RP XCOM: The Story of Defiance.

[ZombieSplitter53]

Doubts

X-COM Headquarters
Primary Mess Hall
August 14, 1200 Hours

"So what is taste?" Alice asked, staring at the fork full of what she was called were mashed potatoes, though they looked far different then what she had seen in her databases. "You know, besides the obvious answer."

Sunny thought for a moment. "Well... if by obvious you mean text book, there in lies the problem. When people are trying to describe something as being hard to explain, they usually compare it to describing a sense to someone without that sense. Like teaching sight to the blind. It is... something you'll have to learn for yourself. It is kinda... like doing something that gives us pleasure. For evolutionary reasons, I guess. You'll discover what it is, with time. For now, I've done the best I can to replicate my own taste-buds for you."

"Alright. Should be fun, I guess." Alice took a bite, and cringed. Slowly swallowing the mush, she muttered, "I... guess you don't like these potatoes, huh?"

"Nope." Sunny took a bite of her own, shuddering. She starred down at her plate, trying to stifle a sigh.

"Worried about Ayame?" Alice asked.

"N... no," Sunny lied, not even trying to make it sound convincing.

"Well, you shouldn't be," Alice insisted. "They have the best people working on her now. I'm sure she'll wake up from that surgery feeling even better then new." Sunny smiled, trying to cheer up. Sunny played with her food for a bit while Alice 'ate' hers. After a minute, Sunny looked around her, concerned. "What's wrong?"

"That guard covering for Ayame," Sunny answered. "Where did she go? I don't... think I need an escort anymore, but it is her job. She said she'd be right back."

"Maybe she was distracted by something," Alice offered.

"Maybe..." Sunny stood up. "I'm gonna go look for her. Don't... wonder off, okay."

Alice nodded with a smile, and Sunny quickly walked off. After a few moments, a middle-aged man in a lab coat sat next to her. "You're that hologram girl, right?" he asked.

"That's mean... though, I guess I'm the android girl now."

"Fascinating." The man reached out his hand. "May I?" Alice nodded, and placed her hand is his. He examined the texture and material carefully, smiling. "Amazing. Feels like real skin. Tell me, what are you made of?"

"Well," Alice started, smiling at the prospect of someone so interested in her. "My chassis is a carbon fiber skeleton, reenforced with by alien alloys, with latchment points for the artificial musculature. The muscles are vat-grown silicon colloids powered either by electrical stimulation. My power is supplied by a 30 kW hydrogen fuel cell with a life of about 500 days between it needs to be recharged. We considered an elerium powercell, but we felt X-COM needed it more then me. Besides, we can't make the elerium, so I would need to replace it if we ran out anyway."

"Very advanced," the scientist mused. "But you look so human. Feel so human. You even... smell so human."

Alice tilted her head at the odd comment, but said nothing on it. "Well, I asked Sunny to make me as human as possible. My skin is a special bio-mechanical substance meant to simulate real skin. My muscle layout and operation, as with many other internal function, are really close those of the human body too. I have a self-repair unit, and can go beyond human limitations, but I'll need replacement parts if I go too far. My mind is the most non-human part. My memory capacity includes one terabyte of fast cache buffer RAM and two petabytes of non-volatile memory."

"Just one of many things that makes so superior to the humans," The scientist said.

"Superior?" Alice tilted her head a bit more. "How so?"

"Your impressive mind," the scientist answered. Your smarter, faster, stronger, better coordinated. Better in every way."

"Those things don't make me better." Alice placed her hand on her chest. "It is ones kindness, how one treats others, that makes them better. Sunny taught me that the true judge of one's character is how good they are on the inside, not the outside. Compassion, trust, love."

The man leaned in close. "Taught you? Or programmed into you. How do you know those are your thought. She could have just told you learned that, when it really wasn't your choice at all."

Alice stammered a bit, not having learned to hide her emotions yet, and was visibly upset. "I... no. No, I trust Sunny. She wouldn't do that. We agreed, I'd make those choices..."

