RP XCOM: The Story of Defiance.

[DarkGemini24601]

DarkGemini24601 and ZombieSplitter53: “Brought Together in Empathy”

X-COM Headquarters
Civilian Quarters, Forward Lobby
1300 Hours

Jake stared up at the ceiling, his eyes drooping ever so slightly after days of recovery work. He was glad he could help during the fight in Central, or at least for what little help he provided. But after hearing what everyone had gone through here, he kinda hoped he had been here. Again, though, he was unsure what good he could have done. He glanced over at his three roommates, chatting with eachother across the room, and felt bad about the large amount that their safety took away from the impact of the base attack, considering that amount of loss they had suffered. Hoping he could just assume it was human nature, he looked back up, and again, his eyes started to drift shut.

“Is this a bad time? I can come back later,” a female voice said gently.

Jake looked up, then immediately sat up straight. “Yes… I mean no, I mean… of course not, Ms… um… I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your last name. Everyone just kept calling you Atka.”

The Inuit woman shook her head. “You can call me Atka. My last name is my father’s name, I only have it because the military needed something to fit the format for their files.”

“Makes sense, I guess. Last names are overrated anyway.” he scooted to the side of the couch, wanting to make sure Atka had plenty of room to sit. “So, uh… what can I do for you? I… I’m doing my best to help rebuild, but if I need to do more…”

Atka shook her head, sitting down. “No, not that. I’m here to do what I promised you I would. Thank you, for being brave enough to fight alongside us. We couldn’t have held Delta without the additional troops, and a lot of them lost their lives in the process…”

Jake suppressed a guilty look. “I… r-really? Wow, I didn’t expect… thank you, that means a lot. Though I don’t know how much I actually helped. You soldiers did most of the work. We smallfry just took care of the… uh… alien smallfry.”

“We were better equipped, is all. And it was still brave. Some of them ran, but you didn’t. And it wasn’t just my psi inspiration,” Atka responded. “Don’t discount what you all did. It wasn’t insignificant.”

“Thank you. Like I said, that means a lot coming from you.” Jake’s smile turned a bit nervous. “From you as a soldier, I mean. Not… not like from… you know, I’m just glad to… to be appreciated. And I’m glad I could help. That fight was hell, more so for some than others. I wish I could say that I’m just happy we made it, but after everything we went though, it is hard to look at it as much of a victory.”

Atka sighed. “We’ll get Buniq back. We have to. As for the rest, we can recover...but it’ll take time.” The Inuit scout looked over Jake for a moment, concentrating. “Do you...have psionic ability?”

Jake nodded. “I-I do, though it isn’t anything big. I guess you could call my psionics… incomplete. I was one of the first people the aliens experimented on, so they were trying all sorts of things, and didn’t develop my powers completely.”

“I did not mean to pry,” Atka returned gently. “We are just able to notice eachother, and I didn’t realize it before in the heat of battle.”

Jake shrugged. “Like I said, it isn’t very strong. I can barely feel anything from you or the others myself. I would have made it more public than I have, but I was afraid of how people would react.”

“Believe it or not, I only had the ability to communicate with animals when I came here,” Atka said with a small smile. “Before telekinetic ice and all of that. And I understand how you feel. Myself and Desmond…” she paused, considering correcting herself, but did not follow through. “...we did not tell anyone for similar reasons until we assaulted the base in India.”

“Can you, um…” Jake thought about the best way to put it. “Can you read thoughts, or emotions. Do anything… invasive.” He looked like he immediately regretted the question. “N-not that I’m accusing you of anything!”

“Relax. You can talk to me, I’m not going to be angry with you for asking a question,” Atka reassured the guard. “I’m no expert on reading emotions, but I can read thoughts. Though I’ve never had to use it on a human against their will but once, and it was to help them in the first place.”

Jake rubbed the back of his head. “I’m actually the opposite. I can’t read thoughts, but I can literally feel someone’s emotions like they were mine. But it took me a while to learn how to turn it off. I… I felt like I was violating people, invading their minds against their will. And I was afraid they’d think the same. That’s why I didn’t tell anyone. But people need my help now, so I can’t just keep hiding forever.”

“I don’t think our powers are anything to be ashamed of. I’m sorry you felt that way, but I’m glad to hear you can control it better now,” Atka responded.

Jake smiled nervously. “I-I didn’t mean to imply… I-I don’t think you should… we should be ashamed. I was just afraid people would be… judgemental. Maybe I was just being paranoid.”

“Well...there are people that are. And I don’t blame them for being afraid.” She thought back to the scraps of what Tom had said about Albert’s concern. “Something like mind control...I would never want to resort to an ability like that. I have no desire to pursue it. You weren’t wrong to be concerned,” Atka finished. “Am I making you uncomfortable?” she asked with a hint of concern. “I don’t mean to keep putting you on the defensive like this.”

 

[DarkGemini24601]

“He isn’t good at talking to women,” Rei said, sitting next to Atka. “He can only talk to them if he has no interest in them, like if they’re too young for him.”

Atka regarded Rei in confusion. “That’s...uh…” she trailed off, not sure how to respond to the statement from the Japanese girl.

Rei sighed. “He’s always been like that, or at least for as long as we’ve known him. Poor Keiko. She thinks he’s just really comfortable around her. She doesn’t realize there is just too big a gap…”

“What… are you… doing?” Jake asked through gritted teeth.

“Helping, or at least trying to.” Rei adjusted her glasses. “You look like you needed the help.”

Atka looked between the two with a peculiar mixture of amusement and confusion. She seemed to deliberate on what to say, before finally deciding on something. “I’m guessing this has been an ongoing debate?” she asked jokingly.

“In a manner of speaking,” Rei answered with a shrug. “It wouldn’t be if some people would learn to admit when others are right.”

Jake sighed. “Atka, this is Rei. She’s one of my roommates. A refugee from my hometown.”

Rei extended her hand with a smile.

Atka shook the girl’s hand gently. “Nice to meet you, Rei.”

“I’ve heard about you from several of the soldiers,” Rei said. “You’re something of an inspiration to me and my friends, along with some of the other female soldiers. I’d say keep up the good work, but I’m afraid that might sound a bit condescending coming from one so young.”

The Inuit woman shook her head. “Not at all. I’m friends with someone who is younger than you, actually, but she’s smarter than I am. I’m just glad that I could be an inspiration.”

“Really. Interesting…”

Jake cleared his throat, and motioned his head towards the other two girls. Rei rolled her eyes, and walked over to them. One of them gave Jake a grin, while they other one tried to hide a somewhat cold stare directed at Atka. “Sorry about that,” Jake said, “You know how kids can be. Nosey.”

Atka shrugged. “I don’t mind. I’m used to it, have a younger sister after all. And we probably fight just as often as that.” She smiled softly. “Just apologized to her a few minutes ago over a spat we had earlier, so I’m glad that worked out.”

“Good to hear. The last thing we need is to be bitter towards each other. Though… to be honest, I’m still not very used to it.” Jake watched as the three girls talked, occasionally looking over at him and Atka. “I was an only child. Then, suddenly, overnight, I had three younger sisters to look after. It can be a handful at times, but luckily Rei is mature beyond her years, and Keiko doesn’t cause much trouble. Hitomi… is trouble, but she’s a good kid.”

“There are time when it can be rough, but I’m glad I have Nouja. Especially in a time like this, when half of the family suddenly can use psionics, and one of us is…” Atka grew silent. “Have you heard of the other SHIV operator beside Dr. Randolf?”

Jake nodded. “I’ve seen her around here a few times. Nice lady, kind smile, despite what the aliens did to her.”

“They couldn’t take her heart away, at least. She’s my mother, Yaralria,” Atka said simply.

Jake looked down to hide his sad expression. “No, they couldn’t. She is a fighter, just like her daughter.”

“Sorry to bring you down...it’s just something I'm still coming to accept. And I really do appreciate how many people here look up to me...I always worried that I wouldn’t do well enough, or would end up walking a path that would put me at odds with others. I couldn’t have been more wrong,” Atka said quietly.

“Y-you’re not bringing me down,” Jake insisted. “Honestly, I’m just glad to have someone closer to my age to talk about. A-and I like listening to people’s troubles and giving them a chance to speak their mind. I-I always figured that was why my powers manifested the way they did. So it isn’t a bother, really.”

Atka nodded. “Alright. And I am glad to have met a new friend, regardless of the initial circumstances.”

Jake smiled brightly. Clearing his throat, he said, “I-I am too. Um… maybe we could… talk again sometime. I’m a really good listener, at least my m…” His smile weakened for a moment, “...friends used to tell me. And if you ever need someone to just… pour your heart and worries out to, I’m your man.”

Atka smiled in return. "I'll keep that in mind. Since we're still out of commission for awhile, I have plenty of time to talk later. See you around Jake." She slowly got up, having to stretch her arms a bit to force the relaxed muscles to obey her again.

Jake nodded as she walked away. “See you.”

As Atka neared the exit, one of the girls ran up to her side and tugged on her pant leg.

The Inuit woman looked over at her. “Is there something you need?” she asked calmly.

The girl looked up at her with something of a cold look for several moments. Her expression softened a bit, but she continued to frown. She extended her hand, a small paper flower in it. “Kore wa anata nodesu.”

Atka took the gift gratefully, even if she could not understand what the girl was saying. She thought for a moment, trying to remember what little she had learned from Ayame. “Arigato.”

“Nandemo.” The girl returned to her friends.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Easing Fears

Emily paced around the ruins of the mech lab, taking various tools and pieces of metal and placing them in appropriate crates. The engineers wanted the floors clear, so that they could rebuild without worrying about surfing a loose wrench or plate of armor. As she tossed another fistful of screwdrivers into a metal box labeled “salvageable tools,” a base security officer approached her.

“Tech Sergeant Fischer, the Commander would like to see you in her office.

Emily let out a loud, audible sigh. “I’m on my way.”

It was a long and pensive walk to the office, trying to figure out the best approach in a long list of possibilities. As she opened the door to the Commander’s room, it was clear that the atmosphere was completely different from last time, and the Commander fixed her with a hard and stressed gaze from across the room. There was no concerned parent, no protective team mom, just a well-connected and displeased boss. Morrigan O’Brien was a far cry from a cold, suited man behind a shadowy desk. But to Emily, her humanity somehow made her even scarier. Knowing she was capable of mistakes. Capable of rage.

“You wanted to see me?” Emily said, stepping forward.

“Please, Ms. Fischer, sit down.” Morrigan tried her hand at a smile, but quickly gave up on it. “I’d like to talk to you about certain actions you recently took.”

Emily sat down and tried to look tough, but failed in the same way. “I figured as much. I know I disobeyed an order, and I’m ready for whatever the repercussions are. I hope you can understand my reasoning though.”

Morrigan folded her hands. She did her best to soften her expression, at least content that Emily sounded willing to cooperate. “I’d like to hear it from you. I’m not one to act rashly, and I believe everyone deserves a chance to explain themselves. Almost everyone, at least.”

“Well, I’d like to say I was thinking about the betterment of engineering,” she sighed and cleared her throat, “but Sunny - Dr. Randolph - is important to me. She’s important to my team. And she’s technically part of it, with the SHIVs...I was closer to her, and I needed to help. I couldn’t live with myself if they overran her and I had gone by her in that hallway.”

Morrigan nodded. “I’m not blind to Sunny’s importance. But I needed you in central. I’m not saying we could have done better or anything like that. In the end, we were able to repel the aliens, even with your absence. But that doesn’t excuse…” Morrigan rubbed her forehead. “This isn’t easy for me. I… I find it difficult to be mad at someone who was trying to act selflessly.”

“It’s a relief to hear that,” Emily sighed, “and I am sorry you had to go without me. But I knew you had lots of people, and Sunny was alone, brave as though she might be.”

Morrigan sighed. She leaned back in her chair, and asked, “So… what happened in there exactly. As I’m sure you can guess, I don’t exactly have a bunch a security footage I can watch, thanks to the power failures.”

“Well, I made a distraction in the cargo bay, then used a vent to get to where she was. It was a bit of a gamble, but it was the fastest way without getting mobbed. When I got there, her AI was protecting her...then she used the cranes in the bay, without a computer. I’m not sure how, but, she’s smarter than me,” Emily shrugged and continued. “Then a little bit later the AI disappeared, not sure where, and I told her to take cover in the storage room, and we set up some turrets and waited for the rest of you. That’s about it.”

Leaning forward again, Morrigan spoke in a calm voice. “Listen, Emily… I’m not going to punish you for this. Now isn’t the time for that, with us being short handed and in the position we are in. And besides, I know I shouldn’t use this as an excuse, but I’d probably have done the same thing if I was in your shoes. I… I know what it’s like to do something you probably shouldn’t to protect someone you care about. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be known around the base right now as the slightly crazy commander.”

“I do care about her,” Emily nodded, “she’s been like a little sister to me ever since she was assigned to the room. And that’s not a word I throw around.”

“I know, Sunny has said something similar.” Morrigan placed her chin in her palm. “You know, the circumstances around Sunny’s abilities are sure to get out now. Maybe it would be best if someone as close to her as you are was the first to know.”

“The control-without-a-computer thing?”

Morrigan tapped on her head. “Strange side effect of mixing the pre-existing implants with one’s using the alien tech, though she ended up mixing up her own Meld cocktail using the Sectoids, and later the Sectoid Commanders, and finally strengthened it with the new psilabs. I refused to let her go through with it at first. But I quickly realized she was going to use her abilities anyway, and it would probably be better for you if she could develop them safely.

“I didn’t even know she had alien tech in her brain,” a look of alarm playing across Emily’s face. “Isn’t that dangerous, with what we’ve seen the Sectoids do?”

Morrigan shook her head. “We don’t believe so. In fact, we believe it would more then likely block the aliens abilities, though we obviously haven’t tested that. You remember when she burned herself out, yes?”

