. Jimenez has agreed to work with us,” Avanix intoned.

A small smile found its way onto Elene’s face. “That is welcome news. I am glad Emma is safe for now.”

“Do you feel fit to return to your duties?” Avanix inquired.

Elene experimentally stretched her cramped limbs, and then nodded slightly. “The Tz6 did its job.” The clone felt the plasma wound on her stomach, which had faded to very faint scar thanks to the healing properties of the MELD. “I should be able to function normally now.”

“Then we should probably contact your mother. I have something in mind for her…” Avanix began.

Elene turned her chair around, back to her personal computer. “Tell me what you wanted to ask her to do.”

 

[MarineAvenger]

A New Opportunity Part 1
EXALT HQ
1100 Hours

Markus was awoken suddenly by a man with his face covered and wearing black fatigues. "Wake up, you have arrived." He said with no hint of emotion. Markus stretched out his arms and looked over at his companion. "Come on Riley, we are here." The dingo awoke and sprang to it's feet and followed his master out of the large VTOL. The man guided him around, Markus not knowing where he was being taken. The man shoved him into a large room and shut the big double doors. Behind the desk was a large, middle aged man with no hair on his head and sharp features. "Sit." He commanded and Markus followed suit, Riley sitting next to his master.

"My name is Viktor Dorian. I have chosen you to be an intern for my organization's science division in hopes that you could help speed up the process of things getting done here. I don't usually reach out to outside sources but right now we are severely understaffed at the moment in terms of research and development." He gave Markus a scary look. "I hope you do not disappoint...that would be unfortunate if you betrayed my instincts..."

Markus gave a nervous and grin. "Don't worry, um...Mr. Dorian, I promise I won't give you cause to let me go."

Viktor gave a single nod. "Sora, give our new recruit the run down." He said out loud.

Markus gave a curious look around seeing no one else in the room. "Understood." The British voice replied from the computer. "Well, basically you will be working in the labs with a few other scientists and you will be helping with, well, stuff related to your field." He said in a rushed and uninterested voice. "You will have advanced tech at your disposal and are not allowed anywhere but where you are specifically instructed access to. You got all that?" Markus nodded and Sora replied, "Good luck then." The AI then when silent and Viktor continued.

"Now that you know the basics, I expect you to go to the labs and meet the others. I warn you, there are not to be trusted. They have no love for me and will tell you anything that will make you think I am your enemy, be sure to not believe any lies they tell you."

Markus nodded again and noticed Viktor was staring at Riley. "Why did you see fit to bring a pet to the base? Do we look like a petting zoo?"

Markus looked down at Riley. "He is my, uh, partner. He helps me stay on task and since I am left my family behind, he is the closest thing to a friend I have, please let him stay."

Viktor sighed and put his forehead in his hand. "I have no love for animals, but if he will make you work harder he can stay. Just make sure he does not wander, or he will not find his way back to you..." Viktor stated, his voice sounding dead serious.

"Yes sir, he never really leaves my side anyways, I will make sure he is not a problem!" He said quickly.

"Good, now get out and go to the labs for your assignment."

Markus got up and whistled for Riley to follow him out the door. Leaving Viktor sitting at his desk. "Sora, keep an eye on him. I don't want him corrupted by the girls..."

"I will try." He said, disappearing once more.

"This gamble better pay off..." He grumbled. "I hate wild cards."

 

[MarineAvenger]

A New Opportunity Part 2 (MarineAvenger and DarkGemini24601)
EXALT HQ
1200 Hours

Markus walked around the building, getting a feel of the layout considering this was where he would be spending his time now. The meeting with Mr. Dorian could have gone better but he just thought he was taking it hard on the new person. He was sure he would grow on him in time. Markus climbed into an elevator and pressed one of the lower buttons to the science wing, the way down longer than he anticipated. When it got down to his level, he walked out and saw a dark blonde woman looking over another girl’s shoulder. “Hi, is this the science lab?”

A black-haired girl in military clothing stopped leaning on the wall. "Uh...who the hell are you? You're not one of the K dudes..."

Subject Negative Zero tilted her head slightly. "Somewhat vulgar, but not an invalid question."

Markus gave a nervous smile and scratched the back of his head. “Um, no I guess not. I am a new scientist that was picked for an internship at...wherever this is.”

"Viktor Dorian, recruiting a normal human being..." Elene mused, smiling slightly. "Heh..." she said without detectable amusement in her tone. "What is your name?"

He walked over and gave an enthusiastic smile and held out his hand. “I am Markus Grathem. Nice to meet you, um…”

Elene shook his hand briefly. "Subject Negative Zero, more commonly referred to as Elene Exalt. Artificially aged to eighteen years." She glanced at the brunette at the computer. "This is Subject 156, Lily, slightly younger than me."

Vee shook her head. "Just call me Vee, no 'Subject 157' nonsense."

Markus put up a finger about to say something and then backed down. He looked at all the three girls with a look of confusion. “Wait...Subject, artificially aged. What are you three going on about? I wasn’t really informed of much.”

"How is a scientist to do his job when he knows little," Lily muttered.

"I am a clone of the former leader of EXALT, Lusett Exalt," Elene explained. "I used some of the additional DNA from the female template, also present in certain amounts in myself, to create Lily and Vee."

Markus took a step back. “Wait, you said ‘clone’, I thought human cloning went against human ethics or something. Why are we creating clones?” He shook his head. “Is that why I was chosen, I did have the highest bio grade in my college but is this really something I want to do?” He muttered.

Elene shook her head. "If human cloning had not been initiated by my mother, I would not exist, and neither would these two. As for your involvement, I do not believe you have a choice anymore," she said, lowering her voice. "Viktor Dorian is the kind of man that would not hesitate to kill you to keep his secrets."

Markus’s face drained of color. “K-ki-kill...me!? What is this place anyways, what have I signed up for?”

Avanix, do you mind tampering with the security equipment so I can hold an actual conversation with this man? Elene requested.

Consider it done, though don't take too long.

Elene sat down on a swivel chair, facing Markus. "Viktor Dorian is in the process of creating a militarized organization. For what purpose beyond waging war on the extraterrestrial combat unit, or XCOM, I do not know," Elene explained. Besides the retrieval of Desmond. "But understand that what he is doing is not something I entirely approve of, though he needn't know that."

He sat down in a chair across from her, laying his head on his hand. “This is...is so much to take in. What am I going to do? I have siblings and parents, What am I supposed to do? I can’t very well leave…”

"...I doubt there is anything I could say to reassure you. Understand that I cannot entirely trust you at this juncture," Negative Zero pointed out. "But, understand that I would not allow harm to come to you if it is possible to protect you. My pursuit is science, not killing, although that is the direction my research seems to be taking as of late..."

He looked at Elene. “If Mr. Dorian is such a bad man how do I know that you aren’t with him? How do I know you won’t kill me as likely as he would?”

Elene clenched her fists, a look of anger flashing across her formerly calm features. "Don’t you dare...compare me to him..." She closed her eyes, calming down slowly. "He killed my mother, Markus. I have no loyalty to him, and despite the way I pretend to be obedient he must know that, or he is a fool."

Markus looked guilty and held up his hands. “Look, sorry if I hit a cord! I didn’t know, but look, what am I supposed to do? I mean, I have…” Markus pursed his lips and looked at Elene. “Have you any rules against animals? I managed to get permission from Mr. Dorian, but it was hard getting it from him.”

-0 blinked. "What sort of animal do you mean?" she said with an expression that revealed little.

“Well, um...I can show you…” He got up and walked to the door, whistling a short high pitched whistle. “Riley! Come!” A few seconds later, the beige dingo strode into the room and sat down next to Markus. “This is Riley, he is my dingo…”

"As long as he does not interfere with research, I have no issue with his presence," Elene said while looking at the dog curiously.

The dog walked up to Elene and licked her hand, sitting down and wagging his tail.

Elene smiled slightly, and petted the dog gently.

"Don't worry, we'll just have to dissect him, " Vee said casually. Seeing Markus's worried look, she added, "I'm joking."

Riley walked away from Elene’s hand and jumped up onto Vee’s chest, whimpering and tilting it’s head. “Seems he likes you two already…” Markus stated.

"Onto more serious matters...I have three requests for you," Elene said, her smile fading. "The first is that you pretend to be loyal to Viktor. I would appreciate having a go-between he thinks he can trust. Secondly, as my scientific assistant, make sure I receive all of your data. It would be...unfortunate for me if you were to make Viktor's clone soldiers stronger without my knowledge. Finally, Viktor will not allow me to bolster EXALT with any more clones...but he just might allow you to be for more scientific staff. That is... if you are comfortable with that process in the future."

Markus sat down and sighed. “Look, I am all well and good for helping you with research, but I don’t want to get involved with your feud here. It might sound cold but that is the truth of it, I am not that good with this sort of stuff, I am just a lab assistant…”

"Understandable," Subject -0 replied. "It would be illogical to put yourself at unnecessary risk for someone you only recently met," she analyzed clinically. "Were you informed of the sort of technology you would be working with?"

Markus shook his head. “All I was told was that the technology was really advanced, no specifics, and I was also told that my field of expertise was needed for the advancement of the organization or something like that…” He explained.

"Allow me to deepen your understanding, then. Follow me," Elene said, standing up and walking towards the more hands-on portion of the laboratories. "We are dealing with extraterrestrial technology and the advancements it provides for science and...understandably military advances."

