RP XCOM: The Story of Defiance.

[DarkGemini24601]

“The Curse of Command” - Atka Ipiktok

XCOM Headquarters, Somewhere in Siberia
2000 Hours, July 25th, 2018
Dimly lit hallway

The red emergency lights still lit the halls, while engineers struggled to repair the widespread damage to the power. Atka held a hand up to the side of her helmet. “This is Captain Ipiktok. Reporting this level clear. I’m heading down to the civilian quarters.” She walked down a flight of stairs, the elevator inoperable. Stepping into the room, she saw the destruction that had befallen the central lobby.

Couches and tables were stacked up like fortifications, marked by shots of plasma or claw marks. A pile of alien corpses were laid on one side of the room unceremoniously, while the human dead were more carefully placed on the other end of the lobby. The Inuit woman glanced over at one of the bodies, and immediately felt as if she were going to throw up. Nouja quickly rushed over to her side, trying to reassure her without looking the same way.

Just...don’t look...you’ve been through enough, Atka, Nouja pleaded with her sister.

T-that was Qamut…

I know…

The Captain slowly steadied herself, looking over the rest of the room. She was relieved to see most of the remaining abductees leaning against the back wall of the lobby, some injured but none in critical condition. Their expressions were marked with anguish though, especially the mechaniced Isitoq. Atka’s face slowly fell further. “Where’s...Buniq?”

Nouja looked down at her feet. “They...the Balmadaar that we couldn’t beat took her captive. It must have escaped if no one else saw it.”

Atka just shook her head. “We’ll find her.”

“How are you so sure?”

“I’m not, dammit! I have too much on my mind right now to be thinking about this!” Atka’s expression turned to one of horror at herself for lashing out at her sister. “Nouja...I’m sorry…”

Nouja just shakily walked away to rejoin her companions, and after a moment of deliberation, the Inuit scout left her sister alone and went back upstairs. She walked past expressions of concern in the barracks from her squadmates, going up to the memorial wall.

Atka turned on her communications again, listening to radio chatter to mark off the dead as she gently placed an older carving of a polar bear on the counter, marking off Qamut’s name above it. “Hold on. What was that about a Thin Man?”

“That...one we captured...that helped you out, Captain. He’s…” the security guard trailed off, nervous to tell Atka the news.

“Dead. You don’t have to sugarcoat it.” Atka shakily got to her feet, and took the long journey down to the holding cells and a now-empty cell. “Anything left of his body?”

“Not really, sir. He got into a fight with a chryssalid saving the Commander’s daughter, and Major Brea ended up giving him a funeral pyre there, you could say. He told her to,” the security guard quickly added.

The Inuit woman scooped up a book lying on the counter in the cell, shaking her head. “You cared more for us than you cared to admit,” she said quietly to the darkness of the room. “Be at peace, Dante.” Atka returned to the memorial wall, laying the object down next to the polar bear carving, and inscribed Dante’s name above his book. “Thanks for everything.”

She continued to listen, though she could feel the emptiness inside her growing. “The other Thin Man captive’s dead? And the Balmadaar claims to have killed him?” Atka smiled grimly, weakly. “Tell him thanks. I’ll do so in person when I get the chance.”

Her other correspondent shrugged at the other end of the base. “Alright then.”

The door to the memorial opened, and Atka’s expression returned to normal as Thomas Burrick stepped in. “How are you doing, Atka?”

“How do you think?” she responded, colder than she intended, but she found herself caring less and less.

Tom sat down across from her, glancing up at the wall sadly. “Listen, if you need someone to talk to…”

“What is there to talk about? Dozens of people are dead, some of them having killed eachother. I lost a good portion of the base security that fought with me, we couldn’t even finish off the enemy, Buniq is a captive of the aliens, Qamut and Dante are dead, and so is Bradford. And to top it all off, apparently Eva is no better than Scarlet, and Desmond a goddamn traitor!”

Thomas held his ground, but cringed a bit in nervousness. “Atka…”

“Just...shut up Tom. You couldn’t understand.”

“I watched security I knew shoot one of my subordinates, and I had to fight those things myself. I’m not blind to what happened, Atka,” Tom said in a shaking voice. “You’re not the only one that’s suffered here.”

“I don’t think I am. But I’m not going to be making anyone feel better. I just…” Atka held her head in her hands, trying to hold back tears of pain and exhaustion.

Tom’s expression lightened. “Atka...you need to get some rest. Let the others handle this…”

“No...with Morrigan out and Bradford gone, I can’t…”

“Don’t force me to call medical and force you to get some rest. You’re in no condition to be helping anyone, you’re right about that,” the messenger responded.

Atka clenched her fists in frustration, but nodded slightly, getting up and going to her room. It was untouched by the devastation in most of the base, but she still could not put the thoughts out of her mind. She sat down on her bed, a worried Taqukaq coming up to her. It was then Atka noticed the body of a Sectoid in the corner of her room. She patted the husky on the head. Good boy. Looks like we’ve both been through hell, huh?

Taqukaq seemed to agree, and laid beside the bed of his master in empathy.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Aftermath
Part One

X-COM Infirmary
July 26th, 2018, 1000 Hours

Morrigan slowly opened her eyes and looked up at a very angry looking blond woman, her scowl looking unnatural on Aya's delicate Asian features. Morrigan wondered if Aya started looking like that when she first started waking up, or if Aya had been staring at her like that the entire time she had been here. She figured it was likely the latter. "You... stupid bitch," the Major muttered.

"Hey, I'm still here," Morrigan responded. "And besides, I..."

"Shut the hell up!" Aya shouted, and Morrigan was taken aback. "How dare you not tell any of your soldiers about your injury? And don't give me any excuse about them being busy or not wanting to worry them. If you ever... EVER... do anything remotely like this again, I will do everything in my power to have you declared unfit for duty. Do I make myself clear?"

Morrigan nodded. "Alright. I'm sorry." She grinned. "I'm glad to see you in one piece. Is... Eve..."

"Injured, but recovering." The half-Japanese woman sighed, relaxing a bit. "She was more concerned with defending others then jumping out of the aliens before they died, and that caused several nasty shocks to her system. I swear, people here need to remember that if you die defending one person, you won't be around to save the other three people that need you."

Morrigan shrugged. "That kind of foresight is hard to have in the thick of..." Her eyes suddenly widened. "Oh God... where's...

Aya smiled, and nudged her head towards to Morrigan's side. The numbness caused by the drugs in her system prevented her from noticing the sleeping child curled up at her side. As her mother gently ran her hand through her hair, Aya hesitantly said, "We... we need to step up our work on helping her control her powers. The senior staff and I only made it because of her, and the power she displayed scares me."

"We will," Morrigan whispered, listening to Aya's concern but just relieved to see Brigid in one piece.

"You know... that Thin Man we kept around... sacrificed himself for her."

Morrigan's eye widened a bit. She smiled softly. "Well then... I guess Atka was right about him. And what of the other captives?"

"They were all able to get out of their cells, but from what we can tell, the Muton almost immediately got into a fire fight with the other Thin Man. And after killing him, he and the Sectoid simply... went back into their cells."

Morrigan thought for several moments. Finally, she said, "Release them... to a limited extent. They've proven their loyalty. Assign them a room away from non-vital areas, and make sure they have a regular escort, both for our sake and theirs. And... ask them if they'd like a job."

"I trust the Muton to an extent, but I'm not so sure about the Sectoid. He seems to be as neutral as they come, and will only be loyal as long as we are on the winning side."

Morrigan chuckled. "Then we better stay on the winning side." She thought about where Dante had gotten his name, and mused out loud,

"When some of these I recognized, I saw
And knew the shade of him, who to base fear
Yielding, abjured his high estate. Forthwith
I understood, for certain, this the tribe
Of those ill spirits both to God displeasing
And to His foes. These wretches, who ne’er lived,
Went on in nakedness, and sorely stung
By wasps and hornets, which bedew’d their cheeks
With blood, that, mix’d with tears, dropp’d to their feet,
And by disgustful worms was gather’d there."

Aya raised an eyebrow. "I... beg your pardon."

Morrigan shrugged. "Just... Something I remember about the fate of those who refuse to take side." After several minutes of silence, Morrigan said, "So... reports?

Aya lifted a clipboard. "Well... we'll recover. It seems that our greatest weapon is still the alien's tendency to underestimate us. But it'll take time. Ten percent soldier staff lost, fifteen percent injured. Fifteen percent civilian staff lost, ten injured. We lost seven percent of the refugees, much lower then we had feared thanks to the defense there. The security staff was hit the hardest. We lost fourty-two percent of them, with another fifteen percent injured."

Morrigan closed her eyes, the pained look on her face having little to do with her injuries. "And the staff that attacked everyone?"

"Detained, for now. What should we do with them?"

"Release them back to duty, at least those healthy enough to do so." Morrigan shook her head. "The woman that shot Bradford... I hesitated shooting her, and that cost Bradford his life. I regret that... and yet I also regret shooting her. She was another innocent, forced to do something that would have probably tore her up inside had she made it."

"As long as you remember who's fault this really is. The aliens killed her, not you."

Morrigan nodded. "I know. But it still hurts."

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Aftermath, Part Two

Speaking up a bit, Morrigan asked, "Cheshire? You up and about?"

The mangy cat materialized on Morrigan's bed, looking depressed and wary. "I am, though I've felt better." He pulled out an aspirin as large as his body and shoved it down his throat. "Damn creeps made a mess of my systems."

"What's the damage, cat?" Morrigan tried not to show amusement at the hologram's antics. "Will we recover?"

"Oh, we'll recover, but it'll take quite some time." Cheshire moved his neck to the side, letting out a sickening crack. "A lot of the machinery in the labs and engineering was destroyed in the beginning, but the staff and soldiers were able to prevent too much additional damage. I've already been in contact with the Council." He smirked at the Commander's worried look. "Fear not, my Queen. They merely said they would do what they can to help us recover as quickly as possible."

"And what about your internal systems?"

Cheshire stood on his hind legs and pulled open his chest. Pointing with his tail, he said, "Well, as you can see, my heart has grown three sizes, and that is threatening to consume my entire being."

Morrigan sighed. "God, I wish I could shoot you sometimes."

"Hey, that's not very nice." Cheshire closed his chest back up and slathered the contents of a large bottle of super-glue over it. "The aliens were able to hack into part of my systems, but I was able to keep them out of the most vital areas. I was able to reverse the hack somewhat as well. Found some juicy bits of information. For example, it would seem our world has already been divided amongst various alien leaders. Seven of them, likely seven of those creatures you fought in the forward loading area, one for each continent. The one you fought was in charge of things in Asia. I've decided to refer to him as Luxuria."

Morrigan grinned. "Good, now we have a definite target. See what other information you can find."

Cheshire nodded. "On last thing. An outside source restored some of my systems during the attack, including environmental control and surveillance. What's more, I noted several individuals moving through the base, not aliens, but not X-COM. I'm doing what I can to trace the signals I received during the attack back to their source, but if I didn't know better, I'd say they were designed specifically to keep me out. And the individuals either escaped the base the same way they came in, or are currently blending in with the rest of the staff."

Morrigan nodded. "I believe that might be our little guardian angel. Is Penny Anderson safe?"

Cheshire nodded. "I suspected you would ask. She is secure, though I am unsure who kept her safe."

"Good. At least I won't have to worry about him turning on us. Get to work on debugging all you systems." Cheshire nodded, and disappeared. Morrigan turned her attention back to Aya. "How our my personal MVPs?"

Aya sighed. "Atka is healthy, but distraught. She lost one of her friends during the attack, Qamut, her mother was injured defending engineering, and that Chryssalid girl was taken off base."

"Buniq? Why?" Morrigan sat up a bit.

"I don't know. She fought quite bravely, and Eve insists she was as much responsible as anyone else in keeping the civilian quarters safe. Perhaps they wish to utilize her strength."

"Then we have another objective in mind. Make sure it is known around base that we won't rest until we find where she was taken." The Commander tried to relax a bit. "Continue."

"Kasagi and Dragomirov where able to keep engineering safe and, for the most part, intact, thanks in large part to the assistance of Gregory and a new recruit, Henderson. While this isn't exactly an official mission, I'd suggest a promotion is in order for the latter, and we should keep an eye on both of them."

"Agreed."

"Mr. Foulke showed that he is as fit as ever for service, especially with his new gene-mods, though he needs time to recover."