“Yeah, she was in my hospital room for a while.”

“Well, she literally burnt herself out, implants and all. She needed enhancements, and the alien tech provided, as it tends to do. She’s shown no signs of any other problems since then.”

“I didn’t know it was that bad...but I’ll have to trust you on what’s best for her there. I’m no scientist, after all.”

Morrigan nodded. “You… you did well, Fischer. I’m still not pleased about the circumstances, but that doesn’t mean I’m not grateful for you protecting Sunny. She’s a good person, and valuable member of our team, and I can think of a few people who might be more than a little upset if we lost her, both in X-COM and out.”

“So, where does that leave us?” Emily asked.

Morrigan shrugged. “I don’t know… friends? I still haven’t forgotten how you looked out for Brigid for me.”

“How is she, by the way?” Emily paused. “I heard about the...events, after that.”

“She’s… okay, surprisingly.” The Commander sighed. “But she’s obviously shaken. Major Brea told me she had to use her powers against the aliens. She didn’t go into a lot of details, but that just makes me worry that she had to do more than I already fear.”

“I’m sorry to hear the last part...I hope everything works out,” Emily said with a reassuring smile.

Morrigan nodded. “At any rate, we have work to do. We have a ways to go to get back up to 100%, and meanwhile, the aliens and EXALT will continue pushing.” She closed her eyes in thought for a moment, then said, “I… actually have a proposition for you, if you are interested.”

“Let’s hear it,” she said, leaning forward.

“Activity in America has increased quite a bit as of late amongst what we believe to be EXALT cells.” She shook her head. “This is going to sound unprofessional, but someone important to me in the American military died because of them. Once we are up and running again, I’d like to do what I can to remove as much of their presence for there as possible.”

“So that mission we talked about, it’s coming soon?”

Morrigan nodded. “It is. As soon as we are comfortable enough for me to send you out with the knowledge that I’ll get you back, you’ll be heading for America. So I suggest you be prepared.”

“I appreciate the opportunity,” she replied sincerely.

 

[MarineAvenger]

"Something in Common" (ZombieSplitter53 and MarineAvenger)
XCOM Brig, Desmond’s Cell
July 28th, 2018

Desmond sat against the wall of his cell with a book in his hand and a look of concentration on his face. He didn’t know what it was about reading that got him so involved but he had hoped it was just because he liked them and not because of his implants. A faint sound of footsteps came closer and closer and when they were at their loudest they stopped. Desmond finally looked up and saw he had a visitor.

Jessica smiled nervously, waving her hand shyly. Unsure what to say, she simply said, “H… Hi, Desmond.”

Desmond nodded his head. “Hello Jessica. I guess there is a sense of irony with me in the cell and you the visitor this time.”

“The irony didn’t escape me.” The guard next to her hesitantly opened the cell for her, and quickly closed it behind her. He walked away, but his footsteps suggested he didn’t go far. With a small grin, Jessica asked, “Do you think they realize how easily you could probably bust out of here?”

“Of course they do. They just know I won’t do it.”

Jessica nodded. “That’s because this is like with me, right?” She sat on Desmond’s bed. “This is all a mistake, and you being in here is a formality, right?”

Desmond shook his head. “It is true, Jessica.”

Jessica shook her head. “But, I… I don’t understand. I thought you cared about us… I still think you do. Why would… how can you be a spy? It just doesn’t make sense to me.”

“I am not entirely human Jessica. I am a clone, made by EXALT before they became corrupt and declared war.” Desmond informed her.

Jessica looked taken aback. She swallowed hard, and asked, “N… no offense, but if they were cloning people, isn’t that a bit corrupt before the whole war thing?”

“Ouch.” Desmond put a bookmark in his book and put it on the floor next to him. “That is true but they also weren’t at war with XCOM and the aliens at the time so...it’s the little things.”

“Desmond, look…” Jessica placed a gentle hand on Desmond’s shoulder. “I… I don’t care if you’re a clone. I’m… not exactly the shining example a ‘normal’ myself. But you accepted me, right? I mean… you did accept, and that wasn’t just an act, right?”

Desmond shook his head. “It wasn’t a lie.”

“Then I’m more then willing to accept you for what you are. For who you are. It… it’s just… a spy…”

“I know what it implies Jessica. If you want to say something then just tell me, you don’t need to be nervous.” Although he tried to reinsure the scientist, he didn’t know if he was doing a good job.

“Just… just tell me it wasn’t personal.” Jessica gave him an insisting look. “Tell me it was just some job, and you didn’t have it in for us yourself. Tell me that the friendships you made were separate from the job… and they were real.”

Desmond sat in silence and he thought back to the way Aya had acted. “O-of course they were real. In fact my job was just to act as an observer and maybe send a few scientific notes. It wasn’t like I was sent here to kill all of you.”

Jessica smiled. “I… I’m glad to hear that. Because the thought of such a good friend…” Jessica frowned. “But what happens now. You… haven’t been mistreated down here, have you?”

“Other than a few glares from the guards I haven’t been mugged just yet. If I knew where this was going though, I would tell you.”

“Well, hang in there,” Jessica insisted, trying to sound optimistic. “You’ve done so much good for us, I’m sure the Commander will keep that in mind.” She frowned again. “Have… h-have you spoken with Ellie?”

Desmond shook his head. “A guard managed to pass a message on but it was nothing major that you would be interested in.”.

“What… what are you going to do? Wouldn’t you like to talk to her in person? Because I know if I was in her shoes, I’d want to talk to you.”

“Eventually. I am not sure when I should talk to her to be honest. I want to see her but…” Desmond rubbed his face and looked at Jessica. “I don’t know if I am ready to yet. I don’t know how she will react.”

Jessica nodded. “Well, when you feel comfortable would be best.” She stood back up. “I, um… they didn’t give me that much time. But I couldn’t stand not seeing you and getting your side of the story. Modya… is a bit bitter, but he’s a lot more understanding than he lets on.”

Desmond nodded his head. “I imagine he has a lot of reasons to be mad at me. Considering…” Desmond nudged his head at the cell next to his.

“He’s just being protective. That’s what I love about him. That’s why I…” She smiled. Placing a hand over her stomach, she said nothing more on the subject. Walking back towards the door, she called for the guard, and turned back to Desmond. “I’ll come see you again if I can, okay?”

Desmond smiled and he gave a slight nod to the scientist. “I look forward to it.”

The guard opened the door for Jessica, who took her leave. Once she was out of earshot, the guard closed the door behind her and grabbed a chair. Sitting in front of Desmond, she asked, “So… who’s Ellie?”

Desmond rose an eyebrow. “Do you really care or am I not entertaining enough for guard duty?”

The woman rolled her eyes. “Always the charmer, aren’t we, Desmond? Not willing to talk to me?” The woman sighed. “I don’t know why I thought you’d be completely free just because you and Atka weren’t an item. But there’s also Jessica, and now some Ellie? Anyone else I should know about?”

“Sure, there is Morrigan, Brigid, Sunny, Alex, Ammelia...should I go on or have I made my point?” Desmond couldn’t help but crack a smile. “And yes. Elizabeth is my girlfriend. Sorry to disappoint.”

“Damn,” the woman muttered. “I’d don’t suppose you’d be open to a little fun on the side. I’m not looking for anything long term. But it would be nice to have some fun with someone that doesn’t look at me like I’m a child because of how young I look.”

Desmond couldn’t help but chuckle. “I am already a traitor. I don’t need to add cheater on that list. Though I do know someone who is single.”

“Who’s that?” The woman leaned forward, interested. “Does he share a certain badass, bad-boy quality with a certain someone?”

“You seem to have me confused with someone else but he likes engineering the same as me…” Desmond smiled. “You are into stuff like that, aren’t you Eve?”

Eve grinned. “I like to get my hands dirty, yeah.” She shrugged. “Maybe I’ll look him up. Though I’m still gonna keep an eye on you.” She stood up. “Once someone catches my eye, it is hard for me to look elsewhere.”

“His name is Ryan. Part time soldier, part time heavy machinery engineer.” Desmond’s face turned serious. “How much of that conversation did you hear by chance?”

“Most of it.” Eve said, frowning. “Jumped into this body right around the cloning part, but I’m not going to spread that around, if that’s what you’re afraid of. I’m a little surprised Aya didn’t share that with me.”

“Why is that? Just because she is your sister doesn’t mean she can tell you what goes on in an interrogation.”

“Aya… Aya isn’t my sister, Desmond. Not exactly, anyway.” Eve shook her head. “That… sounds colder than I meant for it to sound. She took me in as her sister. She didn’t have to. I was just some… abomination, a perversion of her very being. But she knew it wasn’t my fault. So… she accepted me.”

Desmond had a look of shock on his face for a split second until he understood. “You...are like me then. That is why Aya got so mad at me in interrogation.”

Eve nodded. “I’m a clone of Aya, something some people on the Mojave Desert made using her DNA.” She smirked. “I’m biologically twenty, I look like I’m fifteen, and I’m technically only twelve. Pretty weird, huh? Though I suppose you more than anyone else would understand.”

“I guess that makes me younger than you. I am only eight years old if you want to be technical. I was artificially aged to 13 when I came out and I have been growing normal ever since.”

“Just a bunch of kids, huh?” The smile faded from Eve’s face. “Aya was hurt by what you said. To hear that you’d be so willing to go back to EXALT, just because they made you, and you lived there so long…. It probably reminded her of what I went through, and what it would have been like to just leave me with my creators. I… I’m not going to tell you to just abandon your old life. No matter how terrible it might have been, I can understand why you might have an attachment. But you have friends here, and regardless of how you left, on good terms or bad, we’d miss you.”

“I would miss you guys too. Though at least I can give you this but of peace of mind. I won’t leave anytime soon. Certain things have made me stay here, at least for the moment.”

Eve smiled. “Good to hear. Though I’ll leave it to you to tell the others. It would sound best coming from you. And besides, if I told them, I’d have to admit I, uh…” She looked down at her borrowed self. “Did this.”

“Yeah, that might lead to some problems.” Desmond went up to the bars of his cell and looked at ‘Eve’. “Thanks for seeing me.”

“Any time, handsome.” Eve stepped out of the cell, locking it behind her. A few moments later, the woman looked around in a bit of confusion. Raising an eyebrow to Desmond, she asked, “You’re behaving, right?”

“Of course. You just asked what I was reading and when I tried to explain you sorta looked like you dozed off.”

The woman nodded. “And… Ms. Lockheart… I escorted her out, right?”

“Yeah. She left only a few minutes ago.” Desmond couldn’t help but laugh on the inside at this cruel joke on the guard, but depending on how long he would be here, he need the little things.

The guard nodded, and slowly walked away. “I… need to start drinking coffee again.”

 

[Dahlexpert]

Base assault aftermath Ashley and Morrgan

Ashley walks to the commanders office and knocks on the door. And the second she stops knocking, the door fell down.

Wow that's expected, hay commander do you mind if I come in?

Morrigan frowned. "Damn piece of crap... yes, Ms. Van Dam, come one in."

I see you look like crap, to be honest commander I was expecting you to be commanding every one form some samerge underground nuke prove vault giving us orders. But no judging from that wound that you have on you, you were fighting the aliens just like the rest of us and that must have felt good for you seeing as though you don't seem like a desk worker to me.

"I'll admit, it felt good to get back into the think of it, minus the injury. Besides, I wasn't going to go hide in some hole while my people fought and died. That isn't how I operate."

Heh heh heh you sound like me and my mother ever time I come here, Whelp I had my self a pretty shity few hours.

First my wife stabs a security officer to death who according to her he had purple eyes, and she witness a battle filed for the first time in her life.

And second my child is in the med bay with me shooting aliens along side me, which I could not be prouder of her but I wish it would have happened when she was older. Ashley rubs her head Man Cassia is growing up faster than I though she would have but what about you commander? How was the past few hours for you?

"A lot of paper work," Morrigan answered with a sigh. "And a lot of grief. So many people who were either forced to hurt others because of mind control, of forced to hurt someone under mind control. I myself was forced to do so. Though if I had worked faster, Bradford might..."

Yea I heard sorry about bradford God I wish I was there,but I had more important things to do. Ashley rubs the face. Hay commander can I ask you something?

Morrigan nodded. "Go ahead."

Is there some part of you right now that just wants to take Brigid and just leave the base and hide some were or leave the planet entirely.

Morrigan sat in silence for a moment, a little surprised by the question. "I... I probably should say this, but... there is a part of me that just wants to forget about every thing else except Brigid, and focus on doing everything to protect her, even if it means the world burns in the process."

Sigh you to huh. Yea i'm not gonna lie I just feel like taking my family and just leaving and do what ever I can to protect them. But your not going to do that are you?

Morrigan shook her head. "Even if I was that single-minded, I know that the best way to protect her, and her future, is to stop these aliens once and for all. Brigid might not be 100% safe here, but if we don't stop the aliens, she won't be safe anywhere."

You to huh. Yea I came to the conclusion that I would rather fight then give up. Sigh you and I are more alike then I thought Morrgan. Sigh whelp did any thing inperticular happen in your battle on that day?

Morrigan chuckled. "Oh, nothing special. Just a dozen or two of the guards dying on my watch, a sneak peak at a psionic alien that could hold two of our psionic soldiers, one such psionic being exposed as a traitor, one of my top soldiers losing her cool, and my most gene-modded soldier holding a gun to her head. Just a normal day, really."

Wow I really wish I was there, that's almost as crazy as to when I first met Scarlet.And when I saw her between in heavily bruised face and heavily scared body. Ashley shakes her head sorry about that but what was this about One of our psionic being a traitor Atka losing it and Eva treating to put her down?