The scientist stepped over to a strange-looking computer beside a green, faintly glowing tower. "This is some of the power sources and computers we acquired by shooting down two alien craft I hypothesize were fighters of sorts," Elene explained. "Of course, due to the durability of the ships we encountered resistance." She proved her point by showing tanks where the bodies of Floaters and Thin Men were kept. "The alien's genetics have accelerated research into genetics and biology, which I am aware is your specialty."

Elene displayed a series of tables on the other side of the room. Behind them were containers of alien alloys. "What you see on the tables..." Elene gestured to alien drones, some of them still intact. "Are examples of the aliens robotics, and nearby we have fragments of their weapons, as well as one intact carbine we were able to recover." Containers of elerium were also to be found. The dark blonde clone walked into another room, which contained vats where Viktor's 'K' line were grown. "But what you will likely be most interested in is the Tz6 substance." she finished,Pointing to tanks full of an orange liquid.

"The Tz6 has the ability to make genetic manipulation easily possible, and has thus far been used for genetic modifications, some cybernetic prototypes, cloning, accelerated growth and healing, and apparently was used by the alien fighters to provide a boost to speed by consuming the elerium."

Markus rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, I am speechless...so much alien influence. We are sure this is safe, right? I mean, you are more experience than me and I don’t want to accidently kill everything.”

"My two sisters and I have undergone genetic enhancement, and have operated laser weapons. It is as safe as possible, although I advise caution. I had to slow the progress of Vee's enhancements, because too much at one time of the Tz6 can be deadly, but there are no ill after effects thus far," -0 replied.

Markus let out a sigh. “Well, then I guess you have a lot to teach me. I hope I can be helpful to you at least.”

"All of the research data is available to you. Once you have a grasp of your field, it would allow Lily and I to focus on other fields," Elene said.

Markus nodded, holding out a hand. “I guess this makes us co workers then. I hope we will work well together.”

Elene raised an eyebrow. "Did we not shake hands earlier?"

He smiled. “Yeah, but well...why not?”

The scientist with reptilian yellow irises shrugged, and shook his hand again.

“So, where shall we start?” He said enthusiastically.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Dalexpert & ZombieSplitter53
The Commander and the Mercenary Leader, Part One

X-COM Headquarters, Somewhere in Siberia
1230 Hours

"Um... Commander," Bradford said, cautiously entering the Commander's Office. "I thought you might want to see the list of new recruits coming in."

Morrigan chuckled. "Why, a friend of mine coming in?" She took the list from Bradford and quickly scanned it. After a few moments, the smile dropped from her face. "Get her in here. Now."

Bradford nodded. "She's already on her way."

Ashley entered the Commander's office, looking at the secretary. "Excuse me, but the Commander wanted to see me. This is her room, isn't it?"

Peggy nodded, hitting the button to open the door. "She's expecting you."

As Ashley entered the room, Bradford gave Ashley a grim look, while Morrigan tried her best not too look displeased. "Have a seat, Ms... ahem, Van Dam."

Ashley closed the door behind her and bowed her head. "It's a pleasure to meet you two. I'm Ashley Van Dam, leader of the Van dam family. Well, soon to be leader of the Van Dam family. May I ask why I am here?"

Morrigan cleared her throat, a bit relieved. "Well... you leave a slightly better first impression... I wanted to inform you that... you aren't the first Van Dam to grace X-COM's presence. Though, to be fair, it could be a case of same name, no relation, but are you familiar with a Scarlet Van Dam?"

Ashley slammed her hand into her face and let out a loud growl. "What did she do? Did she kill anybody, or amputate, or decapitate, torture, excitingly bomb? *Sigh* What did she do, and how bad was she? If you can't tell already, yes, I know her. She is my cousin."

Morrigan held up a hand. "She didn't kill anyone, though she did assault many of my other soldiers. She was also a bit too enthusiastic about her job in the... murder department. We had to let her go, and I was barely able to get her off base alive, and I mean that in regards to both her life and my own."

*Sigh* "I sincerely apologize for her behavior. See, Scarlet had a, how do I put this... she had a terrible... no, that's not the word, um... traumatizing childhood, and because of that, she does not trust anybody, and believe me if you knew about her upcoming, you would understand why she is the way she is."

"Be that as it may, I don't believe she fit well here, to say the least. But you..." Morrigan smiled. "You actually seem to be in control of yourself. Your respectful. And I appreciate that." Bradford let out a sigh of relief, and Morrigan ignored him.

Ashley smilds at Morrigan. "Well, I have to be this way. I was brought up to be polite. See, my family sees me as next line to lead our people into the next generation. My father is our tribes leader, and because I'm his first born, I'm meant to be polite to outsiders."

"That's good to hear. My uncle was the same way, though I'm not sure if all the lessons stuck." Morrigan rubbed her chin in thought. "How are you getting along so far on base?"

"I haven't been here for long, but the base looks impressive. Though there is something you might want to know about me, Commander."

Morrigan folded her hands. "And what is that, pray tell?"

"Well, the thing is, we Van Dam's are a very brutal people. Scarlet, despite what you might believe, is an extreme example of my people. But an example none the less. However, the thing about me... because I'm primed to be there leader, I have to deny my violent nature and become a good person, and because of that, I have not been in combat for 9 or 10 years.

Morrigan shrugged. "I can see why you might be concerned, dear, but rest assured, we have the most advanced training facility in the world. We'll get you back up to snuff. Just as long as you're able to leave your aggression on the battlefield."

"Well, that's good to hear. And don't worry about my aggression. I was in the military for a few years, and was trained to keep my nerves in check during combat. I know when to add more aggression to myself, and when none is needed."

The Irish Commander smiles. "Well.. you've satisfied my concerns. Was there anything else you needed to know from me?"

"Tell me, Commander... to kill my doubts about you. Tell me why I should follow your orders. What makes you worthy of leadership, and give me your honest answer. Don't get me wrong, when I'm on the battlefield I can take orders. I just want to know what makes you capable of leading these men and women to the unknown."

Morrigan closed her eyes, giving the question a careful thought. "Well... I suppose I could speak of my experience, both in the military and in commanding, but in truth, I believe it is because of my personal purpose here. It is my goal to protect as many people as I can." She shakes her head. "With the new holo-training room, now more then ever, one could be tempted to think of the soldiers as dispensable, easily replaced tools. But it is my goal to make sure everyone of my men gets home if possible, and I grieve each and every one that doesn't. We're here to save humanity, and I'll be damned if I let anyone give up theirs without a fight, including myself."

"Heh heh HA HA HA HA HA. You remind me of my mother when I was a little girl. I remember her telling me, when I was just a little baby, no more then 4 years old, She said 'Ashley, the woman of our family are very strong and as proud as they are beautiful. In your blood lies thousands of woman and man that fought proudly for honor and family. That is what's important in life. Never lose yourself to anger or vengeance, and never change who you are or what you believe in.' I carry those words with me everyday and I say the same thing to my daughter every night before she sleeps. So congratulations, Commander, you have earned my trust and my respect."

Morrigan smiled, extending her hand. "I look forward to working with you, Ms. Van Dam."

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

The Commander and the Mercenary Leader, Part Two

Ashley shakes Morrigan's hand. "Like wise Commander, but there is one thing I need to ask you. And if I don't like your answer... I will need to prep for something."

Morrigan leaned forward. "Is there something you need, dear?"

"It... It's my daughter. Is there any way you could bring her here to this safe heaven... if that's possible?

Morrigan glanced to her first officer, standing silently on the side of the room. He stepped forward, and answered, "After Operation Twisted Vengeance, we came to realize that certain accommodations would be in order. An influx of rescued civilians, many with no homes to return to, has many of our guests staying longer then intended. Because of this, the Council finally approved a request to include a small refugee quarters during our expansion of the civilian staff quarters. We currently have a surplus of space, so at least until we need the rooms for more refugees, there is room to take in staff family members, provided there is a special reason for them being here."

Morrigan nodded, turning back to Ashley. "Is there a reason why she can't stay with your family?"

"Well I'm more... worried for them all. Now if the aliens are the worthy opponents that I want them to be, they will find a way to get past the Alaskan cold, and when that happens, my family will no doubt try and mow down the aliens. Bit if the aliens treat Alaska like they did Moscow, and many other places, then my family will hold them off for an hour until their dead. Now, what I can offer you, if you let my kid into X-COM... I can offer you some of my people to help you around the base. For instance, do you need more doctors?"

Morrigan thinks for a moment. "Well... we could always use more volunteers with experience. But I'm afraid I couldn't accommodate your entire family. Many people share you fears for their families, especially after Moscow." She sighed deeply. "However, from what you've told me, your family seems as determined to fight as we are, and doing so would make it difficult to watch a child." Running her hair through her fiery red hair, Morrigan asked, "What is your daughter's name? How old is she?''

"Her name is Cassia Van Dam, and she is 5 years old, and even though she is 5, she is a Van Dam. She is always asking me to take her hunting, and keeps asking me to train her. She says she want to be like me. Heh, if only she knew what I did in my past."

"Now as for my family helping, I'm not asking for my whole family to come here, Commander, because taking in three hundred people is too much to ask for. But I have some people in mind. My wife and me, even though I'm a solder, we can help in the medical bay. My brother and his family can help as well, he and his wife can work security. Now... the last one is tricky, and with your history, you may not like who I have for engineering."