"Send him a request to rejoin the soldier ranks." Morrigan smiled. "Remind him that it is still his choice, but we could really use the help right now."

"Mr. Burrick and Ms. Van Dam were able to keep safe, and Ms Cross is in one piece, though she was injured. What's more, she is showing an extreme emotional impact after learning of Buniq's abduction, something I would have been sure to keep from her had I known they were friends, having to kill a mind-controlled engineer..."

"I know how that feels," Morrigan muttered solemnly.

"... and attacking Ms Lockheart while under the direct control of a Sectoid Commander. We might need to pull her from duty."

Morrigan shook her head. "That would likely make things worse. She'll need an outlet, one to prevent her from directing her pain and frustration inward. Seeking revenge on the aliens will suit that nicely. How is Lockheart?"

"She'll also recover, though I believe she is just as emotionally distraught. She's just hiding it more. Jessica can't remember how she came to be where Cross found her, nor can she explain where her blood soaked clothes came from, though they were likely related to the remains of a grenade victim found near her. As for Alexia, we haven't been able to get her side of the story. Every time we try to talk to her, Jessica insists that she is asleep, and we don't want to push her. Besides, she has other things to worry about, if the results of these blood tests are any indication."

Morrigan looked at the paper Aya was examining and smiled. "Then don't, it'll come out eventually." Morrigan shook her head, a frown washing over her. "I believe that leaves us with the three I'm not so eager to talk about."

Aya rubbed the back of her neck. "Well... I don't think you should be too hard on Fischer. She defied orders, yes, but with all the loss and damage we've suffered, the loss of Dr. Randolf would have set us back by weeks, possibly months."

Morrigan shook her head. "That doesn't change the fact that she had her orders, and disobeyed them."

Aya's eyes darted towards the slumbering blond girl. "What if you had been in her place, and you heard that Brigid was by herself? And I know what you're going to say, that they aren't mother and child or siblings, but I've talked to them both, and if I didn't know better, I'd think I was talking to sisters."

Morrigan watched her daughter fidget ever so slightly, and remembered how Emily had helped her weeks before. "All right. I'll... keep that in mind."

The Major nodded. "Now, as for Aegerter, her insubordination during the defense, and after, is a little harder to excuse. If we weren't so short-staffed, I'd recommend her immediate termination from the X-COM project."

The Commander scowled. "Make sure she knows that if something like that ever happens again, she's out, even if she is the last soldier on base. She needs to follow her CO's orders, regardless of what she thinks of said orders, or said CO. I will not have another Scarlet Van Dam. And she should have never pulled..." She stopped suddenly.

"What is it, Morrigan?"

The red-head rubbed her chin in thought. "It... it was just such a sudden, hair-trigger, automatic reaction, even for her. She was so insistent about Walker's innocence, even more so then Walker himself."

Aya nodded slowly, following along with her friend's train of thought. "I'd suggest caution in pointing fingers after the exposure of a single spy. We don't need any McCarthyism on base. But caution would seem to be in order here. Especially with a trained soldier who has openly admitted to being augmented before coming here, something EXALT could have done, and with all the enhancements she has received."

"Keep an eye on her. I'll make sure the cat does the same. Report any suspicious activity." Morrigan looked Aya in the eyes. "Hopefully, this is just a bit of paranoia. But if it turns out she is also a spy, I somehow doubt she'll be as cooperative as Walker. So if it comes to that... well, lets just hope it doesn't come to that."

"Understood." Hesitantly, Aya asked, "And... what of Desmond?"

Morrigan sighed. "To think, all this time... we need to find out exactly what his purpose here is, and what he has done to hurt us."

"Should we have Atka..."

"No." Morrigan shook her head. "She'll take it too personal. Her reaction after that alien's revelation was a clear sign of that. No, you and I will handle this. And we'll asked that security guard to help. I don't know how well his empathic abilities will work on another psionic, but without Atka, we need something."

Aya nodded. "I'll arrange to interrogate him as soon as I can."

"I won't forget all he's done for us." Again, Morrigan glanced down at her sleeping child. Looking back towards Aya, she added, "But I won't have a spy in my midst. See that everything is arranged, Central Officer Brea."

 

[Frostlich1228]

Shattered Crystal/ Promise to a Friend.

Isitoq sat on the side of his bed, staring at the empty bed beside him. He hung his head in sadness, the empty feeling he felt in his heart only worsened by the fact that he was unable to shed tears from his cybernetic eyes.

Three knocks echoed from the door and through the room. A familiar soft voice spoke through it with a anxious stutter, "I-Isitoq? A-are you in there?"

The mechanized human looked up with concern. "Is...that you, Ammelia Cross?"

"M-Mmhm... A-are you all right?" Ammelia asked from behind the door, instantly realizing how stupid her question was.

Isitoq glanced back at the unoccupied bed. "Ammelia...I need..." his voice wavered. "I need you to promise me that you won't panic as I had. Please."

Ammelia bit her lip and started to shake slightly, "I-I'll... T-try..."

Isitoq opened the door, getting up. There was a metal contraption over where one of his mechanical arms had been, and he looked at Ammelia seriously, trying to mask his own pain for the sake of the sniper. "Buniq was taken captive by the Balmadaar Elite we failed to defeat." He hung his head. "Forgive me. I should have done better, we all should have."

Her blonde hair bun was a mess with stray strands poking out all over and a look of horror stretched across her face. More tears welled up in Ammelia's eyes as she covered her mouth with her hand in shock, "B-B-but she's not d-dead... Right?"

Isitoq quickly nodded. "I doubt they would have taken her alive if they intended to kill her. Such an action is illogical. She can still be saved...I do not yet know how, but I have to believe that..." Isitoq laid his intact hand on Ammelia's shoulder, looking into her eyes pleadingly. "Do not fall into despair...I beg this of you. If...when she returns, it would break her heart if something were to happen to you. You have been one of the kindest people to my sister, and that is not something I easily forget."

"W-we... We have to save her... I P-Promised her that I'd be there when she needs me... I refuse to leave her in the clutches of those sick freaks! They've already taken enough of my friends!" Ammelia replied with determination, trading her sadness for anger.

"We will. We...we shall find a way. No matter what it takes, I will bring my sister home," Isitoq responded, taking inspiration from the surprising strength Ammelia was displaying. They are...alike in many ways. A gentle and sometimes timid exterior belies strength and determination within.

"Don't worry, Isitoq... I'll get her back myself if I have to... You have my word." Ammy said strongly, reaching her other hand across her chest to place it over top of Isitoq's.

The cyborg nodded, smiling weakly. "Thank you. Your courage is inspiring in such a trying time."

"It's not courage... I just keep my promises to the people I love..." She corrected, also giving him a slight smile.

"Regardless, I'm grateful for it. And I'm sure Buniq will be too when we bring her home," Isitoq returned.

Also, I heard about Qamut... I'm very sorry, Isitoq, we'll make sure his death wasn't in vain." She added sympathetically.

Isitoq sighed. "He perished saving Albert and Chandra. I think he was content with that, at the very least."

"At least he's at peace now." Ammelia said, trying to console him as best she could.

The mechanized human nodded. "He is with his brother and father now..." Though I wonder if the rest of that family still lives.

"I suppose I should take my leave now... Thank you for being honest with me, I appreciate it." Ammelia responded, turning back towards the door.

"And thank you for putting my mind at ease. Take care of yourself, Ammelia. For Buniq's sake, mine, and most importantly, your own. I have learned in my time here that a human life is a precious thing, indeed," the cyborg explained gently.

"I will..." Ammelia nodded as she left the room, closing the door behind her.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

DarkGemini24601 and ZombieSplitter53: “Reunited Hopefully”

X-COM Infirmary
July 26th, 2018, 1200 Hours

Jessica stared up at the ceiling, practically feeling every uncomfortable millisecond creep by. She was worried about so much, if it hadn’t been for the sedative she had been given, she be bouncing off the walls, bad leg and all. Were all the aliens truly gone? Was the Commander alright? Were Desmond and Atka okay? Was Ammelia going to be okay? What had happened to her during the attack? And, most present in her mind, had she hurt the person that was most important to her? The door was slowly pushed open, and Modya sighed in relief when he saw Jessica. “Thank God...they wouldn’t tell me where you were for hours.”

Jessica’s eyes immediately filled with tears at the sight of the Russian soldier. She started to say something, but a soft squeak was all that came out. She pushed herself up, moving to climb out of bed.

Modya walked to her side quickly. “What’s wrong? I wasn’t in that much danger…” He thought back to the Sectopod with explosives galore. Maybe not entirely true.

Jessica sobbed for a bit, lightly beating her fists on his shoulders. “You… y-you… you big… dummy! I didn’t know that? You could have been hurt for all I knew! The aliens could have killed you! I… I could have… I…”

“You could have what?” Modya asked gently. “We were fairly far apart when the attack started.”

Jessica shook her head. “I… I couldn’t remember anything, I… there was so much blood. I was afraid the aliens might have forced me to… t-to…”

Modya’s expression fell. She was one of the ones they… “I...we cannot be sure you actually hurt anyone. And even if you did, that is no fault of yours…”

Slowly nodding, Jessica said, “I-I know, I… I know it isn’t my fault. If I blamed myself, I’d have to blame… but if I ever hurt my friends, if I hurt you, I’d never have been able to forgive myself.”

Modya sat down in a chair next to her. “How much do you remember? They weren’t very specific when I asked.”

Jessica closed her eyes. “I… I’ve been trying so hard. I just remember an extremely vivid dream. I’d been having nightmares for a while, but I usually forgot them immediately after. But this time, it was so real. Then I woke up, and I was in some storage room, holding a laser pistol and covered in blood.”

“That must have been how they affected so many at once...they manipulated the subconscious, if I had to make a guess. But...I would think Aleixa would have noticed in your case. Has she said anything?” the rocketeer asked.

“I… I can’t…” Jessica started to break down again. “I don’t… know where she is!”

Modya’s eyes widened. That can’t be… He rested his hand on Jessica’s shoulder. “We’l figure something out...we shouldn’t panic yet.” There’s no way with such a widespread control that they could have the power to…

Jessica tried to calm down. She shook her head, and muttered, “I… it probably sounds weird, but she’s been in my mind for as long as I can remember. I’ve never known anything else. But with her voice gone, it is so quiet, so lonely. I don’t know what could have happened. What if the aliens did something? W-what if she was so traumatized, she lost herself? What if she… I don’t know what to do.”

Modya tried to keep his hands from shaking, thinking. “We...we could try to get one of the psionics to look into it. I don’t think she’d ever leave you by choice. Maybe that ‘dreamscape’ that...bog chert! Desmond’s in no place to help…”

Taking a deep breath, the young lab tech looked Modya in the eye. “Please, I told you, it wasn’t Desmond’s fault. You can’t hold on to this grudge forever. He was just doing his job.”

The Russian quickly shook his head. “No, that’s not it. From what I understand, that being Delta Section fought...the one everyone’s calling an Ethereal...it peered into his mind, and told us something about him. He’s apparently an EXALT spy...they detained him after the base was secure.”

“W… what?” Jessica grinned grimly. “Th-that isn’t true. He can’t be. I… he… he’s done so much here. Why would he betray us? You… you’re kidding, right?”

“I wouldn’t make a joke like that in a situation like this, Jess. I wouldn’t believe that alien’s words if not for the fact that Desmond himself admitted it was true afterwards,” Modya replied coldly.

Jessica ran her hands through her green locks, the look of someone’s world falling apart on her face. “Why? Why is this happening? Everything was getting better. We were winning. Why did this have to happen to us?”

“I think they went on the attack precisely because we were doing so well.” Modya shook his head. “But we pushed them back. I’m sorry Jessie, I shouldn’t be dumping this all on you. Not now…I’ll find another psion that can help.”

Jessica looked Modya over, then smiled softly. “You… you aren’t dumping anything on me. The fact that you are here, with me, is more helpful than you realize. It… it’s just a lot to take in. Is everyone else okay? Our friends, the Commander, everyone. They haven’t told me a lot. I… I’m counting on you to be honest with me.”

 

[DarkGemini24601]

Modya was silent for a moment. “We lost a lot of security guards, but most of the people we know aren’t hurt. Bradford’s gone, though...and…” He looked at Jessica sadly, knowing she wouldn’t like the other piece of information. “Buniq was captured by one of the retreating aliens.”