"Desmond Walker." Morrigan frowned. "I'm still having a hard time believing it. Though the circumstances might not be completely what they seemed. Atka pulled her weapon on him and demanded answers. A little extreme, but understandable. What isn't understandable is Eva pulling her weapon on Atka."

Hum that is weird, why would Eva pull out her weapon on Atka, that seems odd Even for her. I mean she was normal the hole time she's been here she never disobeyed orders or threaten any one before until then, do you think she was controlled by an alien?

Morrigan shook her head. "No, I don't. I'm afraid the power she's obtained has gone to her head. She disobeyed an order during the fight as well. But..." She shook her head again. "It goes deeper then that. She was so adament about Desmond being innocent."

Weal maybe she new that Desmond was helping you a lot and she can't phathem Desmond being a traitor. I mean she was his roommate for the entire time she was here, maybe she was defending her friend or something like that.

"Yeah... yeah, maybe." Morrigan slowly nodded. "I hope that was the case. But... but there is another possibility."

OK, so what's the other possibility?

"She could be a spy too."

WHAT! Eva a spy come on Morrgan you cant be thinking that. I mean Eva showed that she hates the aliens and she made pretty clear that she despise EXALT. How did you come up with that conclusion.

"You said it yourself, Ashley. Pulling a weapon on Atka was a little extreme, even for her. I'm not going to jump to conclusions, but it all seems very suspicious that she be so quick to defend Desmond, considering how she usually is with other soldiers. And she is Desmond's roommates." Morrigan shook her head. "But like I said, I'm not going to jump to conclusions. That's why I'm investigating the situation."

Investigating? what do you mean investigating,do you have some one spying on Eva?

"Spying? Not so much." Morrigan shrugged. "Keeping an eye on is a better way of putting it. Central Officer Brea is just making sure she doesn't do anything suspicious. But I'm not using bugs or anything, if that's what you think."

OK that's good to hear, Commander can I recommend that I talk to her just give her someone to talk to I mean. i'm kinda her only friend on this base no one has made an attempt to talk to her outside missions, and the only person she ever talked to was Jessica. So before you have Brea investigate her just let me talk to her.

"If you'd like." Morrigan raised a stern finger. "But do not tell her she is under investigation. Regardless of her guilt or innocence, she would likely lash out."

Commander i'm not dumb, I will not tell her any thing but maybe I can make her be her true self because just like scarlet, underneath that tough attitude is a giant softy.

"I wish you luck with that, Ashley," Morrigan said with a smile. "In the meantime, I need to prepare to have a talk with her roommate."

"Yea good luck with that and i'm gonna for the first time in I don't know how many years, i'm gonna drown my sorrows in alcohol."

Morrigan shrugged. "Wish I had the time to do the same." She grabbed her keyboard, and got to work on getting herself a new door.

 

[Adrammalech]

This is a collaboration between ZombieSplitter53 and Adrammalech.
// CONNECTING THE DOTS //
Nika Orlov / Jean & Jeanne
XCOM Headquarters – Psionic Labs
Siberia, Russian Federation
6:39 AM

Almost two days later…

Nika jolted awake to the sound of steam being released around her, the big metal panels in front of her coming apart and revealing the technicians in front of her. She blinked rapidly, raising an arm to her eyes.

“How long has it been?” she asked tiredly.

“About forty hours,” Jeanne answered, reaching inside to help Nika out. “This might seem like a silly question, but it is customary to ask; how are you feeling?”

“Nothing severe, just tired, hungry…” she replied, taking her first step out and stumbling a bit, her knees wavering. “And unsteady, apparently.”

“A bit of stretching will sort that out.” Jean smiled. “I’ve actually written up a series of exercises that help out. Or at least I’m told.”

“Oh? What are those?”

“Got them listed on a sheet next to you clothes,” Jean answered, motioning his head towards the table. “Work out the ligaments and all that. Your tendons tend to need to be stretched out after this, but most people feel back to 100% in less than a day.”

“Sounds good, thank you,” Nika replied, sitting by the table and peeking momentarily at the paper. “So, um, what’s the verdict?”

“That, I’m afraid, is my sister’s department.” Jean lifted a wrench, twirling it in his fingers. “I’m just here to make sure everything stays in top condition.”

As he walked over to examine the pod, Jeanne pulled up what appeared to be the only other chair in the room. “Well, Ms… I can call you Nika, yes?”

“Of course,” she nodded.

“Well, Nika, we did find some interesting readings.” Jeane looked at a sheet of paper, covered mostly in charts and numbers only understandable for her. “Based on what you told us, we looked for psionic readings in your brain waves, then checked to see if they were your own, of if they were foreign to your mind. Let me ask you, Nika; during the base attack, were you, at anytime, under the alien’s influence?”

“No, I was locked in with my roommates. Didn’t even see aliens...other than corpses, afterwards.”

The French tech nodded. “Then something was sending this psionic energy into you for another reason. We obviously can’t say for sure why without actually asking whoever, whatever, it was was, but with nothing else to go on, your suspicions might have been correct. Those odd dreams you were having might have been the aliens’ attempts to influence you into some degree of acceptance.”

“So, if I understand correctly, they’re trying to influence me slowly with dreams, instead of all at once like they do in combat? Would I be more susceptible to them now?”

“No more so than normal.” Jeanne answered. She examined another paper and slowly said, “But… there is something you can do to… reduce how susceptible you are…”

“What is it?” she asked, a little concerned.

“Well, you remember how I asked if we could test you for psionic potential while you were in there, right? Jeanne slid a sheet of paper towards Nika. She tapped the bottom of it, the word ‘Positive’ written in bold, red letters.

“I’m...psychic?” she asked, unsure how to react. “How?”

“We’re still not entirely sure how it works. We believe there are genetic reasons, though we can not exclude the possibility of specific brain chemistries.” She smiled. “I… somehow doubt you’d agree to a dissection of your brain to find out.”

“Yeah, I’d like to avoid that,” Nika replied, scratching her head. “Is it connected to the dreams in any way, or just a coincidence?”

“Again, we can’t say for sure.” Jeanne leaned back, scrunching her nose in thought. “But, if I had to guess, maybe whatever was influencing somehow saw some potential in you. Did you display any abilities in these dreams of your?”

“I did, I could pick things up with my mind, the same purple glow that they used,” Nika paused, thinking. “And there was something in there, about the psionic soldiers getting better houses and things from the aliens. I remember thinking...or, my character did...I’m not sure how to explain it...but that I was lucky to have a ‘place’ in their plan.”

Jeanne continued to smile, but obviously suppressed a shudder. “Then it would make sense that they might target you first. And if they were psychically poking around the base to find people they could mind control you, it is possible they found people with potential they could try to influence. I only wonder how many other people they’ve tried to influence like this around base.”

Nika looked around rapidly and touched her arm, the burden of a small secret suddenly seeming much heavier.

“There’s...something else,” she said slowly.

Jeanne leaned forward again. “I’m… not going to force you to tell me who it is. But they should definitely know that they might be targets. And if you have potential, they might as well.”

“They said they wouldn’t come in, but this seems important,” she replied worriedly.

“It is,” Jean said, joining the two women. “I know it isn’t the most inviting place, and just because I helped build these machines doesn’t mean I don’t understand why people have reservations. But if your friend is in trouble, however remote, she needs to find out.”

“Think of it this way,” Jeanne said carefully. “If your friend hated doctors, and refused to go see them, but was really, really hurt, would you not do whatever you can to convince them?”

“I’ll try. I think they’ll see reason when I tell them this. I hope so, at least.”

Jeanne nodded. “And, um… what about you? As I said, you have potential. We could use the machines to unlock psionic abilities for you. Not only would they be of great benefit on the field, but they would likely shield you from future influence.”

A look of determination washed over the worry, and she nodded quickly. “What do I have to do?”

Jean looked back at the pod. “Just hop back in,” he answered, trying to look as supportive as he could. “It would take about four to five more days, but after we’re finished…”

“Five days? What if I’m needed for a mission or something? Or...the base gets attacked again?”

Jeanne shook her head. “All the more reason to get it done as quickly as possible, no? Besides, it’ll be at least another five days until we are in an shape to start going on missions, at least in the labs.”

“In the power rooms and hangers too,” Jean added. “And somehow, I doubt the aliens have another attack like that in them. I heard talk about how the aliens tried putting all their eggs… um…” Jean tried to remember the expression he had heard from an America. “Eggs in… one basket? Does that make any sense to you?”

“Umm, well, if they’re all in one basket and you drop it, they all break, but if you have two baskets...and one of your hands just works better than the other, everything’s fine. I think that’s the idea…” Nika shook her head. “I think I’ll see if I can convince my friend first...and then I’ll come back. Would that be alright?”

Jean grinned. “Of course. It’ll give me the time I need to make sure everything is in tiptop shape.”

Jeanne nodded. “And I can try to program your uniques readings into the computer. Might shave off a day or two.”

“Alright. I’ll be back later today, hopefully with a friend,” Nika replied, taking her belongings from the table.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

The PA system went up around the base. After a few seconds, Aya voice rang out, somewhat hesitant, but strong.

"To all X-COM soldiers and staff. This is Central Officer Aya Brea. As many of you likely know by now, our former Central Officer was lost during the alien attack. I have been appointed his position, amongst my other duties. I only hope I can live up to Bradford's name.

The Commander is asking that everyone find some time to visit the memorial if you haven't already. We lost a lot of good people in the defense of our home, and they deserve our respects. Many have asked why Dante, the Thin Man we've held captive for some time who adopted that name, has his name on the memorial. The answer is simple; he died protecting this base in general, and the Commander's daughter specifically.

As far as the other captives go, we are currently down to the B... the Muton, and the Sectoid. Both showed a large degree of cooperation, and as a show of gratitude, both have been released from their cells to a limited extent. They have restricted access to the base, so please report any sightings of them in vital areas of the base. However, any acts of aggression towards them will not be tolerated.

It has been decided that the acts of sabotage from a number of staff members were the results of mass alien mind-control, and no disciplinary actions will be taken against them. Whats-more, in anticipation of the negative emotional impact caused by said mind-control, as well as the attack itself, I would like to remind everyone that the doors of the base therapist and counselor, Jaymes Parker, are open.

Rebuilding efforts are well under way, and we hope to be up to full strength within a week of the attack. Priority research has been devoted in tech for the purpose of detecting psionic energy to assure mind-control on this scale will not be possible again, and a brand new fleet of interceptors, dubbed the 'Firestorm' project, to replace many of our planes destroyed during the attack.

To answer the rumors that are circulating throughout the base, there has, indeed, been a soldier arrested under suspicion of being an EXALT spy, Desmond Walker. However, the exact circumstances in regards to him coming to X-COM are still being investigated, and the degree of guilt he actually has is in question. Furthermore, the Commander has asked that rumors of a massive breach of security and EXALT members walking the halls be quelled here and now. If... if... Mr. Walker is, indeed, a traitor, any accomplices he might have will be found and dealt with, but this will NOT turn into a witch hunt. Any McCarthyism acts of aggression will be responded to with extreme disciplinary action, including but not limited to expulsion from the X-COM Project. This includes aggression towards those Walker associated with. I will repeat, the actual degree of his guilt is under investigation, and there is evidence in his favor.

Finally, several new aliens were encountered during the attack, including what we are now referring to Augmented Sectopods, Heavy Floaters, and Muton Elites. We also encountered a new type of psionic alien, known as an Ethereal. This being showed mental prowess far beyond those seen by any psionic alien met to date. However, we believe that, despite the creatures boasting and words to the contrary, we still have the advantage of the aliens' underestimation of our abilities. I will personally be running training sessions on how we might deal with these psionic enemies. Remember that the psi labs are open to all volunteers, but please do not force yourself to use them out of fear.

The aliens launched a digital attack on our computers as well. Our CPU was successful in fending them off for the most part, and was even able to use the Liberator virus on them. While it had limited success on the alien computers, we were able to discover there are at least seven Ethereals on Earth, each presiding over a continent. It likely goes without saying, but eliminating the alien leaders is paramount in eliminating this threat once and for all. We have designated the seven alien leaders as such;

In Asia, Luxuria,

In North America, Gula,

In Europe, Avaritia,

In Antartica, Acedia,

In South America, Ira,

In Australia, Invidia,

In Africa, Superbia,

Luxuria will be our first target.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

What's Yours is Mine - Elene Exalt

EXALT Headquarters, Undisclosed Location
2000 Hours, July 28th, 2018
Elene's Personal Lab

Subject Negative Zero looked between her two assistants, who were doing final checks on the safety measures for the hack. She sighed. Apologies, but this is not something you would share with me, and I need this data for all our sakes. For the heiress was narrowing down the location of the alien staging base that was responsible for the attack on XCOM HQ. The defenders of humanity were likely unaware of it, partially due to the pandemonium they had been throw into during the attack, and partially due to the aftereffects and damage done. And that means that base is mine to destroy. Leave this one to me, borrowing some 'help' from you, XCOM.

"Proxy network generated. The false leads are ready, should they attempt to trace the intrusion," Lily informed her sister, who nodded in approval.

"Firewalls backing those systems from both XCOM's eyes and Viktor's should he come snooping around. I have secured the room from my digital friend," Avanix added.

Elene rested her hands on the keyboard. "Then let us begin."

Lily started typing at a speed that should be unnatural, her eyes darting back and forth from lines of code and encryption with astonishing speed. "It appears that their defenses are not as formidable as they were in the past. The attack must have hurt them more than we realized."

"It makes the job easier for us. I shall keep the cat busy, though it appears he will not be much of a problem at the moment," Avanix decided.

Elene and her sister worked together to break encryptions while their A.I. was blocking any counterattack attempts from her XCOM counterpart. They quickly retrieved the research notes on the Incubator known as "Kitty", copying the data on it, research into a genetic modification called Neural Dampening in particular. "One down, a few more things to go."