"Now let me stop you there." Morrigan raised a finger. "If I think you are going to say what I think you are going to say, then no." Morrigan closed her eyes. "There are plenty of soldiers and staff here that would insist their family would be great working here and there, and I can't give you special treatment like that." She tapped her fingers for a few long moments. Finally, she opened her eyes, and said, "I'll allow your wife..." She said wife, right? "...I'll allow her to come on as a medical tech. We need one anyway to compensate for the increase in refugees. And she can bring your daughter with. And... that's the best I can do for you."

"Heh Heh ,well it was with a shot, but bringing my wife and child here... I greatly thank you for that. But do you know any place in the world were I can more some of the others? I don't need you to transport them, I just need you to tell me if there is somewhere `safe for now at least."

Bradford stepped forward again. "The Council is currently using what few access funds we can afford to work with local governments and set up shelters in case of alien attacks. They should seek those out. After a resent assault in Canada, there should be one near your family."

*Sigh* "Well, that's the best I can do, huh? I will have to move some of the children, hunters, teachers, and doctors we have there." Ashley grabbed her head. "But I can't have them over populate the place. Damn, okay, maybe I can send the young children, some of the teachers, and some of our doctors, and send maybe thirteen hunters with them. God, how many can the compound take in?"

Bradford shrugged. "Quite a few. But like you said, they can't hold everyone. I'd suggest sending any non-combatants. Anyone who can fight would have stay behind."

"Thank you, sir. Alright the children, doctors, teachers, and some weapons-makers, and maybe some of our hunters can go there. Now as for my home base... Heh Heh Heh... Well my brother, Scarlet, and Mustang can handle defense. And with those three leading the defense of our home, the aliens better bring their A game, but their A game might not be enough. Ha Ha. Commander, I thank you for giving Scarlet back to us. She may not like giving up her child, but she will just have to be angry. But I will have to tell them when I'm done here." Ashley got up. "You don't need to see me strategizing, Commander. I have a lot to get done. But again, thank you, Commander, for letting my family come here."

"You're welcome. Just make it worth it by giving us your best. You're dismissed."

Ashley bowed her head. "And Commander, I have not killed anything for years, and I thank you for allowing me to return to my old self. And trust me, you will not be disappointed."

 

[DarkGemini24601]

No Escape

They never left the surgery tables, it seemed. For although being shackled down to a cold, metallic bed that aided the aliens in their unspeakable experiments was a horrible fate, being removed meant something worse. It meant you were useless to them. It meant that you would die...or worse. The violet-black creatures attested to that.

A tall one paced, watching as the grays cut humans apart, sometimes fatally, sometimes not. She wondered if she envied those that were granted the release of death. Was it wrong to feel that way? The tall one stopped at one of her kinsmen and his sister. “What have you found?” It asked them the small grays as they inspected the brains of the still-living humans.

The grays said nothing, communicating in a different means entirely that she was beginning to suspect was via telepathy. The tall one sighed. “Useless, then,” he lamented, and pulled out a plasma pistol. Before the girl could even cry out for her two kinsmen, he shot them both in the head, killing them and leaving behind a gruesome scene. “Clean this up,” he said callously to the grays, who obeyed without signs of sympathy for the now-deceased siblings.

Tears formed in her eyes, as she had known them as friends before. Now...they were just more DNA, nothing but data to the ones who brought them here. The tall one continued to inspect the others, nodding and mentioning things such as the “gift” another had spoken of to her before, and certain colors...types associated with this ‘gift’, perhaps?

The Thin Man strode over to a young man next to her. “This one is useless as well?” he asked the lone gray beside him, who nodded its oversized head. “Only about half are useful...disappointing, I expected better from THESE tribals...though I should be at least thankful they’re more than just muscle like the ones that serve us right now.” He reached for his executioner pistol.

“N-no!” she said in protest, pleadingly. “Not him…”

The tall one fixed his reptilian eyes on her. “Your opinion is noted, but irrelevant,” he said, grinning with sadistic amusement.

YOU SHOULD NOT WASTE ALL OF THEM, SOME MAY PROVE PROMISING AS CANDIDATES FOR GENETIC MODIFICATION. WE DID NOT DISCARD THE BALMADAAR FOR THAT REASON, the powerful, mysterious voice commanded the tall one, who held his head in pain.

“Fine, fine, I understand,” he said in frustration. “Take this one to the laboratory…” he said to the small gray that looked at him expectantly after hearing the mental command from its master.

The girl watched him be taken away, wondering if he was going to suffer a fate worse than death. “What have I…”

The tall one grabbed her by the throat, anger burning in his eyes. “Do not think it was you that gave me that command. You can hear his voice, right? Your awakening lets you…” She did not answer, and he dug his other hand into her shoulder. “Answer me!”

“Y-yes…” she said tearfully. “I-I’m sorry.”

His anger subsided at her, smug confidence returning that he could still instill fear into others. He let go of her neck, which had marks on it from his surprisingly strong grasp. “Good,” he muttered, walking off.

She stared at the dark ceiling in despair, whispering very quietly to herself. “Atka...save me…” Nouja pleaded, hoping that somehow her sister could hear despite the impossibility.

Atka came to, holding a hand over her rapidly beating heart. “That...that couldn’t just be dream…” she said quietly in disbelief. “Nouja...I’ll save you...I promise…”

 

[MarineAvenger]

If Only Things Were So Simple

Desmond stood in his dreamscape once more. He had walked the same hallway and ended at the same destination. The large white room went on forever but the figure in the middle of it all had changed. "So you have returned? I was wondering if you would show up again." The 'other' Desmond stood up from a meditative kneeling and stared Desmond down. "Have you thought about what we talked about before?" He smiled and chuckle menacingly.

Desmond put on a hard face, no longer disturbed by his other self. "Yes, I have. You are right, I can't change who I am..."

The 'other' Desmond put on an even wider grin. "The you admit I am right and that you will eventually kill all your friends...did I get all that?" He said so matter-of-factually.

Desmond slowly shook his head. "You are wrong, I can't change who I am, but I can damn well choose the person I will become!" He stepped towards his doppelganger. "You are the very thing I was heading towards, you are the outcome of the darkness inside of me. You are the reason I can't properly use my psionics. The answer was staring me in the face the whole time and I was too caught up in my own self ideals that I missed what was going on around me. I shut out all that was good in my life because I believed pain and tolerance were the only things that gave me power. You used that against me in my last dream, but you won't fool me again." He continued stepping towards himself.

"Oh is that right, because if I am not mistaken, you were like that way before I ever showed up so it is all on you there buddy." He shot an evil grin at Desmond. "Choice words and a night of fun may have diluted your mind but it has not mine. I can see the true you, I am the true you!"

Desmond slowly walked up to the man, each step echoing against the emptiness of the room. "No, you were me. You were a fragment of my mind that appeared when I was in darkness, but now, I am free of your control." He walked up to himself and stared directly into his eyes. "You are not me! I am me, and this is my life! Me...and me alone will dictate how I will live it. I may be a clone, I may just be a puppet, hell I may just be a warrior, but this is my mind, and I will not have it invaded by a pretender!"

The doppelganger's face went into one of pure rage. "You are weak! You will never be able to rid yourself of me, I am the outcome of your anger, and that is something you are still very much consisted of."

Desmond stared to seethe energy, this time his whole body surged with power. "My name is Desmond Walker! I will not give in to myself and I will destroy anyone who threatens me or the ones I care for!" He slammed his head into the 'other' Desmond and sent him sprawling backwards. Desmond walked up to him but he got up making a futile chance to escape but Desmond blocked off his path, shaping the room to his own image. The doppelganger turned towards Desmond a look of horror on his face.

"You can't kill me, I am apart of your very mind and soul!" He slid down against the wall and held his hands up defensively.

Desmond slapped his hand away and picked him up from his collar. "For too long I have lived under the shadow of my own self hatred, but today...I will be free!" He slammed himself into he ground and his left hand, bringing it up to eye level. For the first time since his operation, he had felt whole again, as if his arm wasn't even missing. The doppelganger tried to crawl away but Desmond put a foot on his back. "I don't need you any longer, I am free of your wretched influence."

The man laughed. "Do you really think that this will change anything? I will always be around, inside of you. I am the voice in your head that will always loom over you. You cannot love without me!"

Desmond pressed down with his foot and kneeled down. "I think I will live, besides, I already have someone to guide me." He put a hand on the doppelgangers head and closed his eyes. He let his willpower take over and with a horrifying scream the doppelganger slowly vanished from his mind. When Desmond opened his eyes he was no longer standing in a bright room but in a meditative one in his lab. He stood up and gave a sigh of relief and with a smile he held up his arm, it no longer feeling off balanced or heavy. He stared at it and couldn't help but think to himself for a moment. I have Aya to thank for this, without her I would have never found out the answer.

He put his arm down and brought up the 3D model of the arm. "No use throwing away valuable data, might as well come up with some improvements. He swiped away the model and looked down at the necklace on his neck. "I still haven't forgotten my promise, but for now, I have other plans Master." He stated in a low voice. He walked out the door and walked down the hall. "I may have great struggles ahead of me, but it is time I started to believe that I can choose who I am. For too long I have thought about what I may become, and not on what I could be, but that will all change..."