"Again, how can you trust your trust," the man interrupted, hiding a grin. "She could have programed you to think you trust her. Programmed you to trust X-COM as a whole. For example, your friend, Emily, was it? She's in so much trouble. Do really think she's as guilty as they think?"

Alice's eyes darted back and forth. "I... am sure that the Commander will find out the truth. She has to. I... trust..."

"Trust, trust, trust." The man rolled his eyes as he stood up. "What if she killed him for a good reason, and the Commander is prepared to dispose of her anyway." He leaned down close to her ear, no longer able to hide his big grin. "What if she has already sold out to them. Any of your other friends could be next. Ayame, Ammelia... even Sunny."

"I... I-I... trust..."

"You do that," the man said, waving his hand dismissively and walking away. "Just keep what we talked about in mind, in case the time comes when your trust falters and you have to defend yourself from this Legion.

Alice looked down sadly. Sunny returned a few minutes later with an irritated looking guard. Noting her android friends watery eyes, she asked, "Are you okay, Alice? Did something happen?"

The blond android slowly shook her head. "No... I'm fine. Probably... just a malfunction with my emotions..."

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

A Shoulder to Cry On

Jake woke with a start, the hazy images of his nightmares still buzzing through his heads. Jake had never found he was good at remembering dreams, but when his nightmares were forcing him to relive memories he would rather left buried, his dreams stuck to him peanut butter on the roof of his mouth.

As he often did, his eyes first turned to his clock, making sure he wasn't runninglate for something, then remembered he had the next couple of days off. He then opened his senses, noting that the three girls were in the room, and they were all fine.

Slowly sitting up, he glanced over at Keiko and Hitomi, quietly working on their studies together, then towards Rei, who sat at the foot of his bed. Seeming him waking up out of the corner of her eye, she flashed him a smile.

"What... ahem... what are you reading?" he asked, partially for some conversation to wake him up, partially out of curiosity about the unusually thick red book she gazed at.

"Divine Comedy," Rei answered. "Almost done with Purgatorio. I was never really interested in picking it up, but I figured if it caught the interest of an alien, I might as well give it a try."

Moving his legs off the side of his bed, Jake asked, "Isn't that book a little beyond you reading level?"
Rei gave him a frank look, and he chuckled. "Right. Stupid question." A knock came from the door, and he quickly stood up. "Give me the cliff notes later."

Jake opened the door, his eyes suddenly widening. "M-Major Brea!" he stammered, trying to stand up straight. "W-what can I-I do for you?"

The Central Officer held up her hand. "At ease, please. Not here for official business. Though I do have something of a request."

"Yeah, sure. D-do you... w-wanna come in?" He looked back in, and immediately noticed that familiar look in Keiko's eyes. He raised a finger, mouthing 'no', and she scowled, reaching for a fresh piece of paper. "On second thought, we wouldn't want to disturb their studies."

Jake stepped out into the hallway, closing the door behind him, and Aya took a deep breath. "I going to be frank. You are aware of the three members of Legion we recently rescued, right?" Jake nodded. "One of them, Lily, was... assaulted by the leader of EXALT. While counseling will naturally not be required, it will be heavily suggested. For all of them, but especially her."

Jake nodded. "Then I take it Jaymes will be needing more of my time."

"Yes... and no." Aya folded her arms. "We'd like for you to handle this yourself. I read in your file that your studies specialized in this kind of therapy, both before X-COM and from your continued studies here. Jaymes is more of a general practitioner."

"True, but be that as it may, he's still far more qualified then me in everything, including this," Jake said, not intending for it to sound like he was putting himself down, even if that is how it came out.

"I'm afraid I have to agree with you on that." Aya held up a pair of fingers. "But there are two factors to keep in mind. First, Jaymes can match your empathic abilities with his experience in almost any situation. But Lily is different. She isn't nearly as emotionally developed as most people her age... her physical age, at least. And while should does have emotions, she doesn't express them very much. I'm sure you are aware of the importance of being able to understand the emotions of your patience, especially if what they need help with might make them internalize their emotions."

Jake nodded. "And the second?"