Jessica’s expression twisted in a mixture of sorrow and rage. “I… they took Buniq. Why? What can they possibly do to that poor girl that’s worse than… why won’t they just leave her alone!? Leave all of us alone! I… I hate them so much!”

The Russian nodded slowly. “I know how you feel. I’m just grateful that some of them don’t go along with such callous plans. Dante died defending Brigid, and that Balmadaar ended up killing the other Thin Man that was trying to escape.”

“Good.” Jessica gritted her teeth, her anger bubbling at the surface. “I’m glad that monster is… but we can’t stop with him. Most of these things are rotten to the core. We need to get the rest of them.” Jessica opened her hands, looking at them like they were still covered in blood. “I… I can’t believe I felt bad for killing one of them. I’m so naive. So stupid!”

Modya shook his head quickly. “I always tell you that is something I love about you. You’re not stupid, Jessica. You’re kind and caring, and I do not want to see them take that part of you away. Letting hatred drive your actions isn’t going to fix anything.”

Jessica stared at Modya angrily for a moment, but her features softened once more. She looked back down at her hands, and the imagined blood now made her feel sick. “I… I’m sorry. I wish they’d go away, but… w-when I shot that one, I… I felt like I could fall apart. Maybe hating them is just something to keep me from… hating myself for the life I took. You have to do it everytime you go out there, a-and I never thought about what that might do to you.”

“They’re horrible for making a civilian go through that. This is a war, and I have to kill…” Modya began. “But that is a decision you shouldn’t have been forced to make. We’re not going to let anything like this happen again. And we’ll find Buniq. They wouldn’t have taken her alive if they were going to kill her. I can’t fathom what they want with her, but she’ll make it.”

“I know. I trust you and the others to find her.” Jessica rubbed her leg. “Poor Ammelia, though. They were getting close, and after what happened to us…”

“I assumed Ammelia was helping defend you from where your memories line up again. How did you get stabbed in the leg, though?” Modya asked.

“I… I-I…” Jessica thought about the best way of putting it. She didn’t want to say it, but figured if she was going to expect Modya to be completely honest… “A-Ammelia… stabbed me. B-but it wasn’t her fault!”

Modya’s eyes widened. “What happened, then? Mind control?”

“One of the those big-head freaks.” Jessica shuddered. “It was going to force her to kill me. The way it spoke through her, i-it sounded like it was getting off on the idea. I… I was barely able to stall it long enough for help to arrive. I’m just glad Ammelia could fight off its control, if only a little. But the things I had to say to it…” She shuttered even harder.

“Chto ne tak s etimi sushchestvami. I’m sorry, Jessica. I wish I could have been there to help,” the rocketeer muttered. “Had my hands full with a Sectopod that could fire two sets of rockets and three grenades at once.”

Jessica narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms. “I thought you said you weren’t in that much danger.” Her expression seemed angry, but Modya could see a hint of quilt in her eyes.

Modya rubbed the back of his neck. “Well...we had Yaralria to save the day. She managed to control that thing, but hurt herself in the process. I’m just grateful it wasn’t as bad as what happened to Sunny...it sounds like she’ll recover without having too much trouble.”

“What happened to them?” Jessica shook Modya’s arm. “How did Yaralria get hurt? She isn’t too hurt, is she? I can’t imagine how Atka would feel if… if something were to happen to her mother.”

“It sounds like she just needs some rest, and adjustments that can be done without surgery thanks to those external pieces,” Modya responded. “She got overloaded when they blew up the Sectopod...though we saw a potential weakness in the process. I haven’t told Atka; we figured since Yaralria would recover in time it would just be better to keep that off her mind. It sounds like the Captain’s at her wit’s end.”

“I’d imagine. After everything that has happened, with the attack, and India. Not to mention Desmond. She’ll need our support. A lot of people will. But… she seems like such a strong person. I’m sure she’ll be okay. A-at least, I hope she will.”

“I hope so too. For her sake, and because we need her now more than ever,” Modya returned.

 

[Adrammalech]

This is a collaboration between ZombieSplitter53 and Adrammalech.
// CHASING ANSWERS //
Nika Orlov / Jean & Jeanne
XCOM Headquarters – Psionic Labs
Siberia, Russian Federation
10:12 AM

The Psionic Labs were unsettling to be in for Nika, a dark and nearly-silent room with fluorescently lit office boxes overlooking a floor of spotlighted machinery. Jet-black, steaming, human-sized tanks sat in a circular arrangement on the floor before a cluster of consoles, waiting to encapsulate people for study. She wondered if there was already people in there, but had no way of even knowing...whoever designed the layout of the room had no sense of bedside manner. The labs were also completely untouched, making it seem as though it was on pause during the chaos evident almost everywhere else.

Nika stepped into the bright light, assuming it would summon someone to her. She looked at the office space looming above, shrinking in the spotlight, feeling like a contestant on the world’s worst game show. She suddenly felt very alone, and found herself wishing Emily had come with her. After a few moments, she stepped forward to the center of the platform, looking curiously at a group of consoles that was pointing at each tank.

“Can I help you,” a male voice asked from behind her.

Nika jumped a bit and spun around, unsure of how to ask what she wanted. “Hi there, I was hoping to...be tested, or studied, or something.”

Jean raised an eyebrow. “Um… you want to be tested to see if you have psionic potential, yes?”

“I don’t know about potential, more like...influence,” she paused, “I’ve been having strange dreams about the base...like, not my dreams. I didn’t know if there was a form for this, or something...”

“No form,” Jeanne said, walking around from one of the pods, her left arm in a sling, a large bandage on her forehead. “Though we are used to people asking if they’ve been influenced. But I’m pretty sure we can test for that. It would only take a few calibrations. I could have the machine ready in just a few minutes.”

Nika jumped again, blushing a bit as she calmed down. “Good, good...um, how does it work?”

Jean pointed at one of the pods as his sister sat down and started typing with her free hand. “Well, we use the device we recovered from the aliens to examine you. It essentially works by sending small pings of psionic energy into your mind, and seeing if we get a response. If you’ve been under any influence, we would be able to tell that the responses we get back aren’t from you.”

“So, it wouldn’t hurt, it’s just like a mind quiz kind of thing?” Nika asked.

“Something like that.” Jeanne smiled sweetly. “We worked long and hard on this to make sure the soldiers that use it are as comfortable as possible. So no worry about it hurting or anything.”

“That’s a relief,” Nika sighed with contentment. “I’m Nika Orlov, by the way, I’m a Sergeant, and Heavy.”

“My name is Jeanne Francois, lab tech.”

“Jean Francois, engineer.” Jean stepped forward. “We’re in charge of the psi lab, for the most part. Still answer to Vahlen and Shen, but they have their hands full elsewhere, especially now.”

“It’s good to meet you. Are there a lot of soldiers in here already, doing this sort of thing?”

“We’ve had a few soldiers in here, but no one has shown potential yet.” Jeanne smiled. “But we haven’t had a lot. Like everything else, this is volunteer only, and people are a bit… paranoid.”

“I see. I probably wouldn’t either, if the dreams weren’t so...disturbing,” Nika replied. “Um, no offense.”

Jean shrugged. “None taken. It’s just a bit disheartening to work so hard to keep these machines maintained and have no one use them.”

Jeanne rolled her eyes. “Ignore him. He says that, but then complains about the maintenance he has to do once a soldier uses them.”

“Heh, may you live in interesting times,” Nika said.

As Jeanne put in the last of the adjustments, she asked, “So, you’re here because of some nightmares, huh? Tell me about them. I’m sure they must involve the aliens in some way.”

“Yeah, there was one about being abandoned to them, then another where they...transformed me into something else,” she explained with a shudder. “Then the third one was…about someone else on base.”

“Really? Who was that?” Jean thought for a moment, suddenly remembering a rumor he had heard floating around about a half naked Russian soldier and another female soldier late at night.

“A friend I’ve made on base. But she’s a she, and that’s not really my thing, so…”

Jean smiled, and Jeanne rolled her eyes at him. “Men,” she muttered. “I’ve had weird dreams like that too, Ms. Orlov.” Jean gave her a bigger smile, and she snapped, “Grow up!” Clearing her throat, she added, “Of course, if it is because if the aliens… several other staff members mentioned odd dreams before the alien attack, and several of them ended up under the alien’s control.”

Nika nodded. “This one was different from just an odd feely dream. It was like...a nightmare pretending to be a dream, in a world where they had won. Like I was supposed to be okay with it - or they’d make me be okay with it. I felt like I knew their motives in a way, and...that’s impossible, right?”

“Not if that’s what they wanted.” Jean looked worried all of a sudden. “That might be exactly what the dreams are for. Scary…”

Jeanne finished typing. “Well, lets find out. You’re all set. Just step into the pod.”

“Okay,” Nika replied.

One of the pods cracked open, a tiny stream of steam hissing out of the back. The front parts pulled apart, revealing a large gripped spot for her feet and a slick, curved back to lay in. She stepped forward and leaned into it, trying to get comfortable in the big metal pod.

“How long do you think it’ll take?” she asked next.

“Shouldn’t take more than a day or two,” Jean answered. “Actually unlocking abilities takes a while, but the test for them is pretty quick.”

Jeanne gave Nika a hesitant look. “Since you’ll be in there anyway… did you want us to test if you have potential. I mean… it would kinda be a waste if we didn’t.”

“Well, I’m already here,” she replied, “I don’t see why not.”

Jeanne nodded, and hit the switch on the computer. She watched as the pod slowly closed, giving her a reassuring smile. Nika fidgeted uncomfortably in the pod as it shut, doing her best to relax and focus.

 

[BMPixy]

Collaboration Between DarkGemini24601 and BMPixy
"One-Way Ticket"
Aboard the Overseer Scout Craft GBWY-443
En Route to Forward Observation Post CFA-44
0348 Local Time, 2018-07-26

The room was sparsely populated, save for two Muton Elites working at a pair of consoles and another, standing directly above Buniq to make sure she didn’t try anything. Bars of alien alloys was wrapped around the hybrid’s arms and legs, torn from a safety handle in lack of better restraints, only the weighty presence of a plasma novagun ensuring that the poor quality of bindings was not exploited.

Buniq slowly rocked back and forth slightly, trying to use the movement to calm her racing heart. Her eyes were closed, though she had already witnessed her plates grow back out to their normal point. They were no longer armor, but again ‘crystals’ upon the hybrid’s skin. Someone will find me...someone will come...someone will save me. They have to.

With a woosh, the door at the far end of the room melted away, revealing an imposing figure, dressed in long red robes that dragged centimeters above the ground, hinting that it’s movement was not physical as it gently floated into the room. The enormous grey helmet glanced to the other two Muton Elites, and wordlessly they powered down their consoles and left.

The figure approached Buniq, and leaned down to examine her. An… interesting specimen… you did well to bring this New One to me, Jiokjiok, the alien thought, echoing through Buniq’s mind as a gentle whisper. New One, what is your designation?

The chryssalid hybrid looked up at the Ethereal with a mixture of fear and awe. B-Buniq...T-two.

It is right you feel awe, Buniq Two. You are in the presence of a god. The Ethereal One returned to an upright position, and gently floated back to give Buniq a small modicum of space. You are not like the rest of the New Ones. Your kin do not have the technology to create one of your type, as such you must be one who was brought to life through our power. A-65 must have authorized this procedure, without this one’s permission. The alien floated back and forth as it thought, not bothering to sever the telepathic connection. But, to see that the New Ones hold such genetic malleability, even were your kin to lack the Gift, it would be a great boon to service. Now, Buniq Two, what can you tell us of those who hold the Gift among your kind?

Buniq looked up at the Honored Overseer with a great deal of nervousness. I-I am n-not k-kept informed o-of th-the majority of th-that inform...inform…

Ah, to see such naivety. Thinking one can deceive a god. With a pulse of purple light, the Ethereal invaded deeper into Buniq’s mind, a focused strike of such intensity that no defense could be formed in time to combat it. Memories were drawn out, as was intense pain as Buniq’s mind was violated in the alien’s search for answers. Colors. Wonderful, the New Ones are progressing faster than the Path expected. A few are missing, but more will come in time as the Path continues.

The clone shrank down in waves of nasuea, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. F-f-f-for-forgive me… she thought, her mind on both her companions and the ancient simultaneously.