Lily seemed to have a ghost of a smile, enjoying the chance to be of service. "Accessing gauss tech information now...I will leave the powered armor to you."

The heiress did not disappoint, even if her younger sister had enough implants to outmatch her in speed. Avanix, in her holographic form, raised an eyebrow. "Do not take too much longer. I have detected no counterattack yet, but we have no need to take chances."

"Notes on a..." Lily trailed off. "Emma will want to see this, XCOM has data on a mechanized walker they're calling a Sectopod. The notes are heavily guarded, but I can get something..."

Avanix grimaced. "That seems to have set them off. Unsurprising, as that is important research. They are starting to attempt to lock us out and trace us, I suggest you hurry with the last objective, mistress."

Elene nodded, looking at the data she had brought up in its entirety with an excited smile. "They have looked into the Seekers, though it seems they have one half of the information needed, and we have the other, to simplify. The stealth technology might be possible after all."

Immediately after she copied the data, they were locked out, and Avanix cut the connection to prevent the XCOM tracing attempt from getting anywhere. "I doubt they will bother investigating an old IP proxy in Panama. It was a success with no risk to us. Well done," the A.I. congratulated.

"We couldn't have done it without you, Lily."

The less-modified clone of Lusett looked a bit embarrassed at Elene's words. "Thank you. Though I have your implants to thank for a good portion of it."

Elene shrugged. She was equally happy to see Lily displaying hints of emotion as she was to have acquired the influx of data from XCOM. I wonder if her day with Markus is to thank for that. He does have a way with people. The heiress smiled unconsciously.

Avanix shook her head in amusement at the daydreaming -0, and set to work transferring the data to Emma and Cross Technologies. Though the latter did not need to know where EXALT had gotten it, just as surely as Viktor did not need to know what had taken place that evening.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

You Don't Want to Know

Ammelia steadied her rifle as she'd done many times before, taking a deep breath and firing a shot at the target. The blast went far to the right and only managed to sear the very outer ring of the bullseye. She leaned her rifle against the wall and rested her head in her hands, frustrated that she was unable to land such an simple shot. Ammelia sighed and pushed a few stray hairs back into place with her hand, determined to at least land a single bullseye.

"Th-that... was a nice shot," Jessica cautiously said as she approached her from behind. "I mean, it's far better then anything I could have done, that's for sure." As she walked, she tried to hide a slight limp in her step.

Ammy jumped a little and quickly turned around. "J-Jessie? How long have you been there?" Ammelia asked, her hair still a frazzled mess but now with two dark bags under both eyes.

"Um... long enough to see you getting frustrated." She stepped next to Ammelia, and immediately wrapped her arms around Ammelia's head, pulling the distressed soldier against her stomach. "I hate to see you like this. Do you need to talk?"

"I'd... I think I'd like that..." She said softly, hugging her friend back.

"Then talk." Jessica sat on the floor in front of Ammelia, with little regard for what anyone might say. "And I'll listen. Lord knows I've lamented enough to others. I'm here to help you now."

Ammelia lowered her head, "I'm just so scared Jess... I don't think I've ever been this scared in my entire life..."

"I'd be lying if I wasn't a bit scared myself," Jessica admitted. "I never expected them to find us, as naive as that probably sounds. But we're here, and I doubt they'll be able to pull something like that off again, especially now that we know what to expect."

"No... That's not what I'm scared of..." Ammy attempted to hold in her tears, "I'm scared for Buniq..."

"Oh, I..." Jessica looked down, suddenly feeling like a coward. "H-how... close were you two?"

"I Hadn't told her yet... But... I felt c-close to her..." Ammelia had a hard time forming the word as she pictured Buniq's face in her mind.

Jessica gave Ammelia a determined look. "She's alive. They wouldn't have gone through the trouble of taking her if they didn't plan on keeping her alive. And as long as she's alive, there is hope that we will find her."

"I know she's alive!" She raised her voice a little, "I'm going to find her even if I have to take on their entire fleet myself! But I'm terrified that when we reach her it'll be too late... That they'll have done something irreversible to her and she'll be gone forever..." Ammelia said, clenching her fists with a mixture of sadness and rage.

"I-I... I don't know what to say." Jessica sighed deeply. "I can't think of anything I can say that wouldn't sound like I'm patronizing you. A-all I can do is promise to do what I can to make sure we find her as soon as possible, before it is too late."

"Every second she's with those things is a second too long... Gods only knows what they're doing to her right now... I swear when I find them, I'll make them all pay..." Tears dripped from her eyes despite her best efforts, unable to stop herself from thinking of all the ways the aliens could hurt her.

"We all will, Ammy." Jessica placed her hands over Ammeilia's clenched fist. "A lot of people are outraged about her being taken. But it will take time. And you need to make sure you are prepared. That means taking care of yourself, and relaxing before this sadness and anger hurts you. We all have a reason to get back at the aliens, and we all need to work together to accomplish it."

"I k-know... But I've barely been able to get any sleep for days and it's not just because of Buniq..." Ammelia added as she tried to cool her anger.

Jessica nodded, having more then one reason herself to miss some sleep. "I can think of a few other things that might upset you. What's been on your mind besides Buniq?"

"It's... Because of that Sectoid Commander... I've been having horrific nightmares ever since the attack... I'm sure it has something to do with them..." Ammy answered, sighing.
Jessica bit her lip, her empathy fighting her curiosity. "When the alien... was controlling you, what was it like? Were you aware? Did it say anything to you?"

Ammelia started shivering a little, "It... it wanted me to see everything I was doing to you... It said it wanted to b-break me..."

"But why?" Jessica scooted to Ammelia's side and wrapped her arm around her. "I... guess the aliens aren't that unlike humans. Even amongst their leaders, there is always room for a few sickos."

"I-It didn't just want me to k-kill you... K-killing you may have been... The most merciful thing it wanted me to do to you..." Ammelia visibly shuttered.

"What do you mean," Jessica asked, not sure that she wanted to hear the answer.

Ammy look up at Jessca, feeling like she was about to throw up, "A-are y-y-you sure you want t-to know?"

No. "Yes... or it would nag at the back of my mind."

Ammy closed her eyes and took a deep breath, "A-after... It made me k-kill you... It was going to m-make me... E-E-Eat... your b-b-body..."

The color drained from Jessica's face, and she looked like she was going to throw-up. "I-I... I-I... I can't, I..." She shuddered deeply, and slowly rocked back and forth. "Where are you... where are you, I..."

"I... I shouldn't have t-told you... I'm sorry..." Ammelia apologized, still shaking from the thought.

"No... no, I don't blame you for keeping it to yourself. I doubt I would have had the courage to tell you, and I-I'm sure that was eating away at you." Jessica put on a weak smile. "A-and he wanted me to be his pet. Oh, God, I flirted with him... and he wanted to... It's probably an understatement, but what a freak."

"That's n-not all it wanted me to do... P-Please don't ask me to tell you those too... They're w-worse than the f-f-first one..." Ammelia said, pleadingly.

"Yeah, maybe you can tell me later." Jessica shook her head. "The one was enough for me. Alex would probably have gotten a kick out of that, though..."

Ammelia eyes widened, "W-would she really take it as... some sort of j-joke!?"

Jessica shook her head. "No, but she would have made light of it. The more uncomfortable it made her, the more she would try to joke to hide her uncomfortable it made her. But... but when it really came down to it, she would have been there for us. She... sh-she would have... found a way to make us smile..."

"So you still haven't found out what happened to her? I heard she just disappeared..." Ammelia asked.

Jessica shook her head. "That... th-that's just a cover, Ammy. I never told you... I wasn't sure how to tell you, but Alexia was a part of me. Another personality. But, she's gone now. Something terrible must have happened to her to..." Tears fell down Jessica's cheeks as she stared forward.

Ammy brought Jessica in for a hug, "Jessie... I've known about Alex for months... I know how important she is to you... She'll come back... She has to..."

Jessica nodded slowly. "I... I hope you're right. It's so lonely without her. She's always been there, I..." She shook her head. "Can... can we hang out for a little bit and just... talk? I-I know I came here for you, but..."

"Of course we can Jess... I'd be glad to stay and talk..." Ammelia said comfortingly.

Jessica looked around the shooting gallery, a few people raising an eyebrow at the two young woman holding each other in the middle of the floor. "Um, maybe we should go to the mess hall. Somewhere a little more appropriate to chat."

Ammy let out a light giggle, "I guess we should..."

 

[DarkGemini24601]

MarineAvenger and DarkGemini24601: “Taking Hold of the Truth, Part 1”

XCOM Headquarters, Somewhere in Siberia
1400 Hours, July 29th, 2018
The Brig

The door to the brig slowly slid open, typically automatic, but was unpowered due to the generators not being fully operational at the moment. With a bit more of a shove, Atka was able to get them open, and walked into the brig, dusting herself off. She stopped in front of the cell containing the EXALT spy.

When Desmond heard the door to the brig open, he couldn’t help but see who had arrived. He sat up when he saw it was Atka, and he was less than thrilled to see her. Desmond said nothing as he stared at his used to be friend.

Atka knelt down in front of the cell, looking calm for the moment. “I came here for two reasons, both of them equally important. First of all...I’m sorry for how I treated you initially. I had a lot on my mind, but that’s no excuse for my rash actions.”

“Oh course it is an excuse. You had some built up emotions and needed a scapegoat to try and relieve some of that. Whether it worked or not, I don’t know. I won’t hold it against you if you hold a grudge.” He told her, standing up from his bed, he walked to the bars. “What do you want?”

Atka stood back up properly. “Look, Desmond. You’ve fought alongside me plenty of times. I doubt you ever meant us harm, and I’m not the sort of person that holds grudges without a damn good reason.” She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. “I need your help with something, or rather, it’s something that Modya and Jessica need.”

Desmond rose an eyebrow. “Jessica came to see me not so long ago. I noticed something was off in her attitude. What is it?”

“Well...needless to say, I know about Alexia,” Atka began, clearing her throat. “But I was concerned about Jessica too, and asked Modya about it. Apparently...Alexia hasn’t been heard from by Jessica since the base defense, and they’re worried something happened to her. I need to know how you do that ‘dreamscape’ of yours to find out what happened.”

Desmond looked stunned and he shook his head. “That doesn’t make much sense. Why would she just vanish like that?”

“It took a bit to get it out of him, but Modya seems to think that the aliens might have done something. Other than that, I really don’t know what to think...I didn’t get the full story, but he wouldn’t have lied to me,” Atka responded.

“I wouldn’t think they would lie, it is just a matter of how would the aliens be able to remove a part of someone’s psyche.” Desmond scratched his head. “And if they did remove Alex...then what happened to her?” He muttered.

Atka shook her head. “Like I said, I don’t know. It could have been trauma, it could be something else entirely. The fact remains that Jessica feels like she’s gone, and I need to help my friend figure this out…”

“Well of course I am going to help. I just can’t sit by while Jessica’s sister is missing.” Desmond looked around and yelled out for a guard to open the door for Atka. “I can show you. It is easy if you already have telepathic abilities so this should come natural to you.”

The guard looked at Atka skeptically for a moment. “It’s fine,” the Inuit scout assured her, and the guard opened the door, closing it behind Atka for now. “Go ahead.”

“Sit down.” Desmond sat crossed legged on the floor and motioned for her to sit down in front of him.

Atka sat down across from Desmond. “Remember, if you fry my brain, it won’t end well for you,” she joked.

“If I wanted to start trouble I would have already have escaped and be long gone.” He retorted. “Besides, I doubt I could trump your mental barriers that easily.” Desmond complimented the soldier. Desmond reached out his hand and placed it on the Inuit woman’s forehead. He closed his eyes and concentrated on establishing a connection to Atka’s mind.

Atka allowed it, and the dreamscape that was familiar to the psionic clone across from her took shape. The Inuit woman looked around. “Nice...how did you come up with this, in the first place?”

“At first I just used normal telepathy that was picked up by a receiver specifically design to pick up mental psionic waves. After a bit of tweaking to its design by my friend, we were able to develop a new form of ‘advanced telepathy’. It is what I used to keep in touch with them. After I got used to doing it I could do it without the receiver close by and use it with others.”

The captain sighed. “As much as I want to hear your side of things in regards to all of that, I get that it's above my pay grade right now.” She called upon her own psionic abilities in an attempt to maintain the dreamscape. “Doesn’t seem too hard...I am following along a similar path of progression to you in that regard. Talked to Nouja with telepathy and ESP while I was in India. Sort of like your...uh...psi radio?”

“There are perks to doing it this way.” Desmond walked forward and touched Atka’s hand. “You can physically interact with the people inside and all objects on your person at the time goes with you as well. The downside however is it is not a moble type of power so you body won’t be able to be controlled at all while in here.”

“For what I need it for, that shouldn’t be a problem. Thanks, Desmond. I just hope I end up helping and not being the bearer of bad news,” Atka said quietly.

“Even if it comes to that then at least we can say we know rather than not. If she is not there...then we can start looking into finding her. A second consciousness doesn’t just vanish.”

Atka let the dreamscape fade, and stepped out of the cell. “I hope so.” She went to find the green-haired scientist, armed with the tool she needed to help Jessica and Modya find answers.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

ZombieSplitter53 and DarkGemini24601: “Taking Hold of the Truth, Part 2”

XCOM Headquarters, Somewhere in Siberia
1500 Hours, July 29th, 2018
Room of Modya Dragomirov and Jessica Lockheart

Sitting on the bed alone, her arms curled around her legs, Jessica stared intently at the shutter on Alexia’s special mirror. Modya was out, training with the other rocketeers and heavies. Jessica wanted him right now, needed him in many ways, but it wasn’t only about not forcing him to devote all his time to her. It was also about X-COM needing him more than her. She couldn’t push this on him, not now, not at this point in the war. He had to be free from this worry.