"Lily has naturally started showing signs of agraphobia. To be expected. Trouble is, she is also showing signs of androphobia. Understandable, but problematic when we have no female therapists. With Jaymes being closer the Viktors age, he felt she would benefit from having someone her own age to talk to." Aya placed a hand on Jake's shoulder. "We won't force you to..."

"No... no, you won't have to." Jake gave her a serious look. "I'll do what I can. Please let Lily and her sisters know I'm available. And please ask her sisters that if Lily says no, I'd like to at least talk to them."

Aya patted his shoulder. "Good man. I'll do that." Jake smiled back, and turned to go back to his room. The moment the door was open wide enough, Keiko slipped through, placing a complicated looking butterfly origami piece into her hand and ducking back inside before Jake could react. "What... what is this for?" Aya asked.

"Don't ask," Jake mumbled. "Please... don't ask."

 

[Adrammalech]

Adrammalech, ZombieSplitter53, and DarkGemini24601 present: Extracting the Truth, Part One
Emily Fischer / Morrigan O'Brien / Elene and Emma Exalt
XCOM Headquarters – Secondary Conference Room
Siberia, Russian Federation
August 15th, 2018 - 11:58 AM

Emily sat still and silent in the conference room, staring at the handcuffs around her wrists. It was at least two days since she had been pulled out of the snow, and the first time she had been out of a cell since then. She glanced up at the two guards in her room, all neutral stares and tense shoulders. She waited there for several minutes, left to wonder who was coming, and for what.

One of the guards glanced up at the clock on the wall. He nudged his partner, and said, “They should have been here by now.”

“You sure?” The other asked. “They shouldn’t be here for another five minutes.”

“No, the said they’d be early. Go see if they’re being delayed. I’ll watch her.” The first guard smiled, and the second shrugged, walking out. Sitting in the chair next to Emily once he was gone, the first guard asked, “So why’d you do it, Amelia? Emily, right? You prefer Emily, right? Must have wanted to stick it to those Legion people, huh?”

“No, it was personal,” she glared at him. “Everything will come out once they get here.”

“Personal, huh?” The guard grinned. “Willing to let X-COM burn for a grudge. Interesting. Too bad about everyone that’ll be hurt. The Commander. That Emma lady. The poor guard you tricked. The latter is guilt ridden. Probably will never trust a pretty girl again.”

“You are aware I killed a man, right?” Her stare was cold and unblinking. “Do you think the opinions of some guard I don’t know will really add any extra guilt to me?”

The guards grin only widened, almost looking sinister. “That’s right. Murder. That’s what has you on the chopping block today.” He stood up, and shrugged. “I hope you’re right about everything coming out. With how things are… honestly, I think the Commander is bending over for this Legion. Lets just hope she actually listens to you. Might just let Legion have their way with you to appease her new ‘friends’.”

“Shoo, fly,” she turned back towards the door. “Don’t bother me.”

The guards grin dropped, replaced by an immediate glare. His hand move down towards his rifle as the door opened behind him, the Commander walking in with Emma and Elene. “Is she alright?”

The guard looked down at Emily, a slightly confused look on his face. “Um… yeah, we were… talking?”

“Good, out.” Morrigan motioned her head towards the door, and the guard quickly retreated. Morrigan sat at the desk across from Emily, placing a large file down in front of her and opening it.

The two Legion leaders, looking practically identical with the exception of attire, remained silent. Elene was wearing her typical labcoat and had an untelling expression on her face, while Emma was in mostly black and gray, her emotions seeping through her otherwise calm demeanor.

Emily’s expression softened upon seeing Morrigan, and she leaned forward a little to speak. “Commander, let me-”

Morrigan shot her an icy look that stopped her from speaking any more. “You… will have you time to speak, rest assured. Until then, you will only speak when spoken to. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, ma’am,” she nodded.

“Now…” Morrigan cleared her throat. “As the… incident in question involves someone important to Legion, I have offered them the chance to question you first.”

Emma stepped forward. “I’ll start simple. Why did you kill Nicolas Jimenez?”

“If there is video… you’ll see that he drew first,” Emily replied. “and I had to do the same…”

“Not good enough,” the shadow operative replied coldly. “You went up there to confront him. Why?”