You were blinded by the darkness of resistance, it was this one’s duty to reveal the light of the Ethereal Ones. The alien turned to face Buniq, continuing. Now, is Buniq Two willing to divulge information without having to resort to such barbaric measures?

Buniq quickly realized the hopelessness of her situation. “I’m s-sorry,” she whispered quietly. I-I u-understand. I-I shall n-not w-waste energy r-resisting.

Excellent, you have taken your place. All that remains is the other seven billion of your kin. Now, on to the next question… Does the Resistance possess any more like you, stolen from the remains of ADFX-02?

The clone shook her head. T-there are n-no other chryssalid h-hybrids t-that I know o-of. S-some are g-genetically o-or otherwise m-modified, b-but not like m-me.

As expected. The Ethereal turned away from Buniq, its four arms crossed behind its back as it continued. Now, to what extent does your kind utilize the Valqan? Has its purpose been unlocked, or does its mysteries still elude your greatest minds?

Buniq thought for a moment, placing the strange name. T-the orange l-liquid? I-I think t-the scientists u-use it to m-make s-soldiers s-stronger in different w-ways.

Buniq Two should be more specific in answering this one’s questions, lest she wishes to have her mind invaded again. This one repeats, to. What. Extent.

The hybrid cowered back. T-there a-a-are p-people w-with h-healing, m-muscular e-e-enhancements, or o-other bo-body mo-modifications! A-and cyb...cybernetics…

With that answer the Honored Overseer seemed to exude a sense of calm. Good. Good. Buniq Two has done good by not defying this one. Now, returning to your kin from ADFX-02. What other modifications has A-65 performed to them?

Tears welled up in Buniq’s eyes. Y-you’re n-not g-going to h-hurt th-them, a-are y-you? she dared to ask.

Only if they do not see the light as you have. If they do not let the Path guide them, they will be removed lest they lead those behind them to destruction. Now, will Buniq answer the question?

Although the clone did not quite understand his words, she knew better than to press the Ethereal. M-my brother’s l-limbs are c-cybernetic, as a-are his e-eyes…a-another h-had his o-organs r-replaced...I don’t k-know with w-what...a-and one is a c-comput...computerized… She struggled with the lengthy word. ...I-Interface of s-sorts.

 

[BMPixy]

Ah, so that is the one who attempted to usurp control of the Leviathan. A-65, you brilliant fool, you worked for so much, but gave the Resistance far too many tools to try to thwart their fate. The Ethereal turned back to Buniq, approaching closer and crouching down to eye-level. And now for one of the most important questions. Did A-65 manage to awaken any of your kin to the Gift, or shall we simply have to work with the few naturally Gifted of your kind?

Buniq began to realize just what ‘A-65’ was, but tried to keep her thoughts off the deceased Sectoid Commander. S-some of t-those that w-were rescued w-with m-me w-were a-awakened.

And did the Resistance obtain the device used to awaken your kin? Are they now capable of mass-producing the Gifted?

The chryssalid hybrid looked down from the elaborate mask before her. ...y-yes.

At that statement the Ethereal began to anger. A quiet anger, but one that was felt by all. That dastard, letting such technology fall into the hands of the Resistance. When it was not at ADFX-02 this one had hoped it destroyed, but rather the fool let it slip out of his grasp. Your kind was not prepared for so many with the Gift, that is not how the path was to be laid out. Jiokjiok, take Buniq Two and follow me. We shall show her fate itself.

With a grunt, the Muton Elite lowered his weapon, and grabbed the clone by the arm restraints, pulling her to her feet. The Honored Overseer waved its hand gently as it floated towards the exit, the Elite following close behind.

Buniq followed quietly, keeping her eyes down in an attempt to prevent herself from angering the potent being she walked behind. All the while, the clone wondered to herself what ‘the Path’ was to be so important as to be worth all of this.

Another door slid open and closed as the trio passed in. The room the door concealed was bare, except for a purple pillar of alien alloys, curving to one side to hold a floating mass of purple psionic energy, providing the only source of illumination in the room, aside from the Muton Elite’s weapon.

Behold, the final step of the Path, the device that shall determine whether your kind shall Ascend or merely remain one of our servants for eternity. Only those with sufficient power can manipulate the energies contained within. This one asks you, Buniq Two: do you believe that your kind is capable of such a feat as that?

I don’t...m-maybe. A-Atka is s-strong...a-and I-I th-think the o-others a-are too.

This one believed as much. The Gift is still young in your kind, much as it was in the First Ones when we found them. Although they were naturally talented in the Gift, their cowardice and cruelty led them to weakness. They were the reason the Path was created. So far, this one sees far too many similar traits to the First Ones, but there are also traits shared with the Ethereal Ones. Which traits shall prevail in the end, this one wonders.

T-the Path...i-it is h-how you j-judge a r-race’s w-worthiness? Buniq surmised hesitantly.

Indeed. Each blow is calculated to drive forward a race’s progress, each strike either bringing them closer to Ascension or failure. Far too many have lost their way along the Path, and have joined the ranks of those below us. The First Ones, the Balmadaar, the Broodkin, the Silicids.... The Ethereal paused for a scant moment, before finishing. The Ethereal Ones. So now we stand as guides, directing those who still have potential to the future we failed to obtain.

Buniq looked at the Honored Overseer in surprise. Y-you...t-think you’re a f-f-failure? B-but...y-you c-called yourself a g-god…

We have mastered the Gift, and as such reality. With our minds we can perform miraculous deeds. But where we thought we had Ascended, we merely perfected. Our forms grew weak, and in our quest to guide others along the Path, we ourselves lost our way. A bitter, cosmic irony; a last parting curse from the universe we now rule over.

Buniq was silent, not knowing what to say in response to the ancient and powerful being that towered over her.

This one has said too much. The Ethereal straightened its body, and gestured to Jiokjiok. Return Buniq Two to the holding chamber, and alert Hvelme and Xelioh that they may return to their simulation. This one shall remain here.

With a grunt, the Muton Elite jerked on Buniq’s restraints, pulling her along as the alien exited the chamber. As the door sealed shut behind the pair, the Honored Overseer could be seen gazing into the device, tendrils of purple psionic energy connecting the two.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

ZombieSplitter53 and DarkGemini24601: “Always Acting Amicably, Part 1”

XCOM Headquarters, Somewhere in Siberia
1730 Hours, July 26th, 2018
Near Room 4B, the Barracks

Atka got up from her computer in frustration. Despite the repeated insinuations that ‘everything was fine’, she knew something had happened to Yaralria, and the fact that no one would give her details other than ‘she is fine’ only served to infuriate her more. She laid back on her bed, Taqukaq looking up at his master worriedly.

Ayame slowly opened the door and peeked in. She looked back out, and said, “Yeah, she’s here.” She stepped inside, Aya following behind her. “Atka? You awake?”

The Inuit scout opened her eyes and got up. “Do you need something, sir?”

Aya raised her hand. “Major Brea isn’t here right now. Just Aya. I’m here because I heard a loyal colleague of mine is having trouble, and her friend here told me it might be worse than I thought.”

Atka sighed. “I just have a lot on my mind right now. That’s it.”

Ayame sat next to Atka. She moved to take her hand, but decided not to. “Atka… so much has gone wrong for me recently, and so much of that wrong has been fixed by you, whether it be from you backing me up, you watching my backside during a fight… or you simply talking to me. So… if I can do anything for you, even if it is just listening to you while you talk, while you vent, please…”

Aya nodded. “It isn’t healthy to keep it all in, and we have a lot to be upset about. Hell, Eve and I spent an hour just complaining, so please, don’t hold it in. You’re a person first and a soldier second.”

Atka slowly nodded. “I’m not about to go spewing crap about how people are just tools or something...I just...the number of missions where I’ve lost people keeps getting higher and higher, and the amount of people that die on them the same. I’m no use to those I lead if I can’t guarantee their safety at all. Hell, I can’t even get them to follow my orders all the time, and I wonder if I can even blame them for that.”

Aya frowned. “Let me ask you. If you were talking to the Commander right now, and she said the same thing, how would you respond? Because I have to tell you, she’s trying to hide it, just like you, but pain of all the people that died under her command, both in Central and throughout the base, is eating away at her. How would you respond if she started to doubt herself?”

“I would lie and say that none of it is her fault,” Atka responded bitterly. “I know I have no right to complain when she has it so much worse off.”

“That isn’t what I meant!” Aya snapped, them frowned. “I… I’m sorry. I’ve been a little on edge. I… wasn’t saying you had no right to complain. You have every right, regardless of you burden.”

Ayame sighed. “You don’t… blame the Commander for this, do you? Because it’s neither of your faults.”

“I don’t blame her,” Atka said quickly. “There isn’t much we could have done to prevent this...but it proved...especially fighting that Ethereal...just how outmatched we are. We only ‘won’ because he valued his life too much to risk it further by remaining and fighting all of us alone.”

“You might see it that way,” Aya responded, trying her hand at a smile. “I see it as the aliens boldly walking in, expecting it the be a cakewalk, and then realizing they underestimated us. Don’t let that things calm demeanor fool you. If he was really that powerful, he wouldn’t have retreated.

“You weren’t there to fight it,” Atka protested. “It just threw away everything we had, deflected every attack...and then when it wasn’t distracted by anything it else it forced us to our knees like we were insignificant. And against that sort of power, we were. It proved that all the power I thought I could use to protect people wasn’t enough.”

Ayame sighed. “I don’t believe that. I’ve talked to some of the soldiers, as well as the guards, that were in that fight. They all seemed to agree that if it wasn’t for you and Des…” She cleared her throat. “The guards all said if it wasn’t for that power you showed, half of them would have run away. And do you think that alien wasn’t at least a little intimidated by how many soldiers and guards he was thinking. I-I’m sure he was thinking, ‘Crap, I thought most of these guys would be dead or have run away by now. Maybe I bit off more than I can chew.” Or whatever expressions the aliens use.”

The scout sighed. “It was wonderfully kind of him to mention what he did about spies,” Atka said with a hint of frustrated sarcasm. “As if we didn’t have enough to deal with… and I haven’t forgotten having a rifle pointed at my skull.”

Aya scowled, her stomach clenching a bit. “I… I’m sorry that happened, Atka. And believe me, Morrigan is highly suspicious of that. Aegerter’s actions raised an eyebrow, and… I probably shouldn’t be telling you this, but… but I’ve been ordered to monitor her for suspicious activity.”

Atka was silent for a moment. “...I suppose that’s for the best. Even Scarlet didn’t have the guts to do something like that. I don’t want to immediately yell ‘she’s a communist!’ or anything, but…” The inuit woman closed her eyes. “I thought for sure she was going to shoot me if I moved any further. I...I don’t...I don’t want to have to worry about that from the very people I fight alongside. I already have enough to worry about from the enemies on the battlefield.”

Ayame clenched her fists, the expression on her face saying this was the first she had heard of what Eva had done. “She… sh-she threatened to shoot you?” Her eye twitched ever so slightly.

“I imagine that’s what she meant when she said she didn’t want to have to ‘put me down for listening to an alien’ while holding a gun to my head. What the hell is that even supposed to mean? She was willing to kill me just because I was training a weapon on someone who all signs pointed to being a traitor?” Atka explained with a mixture of confusion and anger.

Ayame gritted her teeth, and suddenly jumped to her feet. She made for the door, grumbling, “I think I need to have a word with a certain bitch.”

Atka held up a hand, but then lowered it in hesitation, not sure if she should stop Ayame or not in her frustration with Eva. “I...wouldn’t go alone. She has...what, six gene mods? Plus other abilities.”

Ayame hesitated for a moment. “I…” She sighed. “I don’t care. No one…”

“Relax, Kasagi.” Aya pointed at Atka’s bed, and Ayame reluctantly sat back down. “Regardless of Eva’s actions, you would still get in trouble if you simply walked up to her and started punching her in the face.”

Ayame folded her arms. “I wasn’t going to do that…”

“Oh, really?” Aya gave her a skeptical look, and Ayame didn’t respond.

The Inuit woman smiled slightly. “I’m glad there are at least some people I can always count on.”

Ayame shrugged. “I do what I can to help the people I care about. Speaking of which, how are your loved ones? I’m sure you’d be significantly more upset if they were… you know.”

Atka rested her forehead on her right palm. “No, nothing that bad...but I snapped at Nouja yesterday, and I haven’t talked to her since. I can’t get anyone to tell me what exactly happened to mother in engineering, only that I can’t talk to her right now.” Atka looked up at Ayame. “You were in there…do you know?”