 

[Taxor_the_First]

Report from Overseer to Commander O'Brien of X-COM.
Commander's eyes only.

• Operation "Wiped Debt" is complete, with success. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that, Commander. EXALT did make an attempt, however agent Yokolov characterized it as "non-serious". According to him, they considered him and his colleagues as a band of mercenaries looking to make a quick ransom. They would have preferred to take custody of the girl themselves, but were content in the knowledge that she was held by people that were not friends of X-COM, and so backed off quickly once their protectors made it clear that they were unwilling to release her to them. I find it reassuring that my involvement in the project remains as yet undiscovered.
• Agents Arterius and Sullivan have been exposed as EXALT informants. Their next of kin have been notified.
• Attempting to track down the missing half of the alien ship your people shot down has turned up no leads. Given that the pieces haven't shown up on the black market, it is safe to assume that EXALT obtained them.
• The aliens appear to have begun singular abductions - locating someone, anyone, and then kidnapping them when there is no one around. This practice isn't widespread, causing myself and several members of the Council to question whether this is a legitimate strategy or whether it is simply a test of one. We will know more as the war continues.
• Unfortunately, my hopes for survivors in my network based in India appear to have been unfounded. No news has come out of the country since it dropped support for the project, which in itself is news enough. Ideally it will serve as an example to the other member nations of the project, however my own experience with politicians suggests that this will not deter them from pulling support should they deem your performance "unsatisfactory".
• Since the "Egg Salt" debacle, I've been purging my networks of individuals who may not have humanity's best interests in mind. As a result, my information gathering operations in several parts of the globe have been disrupted, however better it occur now then when EXALT discovers my complicity with the Council. Normal service should return within the month.
• Someone calling themselves the "Spirit of Gandhi" is attempting to access nuclear sites around the world, with the intention of using them on alien forces whenever they appear, regardless of the size of said force. So far he lacks the expertise to do so. I intend to keep it that way. I must admit I am bewildered by his choice of pseudonym, understanding the need for a fitting one myself. Why Gandhi?
  
• A Colombian mercenary with close ties to his government, a "Nicolás Jiménez", has gone missing with no order from his government. I suspect EXALT's work, however the man has vanished completely. No trace, living or dead, except for the knowledge that he took a flight to London. If it is indeed EXALT, it begs the question of why they are only hiring the one mercenary rather than a whole squad of them. Were I a joking person, I might imply that they've obtained a reputation ever since the episode involving your former prisoner Ms. Kasagi. I will undertake more research as necessary, however as the EXALT link is unconfirmed, it will remain a low-priority task.
  
• The recent hijacking of American air drones appears to be the doing of EXALT once again. The missing aircraft were spotted in combat with alien fighters. It would seem that they are attempting to gather alien resources in a similar fashion to X-COM. I still remain in the dark as to how the hijacking was accomplished in the first place. I will alert you to any developments on that front.
  
• As a personal interest for you, the sightings of aliens around the town you'd secreted your daughter in have been growing more numerous. Your reconsideration was timely.

I will continue to send information as necessary.
A pleasure to finally work directly with you, Commander.
Regards, the Overseer

 

[DarkGemini24601]

Progress Waits for No One - Elene Exalt

Elene went over her personal research notes, glad to be part of the fold again. It had been unfortunate to be wounded for several days, as it threatened to put her behind. With XCOM likely outnumbered her staff, it was up to the two...three, rather, EXALT scientists to keep up with the help of Sora and a hidden Avanix.

Basic combat technology was the first order of business. Laser weapons were certainly finalized, though Subject Negative Zero doubted she would be able to meet Vee’s request for a ‘laser rocket launcher’, as explosives powered by that energy seemed unlikely. Perhaps a “scatter” grenade was in order, though. And Elene had to thank XCOM for creating the Scatter Laser Pistol, something she would not have initially thought of on her own.

Armor was finally underway. With the influx of alien alloys, elerium, and MELD from the two crashed fighters and the haul coming from the abductor that XCOM had shot down, Avanix had been tasked with replicating the ‘phalanx’ and ‘carapace’ armor that XCOM had been using, as well as their curious “Kestrel” armor. The first was done, and the next tier including the other two variants was well underway. Unfortunate that it would benefit Viktor’s clones as well as the Handmaidens...but at least some samples had found their way to Emma in Cross Technologies.

As Markus deepened his understanding, Elene was hesitantly placing trust in him to focus on the biology aspects of their research. Although she found herself adverse to the idea of creating anything like the Floaters, the Thin Men had some interesting properties that could be added to genetic modification. Lusett’s genius advances into that field prior to and at the start of the invasion were nothing to discount though, as Elene saw no reason to further modify Vee. The Sectoid’s psionic powers still eluded the young scientist, though she knew Desmond was the one to specialize in that more than anyone. Make that four scientists.

The capture of the intact drones meant much to Elene. She had been working with the alien robotics ever since, though found that their computer language was more complex that she had anticipated. Avanix and the brilliant scientist together were working on doing so, but for now they focused more on the physical aspects of the alien robotics. Drone models were being put into practice, and although reinforced with alien alloys, they were primarily constructed from conventional metals due to a need to conserve resources. These new drones did not retain their strange ‘repair’ beam at the current time, but instead had wings and advanced maneuverability, serving as miniature fighter drones rather than repair assistants.

Although Subject Negative Zero had received reports of the elusive ‘Seekers’ and ‘Cyberdiscs’, she had yet to examine one to uncover its secrets. A conventional shock would not be enough to capture the latter intact. Perhaps some sort of EMP pulse...though it would be awhile before Elene could pull anything like that off. She eagerly awaited the arrival of data on the MECs from her mother Eva, as that could advance her studies into large but mobile weapons and utilities such as an EMP pulse. That information, however, she kept to herself because she had no desire to give Viktor Dorian mech suits.

Other technology that was intriguing to Elene was the alien flight computers and elerium generators. However, the programming code prevented her from learning anything further, though she had Lily begin preliminary research into these “elerium boosters” the fighters had used, the structures still fairly intact. The actual substance of elerium seemed to be able to generate tremendous power, and Elene realized that if she could grasp its potential fully it would put EXALT ahead of XCOM in powering technology. Thus, Viktor needn’t know of its full potential, though it was certainly something to share with her Handmaidens, and perhaps, in time, David Cross.

For him, she had some special ideas in mind. She would first introduce him to Mr. Jimenez, and explain that he was a test subject for cloning. Then, she would propose that while Emma worked on the field of genetics, Mr. Cross would work on something more suited to his field. Elene had further ideas on robotics she had not seen fit to share with Viktor, as well. Not only would she explain the potential of robotic MEC troopers, but rather than augment too many clones, she would put to use her second idea. A line of humanoid robotic troopers to serve as the backbone of Elene’s resistance force had occurred to her. Not only could she have her male and female cloning lines, but she believed that she was closing in on creating androids of sorts. Nothing too complex, but she already had the AI knowledge to make them suited to whatever task she required them to preform. And Elene knew that with David’s help, she could perfect the more technical aspects of robotics with the engineer, who would likely be as drawn to the idea as she was.

However, that idea could only come to full fruition if Elene could understand the alien computer language. If she was able to do that...it would mean that her automatons would be as advanced as the aliens, save for experience. And it would be helped if she could get more technical data on XCOM’s SHIVs and MECs. To do so, however, she would have to hack their database. And from what Desmond had told her about the AI called the “Cheshire Cat”, she knew that would be no easy task. Despite that, Avanix felt ready for an attempt, and Elene knew it would soon be time to attempt to gain what data she could to catch up with XCOM.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

New Toys

"What a fascinating object," Dr. Vahlen mumbled as the machine slowly scanned the large, shard-like remains of outsider. Lifting a digital-recorder, she said, "The object we are now referring as the 'Outsider Shard' is simply bustling with data. I am actively sending the data to Dr. Shen and engineering. Despite the way it moves and attacks, it has been confirmed that this being is completely inorganic. Thus, this being is the most advanced example of artificial intelligence we have ever seen. I'm sure this advanced our research in that field by decades. It also has untold processing power pact into a small form, and the shard itself acts as a type of mobile holographic and shield projector.

"What's more, with outside noise brought to a minimum, it took little effort to detect a very distinct signal... the source our shard's "hum." While we have a number of theories, both the Research and Engineering teams seem to be in agreement... the shard itself is acting as some form of communications relay. We are closing in to something big, we are sure of it, and all we need is a little more data to go on. Perhaps this shard, once we are finished analyzing it, will act as a key to finding our enemies hiding place."

She glanced to the side, lifting a large object. "This strange object was found in the bridge of the ship as well. While one cannot say with any certainty, it resembles some kind of... tribal headdress. However, it is much too small for a sectoid to wear, and despite it being the appropriate size for an adult human to wear, I somehow don't see a Thin Man wearing it. Of special interest is this large hole, surrounded by scorch marks, which leads me to believe whoever wore this yet is no longer amongst us. I have too much on my plate to give this the proper analysis, so I will be passing it on to Dr. Anderson. I'm confident she will give it the attention it deserves."

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

"So a good mission, overall, huh?" Sunny asked, fiddling with the computer in her room.