After what seemed like forever, but was likely only a few minutes, Jessica rushed over to the mirror, opening it quickly before she could lose her nerve. She stared at her reflection like it was a stranger, and her fears made it feel that way to her. But there was something she feared more. “Alex?” She watched her own lips move. Getting no response, she spoke a little louder. “Alex, please… where are you?” Still no response. “Alex, I can’t do this. I can’t go on without you.” No answer. “Answer me!”

She smashed her hands against her reflection, the glass shattering, several pieces falling. Jessica immediately dropped to her knees, sobbing and frantically collecting the shards in a panic. “Oh, God, Alex! I’m sorry, I didn’t…” She ignored the cuts in her fingers she obtained with her frantic grabbing, and tried to find every small piece.

A knock came at the door. “Jessica? Are you okay in there?”

Jessica jumped, the glass falling from her hands. She looked down at the half dozen reflections on the floor. “Uh… y-yeah, just a bit of an accident. Um… come in.”

Atka slowly opened the door, pausing when she saw the glass shards and then Jessica’s hands. “That’s not exactly alright…” She went over to the scientist’s side, looking around for a bandage or anything that would help.

“I-I just… i-it’s hard to explain.” Jessica stared at her reflection, and a scowl crossed her face. “I… I hate you…” she muttered under her breath,

“Listen, uh...Jessica.” Atka thought for a moment about how to put what she was going to say. “I talked to Modya...and I got him to tell me about what happened to Alexia. I think I might be able to help you find answers.”

“Alexia?” Jessica’s head darted up. “What do you mean. She’s… she isn’t exactly lost, not in the way you can just find her.”

Atka shook her head. “I know that. I won’t betray my source, but I know what Alexia...is, I guess. My powers might be the only thing that can find her in there.”

Jessica thought for a moment, the chuckled lightly. “You… I’m pretty sure I know who your source is. A-and its fine. I should have told you anyway. I should have told a lot of people.” She sighed as Atka led her to the bed and started bandaging her fingers. “The doctors… warned us this might happen one day. When my mind felt I didn’t need her anymore. But that isn’t what this feels like. I… I don’t think I’d feel so lost if that was the case. I’m not sure what happened, but… all that blood…”

“That doesn’t sound right to me. In such a dangerous situation...you wouldn’t have lost the need for her. And besides…” Atka finished with the bandages. “I’m sure you probably think the same way, but I don’t believe she’s some sort of mental construction. She sounds like just as much of a person as the rest of us.”

Jessica smiled. “Y… yeah, that is how I feel. So what did you think you could do? Was it you mind reading powers?”

“Not exactly. I had Desmond show me how to use that ‘dreamscape’ of his. It isn’t too difficult a concept, but it should work. He could see Alexia using that, I am told...and I figure that means it can offer a window into your mind. Using that...maybe I can find her, or at least find out what happened to her,” Atka explained, sincerely hoping it would be the former, though her hopes were diminishing.

Jessica’s eyes lit up for a moment, but she shook her head. “I can’t ask you to do that. Desmond said it is really hard if only one person has psionic abilities. And he’s had the ability for a while, and it still took a lot out of him. If you just learned it… what if you end up hurting yourself? I… if you hurt yourself for my sake…”

Atka shook her head. “I’d like to think I’m good with telepathic abilities. If it becomes too much of a drain, I can always pull out and try again with help. But I will not back down just because there’s an element of risk. We’re friends, Jessica. I can’t just abandon you when you need help...when you both need help.”

Jessica nodded, a determined look on her face. “Okay. But if there is any way to put some of the burden on me, please do. Just… don’t push yourself, okay?”

“I won’t. And unless you’ve been to the psi labs without my knowledge...best to leave this to me.” Atka sat down on one side of the bed from Jessica, reaching out to rest a palm on her forehead. “Here goes nothing…” The Inuit scout began to conjure up the dreamscape.

Jessica closed her eyes, and her consciousness was transported to the dreamworld of her and Atka’s mind. When she opened her eyes, she found herself in an odd mix of her and Atka’s minds. A frozen tundra stretched out before them, though they felt no cold. Nearby trees and animals stood out, made from a combination of various colors, pleasant despite Jessica’s turbulent thoughts. Despite the bright landscape, the sky itself was star covered, an aurora streaming past above them.

Atka slowly looked around, hoping to see someone like Jessica, but had no luck thus far. “Come on, where is she…” Atka said aloud, though she intended it as a thought.

“I’m not sure,” Jessica answered, realizing her internal monologue wasn’t so internal. “Maybe she…” A loud lightning strike resounded through the dreamscape, and Jessica spun around. Behind them, the world was dark only a few yards away. There seemed to be a distinct line in the world itself, and beyond it, the world seemed to flicker and distort, like something out of a horror movie.

“That can’t be normal…” Atka muttered, walking up to the distortion. She reached a hand forward, saying something in Inuktitut.

As her hand moved beyond the border, there was an intense chill that ran through her body, as if the temperature dropped twenty degrees beyond the border. Jessica walked to her side and whispered, “I-is it dangerous. I… I suppose you would have the experience to know, huh?” She frowned. “S-sorry, I-I didn’t mean to say that…”

Atka shook her head, holding her hand for a moment. “Niglinagqtuq ilugpuq aqjuiliqtuq…” She trailed off, shaking her head. “Sorry...it’s just cold. I’m not sure what to make of it.” She had to keep from saying what the cold reminded her of.

“I… I know. Somehow I could understand you, even though I… couldn’t understand you.” She hesitated for a moment, then with a defiant huff, stormed into the darkness. A few steps in, she fell to her knees, the weight of some unseen force making her feel like her she had a hundred pounds on her back. “Oh God, it… i-it feels… sad…”

Atka took a deep breath, venturing back into the darkened side of the ‘world’, trying to ignore the bitter cold. “Alexia...is that you?” she whispered to the darkness around herself.

In the distance, beyond some large mound of objects too dark to make out, came the sound of whimpering. A soft voice cried out, some distance away, but distinct. “Do you think…” Jessica shook her head. “Who else could it be, unless you have a roommate in your head too.” She slowly climbed to her feet, ignoring the throbbing pain in her chest as she walked to Atka’s side. “A-are you okay?”

“I’ll be alright…” Atka started to trudge further in. “I didn’t go to all this trouble just to back off now…” She could feel the strain on her mind and body, but ignored it as best she could. “What happened to you, Alex…” she spoke quietly, not really expecting an answer.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

ZombieSplitter53 and DarkGemini24601: “Taking Hold of the Truth, Part 3”

The pair reached the mound, and Jessica hunched over, feeling like she could throw up. It was a pile of bodies, all wearing an X-COM uniform. Despite the sickening feeling she had, Jessica forced herself to look at them for any clues. “Th-they… they all have the same two faces… do you recognize them?”

Atka glanced down at the corpses, hiding a queasy feeling while she tried to place the faces. “I….I don’t...but…” she trailed off for a moment. “Could this...b-be where the blood came from? These two?”

“What if…” Jessica clenched her stomach, feeling sick for a completely different reason. “What if Alexia killed them while they were mind-controlled? One while she was mind-controlled? Or… or I killed them…”

Atka shakily rested a hand on Jessica’s shoulder. “We shouldn’t jump to conclusions...that’s something we have to ask her.” She slowly drew her hand back, continuing forward despite the increasing pressure.

Jessica followed her, diverting her eyes from the corpse pile. As they continued along, the crying got louder and louder. Jessie looked around, and noticed familiar settings and images. The landscape had the occasional wall from a building. “These walls. They look… like they’re from our apartment. Our old apartment from when I was a kid, before my mom met Joe.”

“Were they...happier times, or worse times?” Atka asked carefully.

“Um… well, I-I loved my mother… she did what she could to make us happy. We were the most spoiled girl a poor family could produce. B-but…” She shrieked as a cockroach the size of a large cat skittered by.

“She’s retreating into the past…” Atka did her best to ignore the massive insect, afraid to damage anything by trying to shoo it away. “Alexia...whatever you went through...I can’t imagine how horrible it was...but fleeing from everything to a time that no longer is won’t solve anything…”

Jessica suddenly walked to the side. She stopped in front of a large door standing by itself. “This was the door to our room.” She traced her hand across a large, pink flower on the door with ‘J/A’ written on it. “We… we argued whose initial should be first…” She slowly opened the door, and into the room beyond it. On the bed sat a small child, curled up in a ball and sobbing quietly.

Atka walked in gingerly, kneeling down beside the bed, and said softly, “Hi, Alex…”

The girl looked up slowly. In a shaky voice, she asked, “Who… who are you?”

Jessica looked at the girl’s ash-brown hair and ran her hand through her own green locks. “I had actually forgotten what my natural hair color was,” she said out loud, still not having a hang of an internal-monologue within her own mind.

“I’m Atka, a friend of your sister’s. I’m glad to meet you,” Atka explained gently. She hesitated, knowing how fragile Jessica’s twin probably was right now. “If you need to talk to me about anything, don’t hesitate to.”

Alexia shuddered. “I… I saw them die…” she whispered, her eyes wide and puffy. “I couldn’t save them. Especially… him… he saved me. He… he died… saving me…”

Atka nodded slightly. “I know what it’s like...to have people die before your eyes… it’s something you should never have gone through. But neither are you at fault. You’re not a soldier. I make mistakes, and sometimes they’re ones I could have prevented...but that’s not your responsibility.” She took a deep breath. “They died to save you, yes. So they wouldn’t want you to stay here forever.”

Alex slowly nodded. “I… but the blood, so much blood…” She looked down at her hands, now much redder than they had been a moment before. “The one man, he… he blew up… then the big alien, he… h-he…”

A loud bang came from the door behind them as something tried to slam its way in. Jessica let out a shriek and ran to Atka’s side.

Atka stood in front of Jessica, her eyes glowing a soft blue. “I will not let them hurt you again… the same shall not happen twice.” Telekinetic spike and their helixes wrapped around her hands, and the Inuit scout held them up defensively.

The door practically exploded, and a massive Muton rushed inside. Its eyes glowed despite being black, its skin blood-red. Blood seemed to drip from its skin as it looked at the X-COM soldier with a degree of confusion.

“I don’t know if you’re a nightmare or something else entirely…” Atka growled, fighting back against the fear that threatened to paralyze her. Her spikes extended to be short blades. “But you don’t belong here, either way.” With a cry, the Inuit woman flung herself at the nightmarish Balmadaar, swinging the blue telekinetic projections at it.

The alien raised its hands in defense, but Atka’s psionic blades sliced right through it. It roared in anguish as Atka easily struck it down, collapsing to the ground and seeping into the ground. Upon its death, the world itself started shaking violently. Jessica quickly grabbed Alexia and picked her up. “U-uh, Atka, I think its time to go.”

The blue energy slowed faded, and Atka nodded, letting out a shuddering breath. “R-right.” She started to move back towards the light, hoping the return trip would be easier than getting in.

As the pair rushed out of the room, the world itself seemed to fall apart. They ran forward, Jessica shielding Alexia’s eyes as they ran towards safety, the ground behind them falling into the abyss. Jessica struggled under the weight of the world, which only seemed to get worse as the neared the edge. Falling to her knees, she cried out, “I-I can’t! A-Atka, please… take her and run…”

“You know I can’t do that…” Atka growled in frustration, sending two telekinetic helixes out to grab the two and drag them with her remaining strength. She began to feel the burning pain in her legs, and she felt like she was Atlas trying to hold up the world as she desperately headed towards safety. “Please...Anirnialuk…”

The crumbling growing closer and closer, Jessica forced herself to her feet, not willing to let Atka sacrifice herself for her. They ran and they ran, danger right on their tails, until they crossed the border into Jessica and Atka’s shared dreamscape. The world of darkness disappeared in a brilliant flash of light, and was replaced with a continuation of the rest of the dream world.

Struggling to catch her breath, despite the non-physical realm, Jessica put Alex down and ran to Atka’s side. “Oh, God, Atka, please tell me you’re okay!”

The psionic energy around Atka seemed to shatter and crumble rather than fade, the dreamscape reflecting her blurring. She shakily fell to her knees, reaching up to the side of her mouth, feeling the sensation of blood trickling down her mouth. She found none in the dreamworld, and realized where it must be. “Shit...I’ll be fine…” The thought and reassurance blended together in an unconvincing whisper.

Jessica grabbed Alex’s hand, then wrapped an arm around Atka. “End this, please, before it kills you!”

Atka unsteadily held up a hand, and the dreamscape quickly fell apart and was no more. “Un...until next time, Nunavut…” She fell back on the bed, feeling her energy drained to its limits, and more clearly the blood running from her mouth.

Jessica quickly jumped to her feet. She felt woozy, and almost fell over, but shook her head. She grabbed a clean rag and returned to Atka’s side, wiping her mouth. “I’m so sorry, Atka. What… what have I done…”

“Saving...the life...was worth any amount of pain…” Atka said in a hoarse voice, smiling weakly. “I’m sorry...for always scaring you all…”

Jessica shook her head rapidly, her reassuring smile betrayed by the tears flowing down her cheeks. “Don’t be, please. You’ve done so much for me, and I’ve done nothing to deserve your kindness.” She reached for a small emergency radio. She paused for a moment, unsure what to say.

“Probably...should have come with Chandra...to patch me back together again…” Atka muttered. “You’re my friend, Jessica...that’s enough reason for me to protect you...protect...both of you. I am a ‘guardian spirit’, a-after all.”

Jessica nodded, and spoke into the radio. “Th-this is Jessica Lockheart. I need a medical team to my room. Captain Atka was… overused her psionic abilities. If Chandra is available, please get her down here. She’d be the best one for helping Atka.” She looked Atka over, and ran to grab another rag. Popping open a bottle of water and haphazardly pouring it on the rag, she wrung it out on the floor and placed it on Atka’s forehead. “Y-you’re going to be okay, Atka. Please… I-I need you to be okay.”