Ayame bit her lip. He eyes wandered towards Aya, knowing that if Atka hadn’t been told yet, there was probably a reason. But she also knew she wouldn’t be able to keep herself from telling Atka. Aya read her expression, and sighed. “Atka… let me start off by saying your mother is okay. So at least keep that in mind.”

The Inuit scout nodded slowly. “Then why…”

“She overloaded herself.” Aya answered.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

ZombieSplitter53 and DarkGemini24601: “Always Acting Amicably, Part 2”

Ayame nodded. “She saved our lives. That Sectopod was going to rip us a new one. We were able to weaken it enough for her to hack into it, but it still put a strain on it. A-and she was controlling it when the aliens… blew it up…”

Aya nodded. “A similar thing happened to Eve. The destruction of the Sectopod while she was directly connected to it must have caused some kind of psionic feedback. But she’s fine, just...burnt out, so to speak.”

Atka let out a deep, shuddering breath before speaking. “...at least it’s not as bad as what happened to Sunny before. I just...I wish Yaralria had never been changed to where she had to do things like that.”

“Me too,” Ayame agreed, her tone almost sounding like she was talking about her own mother. “She… she seems like such a kind, good-hearted woman. I can see how you and your sister feel about her in the way you talk. So much has happened that is unfair…”

“And with Buniq gone…” Atka shook her head. “It sounds like those two were close, and I know Ammelia doesn’t always respond the best to adversity. It worries me that she has that to deal with after all of this.”

Ayame scooted a bit closer to Atka. “Um… Atka, about your sister…”

A flash of concern crossed Atka’s face. “What about Nouja?”

Ayame quickly raised her hand. “N-nothing bad. Just… about her being upset about you snapping at her.”

Atka seemed to relax. “It was stupid of me. None of what happened was her fault…”

“I-I’m not really good at this, I… lost my bro… I’m not much of a family…”

Aya stepped behind Ayame and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I think what Ayame wants to tell you is that you two need each other. I lost my sister… my other sister a long time ago too, and Eve and I… well, lets just say I don’t have that much experience either. But sisters fight, usually over stupid things. But you love her, and I know she loves you. She’ll understand that you didn’t mean it, and she’ll need your support while we pick up the pieces. And your mother will need you both.”

Atka nodded. “I’ll go talk to her in a little. I haven’t forgotten how lucky I am that she’s alive, in spite of everything. And...I’m sorry about what you two have gone through. I didn’t know…”

Aya shook her head. “Are you kidding? Compared to you and everyone else in Central Command.” Ayame nodded in agreement. The blond woman sighed. “I… take it you’ve heard about… your tall friend?”

The Inuit woman nodded. “Him and Qamut. And despite a few protests about the former, I already put both of their names up on the wall.”

Ayame grinned. “I would have been fighting by your side to make sure they went up if they didn’t let you.”

Aya looked down at Ayame. “Can… I talk to Atka alone for a bit.”

Ayame frowned, but nodded. “I’ll… go help out with reconstruction. But we should talk a little more later, alright Atka?”

Atka smiled gently. “Of course.”

Ayame reluctantly stepped out. Aya walked over to the door and locked it. Turning back to Atka, she said, “I… wanted to talk to you about Brigid.”

The captain straightened, looking at her CO seriously. “I’m guessing she did something of concern with her powers?”

“She forced nearly half a dozen mutons to kill themselves in front of their allies,” Aya said bluntly, not wanting to sugarcoat it.

Atka put a hand over her mouth, her eyes going wide. “Anirnialuk,” she said quietly. “Morrigan doesn’t know about this, does she?”

“She… knows she used her powers to defend us, but she doesn’t know it went that far. It’ll only be a matter of time until I have to tell her, though.”

Atka gripped the side of the bed in frustration. “Brigid is six years old...I...that damn cat is still laughing.” The Inuit woman took a deep breath to calm herself. “Do you have some plan for how we could keep Brigid from getting worse?”

“There is only one thing we can do.” Aya sat next to Atka. “We need to double our efforts to help her gain control of them. We have someone working with her now, but I’m afraid this is a bit out of our league. And with Desmond in the brig, it falls to you and me. A-and to be honest… I don’t have a lot of experience with these mental psionics. Mine mostly take the form of physical manifestations.”

“I can try to help,” Atka responded gently. “I just hope I have what it takes to actually help. What could have set her off, though? I don-t” The psion paused. “It was Dante’s death, wasn’t it?”

Aya nodded. “She said he took her from infirmary because the aliens could follow her somehow. After the way that cat manipulated her, for her to find an alien that actually tried to help her must have meant a lot. When he died, she just… snapped. I doubt she even knew what she was doing. She was probably just acting on instinct.”

Atka held her chin thoughtfully. “It is worrying, should something happen to someone she cares about. We probably shouldn’t tell her about Desmond. However, that does give me an idea. I might tell her about Ogedei; to hear that Dante wasn’t the only honorable alien out there might ease her aching heart.”

Aya smiled. “That’s… actually a good idea. She might like that. And the Commander has decided to release him, at least to a limited extent.”

“I definitely wouldn’t introduce them yet, both for it being intimidating for Brigid, and the Commander wouldn’t be happy about that. But I do trust him. He saved Nouja after all, and killing Samuel hopefully will show everyone else that he’s on our side.”

Aya grinned. “He won my vote. At any rate, I have a lot of things to get in order.” She stood up, and added. “When the two of them do meet, I would like for you to be there. And Nouja, if she can.”

Atka nodded. “I will be. And...thanks for stopping by. I appreciate it.”

“Any time.” She walked towards the door, and the smile faded from her face as she noted the time. “It looks like it is time to have a chat with our cybernetic spy.”

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

MarineAvenger & ZombieSplitter53
The True Depths of Treachery
Part One

X-COM Brig
Interrogation Room
July 26th, 1800 Hours

Desmond sat in the cell of the brig and hadn’t said a word since he had arrived. He sat on the bed with his chin in his hands and tried to make sense with recent events. That alien had ruined everything he had worked hard for. It seems that meeting Elizabeth, fighting in Moscow and losing his arm, his long recovery, his numerous missions; all of them for nothing. He was alone the same as when he first left Exalt. He was even in the same place as when he started out, when he had first been told of his assignment with XCOM; in a cell.

The cell door opened, and one of the guards from the Central defense stepped in, motioning for Desmond to follow. “Mr. Walker, they need to speak with you now.”

Desmond stood up slowly and he held out his hands. Desmond didn’t say a word.

Jake smiled, and shook his head. “I know we should probably restrain you, but it isn’t like you’ve resisted. And I’d know if you were going to attack me. Besides, if we were going to do that, you wouldn’t still have that arm.”

Desmond stared at him and moved to get out of the cell.

Jake walked Desmond to one of the interrogation rooms. The look on the other guards’ faces, and the way they held their weapons, showed they weren’t as trusting. Jake sat in one of the chairs as they waited, and asked, “Um… Desmond? Is it true?”

The silence and the direct look into his eyes was the best answer he was going to get.

Jake shook his head, and remained silent. The door slowly opened, and Major Brea stepped inside. She sat in the seat directly across from Desmond and folded her hands. “The Commander would have liked to be here, but she’s recovering right now. I hope you don’t mind speaking with me, Desmond.”

“It was either you or Morrigan. No one else would do.” He finally spoke up and he crossed his arms. “I regret it has come to this.”

“As do I.” Aya motioned towards Jake. “Mr. Wiewiora here has empathic abilities. We’ve asked him to sit in to act as a lie detector of sorts. He’s here by his own choice, of course.”

Desmond looked over at Jake. “Just know that I am not that good with empathic abilities, so if you are worried I can put up a shield just stop thinking that. If you don’t get a read it is not my fault.” He looked back over at Aya. “So where to start? I imagine you probably don’t believe my name is Desmond, do you?”

“The thought did cross my mind, yes.” Aya shrugged. “I suppose some personal details would be a good starting point. So… who are you? And do you indeed work for EXALT?”

Desmond couldn’t help but chuckled a bit. “Me? I am no one. In some countries I am not human. Do I work for EXALT? They own me.”

Aya looked surprised, she glanced over at Jake, and he slowly nodded. “I… I think you’ve just brought up more questions. Um… is your name really Desmond Walker? And what do you mean by ‘not human’?”

“In a way Desmond is not my true name. I never had one. Although I guess saying I am not human may be a bit extensive. I am not human in the way you think. I am a science project, a clone. My real designation is Patient 42.”

Aya tapped her fingers against the desk, thinking. “And… EXALT owns you, which means they made you, right? And they sent you here to… what, exactly?”

Desmond held his breath briefly and he scratched his head. “That is a harder question to answer. As you may or may not know there was a power change in EXALT. The first leader wanted me to observe, to maybe get some scientific data so she could experiment on her own projects. Now...there were no orders. Just had to keep my head down.”

Aya motioned for Jake to follow her, and the two stepped to the side. Whispering so Desmond wouldn’t hear them, Jake said, “I… if he’s putting up a resistance to my abilities, I can’t tell. From what I can tell, he’s telling the truth.”

Aya nodded. “This isn’t exactly what I expected, that’s for sure.”

“But… a clone?” Jake shook his head. “I know they’re using them as mindless soldiers, but Desmond? A clone?”

“Not as far-fetched as you might think,” Aya said bluntly. The two returned to Desmond, and she asked, “So, how much information did you give your old boss, and how much to the new one?”

“Some here, some there. Any psi research I kept for myself but there is a compartment in my desk that I have hidden early info in. Not much has filtered out as you may fear.”

Aya smiled. “You… there is a reason I have a hard time believing a lot of this, and that’s because of how cooperative you’re being. Most of the EXALT soldiers were so quick to simply kill themselves to protect EXALT. Why are you so different? Is it because you have a degree of self-preservation they lack?”

Desmond’s face hardened and he sat forward. “There are a great many factors to why. I know there is a name that has eluded Morrigan and the Council that I know was given to you before you came to see me. Viktor... Dorian.”

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

The Truth Depths of Treachery
Part Two

Aya leaned in closer. “And what is your relationship to Mr. Dorian? Your boss? Family? Friend? Is he the one directing you actions? The one who told you to make sure you live, even if it means spilling EXALT’s secrets?”

Desmond laughed loudly and he stared at Aya. “You could be no farther from the truth. I wish him dead. He is the one who is controlling EXALT. He is also the reason I exist. I was made from his brother’s DNA and Viktor was my template. I live because I am my own person. Those fakes that we fight are not me...but it hurts no less. Do you know how it feels to kill your own half brothers?”

“I can’t say that I do.” Aya looked down. “But… I can say that I know what I feel like to be violated on the genetic level. To have your whole being taken away and twisted into something evil.” Aya smiled weakly. “I… just want you to know, if this is all true, that I understand.”

“There is another important piece to this story Aya. Legion. I am remember you had a run in with them once, correct?”

Aya raised an eyebrow. “I… had my suspicions of them. So they are part of EXALT after all, huh? But they seemed so much better then that…”

“That is because they are. There is another player here. Elene, she is the first leaders clone. Viktor is not a good man, she wants to end him because he killed her ‘mother’ in cold blood and took control. This all happened just before EXALT declared war on XCOM and the aliens. Despite what you may think he is not an alien sympathizer.”

Aya nodded. “Alright.”

Jake looked between Aya and Desmond. Slowly, hesitantly, he asked, “Would… would it be alright if I asked a question?”

“I don’t have much say here. Just ask.” Desmond stated.

Aya nodded, and Jake licked his lips. “Um… i-if you don’t care much for EXALT’s current leadership, do you still consider yourself a part of EXALT?”

“Yes.” He simply answered. No hesitation in his voice.

Jake frowned. “Would there… is there anyway to change that? I mean… you’ve done so much for X-COM. Why stay loyal to an organization led by a man you want to see dead?”

“Because it is my life. All I have known was life in EXALT. When he was dead, I would return… someday.” Desmond flexed his metal hand. “There are some things that I despise EXALT for doing, especially during my early life, but it is me. I am EXALT.”

“And what would you be returning to?” Aya raised her voice a bit, a saddened look in her face. “To an organization that treated you like a ‘what’, not a ‘who’? To a group that obviously kept you confined, to the point where you openly refer to them as ‘owning’ you? To a group that built you as some weapon, and tried to suppress your free will, all for the purpose of using you to watch the world burn?! You would turn your back on all the friends, all the loved ones you’ve made, to return to that? And why? Because ‘that is who you are’? Bullshit!”