"Are you kidding?!" Ayame had a huge grin on her face. "We came, we saw, we kicked alien... uh, butt!" She folded her arms, a smug look on her face. "Even bagged me one of those tall dudes. I think 'good mission' is an understatement."

"W-where you scared?" The young engineer asked, turning to look at her older friend.

Ayame laughed nervously. "Are you kidding? Of course I... was..." Ayame scratched her chin. "Haven't had much experience with that kinda combat." She punched her fist in her hand. "Kinda shook my confidence, losing my entire squad in Chicago." She throws a few more punches in the air. "But now I'm back, and with Atka at my side, I'm gonna nail all those... uh, jerks."

Sunny giggled, turning back to the computer. "And I'll do what I c-can to watch your back out there."

The Asian soldier leaned over Sunny, her long hair blocking the girl's view. "You working on something for the SHIVs, then?"

The girl pushed Ayame's hair to the side like a current. "N-Not exactly. I'm working on something a little more personal. Alice asked me for a favor."

Ayame raised an eyebrow. "The computer... asked for a favor?"

"Mmmhmm." Sunny smiled. "She's become a lot more independent, especially since the upgrades to her AI. Her emotions are practically human now, and she wanted something to make people, um... t-take her more serious, as she put it."

"What, like a gun?"

Sunny shook her head. "Nothing that extreme." After a few keystrokes, the young-looking hologram materialized behind them, wearing a flowing pink Victorian-style dress. Turning around, Sunny said. "Alright, Alice, saying something."

Clearing her 'throat', Alice started, "'You are old, Father William,' the young man said, 'And your hair has become very white; And yet you incessantly stand on your head. Do you think, at your age, it is right?'"

Sunny hit a few more keys. "Alright... continue."

Starting again, Alice spoke in the voice of a woman in her twenties. "'In my youth,' Father William replied to his son, 'I feared it might injure the brain;
But now that I'm perfectly sure I have none, why, I do it again and again.'" Ayame shuddered, and Alice tilted her head. "Did it not work?"

Ayame shook her head, trying to rub the goosebumps off her arms. "No, it worked alright. It's just... the whole adult voice in a kid's body..."

The young engineer smirked. "Let's see what we can do about that."

 

[DarkGemini24601]

Feeding Time

The Thin Man that served as the second in command to the alien base’s commander tapped his fingers against the window, watching the chryssalid chamber in boredom. “When did you say the humans I requested would arrive, I-12?” he asked a Sectoid standing at half his height beside him.

In two minutes, Samuel, the Sectoid replied telepathically.

The second in command, known as Samuel Wilson by his human designation, sighed. “Might as well get my armor on...you can never be too careful with these...animals.” He walked over to the side of the viewing room, putting on pieces of an alien alloy powered suit that magnetically locked together once in place over his business suit. He moved his glove fingers, testing the suit to make sure it was operational, and placed his plasma carbine on his back holster.

An Indian woman was pushed into the ‘airlock’ separating the rest of the base from the chryssalid holding chambers. “Designation?” Samuel asked with a bored tone.

Nisha, the Sectoid replied. The one that tried to escape.

“Oh!” Samuel replied, his reptilian eyes lighting up with glee. “I remember this one...nice fire. Too bad she is useless when it comes to the gift or real physical potential…let’s see how that fire holds up against our pets, shall we?”

You have acquired a ‘flare for the dramatic’, sir.

“Shut up,” Samuel snapped at the Sectoid. “Begin the experiment.”

The door on the side of the chryssalid chamber opened up. For now, the massive Queen on the other side of the room was restrained by powerful clamps, as to not sour the test. There was a lone chryssalid that set its beady yellow eyes on Nisha, and began to skitter at her with frightening speed.

The woman paled and ran to the side, trying to escape the monster’s grasp. It quickly closed the distance, and lunged for her, but she ducked under its claws, only suffering a light cut, and ran in the opposite direction, pounding on the sealed door’s controls to no effect.

“Oh, you poor thing,” Samuel said sarcastically over the speakers. “Did you really think I wouldn’t turn off the controls? You can’t get out of it that easy.”

Nisha turned around as the chryssalid stabbed its front legs at her. She couldn’t move in time, and they impaled her lungs. She coughed as blood began to flow, her scream silenced by the lack of air. The chryssalid bit into the side of her neck, injecting the hatching.

“The chase ends...oh so quickly. Now for the part that actually matters. You ARE recording this data, right, I-12?” Samuel said with a menacing look.

Of course, sir.

The Chryssalid let go of Nisha, whose skin began to pale in some places and blacken with a virulent liquid underneath in others.

First Stage: the hatching begins to convert the interior into nutrients, while stimulating its hosts muscles. The subject is kept in a semi-living state, perhaps aware of their plight.

Nisha’s zombie wandered aimlessly, the will to survive gone from her eyes, which were now sunken. She appeared to dry out, and then held her head in muted agony.

Stage Two: the hatching is reaching its juvenile stage, and is preparing to shed the host.

Twin, pinkish chryssalid claws stabbed out of the Zombie’s chest, and in a shower of blood and gore the new chryssalid ripped its way out of the dead Nisha’s body, landing on the ground with a clack as the husk fell away.

Stage Three: the hatchling matures as it gains its hard carapace armor and its claws sharpen further. It becomes able to breed at this stage.

The last point was proven as a young Pakistani boy, 16 years of age, named Ghulam was put into the chryssalid room. He looked on with terror as the pinkish chryssalid grew purple armor, and flicked a barbed tongue, dashing at him. He was petrified in fear, and could not stop the chryssalid from beginning the hallowed reproductive process anew.

However, the second chryssalid did not stop there, going into the airlock. Samuel growled as Ghulam’s zombie milled about, the inner airlock door closing in front of it. “For the love of...what a mess these things make. Hey! You two! I cleaned up the last one!” the Thin Man shouted at two Mutons standing on the other side of the airlock, looking it at the chryssalid with disgust. “You kill it.”

The first Muton nodded to the second, and it pressed the airlock door. The recently hatched chryssalid charged forward, and was shot at point blank by the second Muton with its plasma rifle. It curled onto the ground, twitching like a bug that had been stepped on. The first Muton beat it with its gun until it stopped moving, and then both of them shot it again for good measure.

Samuel nodded in mild approval. “Useful creatures, these bugs...but so irritating to control. At least they do their job,” he mused, glancing at the battered husk that once was Nisha, and a grin found its way onto his face. “Rest in pieces, sheep.”

 

[Dahlexpert]

A new arrival

Ashley is walking around X-COM and is surprised by the base. So this is my new home huh not a bad place to be in. Ashley makes her way to the training room and sees the holographic room. So this that training area the commander mentioned Ashley walks into the area and sees holographic aliens in front of her so these are the aliens that were facing well than they don't look that intimidating.

A solder walks into the training room. Hay are you lost.

Ashley turns her head. No i'm just looking around my new work place hi i'm Ashley Van dam who are you.

Eva Aegerter Wait Van Dam are you some how related to.

Yes i'm am related to Scarlet Van Dam she is my cousin in fact, why did she do something to you to.

No No I just heard roomers about her I never met her so.

Great I don't have to apologize to any one. um can you show me around the base.

Sure this the training room were we practice squad formations and it's used for target practice.

Eva shows Ashley around the base showing her the cafeteria the science and engineering wing and the med bay.

So that's our base what do you think.

It's definitely a interesting place to live in that's for sure.

Glad to see that you like it, threes also one more thing you should know about.

What is it.

Well a few months ago we found this container on the battlefield, and after that we kept finding it on every mission. Now the scientist and the engineering staff are using the meld for different prepossess.

What kind of prepossess?

Well the science team is using the meld to augment our solders turning them into super solders. And the engineering team is using the meld for cybernetics.

Well that's interesting, A way to augment solders and turn them into super solders. Ashley get's a evil smile on her face. Well that's one way to evolve my family into the next generation.

Eva get's a confused look on her face. what's so funny.

Ou nothing nothing at all thank you Eva for showing me around the base, it's nice having some on to show me were every ting is.

No problem we solders have to stick together right.

Right Ashley shakes Eva's hand. Ashley goes into the medical wing of the base.

 

[Adrammalech]

Emily Fischer / Benjamin Ceymotch
X-COM Headquarters – Common Area
Siberia, Russian Federation
2:42 PM

Emily sat at the bar with Dallas, drinking a glass of soda casually. She talked to him about the daily life on base, rumors and family chats becoming the “how’s the weather” of the underground bunker. She balanced staring at him awkwardly and looking at the bottles on the shelf behind the bar, which seemed to stare at her a little more intently since she tasted them at the memorial. She suddenly felt a tap on her shoulder, and saw Ben holding a folded up piece of paper as she looked behind her.

“Got something for you,” Ben said, smiling at her surprise.

“A letter?” she asked.

“Yep. Look familiar?”

Specialist Fischer,

Congratulations on your successful mission in the United States. Despite the unfortunate loss of L. Cpl. Campbell and one of the U.S. soldiers, your squad’s conduct in completing your objectives was satisfactory. Your teammates have all been given promotions, including you. This letter signifies your promotion to Lance Corporal. This rank will require rigorous physical training and continued emphasis on utility and support roles.

Your training quotas remain the same, however, the program details may be different and more geared towards conditioning for physical prowess and dexterity. As before, failure to complete training quotas may result in rank re-evaluation. We hope you recover quickly and your success in this project continues in the missions ahead.