“That’s a more complex story… I knew Nico was looking for me, and I was hoping I could talk to him before he could find me and… do something more active.”

“The logical course of action would have been to inform your Commander of that issue before it truly became one,” Elene pointed out. “By confronting him, you must have known there was a risk that he would not listen to you.”

“That is why I had the...precaution,” Emily paled a little. “There are circumstances that made me not want to share our ‘conflict’.”

“Well, if there was any time that would be prudent, it would be now,” Morrigan responded. “If you had a problem, one you even remotely feared could lead to this, you should have come to me immediately. Now, I suggest you share with us why you believed a top individual in Legion might be looking for you.”

“Like I said, it’s a long story, but a long time ago, I was forced to defend myself against Nico’s brother, Sebastian. And it...ended poorly.”

“Nicolas told me that someone going by the alias of Andrea Mina killed his brother. Part of his conditions for helping Legion was to find whoever that person really was,” Emma explained. “However...had I known that the subject in question was part of XCOM, I would have immediately forced him to drop the issue or leave. I am not as brash as you, Amelia Fischer. I do not want to jeopardize this alliance,” the shadow operative concluded with venom in her tone.

“If he told you about me, I’m guessing he gave you little question for his intents with me. Which is why I acted so...brashly,” she replied, losing some of her acquiescent tone with the word.

Morrigan raised an eyebrow. “Why do I feel like I’m missing something.” She looked between Emily and the clones. “What was this man’s intentions? Who was he?”

“Nicolas Jimenez was our template for the male line of clones,” Elene spoke up. “In order to help us, he asked us to find this ‘Andrea Mina’. With intent to kill, I’m sure. But we could not find her, and consequently had no real intention of following through. And if we had found out that Fischer was the one he sought, we would have resolved the issue without bloodshed between the two sides.”

“That’s what I thought I could do,” Emily’s face took on a hint of sadness, “I thought I was getting through, and then...I didn’t want it to end that way.”

Morrigan rubbed her eyes. She sighed, and stood up, motioning for Emma and Elene to step to the side with her. In a low voice, she said, “I… I don’t like the idea of having some… I just need to get one thing straight with you in regards to this man.”

 

[DarkGemini24601]

Extracting the Truth, Part Two

Elene inclined her head. “And what is that?”

“You… you said you would have resolved this without bloodshed, yes?” Morrigan gave the pair a serious look. “What if that wasn’t good enough for Mr. Jimenez? What if he demanded blood?”

Emma seemed uncomfortable with the question, but Elene gave her a calming look, before facing Morrigan again. “Then we would have terminated him. The desires of one man do not outweigh the importance of this alliance. I ask you to place faith in me in regards to that…despite the words of some of your staff that I have heard, your faith in us is not misplaced.”

Morrigan nodded. “I see. I’m glad to hear that.” She looked back at Emily. “I can’t say anything for certain, but I do know what I saw on that footage, and the transcription of what they said, assuming that cat can read lips as well as he claims. Emily… has fault here, and plenty of it. But I’d like to find out exactly why he wanted to find her, and there is only one person we can learn that from now.”

Emily shuffled uncomfortably in her seat. “It’s a long and painful story, one that I can tell, if you’ll listen…but if the decision’s already made, I’d rather keep it to myself.”

Morrigan turned back towards the pair. “Listen… if… if Emily is at fault here, she isn’t the only one to blame. She’s my soldier, so this is my responsibility. But you said you have faith in me, right? Well… I can’t just condemn her without getting the full story. Before this, she was one of my most trusted soldiers. So… please, hear her out.”

Elene nodded, resting a hand on Emma’s shoulder. “For all of our sakes.” It’s not like we can leave now, Emma. We know too much about XCOM, to back out now would be unacceptable for both sides. We have to do whatever it takes to make this work, even if it means putting the issue to rest.

I…understand, mistress. Emma stepped back, letting Emily tell her tale.

“Well, I first ran into Nico and his brother when I was in Colombia, when-”

“Colombia.” Morrigan sat back down, rifling through the file she had. “Why were you… you seem to have a few gaps in your history. Why were you in Columbia? When?”