“Because of Elene.” Desmond said. “She is the reason why. As you can imagine I don’t have a family like you do Aya.” Desmond said coldly. “I don’t have a mother, I don’t have a father. She is the closest thing I have to something resembling something like that. I would do anything and everything to keep her safe. Anything.”

Aya sat back, trying to relax a bit. “You… don’t care much for the Commander, do you? You see her as just another Viktor Dorian, huh?”

“I see her as she is. She is nothing like Viktor. She was an attachment that I made here that if you said ‘You would be one of her most trusted soldiers’ to myself when I first arrived here I would have called her a complication. That isn’t the case now.”

“And if the situation was different, and it was Dorian in her place, and you were an X-COM spy, how do you think this situation would pan out?”

“Viktor would kill me the moment he found out. He is not one for sentimental value.”

Aya nodded. “Would it… surprise you to find out that the com… that Morrigan would like to meet Elene. The idea of someone in EXALT defying them who could act as an ally… she’d love to establish some kind of dialogue with her. You see, she doesn’t see the world in black and white, and she understands circumstances like this. You know, people who are forced to do things they don’t agree with.”

“Absolutely not.” Desmond stated plainly. “That isn’t going to happen.”

“Why?” Aya asked, but her tone sympathetic. “Isn’t that her choice to make as much as yours. Has she said she won’t talk to us? And if so, why not? If you are here, they obviously know where we are, or at least have a good idea. We aren’t going to try to find out where she is, but even if she doesn’t believe that, she could throw us an olive branch if she really doesn’t mean us any harm.”

“It is not a matter of trust with XCOM, it is a matter of trust with the Council of Nations. Her research is not exactly the most practiced form of research. She does things that a committee would stamp as blasphemy and throw her in prison. I refuse to have her contacted by XCOM just yet. As for the location of this base, EXALT has no idea where it is. I got in because my fake record looked good and I got picked up by a recruiter.” Desmond held up a hand. “And don’t think that you will try and contact her without me because there is only one way to contact her.” Desmond tapped his head. “I lied when I said I came up with that ability on my own because I was bored.”

Aya frowned. After several seconds of thought, she finally sighed. “Alright. There might be ways to force you to do it, or at least ways that more unsympathetic people might think will work. I’m sure the Council might even mention a few.” Aya stood up, and gave Desmond a serious look. “But Morrigan would never approve of them, no matter what you might think. To be honest, I think she is more hurt by this then angry. The Council might throw its weight around, but Morrigan is in control here. No matter what they say about you, she won’t forget what you’ve done for us. You should remember that when you hesitate to believe that she wouldn’t fight the Council over any negative thoughts they have about Elene.”

Desmond sat in silence just staring down the Japanese officer. Deciding not to tempt her any further he came to a decision. “Not now. Not until I at least talk to her first. When that is I can’t say but it is the best you will get for now.”

 

[Dahlexpert]

The failed bio weapon

Eva goes back to her room and clenches her fist in anger. she clenches her fist even tighter until blood starts to drop from the hand.

AHHHHHH AHHHHHH AHHHHH Eva's punches through the wall of her room in anger. Damn it i'm suppose to be the ultimate weapon, the greatest soldier that ever lived, I went through more training then any one on this base I've been through so much and saved so many, I even came close to death and yet i'm still not the greatest solder on the face of the planet.

Hell Luseet even saved me from near death and gave made me a super soldier enhanced speed strength and intelligent but even then she gave me restrictions, restrictions to hold me back because when she gave me the serime she gave it to me in douses because she said that my body couldn't handle it.

So I trained I got even stronger and stronger both in body and mind, and on my own I was able to go up to restriction level two some thing that even Lusset was surprises I could do. I even made it a step further and got gen mods to expand my strength i'm now immune to poison I can heal my self have skin stronger than iron even my eyes were improve.

So why.....WHY AM I STILL GETTING OUT MATCHED, NO HUMAN ON THIS PLANT CAN EVER BEST ME NOT ASHLEY NOT ATKA NOT DESMOND HELL NOT EVEN THE COMMANDER I'M STRONGER THEN ALL OF THEM COMBINED I EVEN BESTED A MUTON AND A BERZERKER TAKING BOTH OF THEM HEAD ON ONE ONE ONE A STREAGHT UP FIGHT, AND I BESTED THEM TO, THIN MAN SECTOIDS CHRYSSILADS FLOATERS ALL OF THEM I'VE BESTED THEM ALL.

So why WHY ISN'T ENOUGH. I've proven my metal agenst every thing, and yet I was pushed away like a common fly by an alien wearing a bathrobe am I missing something what is it that t i'm missing.

Eva growls in anger. LUSSET TELL ME. TELL ME WHAT I HAVE TO DO TO TELL ME WHAT I'M MISSING YOU CREATED ME WHAT SHOULD I DO TO PROTECT EVERY ONE . Eva stops yelling and thinks for a moment.

Yes of course the only reason that robe wearing bastard beat us was because of his psyonicks, but even Desmond and Atka was swatted away like they were nothing by that thing.

But maybe I can do better, maybe I can get psyonicks and become stronger then that thing. YES That's the only way my final evolution is to become psyionik like Desmond and Atka, and then I will be complete all of your work Lusset will finally be done through me. once i'm psyonic I will master it and once that's done I can finally do what I was meant for and that is to protect the world for all things that terror it.

And once i'm done with the aliens Vector I will come for you and send you into the worthless pit you came out of.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

The Truth Depths of Treachery
Part Three

Desmond shifted himself in his chair to get just a little more comfortable. “I imagine one of your questions may be where I got my training, is it not? Especially now that you know the operative background was bull. Though whether you will believe me or not is your own problem.”

Aya sat back down. “Desmond, you seem to think I’m more skeptical about these things then I am.” She motioned towards Jake. “And you don’t seem to be lying. At any rate, you seem to be way too skilled for this training to have simply been downloaded into your mind.”

Desmond gave a light smile. “I have no battle programs in my implants, which I do have by the way, but they are more for logic and reasoning skills. All of it is from training.”

“Must have been some intense training for you to get all those scars. Not to mention learning it all in… are you as old as you look?”

Desmond chuckled. “I am…lets see...I am around eight years old if I am correct. I was artificially aged to thirteen and was taken out when I had got there because of some malfunction with the equipment. Keep in mind that I was the 42nd patient and only the second to survive up to that point. I was also the final clone up until Elene was revealed and Viktor found his own formula. And the scars aren’t from my training. At least not all the major ones, they are from surgeries I was forced to undergo when I was first created.”

Aya sighed. “You know… you make it really hard to hate you.”

Desmond’s smile faded. “It was rough growing up as a science project. I will admit there was a bright spot when I turned ‘16’ though. Lasted three years until the previous leader of EXALT sent mercs to get me back.” Desmond reached behind his neck and unclipped the the leather necklace. Desmond threw it on the table so it was in front of Aya. “That is not a souvenir from a family vacation I can tell you that.”

“I’d imagine not.” Aya studied it. “Where did you go for your not-so sweet sixteen.”

“The mountains of Japan.” He stated proudly. “Though this is where I would believe some people would laugh and walk away. I was being trained in an enclave by modern day shinobi warriors.”

Jake chuckled. He smiled and looked between Aya and Desmond, and his smile faded. “R… really? Like… like ninjas or what not?”

“A blunt way to put it but yes, basically ninjas. I took a risk requisitioning the Commander for a weapon I preferred to use but it worked out.” Desmond rubbed his neck. “They were apart of the Otohara clan of shinobi. They mixed modern combat with traditional ways of fighting. If you try to find them you won’t.”

“One of those secret, ‘we don’t exist, so don’t look for us, because even if you found us, you wouldn’t live long enough to tell anyone’ deals, huh?” Aya smiled, but in a way that said she was taking Desmond serious.

“No.” Desmond stated with a bit of venom in his voice. “They are all dead. Those mercs that EXALT hired...they killed them all just to get me. I had to kill my own master because he ordered me to so that EXALT would believe that I was still loyal.” Desmond looked at Aya, his face stern but there was a sad undertone that you couldn’t deny was there. “I am the last surviving member.”

Aya looked taken aback. She handed Desmond his necklace and said, “Listen, Desmond. I’m sorry to hear all of this. It… sounds to me that a lot of it has been out of your hands, and your presence in the brig is just another example of them screwing you over.” She folded her hands and leaned forward. “I can’t make you any promises. There are a lot of people here that are a bit mad. But most are just shocked. The Commander is upset. I’m upset. Eve keeps telling me that this is all a big mistake. And I’m not sure about Atka, but she was your friend, and she is a pretty understanding woman, so she would likely back you if she knew the whole truth, at least to an extent. So… I’ll see what I can do.”

Desmond sighed and he sat back, crossing his arms. “No. I don’t need the pity of soldiers or the staff. Hell, I am not even sure if I wish to continue all this. My life has always been painful. I showed you it before. I will not ask for forgiveness because I do not regret the decisions I have made. By all means go ahead and try to act like me being apart of EXALT is not a bad thing, but people need something to be mad at. Now more than ever. I would rather be hated than to try and act like I have never done anything wrong.”

“There is a difference between pity and understanding!” Aya shouted. “And after all this time, I had hoped you would have learned to care about our cause, regardless of the reasons why you came here!” Aya stood up, and slammed her hand on the table. “People here care for you. You’d have no hope of getting through this if not. But for you to say that you don’t want forgiveness, and that you don’t want to continue…” Aya turned and walked towards the door. Yanking it open, she shouted over her shoulder. “Maybe I was wrong about you! Maybe we were wasting our time caring about you, because I’m not sure if you care about us! So keep your loyalty to your EXALT slave masters. Throw away everyone here that cares about you for one person we don’t even want to be enemies with. The HELL do I care!?” She slammed the heavy door behind, making the guards and Jake jump.

Desmond sighed and rubbed his eyes. When he stopped he looked at Jake. “What she seems to forget is that I am already branded a traitor. That just does not vanish. I am not property of XCOM. I am allowed to leave at my discretion after this.”

Jake shook his head. “You’re not our property, no. And we would never try to own you.” He smiled sadly. “That’s probably why she was on the verge of tears. From the sound of things, you’re more loyal to the people that treat you like property than the ones that treat you like a person. It… sounds like you either don’t want us to accept you, or you don’t care. And that implies you don’t care about us.”

“When I first arrived I wasn’t supposed to make allies at all. Now look at the dilema I am in. I hate the way EXALT has turned out but that is all the more reason to go back to it. Someone needs to help get them back on track and Elene can’t do everything with herself and her few followers. XCOM has done a lot for me, but when you get down to it…” Desmond trailed off, not finishing the sentence.

“What is it?” Jake asked.

“Nothing. I just need some time to think.”

Jake sighed. “I… I understand. And I can see how conflicted you are. I can… I know you were telling the truth, for the most part. But part of you doesn’t believe what you said about us. I don’t think you want forgiveness because you don’t think you deserve it. But you might deserve it more than you think.” He stood up to leave. As he walked away, he said, “I have… one last thing to ask you.”

“What is it?” Desmond asked looking at the psionic guard.

“Your friend, Elizabeth… did you want me to give her a message?” Jake gave Desmond a sympathetic look. “I don’t know if she knows yet, but she’ll find out eventually. I can give her a message, if you want.”

Desmond froze. He was worried she would be brought up and wasn’t really prepared to answer that. “What would you do? Would it really be for the best?”

Jake shook his head. “I’m not sure. I’m not exactly a ladies man. If you want, I can wait until after she finds out. But I’m sure if she heard something, anything from you, it would ease her pain. Like how you never meant to hurt her… or I could reassure her that you grew close to her because you care for her, not for any other reason.”

Desmond thought for a minute and after giving it some thought he finally decided on something. “Tell her, ‘I am sorry I left you alone.’ At least that is something.”

“I will.” Jake smiled. “Hang in there, Desmond. I’m a good judge of character, whether I want to be or not.” He shrugged, and stepped out.

 

[Adrammalech]

// BLUE SCREEN //
Emily Fischer
XCOM Headquarters – Mess Hall
Siberia, Russian Federation
12:46 PM

“So then, the big metal door just crashes down. I’ve never seen it move that fast, god knows what would happen if anyone was under it. I guess that wasn’t the concern,” Dallas droned on.