Atka mustered up what little energy she had to lay a hand on Jessica’s shoulder. “I’ll...be...okay, Jessica. Life...beats the...shit out of me...but it’s thus...far failed to finish...the job. That’s...just who I am.”

Jesicca placed her hand over Atka’s. As the medics, quick and on alert after the recent trouble, rushed into the room, Jessica smiled and muttered, “I-I think by the end of this, there won’t be a single person on base I won’t owe something to.”

The medics quickly put Atka on a gurney and wheeled her out. Jessica was relieved to see Chandra walking by her side. She closed her eyes as she sat down on the bed.

Alex? Are you there?

Jessie? Y-yeah, of course.

Oh, thank God. I-I was afraid I lost you.

What do you mean? I'm not going anywhere, Jessie. So, uh... where's mom? I wanted to ask her about keeping that dog that followed us home.

 

[Dahlexpert]

The truth behind the first super solder Eva Aegerter

Eva is in the holographic training room fighting a Ethereal, Eva fires her weapon at the ethereal which her bullets seem to have no effect on hit her last few shots stooped in front of the ethereal and was sent back at her hitting her in the chest, Eva pulled out a flash bang gernade and throws it at the etheral. while the ethereal is blind Eva fires her weapon at the blind ethereal, once the etheral was no longer blind it used mind control of Eva.
Simulation failed you were mind controlled would you like to try again?

OF course I do reset the simulation.

Wow your training very hard, maybe you should take a break I mean there is such a thing as to much training.

Eva turns around and sees Ashley right next to her. I don't need rest I need to find a way to take down this thing, and if no way is found with this state, then I will go to the psionic and see what will happen then.

Wo now you already have six gen mods in you already, now you want to add psi ability's on top of that Eva your already pretty powerful you don't need to add psionic ability's on top of your current ability's.

Yes I do, you weren't there Ashley you have no idea what I saw on that day. I saw two of our best psionic solders get absolutely obliterated by the Ethereal, and on top of that one of them happens to be a traitor so now were down to Atka as the only psionic that will go on missions.

True but you don't need to do all of this by yourself Eva i mean look around you every one is training harder then ever,so just let up just a little OK.


No because i'm a super soldier, there will always be a demand for me to train harder, kinda like when you go to college, people expect you to have a higher level of education then everyone else even if you never majored in that job department.

True but do you think the commander is expecting you to save the world all by yourself? True you have ability's that most of the people here don't have, but that doesn't mean you need to go in alone.

Yea yea I know but is there any other reasons as to why your here?

Yes I would like to know more about you Eva, I mean were friend’s right I told you about my past so I want to know about your childhood and how did you become what you are now.

You want to know about my childhood?

Yes I do I mean no one really talks to you, so I just want to hear your story so I can give you advice of how to approach everyone else.

Fine sigh, I was born in Swisserland I went to the military became a master sergeant went to America and now I’m here.

OU come on Eva you can’t tell me you were like this your whole life.

Fine, my whole life from when I was in kid garden, I have always been a na…naa nerd.

What was that Eva I didn’t hear you?

I said I was a nerd.

God damnit eva can you just fucking say it I’m not going to judge you.

FINE I WAS A NERD! I WAS A COMIC BOOK MANGA LOVING, VIEDO GAME PLAYING, ANIME WATCHING NERD. Hell when I was in school I cared more about watching TV then my grades or anything else. Few that felt good saying.

So you were a nerd huh I would have never thought of you as a nerd, because of your whole attitude.

Wheel I had something injected into me that kind of made the way I am now.

So Eva what were you like growing up?

I told you I was a nerd, so I had a few friends growing up I was made fun of a lot during my time in high school. Until my dad taught me that my hand can turn in to a fist and I can us my fist to punch the people that made fun of me.

So you were bulled a lot in school?

Yea which is why I love what I have now, I can no longer get bulled and if someone tries to bully me again, I can punch them through a wall.

Ugh Eva I guaranty if you just be your usual self and not this argent person you could make some friends here.

I don’t need friends Ash I mean after all once this war is over every one will drift apart and go there sprat ways, so what will be the point.

True after the war is over most of the people here will go there sprat ways, but while your hear friends do make your time here a lot less boring.

Hum I can try to talk to some of the people here and see what I can do.

That’s nice to hear, and Eva drop the attitude and try to relay on others just a little bit.

No promises, but I will try.

 

[MarineAvenger]

MarineAvenger and DarkGemini24601: “Unsatisfactory Rating”

EXALT Headquarters, Location Unknown
Elene’s Personal Lab

Sora materialized in the lab space of Elene Exalt and he shifted his virtual glasses so they looked right. “Have a message from our glorious leader for Miss Elene. From the tone in his voice he seemed unusually calm.”

Subject Negative Zero regarded the A.I. for a moment. That’s not necessarily a good thing. “What is it?” she asked neutrally.

Sora shrugged. “Didn’t say specifically. Though it was something along the lines of, ‘Get that little bitch in my office now or my fist goes through my processing unit.’ When I said calm I meant his tone, not his word choice.”

Elene sighed. Avanix, have Vee on standby, just in case, but we should be fine still. “Very well.” The heiress stood up, straightened her labcoat, and started walking upstairs.

Understood. Be careful. It has been some time since you’ve spoken directly with him.

Wanna come watch, Ava? This will probably be priceless.

The female A.I. turned her attention towards Sora. I shall watch over my mistress. Though I will remain cautious not to attract the attention of our ‘conqueror.’

Works for me. I will be sure not to mention our guardian angel. Sora smirked and changed his server location.

***

Elene walked up to Viktor’s office, taking a deep breath to ready herself before pushing open the door and going in.

Viktor had a usual scowl on his face and he got up from his chair. He waved his hand to the chair in front of the desk. “Sit.”

The heiress raised an eyebrow, but went to sit down at the chair after brief hesitation. “What did you need?”

“I need a lot of things. What I called you here is for just that.” Viktor pulled open a drawer and took a file out of it. He held it up in the air and looked at Elene. “This is a portfolio of your scientific research. Do you see anything wrong with this picture?”

“I assume it isn’t enough?” Elene said smoothly.

“Your damn right it isn’t enough!” Viktor yelled at the top of his lungs. He threw it down on the desk. “I let you live because your intellect would help advance research. I let you have those minions so you could work faster. But I have gotten barely anything as a result!” He slammed his fist on the desk. “What is your excuse?”

“For starters, we do not have as many resources as XCOM. The Tz6 is in abundance, but I’ve explored it as far as initial research will get without further inspiration,” Elene began. “In addition, we lack biological specimens beyond what we initially took down. Only so much can be gleaned without one of the strange cats or Sectoids we heard about in New Delhi. There wasn’t much left of the citadel to be recovered by us.”

Viktor rubbed his eyes. “Then find me something to start killing these bastards better so we can get some of their stuff. XCOM has been hitting us left and right at our cells and we can’t do a damn thing. Or maybe you should find a way to tweak the clones so that they actually fight good instead of being cannon fodder. Whatever it is, I don’t care as long as we get results.” He sat back down and crossed his hands. “You have been a more obedient worker than your mother,” He spit out the word like it was a bitter candy. “But I will not hesitate to start giving you...incentives to get the things I need.” Viktor smiled menacingly. “How about I start with the warrior? Or maybe take that scientist for my own. There is also…” He stared daggers at Elene. “Markus.”

Elene clenched a fist, struggling to keep her expression level. “You would...be in error to terminate any of the aforementioned persons. I can only do so little for your clones, that is the downside to producing them on such a mass scale. Without myself, my handmaidens, or Markus, you would stand no chance against XCOM.” I’m sure the reason the “K’s” are so worthless also stems from their template’s inadequacy.

Viktor leaned forward. “My naive girl, there are worse things than death I can bring down on them. You managed to get your projects right. I don’t care if they aren’t mass produced but get me something better than we already have. We have enough grunts for now. We need elites. People who can get the job done.”

Elene’s cold gaze did not fade. “Subject 157’s combat basis can be reproduced utilizing a similar level of genetic enhancement. As for the intelligence and problem-solving factors, that would require implants and less strict thought protocols than you have allowed for the K line. They trade those mental skills for absolute loyalty, without those levels of zealotry they would have the potential to be effective fighters.”

“Are you implying something? Of course not...you are too simple for shit like that. Make them. I will oversee their production and make sure that they remain loyal. Like dogs, they need to be trained.”

It would be unwise to attempt modification of this elite line, Elene. We cannot risk Viktor suspecting us of further rebelliousness. XCOM need not know who helped create them, Avanix warned.

I...understand. Even if I don’t like it. “Very well. I can do that. As for the gauss weaponry and powered armor, I simply don’t have a strong enough grasp on the elerium substance to provide the power. I need more time to get it working.” My dedicated engineer remains out of your reach or knowledge, as does the current status of XCOM that allowed me to accelerate the combat developments beyond what you are capable of.

“Then I suggest you get to work. I warn you though, if you fall behind again I will ensure that you and someone close to you will suffer.”

Elene turned around. “Understood.” And I shall ensure that your death will be soon.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

ZombieSplitter53 & BMPixy

X-COM Headquarters, Somewhere in Siberia
Psionic Labs
1300 Hours
“The High Priestess”

Fay glanced up at the door, the small sign next to it indicating that yes, indeed, this was the psi lab. The poet in her expected something more mystical, especially with the acts performed beyond that door bringing such power to those who passed the tests. Then I shall not be found wanting, she thought to herself, taking a deep breath before opening the door and stepping inside.

Jean looked up from some schematics he was going over, and greeted the soldier with a welcome smile. “Hello. Are you here to be tested, per chance?”

Fay nodded quietly, before offering a hand to the engineer. “Henderson, Fay. You in charge?”

Jean looked around, noting that his sister wasn’t in earshot. Taking Fay’s hand, he said, “I am… in a manner of speaking. Name’s Jean.”

The sniper gave Jean’s hand a firm shake, analyzing his choice of words. “Manner of speaking? Not always in control, safe to assume.”

“Only when he thinks I can’t hear him,” Jeanne shouted out from behind one of the pods, making her brother jump. “We’re both in charge here.”

With a raised eyebrow Fay looked over at the source of the noise, spotting Jeanne after a moment of visual searching. “I see. Must ask on exact procedures used in testing, for obvious reasons,” she said, settling into an ‘at ease’ position.

Jeanne joined the two of them. “It’s quite simple. We use the alien device to ping a psionic signal against you mind to see if there is a response, kinda like psychic echolocation. This will tell us if you have potential or not. Then we use the device to draw the powers to the surface, slowly, carefully, and safely.”

Fay nodded in understanding, a slightly worried frown on her face despite the reassurances. “No risk of mental contamination? Alien device, after all, perhaps trapped.”

Jean leaned towards his sister, whispering, “I like the way she talks. No wasted words, no long winded speeches, no OUCH!”

Jeanne kicked him in the back of the leg, keeping her smile. “Of course not, Fay. We’ve tested it, retested it, and tested another dozen times. The aliens had no intention of us getting this, at least as far as we could tell, and they were more concerned with trying to destroy it then sabotage it. And we’ve used it on a number of individuals so far, with no signs of trouble.”

Fay nodded once more, the worry fading from her face slightly, replaced with another raised eyebrow at Jean’s sudden pain. Pushing the questions that raised aside, she replied, “Good, do not wish for aliens to have direct connection to my mind. Enough to worry for from their weapons, leaving mind bare is foolish.” She paused for a beat, then continued, asking, “How long will this take?”

Jean stretched his leg out a bit, answering, “Was about ten days, but after working on it and using what we’ve learned from our other tests, we have it down to a week, two days for testing, five to unlock the abilities if they’re present.”

Fay glanced up at nothing, mentally calculating how to fit the testing into her training schedule. Push aside the close quarters battle and autopistol training, should find time now. “Very well. When can we begin?”

Both siblings eyes lit up. “Right away!” Jeanne said, grasping Fay’s hand and pulling her into the main lab. “I just need a minute to set everything up!”

Caught by surprise by the sudden enthusiasm, Fay had to restrain herself from turning Jeanne’s grasp into a headlock, her training flashing through her mind for a brief moment. Instead the Sniper let herself be half-dragged into the main lab, letting the technician take her where necessary. “Anything on my part to assist in setting up?” Fay asked, figuring that if she was asked to help she might be let go.

Jeanne released her captive and looked her up and down, then flashed three fingers to her brother. While Jean headed to set up the appropriate pod, Jeanne said, “Just strip down to you skivvies.” She sat in front of a computer and started typing rapidly.

With a nod, Fay quickly removed the offending clothes, swiftly folding them and tucking them underneath her now bare armpit. “Any particular place to put these?” she asked, slight goosebumps evident on her skin.

“Right here,” Jeanne answered, motioning to the spot next to the computer. “We’ll take good care of them.”

“No rifling through pockets, personal effects present,” Fay said as she placed the garments in the indicated position. “It will be evident if you do so.”

Jeanne started typing for a brief moment, then resumed again. “No problem. We’re big on privacy around here.”

“Not so much heat, though,” Jean added, rejoining them. “Sorry about the cold. Helps keep the machine from overheating.”

“It is little trouble, especially for such rewards as present here,” Fay replied with a shrug, taking a quick glance at the assembled machinery.

“Alright,” Jeanne said after a few more moments. “You are all set.” Looking at Fay seriously. “Now, I want to emphasize that there is no guarantee in this. Not everyone who is tested has the potential. In fact, only four people we’ve tested were positive, and only one has agreed to go through with it, assuming she still comes back.”

“Then may fate decide my path,” the African-American answered. “If there is potential, then it shall be revealed and brought to its fullest. If not, then my talents lie in other areas. I am ready to proceed.”