Cordially,
Central Officer Bradford
X-COM Project​

“Nice, I got mine a couple days ago,” Dallas said.

“Seriously?” she looked over to Ben.

“Will you ever be happy to get promoted?”

“All I did was get choked by a tentacle monster and then get my ass shot off,” Emily shouted uncomfortably loudly, crumpling an edge in her grip. “I didn’t even sit in bed correctly. This is a pity promotion.”

“Hey, calm down,” Dallas said, “we’re a team. We win together, we get promoted together.”

“No, you deserve your promotion. This,” she held up the paper, “this is bullshit.”

Emily threw the letter down onto the bar and stormed off, walking through the open doors to the barracks.

“Shit, I better go talk to her,” Dallas said, swiveling his stool away from the bar.

“I-I can talk to her. Don’t worry about it,” Ben said.

Dallas looked at him with a bit of suspicion, responding shakily. “Yeah…sure. Go ahead.”

Ben walked out of the common area and meekly entered Barracks #4, looking to see Emily sitting alone on her bed. She stared at her hands idly, looking an odd brand of irritated and saddened. He walked over and leaned against the post connecting the bunk beds.

“You ok?”

“Yeah. Sorry for being so…dramatic.”

“It’s normal to feel left out after what you went through. You know your teammates love you, though.”

“I just want to get out there again. Sitting around like this feels wrong. I need to go out into the world and kill those bastards. That’s my job, that’s all I want to do.”

“You’ll get an opportunity soon,” Ben said, a little worried. “Don’t forget you need tactics as much as bloodlust, though.”

“Yeah…”

“So, how can we get you cheered up?”

“I just think of a happy memory and sink into it,” Emily said.

“Is that…healthy?”

“Shouldn’t you know that? I know it’s in my file, people used to report me and say I was losing it because they’d see me ‘sleeping’ standing up or staring into space. It got a little annoying. I don’t see a reason I shouldn’t do it, though.”

“I guess within reason, it’d be okay,” he replied, uncertainty clear in his voice, “but if you overdo it…”

“I get headaches when I think like that too much, remember? I'm fine.”

“I'll trust you on that.”

Emily closed her eyes, her awareness slipping back into the past. Her lips curled into a smile as she felt herself outside again. Ben smiled himself, glad to see Emily happy again.


// MEMORY: PARTNERS //
Emily Fischer, 14
M/V Magdelene
South American Coast
September 25th, 2005 – 11:29 AM

I take a deep breath from the top of the ship, the fresh sea air once again filling my senses. The subtle squawking of the gulls becoming fainter as the shore disappeared in the distance. The waves beneath me cut and curl beneath me. Our feet dangle out of the side of the lifeboat, a cool breeze brushing across my skin.

“Thanks for that,” I say softly.

“No problem,” Kieran replied, “What got you busted?”

“I left to explore while they were docked, and they found my spot somehow.”

“Ah, I see. Well, there’s room on this ship for the two of us.”

“Thanks, but I need to find a way to get home.”

He looked at me worriedly.

“Home? I thought you were a runaway?”

“Well, I am, but I always knew where I was going, more or less…I don’t know where this boat is going, though,” I said, looking down at the water and then jerking away from the edge, suddenly feeling like my feet were being pulled out of the lifeboat. “And this ship is a lot bigger…and taller…”

“It’s not as easy as just going home, though.”

“Why not?”

He got up and walked over to the other side of the little boat, pushing open the doors on the other end.

“Come with me,” he said, “we can talk about this somewhere a little less cramped.”

“Alright, where you hiding?”

I walked over to the open doors and he pointed across the ship.

“On the other side.”

“What?”

“Oh come on, you haven’t made it this far without doing some sneaking. Let’s go.”

 

[Adrammalech]

It was quickly obvious as I looked over that the ship I was on was a container ship, the deck looking more like a maze of tall and metal crates rather than a wide open space. We hopped down from the lifeboat, suspended by pulleys and cords alongside half a dozen more just like it. A large square of red tape around the lifeboat area signified the start of the mass of cargo, Kieran confidently stepping into a lane of free space leading through the ship. It wasn’t long before we were upon our first sailor, leaning against one of the containers and blocking the path.

“We’ll have to sneak by him,” Kieran pointed out.

“Easy,” I said confidently.

I rifled through some boxes in the container, grabbing an odd looking wrench and rushing back. I threw the tool over the sailor’s head, causing it to bang loudly against one of the containers.

“That’ll do it,” he said, “but one day you’re going to open a box and it’s going to be nothing but pineapples.”

“You sound like you talk from experience,” I replied with a smirk.

“I cannot confirm or deny.”

We ran a little farther until we got to two more sailors, loading out a box in tandem.

“How about an old fashioned maneuver then?”

“I go one way, you go the other?”

I nodded to him and he ran to the other side of the space.

“Psssssssst!”

The sailors stopped what they were doing and started walking towards where he was, curious about the annoying noise.

“Hey, listen!” I said annoyingly.

They began to walk towards me instead, but not before I scurried forwards, giggling a little as I met back up with my partner in crime.

“Oldest trick in the book,” he mused.

“Only because it still works,” I said with a grin.

As we got to the next open space, there were several sailors all lazing about, talking to each other.

“Too many to distract…”

“That’s where it helps to have the homefield advantage,” he said with a wink.

He pulled out a small handheld radio and coughed, lowering his voice and taking on a heavy accent and the tone of a hapless man.

“Errr, uh, this is MacKenzie, there are some heavy boxes I need some help with starboard.”

The sailors grumbled and scooted along, disappearing to the other side of the ship.

“Well, that’s just cheating,” I said playfully.

“As long as it gets us where we’re going,” he smiled back at me.

As we got towards the stern of the ship, we passed a massive crane and a few other interesting looking machines, and ran down a staircase and into a web of hallways below the deck, arriving at a boring looking door. He opened it and let me inside, and I was instantly surprised by what I saw. He had a proper room to himself, with an actual mattress pressed into the corner and a general mess of clothes and belongings surrounding it. On the other side, things were much neater, a small hot plate and a couple more interesting looking appliances placed unplugged around an outlet like offerings to a shrine.

“Wow, now this is a hiding spot…”

“Glad you like it,” he said happily, “you’re free to stay here, if you don’t want to look for your own hideaway.”

“Well, it would be pretty hard without the blueprints…they don’t really make signs for crawl spaces and weak walls.”

“They’re selfish like that,” he joked.

I jumped on his mattress, making myself at home in spite of any manners I was taught.

“So, you were saying?”

“Well, take it from me, going home isn’t as easy as it sounds.”

“Why not?”

“Well, do you have parents?”

“No,” I said flatly.

“Well, guardians? Anyone you lived with?”

I grumbled at his insistence. “Yes.”

“Then they’ve been looking for you all this time. They’ve been putting up signs and making calls, and the cops have been looking for you too. Maybe even arrested someone.”

“Ar-arrested? Why?”

All I could think about at that second were the bullies. Did they get in trouble because of me? Kieran looked at me nervously, knowing he struck a nerve.

“Well, maybe. It's probably fine. But the point is, you can’t just go home and say you wanted to go for a boat ride.”

“Maybe you’re right…but what do I do, then? I need to at least know where this boat is going.”

“Well, you probably noticed this ship is bigger than the one you jumped from…it carries the bigger groups of containers across continents.”

“Are you saying…”

“We're sailing to Europe.”


Emily Fischer / Benjamin Ceymotch
X-COM Headquarters – Barracks #4
Siberia, Russian Federation
3:21 PM

“I was shocked at first, but then I leaned into it. I was homesick, but trying to forget my parents was more important to me. I barely knew anything about Europe, other than that they ate snails in France and that Spanish people weren’t Mexicans. That would change pretty quickly though.”

“So just like that,” Ben replied, “it was out of control?”

“Pretty much, for lack of a better term,” Emily said, “I always knew Bethany would return to New Hampshire eventually, and now I was suddenly hopping between living with these other kids, sailing across the entire Atlantic ocean, with no guarantee of ever going home. As far as I was concerned, old Amelia Fischer – the daughter of my adoptive parents – was dead…it was just Emily, girl on the sea. For better or for worse.”

“How long did that last?”

“Four years, or there about. Kieran taught me a lot about improving your life as a stowaway, but I never got a room like his, even after all that time. I didn’t learn why that would be until later.”

“A story for next time?”

“I believe so,” she looked at him, “thanks for listening to me.”

Ben reached over and touched her shoulder casually, causing her to flinch at first but smile afterwards.

“Anything to help out,” he smiled.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

Remedial Enhancements

Samuel growled at the human's screams. "Oh, for the love of all that isn't garbage on this mudball, shut...up!" he said angrily.

The human, designated "Kataktaq", 22 solar revolutions of age, was one selected to test genetic enhancement. The first step was increasing his physical prowess without making him bulky like the Mutons. Kataktaq's screams began to die down as the process completed itself.

The young Inuit man gritted his teeth as the intense burning in his muscles subsided. "W-why..." he said quietly.

Samuel laughed, a harsh, hoarse sound. "You aren't even worth explaining that to," he sneered.