Emily stared blankly forwards, silent.

“We try to wedge the door open for like, an hour. Nika tried to use Sunny’s computer and figure out what was happening, but the little AI girl never showed up. It was just a blank screen,” Dallas continued, waving his hands about in spare motions. “Maybe an hour later, someone comes and opens all the doors, and says the situation has been resolved and to report to the mech lab for cleanup.”

Emily continued staring until his fingers got in her face, snapping loudly.

“You okay?” he asked.

“I’m fine,” she sighed, irritated.

Dallas looked disapprovingly, being far too old to think that true. “So, what happened to you?”

“Some things,” she looked away, eyeing the ceiling and vents carefully. “It was just like a mission.”

“But what happened?”

“I told you, some things,” she repeated, looking around at the other soldiers’ foreheads suspiciously. She quickly calculated each worry in her head. Traitors, puppets, aliens. Less lethal but just as scary, the Commander as well.

“Fine, I get it, it’s still fresh,” he sighed, resigned. “Just don’t go Section 8 on me.”

“I’m fine,” her eyes focused back to Dallas and she smiled warmly. “Really.”

Emily looked down at her untouched tray, grabbing a biscuit and taking a small bite from it. Finding the taste especially sandpapery, she tossed it behind her shoulder.

“Nika posted a note up in the room today,” Dallas said, “said she was going to be ‘taking a day off.’ Know what that’s about?”

“Nope,” Emily replied.

“I didn’t even know we could take days off. She must be doing something else. Gene mods?”

“I don’t think Nika’s the type.”

“I imagine no one is, but the situation’s getting more desperate by the day. Every victory is followed by a higher mountain. It can be disheartening if you’re just…normal.”

“Still considering retirement?”

He looked down at his lap, peeking into a pouch on his waist. In it, the little star-shaped hairpin he had gotten from the refugee girl gleamed a little.

“No,” he stated, “I’ve been a soldier this long, and people still need me.”

“I’m glad,” Emily said softly, before her eyes started wandering suspiciously over the soldiers in the room again.

Suddenly, a bulky gunner she had never met, with arms as big as her waist and a small patch reading “Trapp” on his chest, stopped behind her. His breathing was heavy and audible just from where Emily was.

“Pick that up,” he growled, pointing at her casually discarded food.

“I’ll get to it right away,” Emily sneered back.

“Someone’s going to trip, pick it up.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t, you overgrown ape,” she mumbled.

“What was that?” he turned towards her.

“Emily…” Dallas said, looking at her sternly.

“I said…” Emily wheeled around and rose from her seat, raising her voice, “I’m surprised that gravity doesn’t yank you down to earth itself, much less with the help of a spare biscuit, you overgrown, musclebound, APE!”

His arms tensed up and his squad around him chuckled, a couple murmurs urging him to kick her ass. “What the fuck is your problem, huh?!”

“My problem is I can hear your Neanderthal breathing from across the goddamn room! Can you hear yourself, or did you trade hearing for muscles in that lab?!”

He cocked his arm back and swung at her stomach, causing Emily to flow around it like water before taking a large swing at the man’s head. With a dampened thunk, her hand stopped dead on his chin, his bone and muscle as hard as stone. She quickly recoiled, gripping her tiny-in-comparison fingers.

“Jesus Christ,” she whined, flicking her hand.

The gunner chuckled lightheartedly after Emily had thoroughly embarrassed herself, going from livid to laughter in a manner of seconds. After a minute, his expression went back to neutral.

“Seriously though, pick it up,” he said, turning and leaving.

Emily plopped back into her seat, looking at the remainder of her tray with irritation. Sighing loudly, she reached behind her and picked up her discarded ration, slapping it against the table.

“I don’t know what you were expecting,” Dallas sighed.

“That, minus the laughing part,” Emily sighed, still looking down.

“You expected to get your ass kicked?”

“People with black eyes get more sympathy.”

“And what do you need sympathy for?” Dallas asked with concern.

Emily looked up from the tray, staring him in the eyes with an expression of equal parts worry and reticence. “I’ll let you know,” she replied.

 

[MarineAvenger]

The Hell of Being Alone
XCOM Med Bay
July 27th, 2018
9:27 A.M

Elizabeth had locked herself up in here office ever since the base assault had ended. Whenever she closed her eyes or tried to go to sleep she could see all the blood and gore that came with surgery, but worst of all she could see the faces of the ones that they couldn't save. There were so many lost that day. So many came to the Med Bay and so many needed help. They just couldn't save them all. She knew that loss would be part of being a military doctor but what she was not prepared for was the trauma that she had to deal with; the worst part being that she was doing it alone.

When Elizabeth had first heard of Desmond's capture and his involvement with one of XCOM's enemies she had felt a torrent of emotions. She felt angry, sad, betrayed, but most of all was shock. How could someone as caring as him be apart of something like that? She was not blind to the doings of EXALT but trying to picture Desmond being apart of that was something she could not imagine. She told herself that there had to be another side of this story but there was a little fragment in the back of her mind telling her to forget the traitor.

She always felt horrible when she would think something like that. She knew that this new side of Desmond's past was not the real him. She had seen the true side of him. The way he smiled, the way he laughed, the way he would try and crack a joke whenever he could just to make her giggle...and the way he held her. There was no deceit when it came to how he showed his love for her. Elizabeth would tell herself that whenever she thought bad things.

If anything she hated the feeling of being alone. When a guard had come to her and told her he had a message for her from Desmond she was overjoyed until she heard it. This was still when she believed that he was innocent of the claims put against him but what the guard said put the nail in the coffin.

‘I am sorry I left you alone.’

When Elizabeth had heard that leave the guard's mouth her heart sank to the bottom of her chest. She smiled weakly and had thanked the guard but as soon as he had left the room she had fallen to her knees and wept until there were no more tears to cry. That day her chest had felt so heavy that a breath would be a bitter reminder of the situation she found herself in.

Ellie looked back to the first time she had ever seen Desmond. He had been sleeping in her office after he had been sent in for an examination. She remembered how he snapped at her and how gentle he was with her afterwards. She remembered how she saw him in the gym that night and he had first called her, 'Rin'. She had gotten so mad at him but he consoled her even after she had been mean to him. Then there was that time he completely shut her out and broke her heart. It was all thanks to Alexia that the two of them even ended up together to begin with.

"Now that I look back, it explains the reason why he acted the way he did." She said silently to console herself. Elizabeth curled herself up in her chair and closed her eyes. Little by little, her eyes began to get moist until finally, a tear rolled down her face. After a tear came more, and after that; Elizabeth no longer had control of herself. She cried silently to herself until exhaustion overpowered her emotions and she began to drift off. "Please, Desmond...please return to me soon. I can't be alone right now. I just can't..."

 

[MarineAvenger]

MarineAvenger and DarkGemini24601: “Exalted Resolution, Part 1”

XCOM Headquarters, Somewhere in Siberia
0830 Hours, July 27th, 2018
The Brig

Desmond sat on the bunk of his cell once more reading a book that he was allowed to have. It was another of Shakespeare’s works, more of a collection of poems but he enjoyed it nonetheless. Thinking back on his interrogation, he couldn’t help but feel some sort of guilt for what he had caused Aya to feel. Desmond didn’t know if it was him or some other factor but he just couldn’t help but feel that way. He knew that it might be too early but Elene had a right to know what was going on. He got up from the bed and sat crossed legged on the cold floor and reached out with his mind to reach his friend.

You have reached the automated Avanix receptor. Please leave a message at the beep. A beep rang in Desmond’s head. Apologies, that was an attempt at humor. I believe Sora is rubbing off on me, unfortunately.

Desmond couldn’t help but smile at the artificial woman’s attempt at a joke but he was here on business. I appreciate the attempt Avanix but I require to speak with Elene at once. It is very important.

I shall retrieve her then. One moment.

Less than a minute passed before Subject Negative Zero slipped on the headset, and entered the dreamscape. She suppressed a yawn, straightening her labcoat. “A bit early, but not a problem. Coffee works wonders. What do you need, Desmond?”

Desmond gave a weak smile at Elene and he dropped the smile almost as soon as it had come. “It is over Elene.”

Negative Zero paused, her expression growing serious. “Elaborate.”

“XCOM was attacked by alien forces. I was part of the main defence but there was this alien who was strong in psionic potential. He managed to look into my mind...and he exposed my secret before fleeing.”

Elene thought for a moment. “And you are imprisoned, then, I take it. This was...unexpected. Both the revelation of your identity and a psion besting you in combat.”

“It was unlike any power me or my allies have ever seen. You could feel the power from him. Also yes, I am indeed in a cell right now.”

“They haven’t tortured you, have they?” Elene asked with concern evident in her tone.

“No, but there was a rather one sided interrogation where I managed to make the interrogator run off in a fit of emotion. What I get for trying to pick sides.” He replied somberly.

“What did you tell them, if anything?” Elene inquired. She quickly added, “And I do not believe taking sides is technically necessary. After all, Mr. Cross informed me that the Commander would be willing to tolerate me as long as I did not stand by Viktor. Which will never happen, of course.”

“I told them rather bluntly that I wouldn’t let them use me as a way to contact you and then went to say that I would make no promises. To put your mind at ease: I also made it very clear of our hatred toward Viktor, my affiliation with him, and the intention of Legion. That about covers the parts that specifically influence you though there was more.”

The heiress nodded. “Acceptable. Their knowledge of that only reinforces my position. However...why did you tell them you wouldn’t be a go-between? If I had a chance to actually speak with XCOM”s Commander...that would remove the need for Mr. Cross’s vagueness. I could explain my situation far more accurately, and come to some sort of agreement.”

“I feared the actions that the Council would make if they looked at you as a threat rather than an ally. I was abruptly reminded that the person in charge here would do her best not to let that happen which led to me considering the offer. I hope I haven’t displeased you by being too overprotective. Wouldn’t want the all powerful clone of Lusett bringing her wrath upon me…” He joked.

Elene smiled slightly, holding a hand on her chin. “I shall let this pass. You have done well enough. Though...on a more serious note, how much do you trust the Commander? What is he or she like? I’m not asking for their identity, but it is time I know what sort of person I am dealing with in order to be able to respond appropriately.”

“It is a she if that earns you any points. She is a very laid back-person with her command but when she needs to be she can be your best friend or worst enemy. She is fiercely loyal to her troops and she is a redhead, so...good luck.”

“Hm...and that, coupled with the fact that she successfully was able to prevent the Council from forcing genetic modification and cybernetic augmentation implies that she is in the dominant position there. If that is the case, everything thus far leans towards an alliance being possible and beneficial.” Elene cleared her throat. “It is rapidly becoming clear to me that even with my brilliant staff, I have far too few researchers or facilities to keep up with XCOM’s development. Thus, an alliance would allow me to work alongside the most potent science staff in the world, and would give XCOM more troops. Something that they probably need after an attack on their headquarters.”

The heiress frowned. “On that note, Avanix reported a massive UFO that vanished somewhere over Siberia. I imagine that is not unrelated. We are currently attempting to track where it returned to...if we are successful, we will have a base of our own to assault. Without Viktor’s knowledge, mind you.”

“I hope you are ready for a fight that large. It will require a great number troops and a good leader to command it all. As much as Vee likes to boast of her fighting skills she is more a follower than a leader. You need to keep up appearances back at HQ, so I guess that leaves Emma. If she was to lead, do you think she could handle it?”

Elene nodded. “Emma has proven capable of leading in battle. She can handle leading one of the teams, and we have convinced Mr. Jimenez to serve as an additional officer. His time-honed skills will be invaluable, I imagine. Despite my efforts thus far, we have not found a psionic clone. I think we lack the facilities, especially that device you have, however.” Elene smiled. “That said, with the genetic modifications the Adam line has received, coupled with the modified drones and Legion, we are still effective.”

“I would like to understand that anti-psionic ability of that Incubator, however,” Avanix intoned, fading in beside Elene. “For now, we shall make up for a lack of counter-psionics with...well, why don’t I just show you?” Her form shifted and grew, appearing as her M.E.S.H.A. mech suit. “Ms. Aergerter’s information has born fruit. Speaking of whom, what is her status? Has she been revealed as well?”