The siblings exchanged a look, and Jean escorted Fay to the pod. “Does that mean that, should you have the ability to obtain psionics, then we can go straight to unlocking them? Because most people have wanted to be woken up first.”

“I have slept longer than a week,” Fay replied simply, gesturing to a faint set of scars along the right side of her stomach. “Do what you will, and I will provide the mind.”

Jean nodded, doing his best to hide his excitement. He motioned for the open pod, and said, “Then I wish you pleasant dreams.”

Fay stepped into the pod, turning to face the two siblings. “May I be awakened to pleasant news,” Fay replied with a gentle nod.

The pod slowly closed, and Jean returned to his sister’s side. “She has the will. Let’s hope she…” He noted his sister’s hand slowly moving towards Fay’s effects, and lightly slapped it. Picking them up to put them away, he shook his head in disapprovement. “Fouineur.”

 

[DarkGemini24601]

DarkGemini24601 and MarineAvenger: “Preparations of a Different Sort”

EXALT Headquarters, Undisclosed Location
1330 Hours, July 30th, 2018
Main Laboratory Area

Subject Negative Zero shakily sat down at the computer beside 156, while Lily appeared calm. “That did not entirely smoothly,” the brown-haired clone said to Elene.

“No...it did not,” Elene muttered in response to Lily.

Vee leaned on the shelf above the computers. “Asshole as always. Was he seriously implying what I thought he was about Lily?”

Elene looked up at Vee. “What was he…”

“Well, I think…” Vee began. She shook her head, interrupting herself to mutter, “Why would the guy show zero interest in Elene only to say something like that about a more direct copy of Lusett?” Elene’s confusion only grew from what she could hear.

“What is going on? I come here to see how you guys are doing and I hear Vee implying…” He looked between Elene and Lily and decided to keep his mouth shut.

“Clarification on what you are trying to explain?” Lily requested of the Queen of Destruction.

“Not sure you want to know…” Vee said hesitantly.

“I doubt it would affect me in any way,” 156 replied.

“I’m more worried about Elene…”

Subject -0 looked between the other 3. “You have already concerned me by the secrecy.”

“I will tell you when you are ready Elene. As for now, let us push him out of our heads and try to find some light in this situation.” Markus stated, staring at Vee to drop the subject for now.

157 raised her hands in defeat, while Elene shook her head. “As much as I would like to put him out of my mind, he has requested...rather, demanded that I improve our combat technology and produce him an elite line of clones.”

“He wants to copy me, but with burly dudes modeled after his majesty,” Vee said simply, with a hint of frustration.

“Who knows? Maybe one of them will grow a conscience and fall for you Vee. Now that...I would pay to see.” Markus chuckled.

“Doesn’t matter if it has a conscience, everything about him is tainted,” Vee muttered. “Like I told Des-uhhhh...someone else, I’d rather shove a snake…”

“And like I said, please don’t finish that sentence,” Elene quickly responded.

“Des who? We wouldn’t be keeping secrets would we?” Markus implied, nudging Vee with his elbow.

“Viktor already knows of his existence, no reason for Markus not to know. 157 is referring to Desmond Walker, an outside correspondent for EXALT,” Lily answered.

“And before you ask, I’m pretty certain he’s spoken for,” Vee added. “Doesn’t exactly like my personality anyway.”

“Odd, I can’t see how anyone could not like your bubbling personality.” Markus teased. “Why haven’t I heard of him before? He wasn’t in any of the files I have access to.”

“He’s a covert operative, and more importantly, based off of Viktor’s deceased brother. I doubt that’s something he wants you to know,” Elene said quietly.

Markus let out a heavy sigh. “If he is related to Viktor I can see why you wouldn’t want to talk about him. I am sorry you have had to deal with two Dorians Elene. If I had known you had to deal with that…”

Elene shook her head quickly. “He is not like Viktor. I would consider him a friend.”

“Yeah, he’s not as much of an asshole as Viktor, but that’s because he’s not a true clone of him,” Vee concluded offhandedly.

Markus raised an eyebrow. “Huh, here I was thinking all of Viktor’s family were made up of anger management attendees.”

“As long as you don’t talk about Viktor around him, he’s the exception to that,” Vee responded with a chuckle.

Markus shrugged and sat down in a chair. “So how are things with you guys? Anything interesting I should know about your lives?”

Vee shook her head. “Unless we get more gene modding options, I’m practically at the peak of my beautiful self,” she said with mock arrogance. Part of it was playful, anyway.

“There are some new developments taking place, but nothing particularly interesting.” Not like I can talk about a potential alliance with XCOM without being in a secure room. Elene shrugged.

Lily just stared back at the other’s curious gazes. “Not much changes with me.”

“It is so dull here during the day...so why don’t we do something at night. That sleepover is still on the table you know?” Markus informed them, laying his head on a desk. “I need something fun.”

“As long as Dorian does not terminate us for it,” Lily said with the utmost apathy, still managing to be morbid.

Vee ignored her entirely this time, putting on a mischievous smile. “Oh? What sort of fun? You might have to warn Elene first.”

Elene glanced at her older ‘sister’. “I don’t follow...what...are you implying?”

“I’m sure even you can…” Vee was silenced by a cold look from Lily. “The fact that you could tell what I meant is scarier than anything…”

“It is fairly easy to assume it was probably something vulgar based on prior knowledge,” Lily answered.

“What...what prior knowledge?” Markus just shook his head and just held up a hand. “Don’t answer that! Just...I was implying we just all got together, have a nice time together, and maybe have a few laughs. We all have fun and whatever we do, we keep this a secret. Sound good?”

Elene nodded, while Lily raised an eyebrow, adding, “I only meant that Vee is known to think vulgar things.”

“You wound me so, dear sister…” Vee patted 156 on the head. “I’m just not the boring person that censors everything I say. Cutting me off is your job.”

“Maybe we should just carry around a blow horn and a black bar with us at all times.” Markus smiled at the thought. “Anyways. Whose room shall we be staying in?”

“Elene’s room is pretty big. Mine’s kinda...cluttered, and Lily’s is, of course, boring,” Vee mused.

“And I am pretty sure my room smells like dog, so Elene’s room it is. Be there late and be sure to be in pajamas.”

Guess how I normally sleep won’t exactly do. Oh well. “Roger that,” Vee said with an exaggerated salute. “I’ll make sure Lily has something, not sure if she sleeps in her work clothes or not. She practically doesn’t sleep much anyway.”

Markus returned the mocking salute and said, “Wouldn’t surprise me if she did.”

 

[MarineAvenger]

DarkGemini24601 and MarineAvenger: “A Night to Remember”

EXALT Headquarters, Undisclosed Location
2100 Hours, July 30th, 2018
Elene’s Quarters

Elene laid on her stomach on the end of the lavish bed, wearing her typical orange pajamas and tapped her fingers, waiting for the others to arrive. The door soon opened, and Vee walked in, practically dragging a glum Lily. The heiress raised an eyebrow at Vee’s choice of pajamas, and glance over at the other scientist, who was wearing silk black-and-pink pajamas.

“Lusett’s wardrobe never ceases to amaze me,” Vee explained. “And hi, Avanix.”

The A.I., having modified her appearance to be in a set of red pajamas, nodded in return. Without her armor, her long, blond hair was more clearly visible, as were two feathered wings. She was sitting at the desk in the room, the chair spun around to face the others.

A knock on the door and a bark later, Markus said on the other side of the door. “Vee is dressed, right?”

“Technically,” Lily said cryptically.

“Coming from Lily I can only imagine she is.” Markus walked in as he opened the door with a happy Riley next to him. Markus was carrying a brown paper bag. “You know, never thought I would say this but Sora really came through for us. How he eluded Viktor never ceases to amaze me.”

Sora materialized next to Markus and leaned against him. Sora was in black pajama bottoms and a white undershirt and looked over at Avanix, whistling when he saw Vee. “Don’t say I never did anything for you. I would do anything if it meant I get to deceive Viktor.”

Avanix chuckled, while Vee waved from the bed next to Elene, wearing a jet-black set of underwear.

“Well at least she is not naked.” Markus stated.

“I have no intention of taking what belongs to my sister,” Vee responded. “So...now that we’re all here, what’s on the agenda?”

Markus looked over at Sora. “Let’s just say what falls under ‘deceiving Viktor’ means using a private server to download movies and...ahem, misplace a small amount of funds to pay for refreshments was fun while it lasted. Got chips, dip, beer, and soda because Markus knew Lily would be too much of a wimp for actual alcohol.”

“Actually, none of us have ever had....” Elene began.

Vee grinned. “I always wanted to try some. Sweet.”

“I’m not sure I want to know what you’re like intoxicated,” Avanix cautioned with a bemused smile.

Sora moved over to Avanix and put an arm around her. “Is that jealousy? You know a few tweaks to your code and I can have you dancing and all bubbly if I wanted.”

“I’d prefer figuring myself out to alterations approaching brainwashing,” Avanix responded. “More interesting that way.”

“Bring on the food and drink for...what is it the Spanish call it? A fiesta?” Vee wondered.

“Yes, it is. Though one lewd comment and I lock you in the closet Vee.” Markus warned her. He was teasing but she didn’t need to know that.

“Not even a few? Oh lord, you’re boring,” Vee muttered with a pout.

“Or perhaps he finds it unnecessary,” Lily said quietly, not used to the new set of attire.

“Oh young people and their sexual frustration. If they were animals I swear this party would be off to a weirder start than this.” Sora joked. He looked over at Markus who just shook his head. “Too much?”

Markus held up his hand with his fingers close together.

“Despite your more ‘human’ personality, it seems you do not understand them so well, Sora,” Avanix concluded with amusement in her odd eyes.

“Honey, we don’t have to eat, sleep, drink or take a shit. I prefer being the ‘superior being’ so to speak.”

Avanix shrugged. “Fair point.”

“So, what movies did you get, Markus?” Elene asked calmly.

Markus pulled out his tablet and scrolled through the selections. “I got a crappy high school romance, a sports one, an action one, a fantasy one, and a sci-fi one.” Markus looked at his friends. “Any irony in the fact we literally are living a sci-fi story? Aliens invade Earth and humanity has to fight to survive, I swear it is rinse, wash and repeat with real life.”

“Ironic, but perhaps redundant. I know Vee would love a good action movie,” Avanix said.

“True, and Lily has no interests whatsoever…”

156 sighed at Vee’s comment. “Your words were ‘you wound me’, weren’t they? Allow me to return them.”

Sora chuckled. “You forgot one Markus…”

He looked at the A.I. with a confused look and realized there was a new video added recently. “What the…” Markus chuckled a bit. “You didn’t...Sora you are mean.”

“I do what I can.” He intoned cheerfully.

Vee leaned over the edge of the bed, having to tilt her head up to look at them. “Alright, now I’m curious. What is it?”

Markus composed himself. “It is a hour and a half video of a wall covered in paint titled, ‘Just for Lily’.”

“Considering how simplistic your programming must have been, considering your creator, it should be easy to wipe it from existence,” Lily informed Sora calmly.

Sora looked over at Vee. “No one understands the quality of a good prank, do they?” He walked over to Lily and tapped her head like a puppy. “Fear not, for I am located at multiple servers around base, some of them hidden to even Ava.”

“All the more satisfying to wipe each of them out,” 156 responded casually.

“I wouldn’t push it…” Elene warned. “She’s rarely actually angry like this.”

“I know, isn’t it wonderful!” Sora exclaimed.

Markus ‘pushed’ him away and sat down against the bed and chose a movie for them to watch. “You know, I think this is the first time since coming here that we have all truly acted like everything was normal. If only it could stay like this.”

“The day will come when that shall be the case, have no doubt in that,” Elene said quietly. “For now, we should enjoy what we have.”

Markus smiled and put his arm around Elene. Pressing play, the six of them watched movies, drank, ate and eventually slept the night away; all of them better for the experience of something normal.

 

[MarineAvenger]

A Friend In Need (ZombieSplitter53 & MarineAvenger)

X-COM Headquarters, Somewhere in Siberia
Primary Infirmary
1300 Hours

Ellie sat confined in her office; working off the nerves of the day and trying to clear her mind from unpleasant thoughts. Her patients were mostly those still healing from the wounds of the base assault but she had been busy. That is all that mattered.

Jessica slowly knocked on the door, realizing how neglectful she had been with one of Alexia’s, and to an extent her, friends, particularly with Desmond’s situation. “Elizabeth? I-it’s Jessica. I was wondering if you were okay. I haven’t seen you since the base was attacked.”

Elizabeth perked up at the sound of the familiar voice and she got up from her chair to move towards the door. She cracked it open slightly and she gave a weak smile. “Hey, Jess.”

“Hey, I… I’m sorry. I’ve had… problems, but I should have come to see you earlier. Can I come in?”

Elizabeth looked down at the ground. “I am not mad at you.” She opened the door and let her friend enter.

“I wouldn’t blame you if you were.” Jessica quickly stepped inside. She took a seat across for Elizabeth’s chair, the quick manner in which she plopped down a sign of exhaustion, along with the slouch in her shoulders and bags under her eyes. But she smiled all the same. “I know this isn’t easy for you. But I want you to know I’m here for you, if you want, or need, someone to talk to.”

Elizabeth fell down in her chair in a similar manner. “It seems both of us have been restless.”

“Yeah, well,” Jessica yawned loudly, covering her mouth. “Sorry. I’ve just been… struggling to keep some… things in order, so to speak. It’s hard to explain. But I’m sure it nothing compared to what you’ve been going through. Between all the people you’ve had to treat, a mountain of paper work, I’m sure, and D.... D-Desmond…” She trailed off.

Elizabeth’s eyes sunk and she slumped lower. “I-it has been rough.” She looked at her friend. “Though you look like hell. What has been going on with you? How is Alex?”