Kataktaq clenched his fists, and then cried out in pain as the action reignited his agony. "I...don't...care...about that..." he gasped. "Why...did you do...that?" the hunter asked, looking over at two cloning tanks. They contained clones of the two siblings Samuel had executed not so long ago.

"It is possible they might show potential for the gift more than the predecessors. If not...they'll at least make good test subjects," Samuel finished with a wide, cruel grin.

"B-bastard..."

"Careful what you say," Samuel warned with a dangerous fire in his lizard-like eyes. "You will regret it soon." The Thin Man turned to the Sectoids. "Cut him open, remove the unnecessary organs, and improve on whatever is left over." He glanced over at Kataktaq, enjoying the stark terror that colored the human's expression. Samuel put on his helmet and canceled out external sound, finding the Inuit man's screams to be annoying and tiresome.

The prestigious Thin Man walked over to the two Inuit clones. Preliminary results?

Despite stimulation of the brain, they have not shown further psi potential, I-12 responded.

Hmph. How about this, then... Samuel rubbed his armored hands together. Splice the female's DNA with that of a chryssalid. Give her the eyes, perception, and armor plating. Blades along the limbs if possible, but keep her bipedal.

Noted. And the male?

How about...cybernetic enhancements? Wouldn't want to copy THEM, though, Samuel mused, glancing at a few clones of Nisha and Ghulam that were being turned into human 'Floaters.' Swap out the male's eyes, limbs, and replace the digestive system with something more practical. Incorporate weapons.

As you wish. I-12 lamented the arduous task its master had given it, but did not complain. The Sectoid and the others began to work as Samuel walked off without a care in the world.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Part of DarkGemini24601’s [Thanksgiving Backlog]
Dahlexpert, DarkGemini24601, and ZombieSplitter53: “Cybernetic Espionage: Part One”

XCOM Headquarters, Somewhere in Siberia
800 Hours, Local Time. Desmond Walker and Eva Aegerter’s room.

Eva wakes up from her nap and sees a note on her desk. ‘Dear Eva our friend would like to talk to you, Desmond.’ “Great, and by friend I’m sure he means my kid. I have to get use to saying that, but I don’t think I’m going to.” Eva searches for Desmond. “Where the hell is he?”

The note has listed some instructions:

“As Desmond is busy, I have asked him to write this down for me. I need you to learn more about these “MECs” that XCOM has been creating. Speak to one of the augmented soldiers, if you can, and perhaps one of the engineers as well. If you can gain access to and draw me up even vague plans, it would accelerate my research greatly in the field of robotics.

Additionally, make sure to destroy this note once you’ve read it.

-Elene Exalt.”

“Great, learn more about these “MECs”. I heard rumors about them but I never seen them.” A Sigh. “Maybe someone in engineering will tell me or one. No, I’d better go to engineering and ask them how these MECs work. I wonder what my child has planned for these things.Will she make her own army, or find a way were we won’t lose our limbs during the process? Oh, the questions of what she will do. I can’t wait to see what she does.” Eva heads down to engineering.

0825 Hours, Local Time Cybernetics Lab

Sunny slowly examined Amanda’s sleek cybernetic limbs, looking for any imperfections. After a moment, she smiled and said, “Everything looks great! How do you feel?”

“Fairly good,” Amanda replied, closing her metallic fingers and then opening them again. “It was certainly different piloting the suit itself out there, though. There’s a lot more power in the suit, especially with the kinetic strike module involved.”

Sunny nodded excitedly. “I hope you e-enjoyed it, even if it was during a fight. The rest of the crew and I worked really hard on it. H-he’s too proud a man too admit it, but I think Dr. Shen was really happy with himself.” Her eyes darted back and forth. “But you didn’t hear that from me, okay?”

Amanda smiled gently. “I heard nothing then, officially. I won’t like...I do miss the feeling of being able to really feel the sensation of touch with my limbs...but I know that you’ll have that worked out by the time this is all over.”

Sunny nodded frowning a bit. “Yeah, sorry. Working on it. But hey, if I can make a hologram feel real, then I can make the things your arms touch feel real. J-just be a l-little patient. Don’t… go all Metallo on me, please.”
“If you start powering me with that green “elerium” stuff, who knows?” Amanda said with a laugh.

Eva walked in to the engineering wing. “So this is where all of the magic happens. Our guns and armor and everything else come comes from here. Now all I have to do is find the person in charge of the MECs...whoever that is. Maybe I should ask around.”

Sunny looked over and noticed the soldier walking into the room. She gave her a curious stare. “Is that… a friend of your, Mr. Ortiz?”

Eva continues her search when she see a kid in the engineering room. “What the hell?” Eva walks to Sunny. “Hey, kid, should you be here?”

Sunny rolled her eyes. She been around familiar faces so long, she had almost forgotten how easy it was to underestimate her. “Yes, miss. My name is Dr. Randolf. Nice t-to meet you.”

Amanda stood by Sunny to reassure her. “Eva Aegerter, right? What brings you down to engineering?”

Well, looks like the rumors were true. “Hey, I’m here to learn more about the cybernetic program, and clearly you been through it. So can you tell me about it, any one of you?”

Amanda nodded. “Myself and Grant Imahara are both what you’d call MEC troopers. I don’t know the technical aspects of how all of it works, though. That’s more of Dr. Randolf’s field of expertise, I just apply her work to the field,” the ‘Guardian’ class MEC trooper explained.

Sunny smiled at Eva. “So, are you interested in getting cybernetics, or were you just curious?”

“Well, if you can’t already tell,” Eva points to the marks on her arm where the tubes were on her. “I’m part of the genetic enhance program. I’m here to learn more about the MEC troopers.”

“W-well, Ms. Ortiz’s cybernetics make her a lot stronger and faster. But the main reason for them is they allow her to interface with our new Mechanized Exoskeleton Cybersuits. With them, she becomes a walking battle tank w-with the power of a machine and the intuition and decision making power of a person.”

“Wow, that’s impressive, but doesn't the metal slow her down? I mean, yeah, she can throw one hell of a punch now that her arms are made of metal, but is losing your limbs the only option? I mean we’re desperate sure but is it worth it?”

Sunny looks between the two women cautiously. “Uh… well, uh… we are keeping her limbs on ice. I mean… there is no guarantee, but we should be able to give her arms and legs back when the war is over.” She looked over at Amanda with a pleading look.

Amanda looked at Sunny gently. “I made it clear why I was willing to do this. If I end up stuck like this, it was to stop atrocities like what happened in Moscow, and that’s worth whatever cost I pay for this power. It’s not like the MEC suits would respond effectively if I couldn’t connect to it, right?”

“Well, that’s determination if I ever heard it. Of course I was never in Moscow, or saw the carnage of it. Now, a question. What if were in like a snow storm or the desert what will happen to you then?”

“Uhhh…” Amanda looked at Sunny. “Did you guys think of how it would work in extreme weather conditions? Would there be any problems?”

Sunny nodded, smiling brightly. “Of course! The suit is completely insulated against all whether.” She lifted one of Amanda’s arms. “These cybernetics were created to be f-fully functional replacement limbs. They wouldn’t be much good i-if the user had to go out in the snow and it froze. Th-they are virtually waterproof, and have systems to keep them from overheating or freezing in extreme temperatures. A-and I incorporated this into the MECs too. You wanna see?"

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

“Cybernetic Espionage: Part Two”

“I would love to see these things in action. After all I showed my augmentations twice on two missions there very useful against the Thin Man’s poison but I would love to see the first MEC in person”.

“As long as I don’t necessarily have to pilot it right now...detaching limbs hurts like a bi...uh…it hurts,” Amanda said finally.

Sunny shook her head. “I don’t think that will be necessary.” She grabbed both the women’s hands and pulled them along, coming to the MEC suit near the back. She quickly pulled down a panel on its left leg and pointed to some of the equipment. “S-see here? This is one of several temperature control units. This one watches the internal temperature of this leg. It is a bit of a h-hassle, having to maintain them all, but it is better than just using one, because if it was damaged during battle, the whole suit could freeze or overheat.”

Eva whistles. “Wow that’s intimidating as hell. I almost can’t wait to see it in action. I have some questions. what is this thing made of is it made of? Earth metal like iron or steel or even titanium? Or is it made out of the same stuff as the carapace armor?”

Sunny shook her head. “Th-that was one of the reason why these were originally scrapped. They were too heavy. But with the alien materials, such as what we use with the carapace armor, l-like you said, we can make them a lot lighter while keeping them strong.” She looked up at Amanda. “B-but I guess you would know best if this worked or not.”

“Well, it’s nice to hear. Good to see that the aliens are advancing our tech by years. I almost want to fight this thing see it against a augmented solder. See which one is better you know”.

Sunny giggled. “I, uh… unless they’ve injected elephant strength into people’s arms, I don’t think the gene modded soldiers could take one of these, a-at least not purely based on strength.” She perked up. “Oh! Did you want to see the kinetic strike? It’s really cool.”

“A kinetic strike huh? Well, that sounds very cool. What is it?” Eva asked.
Sunny looked over at a nearby computer. “Alice, can I have something… big to smash.”

A minute later, the young, blond hologram walked up, carrying a twenty inch long Jersey Barrier. “Will this do?” She looked up at Eva and smiled. “Hello!”

“So Doc what is this kinetic strike thing supposed to do any way?” Eva pressed.

Amanda grinned. “What it sounds like. Take a guess.”