“No, but she nearly caused a massacre when she decided to point a gun at a CO’s head in my defence. I don’t know if I should be happy or smack her upside the head for doing something that idiotic. For now I imagine she is being watched very closely. Anyways, regarding those counter-psionic abilities there is a little bit of info I can share. Psionics are not really that affected by another’s powers, at least with mental ones. It is very easy for a psion to put a barrier on their mind depending on the strength of that particular person’s power.”

Elene shook her head. “And that would help if we had a psion. We do not. However, we should be able to replicate that...shall we call it ‘Neural Dampening?’ And once that is ready, I shall give it to Emma. She requested anything that would prevent an incident like the one on the supply ship from repeating itself. And ideally...we can build ourselves gauss weaponry and powered body armor in time...though I’m not counting on that.”

“As for XCOM, I believe the time has come for a dialogue. If we can do anything to help you, Desmond, this would be our chance,” Avanix suggested. “If we prove that we are no threat, but instead a potential ally, they will have little reason to distrust you, and you can simply become a go-between rather than a spy. An ambassador soldier, if you will.”

Desmond hesitated for a split second but let out a defeated sigh. “If...if this is really what you want then I will try and set something up.” Desmond rubbed his eyes and he wanted to ask something. “Should I leave XCOM, Elene? Go and be with you guys rather than be so far away where I can’t protect any of you?”

 

[DarkGemini24601]

MarineAvenger and DarkGemini24601: “Exalted Resolution, Part 2”

Elene seemed to consider the offer. “If we do successfully align ourselves with XCOM, our troops will fight with them. And by that point, Viktor Dorian should be dealt with. I would be in no more danger than your base staff....more so, as I doubt the aliens will track us down for an incursion. I do not need to ask you to abandon XCOM. There is someone you care deeply about there, is there not? As well as other friends.”

“Yes but...my life is with Exalt. I have nothing outside of this other than that. Though I may not agree with everything Lusett had done, that place is still my home. And...you guys are the closest thing I have to a family…” He finally admitted to the heiress.

Elene was quiet, taken a bit aback. “Still...it would be cruel of me to ask you to leave the person you love. You would not ask me to abandon Markus…” She reddened a bit, but quickly recomposed herself. “If I did ally with XCOM...I might end up being on-base. This place…” she glanced around at the facility that Desmond could not see. “It is our birthplace, and Lusett’s home. I would not abandon it entirely, but it is not worth tearing you away from those you have fought alongside or fought to protect.”

Desmond lowered his head slightly, disappointed by the answer but he quickly perked up. “Then let us hope that we end this soon. Maybe Vee can throw a family reunion party. I wouldn’t mind seeing how silly you would look in a party hat.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I do want to meet you in person someday, and I feel the same way you do. However, please understand that I’m asking you to stay for your benefit as much as mine.” Subject -0 sighed. “I understand if you’re bitter from being imprisoned. But was I wrong? Do you really not feel any attachment to those in XCOM?” Elene shook her head. “You do not feel any camaraderie with that scout captain? Loyalty to your Commander? Or hold any friendship with Ammelia?”

“I am not saying that I don’t feel anything, but the fact that I betrayed XCOM isn’t something that most people will just forget. Would it really be beneficial to keep a negative presence like that over the soldiers heads?”

Elene frowned. “It isn’t your fault, though. The situation drastically changed. In truth, you never aided a hostile force. Lusett was never hostile towards XCOM, and I obviously have no intention of combating them unless left with no other option. If anyone, they should blame me for not trying harder to contact them and explain everything earlier. If...if they know that you serve Legion and not EXALT, and we indeed become allies, then that ill will should fade.”

Subject Negative Zero’s expression darkened. “But if the worst happens, if for some reason myself and XCOM become enemies, I wouldn’t hesitate to call you back. I desire that it never comes to that.”

“As do I. I will try my best to try and push through this.” Desmond smiled slightly at the scientist’s reasoning, he would give her that. A thought crossed his mind and Desmond looked up at Elene. “Elene...do you remember when I told you about my time in Japan? There is something I need to tell you.”

The heiress nodded. “I have not forgotten. What about it?”

“I have told no one this, and it has been a secret I have kept from everyone for far too long. With times changing and me not knowing where I may end up, I might as well tell someone. Before the battle between the mercs Lusett sent and the people at the enclave, my master gave me a very important task. I think you may want to hear what it was.”

“I’m…” Elene trailed off. “Avanix, what was the phrase?”

“I’m all ears?”

“That’s not even scientifically...forget it. I’m listening,” Elene decided.

“He...he tasked me with rebuilding the clan should it have been destroyed, which it so happens it was. I want to keep my promise to him but have no way to do it. Who knows when this war may end with the aliens and by then I might be…” Desmond sighed and scratched the back of his head. “What should I do about it?”

“Rebuilding a shinobi clan… that… is not exactly in my field of expertise. If by some miracle the DNA of its members existed, I could clone them perhaps, but I’m not sure if that would be the right way,” Elene mused.

Desmond shook his head. “No, that is not exactly...what I had in mind. I have a vague idea of what to do but just don’t know how to go about it. Imagine what possibilities could open up if we had an elite group of soldiers, assassins, and spies. It could help a lot but how could I begin to set it up?”

“It would indeed be useful, but I haven’t the faintest clue, either. I imagine it took centuries for that clan to be what it is...it is not something that can be done in a day. Septimus Visellius Exalt would agree with the statement that Rome was not built in a day. He helped build its system of democracy, after all.”

“No, it certainly was not.” Desmond thought for a second and he had a slight idea. “Elene, would you look up a person for me while I am stuck in here. If we can get in contact with him, I could possibly begin the rebuilding process. If I get out of this cell then I may even begin to make progress should we find him.”

The symbols on Avanix’s eyes spun, contracting for a moment. “Name the subject in question, and I shall do my best.”

“No one knew his real name but he went by a specific title, Ratto no ō, the King of Rats. We used him as a way of information up in the mountains. If I could get in contact with him then I may have a chance.”

Avanix nodded. “I shall run a search in known databases. It should not take more than a few hours, or a few days at most. I will contact you when I have something.”

“And in the meantime...inform me once it is time for a dialogue,” Elene finished. “I look forward to meeting the Commander at last.”

“I will be sure to tell her that. And Elene…” Desmond smiled. “It was nice to talk to you again. I needed this.”

Elene seemed to consider something for a moment, and then walked over to Desmond, embracing him a bit awkwardly. “Keep yourself safe,” she muttered. “Can’t have you getting into further trouble.”

Desmond was startled by the girl’s embrace but he smiled and returned it. “I make no promises, but I will try my best.”

After a few moments more, Elene finally drew back. “I wish you well.” She vanished from sight, removing the headset. She turned towards the holographic projection of Avanix.

“Is there something else you require, mistress?” the A.I. inquired.

“Indeed there is. I want you to prepare for something. Set up a network of false IPs and firewalls. Although one might argue this course is callous, this is our chance to get some of XCOM’s data without them being aware that it was even us. And we need that information to stand a chance at invading an alien base. Especially that ‘Neural Feedback’. I will not allow Emma to suffer under the control of an enemy again.”

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

DarkGemini24601 and ZombieSplitter53: “Magnetic Dissonance”

X-COM Headquarters
Engineering, MEC Facility
1200 Hours

Sunny watched as those around her did most of the heavy lifting, the MEC Lab almost fully operational now. She kept insisting that she was okay. She was injured, after all. But after all this time, she was still just the child. She figured she should just be happy she had an excuse to relax after her ordeal.

She sat at one of her terminals, much smaller than the one in Main Engineering, but good enough for what she needed in this lab. Tweaking Alice’s damaged program, she couldn’t help but think of the risk Emily had taken for her. Not only did she put herself in a lot of danger, shedding her armor and rushing to her aid, but what if the Commander lashed out at her for disobeying orders during the attack? Surely the Commander would understand, but perhaps Sunny could send her a message, explaining the situation. It might amount to nothing, but it was worth a shot, right?

One of the engineers cleared their throat. “Um, Dr. Randolf? There’s someone here that requires your assistance. An ‘Isitoq.’ No last name.”

“R-really?” Sunny asked in surprise. “One of the refugees? Sure, of course.”

The engineer nodded, and went to retrieve the mechanized human. A few moments later, Isitoq walked in. In his typical, slightly metallic tone, he explained, “Observation would deduce why I have come here.” With his inhibited rifle arm, he gestured towards his left shoulder, which was just that and damaged metal and wiring hanging out beneath.

Sunny grimaced, and motioned towards a nearby stool. “Yes, please, sit down. L-let me have a look.”

Isitoq sat down on the stool, regarding his remaining arm for a moment. “I believe there has to be a detachment function for them, but I was never able to guess how to activate it. Otherwise I probably wouldn’t have a right arm like this…”

Sunny nodded, and walked over to his right side. She hit a few keys on her keyboard, bringing up Isitoq’s file, and what information they had on his cybernetics. After examining the information, she slowly lifted his arm and ran her hands down the seams. She seemed to almost look through it as her eyes darted back and forth. After a few minutes, she smiled. There was an audible click, a few servos moved, and Sunny pulled the rifle off his arm. “There you go. Sorry it took me so long. The alien tech is still new to me.”

Isitoq’s mechanical eyes adjusted in surprise. “I did not expect that to succeed. I...thank you. If that is possible, then removing the damaged one should not be difficult either.”

“I-I suppose that depends on the extent of the damage.” Sunny pointed to some spokes on his arm. “If you place the rifle here, it will automatically attach. And see the pressed in part here. Press it down, and the gun will pop back off. I’m not sure if the guards will like the idea of you keeping the weapon if you can take it off, but that can be our little secret.”

The cyborg nodded. “The Berserker did heavily damage the severed arm, however. It might need to be replaced, or at least requires time to repair.” Isitoq thought for a moment. “If detachment is possible, though, there is a question I have for you, Dr. Randolf.”

“Sure,” the young engineer responded, moving to his other side. “But please call me Sunny.” She raised an eyebrow at the severed limb. “Hm, pretty clean cut. Probably have to replace the whole thing. Did you want to know if we can detach the arm, or the entire shoulder mount?”

“For my question to be valid, detachment at the shoulder and hip mounts would have to be possible. But making a conjecture based on current knowledge, it should be,” Isitoq intoned.

“Well…” Sunny reached forward, and pulled what was left of the arm from the mount. “That’s easy enough. As for the mounts themselves, I’m not sure they were designed with removal in mind, but I’m pretty sure I can take them off with no problem. Their design is a lot like what we use.”

“Detachment up until the mounts is all that was a concern.” Isitoq closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. “With that in mind, would it be possible for me to serve as a MEC trooper?”

“I… you…” Sunny stepped back, looking Isitoq in the eyes. “You want to…” She frowned, and looked away. “Y-your… sister, right?”

“When we locate her, I would like to do more than just sit around and hope that the forces there succeed. It feels...unnatural to just watch and wait,” Isitoq did his best to explain.

“W-well, it would take some adjustments, but yeah, it would be possible.” Sunny sat in front of her computer and turned the chair towards her guest. “Did you want to join as a full soldier? Or did you simply want to prepare to help rescue Buniq?”

Isitoq looked down for a moment. “I am unsure. I want to help...but I know that if I were to be a full time soldier, Buniq would worry. It is conflicting.”

Sunny smiled. “Well… I have parts for making a spare MEC suit or two lying around. We only have a few MEC soldiers afterall. Maybe I could design something for you. Something that you could work with, and you could be a… X-COM reserve MEC. Then you wouldn’t have to fight like the others, but you could still prepare to help Buniq. The Commander would have to be consulted, but I’m sure she would approve. She… she wasn’t happy to hear about your sister.”

Isitoq nodded slowly. “That could work. And if I change my mind about a full-time position, I will notify you. I...apologize for what happened in the civilian quarters. If we had done better, perhaps Buniq would still be here.”

“Don’t apologize to me,” Sunny insisted. “Your sister was taken. You deserve sympathy, not scorn. And I heard how much of a fight you put up. If it wasn’t for you, her, and everyone else there, who knows how many civilians we would have lost. Please, don’t doubt yourself. I doubt that’s what Buniq would what.”

“I...understand,” Isitoq said finally. “I appreciate all that you have done for me. I only hope I can return the favor somehow.”

“Just doing my job.” Sunny nodded. She turned back to her computer, and started pulling up all of the MEC specs so she could design a new arm for Isitoq that was better than anything she had made up to that point.