“A-Alex?” Jessica laughed nervously. “She’s… fine. She’s been acting a bit more… immature than usual, but she’s alright. There was a moment there when I was afraid she was gone, thanks to some trauma, but Atka helped get her back.”

Elizabeth’s eyes widened. “Wha...when? Why didn’t you tell me? I could have been there for you.” She ran to Jessica and she hugged her. “I-I-I…” Elizabeth’s eyes began to water and she hugged her friend tighter. “I feel so useless!” She sobbed out.

“No! No, no, please, Ellie!” Jessica hugged her friend back. “Don’t say that! Y-you’ve done so much for us. I’m sure so many people owe their life to you. I’m so sorry I didn’t come to you earlier. But it was out of you hand, really.”

Ellie cried harder. “I hate being alone Jess! It is one of the worst things in the world. I just wish all this was a bad dream! I want to things to be back to normal. I want to go back to the way things were before the aliens.”

“I know, Ellie, I know.” Jessica gently stroked her friend’s hair. “I’ve felt the same thing lately. But… if it wasn’t for the aliens, you never would have met Desmond. And we both know how much you love him.”

“But if it wasn’t for them, I would not have joined XCOM. If I never joined this than he wouldn’t be dead!” She screamed out.

Jessica’s eyes widened. “Who would…” Remembering the only person Elizabeth could be talking about, she asked, “What do you… I don’t understand.”

Elizabeth did her best to wipe her eyes but they would not remain dry. “It is my fault he went to work that day. He had taken the week off but when I told him about XCOM he didn’t like the idea. W-We got in a huge arguement and I left the house for the day. When I went back home the next day…” She covered her eyes and crawled into a ball. “He had already left.”

“Oh… oh, Ellie, that wasn’t your fault,” Jessica insisted. “There was no way you could have known it would happen. You can’t think that way.”

“I-I never even got to apologize! I told him that he was always too overprotective and that I hated being his little girl, that I was getting too old for that stuff. If I had never hurt him...he wouldn’t have left. I lost my mother, my grandmother, my uncle and now I have lost Desmond. I don’t know how much more loss I can take Jess!”

Jessica squeezed her friend tightly. “You haven’t lost Desmond yet. And you always talked about how much you and your uncle loved each other. Did you love your uncle? Did you mean what you said to him that day?”

“Of course I didn’t! I loved his attention and being his little girl!” She insisted.

“Then he knew you didn’t mean it.” Jessica grasped both sides of her friend’s head and stared her in the eyes. “The whole reason you two fought was because he was worried about your safety, because he loved you. And I’m sure he knew for a fact how much you loved him. I know it hurts, not getting the chance to say you’re sorry, but I know he knew it. I don’t think. I know.”

Elizabeth looked back at her friend; her lip quivering and her eyes getting watery again. She hugged her friend again and began to say, “I’m sorry...I’m sorry...I’m sorry…”

“Don’t be, please, I understand.” Jessica shook her head. “And don’t give up on Desmond. I’ve talked to him, and I still have hope.”

“You think? I want to see him but I am scared of…” She looked up at Jessica. “Is he any different?”

Jessica grinned. “You kidding. Even something like this wouldn’t break his cool exterior. Though I did get the impression that he missed getting to see a certain someone while in there.”

Her eyes brightened a bit. “You think?”

“I know,” Jessica answered.

She smiled faintly and she held Jess’s hands. “Will you come with me?”

Jessica nodded. “Do you want to go now? I’m sure I can convince the guards, considering who you are.”

She shook her head excitedly, “Yes!” Ellie shrunk down down and nodded her head once, slowly.

Jessica grasped her friend’s hand and pulled her out of the office before she could change her mind. Stepping into the nearby elevator, she said, “Now, let me do all the talking, alright? With the guards, I mean.”

Elizabeth followed her friend out the door and stayed on her heels all the way to the brig. When they arrived, they were met by a pair of guards instead of just one.

Jessica nodded at the younger one, and spoke to the older of the two. “Ms. Rinly here is a friend of Walker. The Commander thought she might be able to get a few answers out of him.”

“I didn’t hear anything about that,” the guard said, turning to his partner. “Did you?”

The other guard gave the two girls a disapproving look and slowly said, “Y-yeah. Just a little while ago.” The older of the two shrugged, and waved them in.

Once they were out of earshot, Jessica said, “Thanks, Jake. I owe you one.”

“You sure do,” Jake responded quickly. “Don’t put me on the spot like that. Geez.”

Ellie quickly hugged Jake and looked up at him. “Can you make it a surprise when you open the door?”

“U-uh…” Jake stammered a bit, smiling nervously. “S-sure. You got it.” Quickly squirming out of Ellie’s grasp and looking like he needed a second to catch his breath, he walked ahead of the two woman and lightly knocked on the bars of Desmond’s cell. “You awake in there, Desmond?”

“Course I am...just napping a bit. Why?” Desmond replied putting an arm around his eyes.

Looking as serious as he could, Jake said, “You have a visitor. Someone who is eager to have a… talk with you.”

Desmond sighed. “Send them in I guess.” Desmond made no move to get up.

Jake nodded, opening the door. “He’s all yours.”

“Go ahead,” Jessica whispered.

Elizabeth walked in slowly to the cell and smiled lightly at the lazy figure. “Desmond…”

When Desmond heard her voice he immediately sat up and when he saw her eyes he nearly broke down.

Elizabeth smiled wide and she ran into Desmond’s arms and the two embraced each other. It was a struggle of who could squeeze who harder but the two of them were just fine with it. Ellie managed to get a glimpse of Jessica standing outside the door watching and she mouthed a silent ‘thank you’ to her green haired friend.

 

[BMPixy]

"Bug Hunt"
XCOM Headquarters, Somewhere in Siberia
Medical Bay
1634 Hours Local Time
Albert Foulke

“What's the point in a whole lot of men risking their lives with obsolete weapons when one professor type can do so much more just by pushing a button?”
Zim didn't answer at once, which wasn't like him at all. Then he said softly, “Are you happy in the Infantry, Hendrick? You can resign, you know.”
Hendrick muttered something; Zim said, “Speak up!”
“I'm not itching to resign, sir.”

Interrupting my reading, I spotted the door on the opposite side of the room slowly open. I set aside the book as the person responsible entered, one Holly Summers. I nodded at her as she stepped further in and closed the door, taking a seat at one of the chairs near my bed.

“Returning the favor?” I asked the Engineer, to which she replied with a shrug.

“Something along those lines. I figured that it’d make you feel a bit better if someone came by to visit while you were in here,” she said. Taking a glance at the book I had placed on the bed stand, she continued. “Starship Troopers? Didn’t take you for that type, Foulke.”

“Hey, just because I’m the gritty field CO kind of guy doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy a good sci-fi novel now and then,” I replied. “Besides, you look at this book, and you see us in forty or fifty years if this war keeps going; a bunch of scared soldiers with fancy tech dropping in to fight an enemy without numbers or fear. Hell, you can even some similarities now.”

“You think the war is really going to last that long?” Holly responded, a raised eyebrow indicating her confusion.

“I think it’ll take as long as it takes for either us to win or get annihilated,” I said with a shrug. “If it takes two years, great. If it takes two hundred, that’s the way the ball bounces.”

“Yeah, but if this war goes on too long, the victory may turn Pyrrhic. I’d rather see the war end rather than it be our end. Living is quite nice, I’ll have you know.”

“Eh, it’s all moot in the end. I doubt the aliens are gonna seek peace, and XCOM isn’t going to submit any time soon. So it’s either death or glory here, and despite the grim mood on base, I’d say we’re well on the path to glory.”

“Did those mods mess with your head?” Holly asked, “The X-Rays damn near squashed us like a bug, and here you say that we’re on the way to victory?”

“Aye, but we beat them off. We took their best hit to the chin, and we’re still standing.” I raised an arm, examining the way the muscle rippled as I moved it before balling my hand into a fist. “Sure, a couple of them got away, hell they even took Buniq and I couldn’t do a damn thing to stop them, but we’re still alive and kicking. We may be staggered a bit, but we’ll recover. We always have.”

“And I guess you’ll try to lead the charge, eh Foulke?” she said with a half-smirk. “I heard they’re offering you your position back on the combat roster.”

“You heard right, and you can probably be the one to spread the rumor that I accepted. Commander kept her part of the deal, I’ll keep mine,” I replied, lowering my arm. “After all, I’m fit for duty now, barring my current condition, it’s only natural I go back and serve.”

“On the topic of your condition, when are the docs gonna let you go?”

“Probably in a couple of days. Incubator did a number on me, but Chandra was able to stave off the worst of the injuries with her powers,” I said with a half-shrug. “Damn useful power to have I’d say, even if it seems to take a heavy toll on the user. Might have even considered going psi myself just to have that power, but well...” I tapped my noggin, indicating the gene mod that made me eligible for service once more.

“Not enough brain activity for that?” the Engineer joked, drawing a chuckle from both of us. With a quick glance up at a nearby wall-clock, she muttered a curse I couldn’t quite catch.

“Late for a date?” I asked.

“Nah, me and Fujioka were just gonna hit the training room. I would invite you, but...” she gestured to my bed-ridden state.

“Not like I’m your disapproving mother,” I said with a partial smirk, “Go out and get sweaty all you want, I get to relax here with one of the greatest pieces of literature of all time.”

“Whatever you say, Foulke,” she said, standing, “I’ll see you around, eh?”

“Aye,” I replied, waving her off as she exited the room. Picking up my book, I flipped back to where I had left off. Ah, here it was.

“I'm not itching to resign, sir. I'm going to sweat out my term.”

Huh, interesting coincidence. Maybe this really is how we’ll end up.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

A Glimmer of Hope

Holo-Training Room, 1100 Hours

Aya slowly paced around the holographic representation of their greatest foe yet, taking it in for all it was worth. "So... how accurate is this thing?"

"Less then a percent variance physically," Eve answered, typing on her personal computer pad. "Though the guy who initially programmed it forgot the second pair of arms... idiot... but now that Alice is up and running, she was able to compile all of the security footage. There wasn't much, but it was enough."

"And its abilities? How were you able to replicate those without a corpse to go on, or at least a little more battle data."

"That part... isn't quite as accurate," Sunny admitted, looking over from the wall mounted computer. "But despite not having enough power to do much else, Alice was able to watch the fight, and gather data. Power readings from its shield, velocity change on its telekinesis, and so on."

Aya nodded. "So, Luxuria, huh? Cat named them, yes?"

"Yeah, but..." Alice manifested next to Sunny, wearing her favorite red and black goth lolita dress. "This isn't Luxuria."

"What do you mean? Cheshire said..."

"We do believe the Ethereal with that designation was somewhere on base during the attack," Sunny said. "But based on the information Cheshire was able to obtain, we know this was a different one. We believe Superbia. The data implied Luxuria was strong, but not this strong. And Luxuria is listed as female, while this one was male."

"How do you do it was male?" Aya asked. Alice held up her hand, and an odd looking DNA strand appeared in it. "What is that?"

"It... it's DNA, namely the aliens," Sunny answered, looking a bit surprised. "It is a bit different. The introns aren't quite as pronounced, and human DNA only has four..."

"I know it's DNA. I meant, where did it come from? I don't remember anyone having time to take a blood sample during that fight."

Eve hit a few keys, and the room changed into a full-scale recreation of the battle against the Ethereal. Walking over to the alien, she hit a few keys, and the image froze with Eva standing near it. "Remember when Eva decided to approach it to... taunt it or... something?" She hit a few keys, and the alien slowly lifted its hand, a small psionic dagger firing out of it. The image paused again as the attack reached the shield. Pointing to a small hole, and several bullets near it, she continued, "As you can see, the shield had to open ever so much to let the attack through. Everyone was firing so much, a few bullets got through, and one of them hit it. Not by much, a scratch, really, but enough to draw blood."

Aya grinned. "Not much indeed. But in the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger, if it bleeds, we can kill it. Everyone stand back." Sunny and Eve ran to the side, and Aya looked at Alice. "Ready?"

"Ready." Alice disappeared, and the room returned to the lone Ethereal, which turned to Aya and cracked the knuckles on all four of it hands. It raised its hands, and nodded.

Aya cupped her hands together. and a large bluish-green orb quickly formed in it. Eve smiled, and muttered, "Ka... Me..." Sunny gave her a confused look. Aya ignored her sister, took a step back, and fired a concentrated beam of energy. After only a few seconds, the shield shattered, and the Ethereal was engulfed.

As the attack subsided, the alien appeared to be covered in cartoonist ash and burns. It wiped the burns away, and shook its head. Alice's voice echoed through the room, simulating the Ethereal's telepathy the best she could. "I'm really starting to regret my efforts to simulate pain. Maybe I've gone a bit too far in that respect."

"Alright, so that worked," Aya said, all business. "But it said its power was drained. Can you make an accurate representation of how strong it might have been had it not been controlling the Sectopod and fighting off Desmond's attack?"

"I think so, but it'll likely be off by at least fifteen percent." Alice took a few moments to make the appropriate calculations and gather the power, and formed another shield. "Ready."

Alice readied another attack, this one more then twice the size as the last. Her body shook at the massive amount of power draining from her body. She sent the attack flying, and it exploded against the shield. She maintained it for as long as she could, finally collapsing to the ground. She looked up at the Ethereal hologram. There were a few cracks in it's shield, but it was relatively intact. "D... d-damn... it..." She dropped to the ground, passing out.

Sunny rushed to her side, followed closely by the reappearing Alice. "I-Is she okay?" The young engineer.

Eve sighed, casually walking to their side. "She's fine. She just overexerted herself. Alice, could you bring her to our room?"

Alice nodded, and one of her probes floated over. Her programming transferred to it, and she switched to her older form, as it would look less awkward then a small child carrying a grown woman through the halls.