Alice dropped the Jersey Barrier, the room shaking as 8000 lbs of reinforced concrete hit the floor. As Alice stepped to the side, Sunny grabbed an RC controller she had put a bunch of bells and whistles on so no one would know it wasn’t actually doing anything. “Stand back,” she said as she hit a few switches and the MEC lurched forward, stepping in front of the massive road divider.”

Amanda complied, standing back. “Uh...how the heck did Alice..?”

Sunny looked up at Amanda. “How did Alice… what?” She looked at the Jersey Barrier. “Oh, find that? We have a bunch in the back for testing.”

“Do I even want to know why engineering has a 8000 pounds of concrete? And what purpose does it serve?” Eva said.

Sunny shrugged. “They were initially to test weapons strength. Then to see how strong our force-fields are. Now we use them for this.”
Alice tilted her head. “Did you need another one?”

Amanda waved her cybernetic arms in an ‘x’. “I think we’re good.”

Alice smiled. “Oh… you want to know… I’m a hologram, remember. I’m made solid by a series of forcefields. Because of that, I’m as strong as the forcefields are.”

“Alright,” Sunny said, seemingly being unaware of the misunderstanding. The MEC moved its left arm in front of the block. “The kinetic strike uses a quick burst from a series of rockets to drive blades made from Chryssalid claws reinforced by the alien alloys forward at an incredible velocity. Cover your ears.” She hit as switch, and the Kinetic Strike activated, blasting the barrier in half. Several large chunks fly into the air, and Alice quickly raised her hands, projecting a barrier around the others to protect them.

Eva’s eyes widen. “WOW that’s incredible that could break through a wall and definitely kill any alien that it comes across. I mean that was devastating but even though I just saw it’s weird but I still want to fight that thing now more than ever. “

Sunny grinned, chuckling. “Y-you’re weird. But… maybe we could program something in the new holo-training room.”

“Oh, please do. I’m sure were going to need this. I mean if we came up with this, then it’s only a matter of time before the aliens do to. and when that happens I will finally have a true challenge to test my strength. But my lust for battle aside that was incredible.”

“Well, I could program it for you…” Sunny started before Alice cleared her throat. The hologram materialized a comically large watch. “Um… I promise I’ll do it for you a little later. Got a bit of work to do first.” She looked up at Amanda. “Could you escort our guest out?” She walked up to Alice, and the two walked away, Sunny muttering, “Y-you’re no fun sometimes.”

“What? It’s you schedule.” Alice shrugged. “Can’t keep the Queen waiting, after all. You know what will happen.”

Amanda turned to Eva. “I hope we were of help, and I’m sure Sun-ahem, Dr. Randolf will have the simulation ready for your soon enough.”

“Oh, believe me you provided enough information for me and piqued my interest in these things. I can’t wait to see this thing kill those aliens.” And you too, you bastard Victor.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

Painted Red

Samuel sighed, tapping his fingers against the dashboard in front of him. He was overlooking a side cavern that had been cleared out for some combat tests. “Send in this first two humans,” he said with a yawn.

An Indian boy of 15 years named Navin and an Inuit woman named Yaralria, 41 years old, were forced into the room, and were carefully given human body armor and human ballistic rifles. “So, let me explain your situation,” Samuel spoke through speakers. “You will be fighting two of the big ones to test your combat prowess. I would be slightly disappointed if you killed them,” he warned, and then grinned devilishly. “But know that they will not hesitate to kill you.”

The Indian trembled, while Yaralria looked up in surprise. “I have never used a gun before…” she said quietly, afraid of the cruel beings that had taken her prisoner, but not wanting to fight a battle she could not win.

Samuel rolled his eyes. “Oh, you primitive...give them spears or something, and make something similar for the Balmadaar. Take too long and I might be angry, though, I hate being bored,” Samuel said to a group of Sectoids, who gave their assent with quick nods and ran off.

After a few minutes some spear-type weapons had been fashioned poorly, and were given to the two humans in exchange for their weapons. The entire time the two Mutons that retrieved the guns looked tensed, ready to kill the humans should they try to resist, and both humans were indeed cowed by the imposing Balmadaar.

Once the weapons were put away, the two alien warriors held their right hand out, and a spear fitted for their size was placed into their hands by other Balmadaar. The Mutons entered the room as the two humans took steps back. Navin looked as if he might cry, though Yaralria closed her eyes, steading her breathing. I’m sorry, Ipiktok. I don’t think I’m coming home...though I won’t just lie down and die.

The Mutons roared, and charged at the humans. Navin put up his spear defensively, being fairly strong, but the Muton was mightier. Its spear thrust send vibrations through Navin’s bones, and knocked the spear out of his hands. He looked on in terror as the Balmadaar raised its spear, and then impaled him. The spear tore out the other side of the Indian, and with a brief, strangled cry, he met his meaningless end, blood soaking the stone floor.

Yaralria did not make the same mistake. She knew with a quick look at the Muton opposing her that she could not hope to match its strength. I may have not gone on a hunt since I was a young girl, unlike Atka...but don’t underestimate me. She brought her spear up as if to block with the handle, but when the Balmadaar drove its own towards her, she flipped it to her side and rolled to the side of the blow. She stabbed at the Muton’s side, scoring a hit on its armor, but it was not enough.

The Balmadaar narrowed its eyes at the swift human female, realizing it could not match her speed. It would have to use strength and the cunning of a hunter, something the two shared, even if they did not realize it. It went for a series of powerful trusts, forcing Yaralria against the wall, from where there was no escape.

Yaralria realized her mistake, her eyes widening in fear. Why...why like this...I don’t want to die…not yet… she thought as the Muton prepared to strike, but then stopped.

“What are you doing, you brute? Kill her,” Samuel said with irritation.

The Balmadaar uttered something in its guttural language.

“...what is he saying?” the Thin Man asked I-12.

He...uh...says that it would be unfair to kill the female when she did not have an equal chance of winning this fight, the Sectoid transmitted fearfully.

“Not...fair?” Samuel said, as if the thought was both funny and outrageous. “Kill her, or I’ll kill you, stupid creature.”

Sir...that is one of the Muton squad leaders...I’m not sure…

Samuel gave I-12 a dangerous look. “You’d better say something to make up for that insubordinate thought, before I’m forced to make my troops run thin.”

W-we still haven’t tested the female for psionic potential! I-12 sputtered.

Samuel sighed. “Oh, fine. Take her back to the holding chambers. I want her lungs replaced with something that will make her preform better,” Samuel said, intending to spite the Muton with the cruelty.

If the Balmadaar was angry, it showed no reaction, grabbing a trembling Yaralria and dragging her back to the holding chambers.

“If there are no more stupid delays, shall we begin the main event?” Samuel said.

Uh…

“Rhetorical, I-12.”

Sorry sir.

Three male humans were pushed into the room. The first was a male Indian in his twenties, named Inderpal. The second was Ugalik, now 32 years of age, and as always, the son of the passed on, wise Siluk. Last was his brother Qamut, 26 years old. They were armed with no weapons, and placed into a room with three Floaters. They trained their plasma carbines on the humans eagerly, waiting for the order to fire. Ugalik gritted his teeth, trying to fight the fear that was pounding his chest, and laid a hand on his brother’s shoulder to reassure him. Inderpal stared at his opponents with a cold determination to live in his eyes despite the horrors he had seen.

Samuel seemed slightly impressed. “Much better than the last batch. I’m sure you’re all wondering why you have no weapons...well…” the Thin Man pushed up his dark sunglasses. “As you know, we’ve awakened that special power within you. Show me what you can do, or if you are worthless...die here.”

The Floaters opened fire, and the 3 humans rolled out of the way. “Bastard,” Ugalik muttered, and nodded to Qamut, ducking behind a rock. “Don’t be afraid, we can do this...we’ll kill this flying bastards.” His eyes started to glow bloodred.

Qamut nodded slowly, and took on the same display of power. The brothers ran out from behind cover, and unleashed unstable bolts of fire at the Floaters. Most missed, but one ignited a jetpack and blasted the first Floater out of the air. As the Inuit hunters continued to fight and tire, Inderpal gathered a mass of red energy in his hands, gritting his teeth as the drain it was causing him. He launched it at the Floater, and the psi lance tore through its body, killing it instantly, though the Indian fell to his knees afterwards, spent.

The final Floater went down to a blast of fire in the neck, wondering with its rudimentary mind how these three weaklings could have killed it. Samuel walked in once they were finished, clapping. “Well done...you may be of some use after all.”

Ugalik closed his eyes. “Right…” He opened them in fury, and sent a blast of fire at the Thin Man. “To hell with that!”

Samuel smiled, having already put on his helmet. The flames were not enough to pierce his alien alloy armor. “Unfortunate…but examples have to be made.” He lifted his carbine and shot the older brother straight in the chest.

Ugalik fell back in agony, his vision swimming as the plasma ate through his chest, taking his life quickly. He barely had time to glance over at his brother as he fell. Sorry...Qamut...

Qamut’s eyes widened in horror, and he started to tense, but Inderpal grabbed his shoulder, whispering in broken English, “We cannot take revenge if we die now.”

The Thin Man turned around. “Don’t make the same mistake as him. You’ll be returned to your holding area. Good day,” he jeered, and walked off, leaving the Inuit to his sorrow and the Indian to his silent fury.