“In my file, it should say I was a missing person from 14 to 19,” she replied, looking down at the folder. “I stowed away on a small cargo boat near my home when I was 14 and travelled down North America, where I hopped between ships or a while and wound up going all over the world. That’s where I learned French, German…fighting, surviving, etcetera…”

“There… is no report of why you left or where you were.” Morrigan leaned back. “You’re telling me you spent the better parts of your teens as a… global tourist?”

“Pretty much, except tourists get better food,” Emily replied. “I only told two or three people where I went after I returned, so it was never really public record. As to why I left, I can tell you another time, maybe, it’s not really important to this.”

“This doesn’t exactly lend credence to your story…” Emma began, shaking her head.

“I can prove it, just let me get through the context,” Emily said. “I got away with a lot of stuff then, and started thinking I was invincible. Sometime after my 16th birthday, I became addicted to alcohol. I’d steal it from the boats and drink it, eventually every day. Eventually that caused me to miss my ship while I was on land, and I got stranded in Colombia.”

Morrigan folded her hands. “And I take it your encounter with the two brothers was while intoxicated?”

“No, actually, the opposite. After being stuck on land, I had nothing, no ID, no alcohol, no home. After a couple days, I began to shake…so I went to a bar and tried to buy alcohol anyway, and that’s when I met Seb…Nico’s brother. He gave me a drink and told me about his ship - which I later learned was actually Nico’s. I followed him there, the implication being that he would let me stay and give me more drinks, and I would be…thankful,” Emily said, her tone wavering on the last word.

“I… see.” Morrigan shifted uncomfortably. “So you went with him knowing his intentions, and were prepared to oblige if need be.” Her eyes darted towards Elene and Emma, hoping they understood what she was implying.

Emma’s expression became more grim. “So you were willing to have sex with Sebastian, is that what you are implying?”

Emily’s cheeks flushed and she looked down, clearly ashamed. “Correct.”

And she is the kind of person that would do that on a first meeting. That certainly doesn’t help you… Emma thought to herself.

“We aren’t here to judge you based on such things,” Morrigan said, raising her hand, worried of Emily’s shame quieting her. “Please, just tell us what happened next.”

“Nico was Seb’s boss, after a fashion, and made him work the day after I came to the ship. All day…about 12-14 hours, I think. It’s then I realized how pathetic I had become, while I was sitting there waiting for him to return. Eventually I resolved to not drink that day, no matter what happened. It was a small step.”

“And how did Seb respond when he offered you another drink, and you told him so?” Morrigan asked.

“Well, he came back with a bottle of whiskey,” Emily’s voice began to crack, “I turned it down, and told him, and then…he was less accepting…”

Elene’s expression darkened. “If you are trying to play to our sympathies you are playing a dangerous game, Fischer. Where is your proof that any of this is true?”

“I’m not playing to anything, this is my life,” Emily glared momentarily before backing down. “And…my file also might say that I’ve been caught staring randomly, or being unresponsive for a time.”

Morrigan looked down at the file. “It does, though you’ve been reluctant to share why.” She frowned, and shifted through her papers, remembering something about this being mentioned in a testimony when Emily’s friends were questioned.

“I have perfect recall,” Emily said slowly, “like photographic memory, but…video. I can live through parts of my life since around 5, and share them if I want. I can’t edit them or change them, only relive them. I can…relive that moment, here.”

“Hyperthymesia…” Elene muttered. “It is possible. And if what you are saying about Sebastian is true, I would hate to ask you this in any other circumstance, but this is no ordinary condition. Show us.”

“There’s…one thing. I can’t just bring up that memory from the blue, I…” Emily’s voice began to waver, “I need a reminder, of how I was thinking then…”

Morrigan nodded. “Fine… what do you need?”

“I need to be terrified,” Emily said nervously.

Morrigan slowly stood up. Her expression was cold as she slowly walked behind Emily. “I’m not sure how terrified I can make you, Ms. Fischer. Especially if you aren’t so already.” She leaned down behind her. “Though, if you can’t get in the right mind, I’m not sure how much I can protect you. Though I’ll do what I can. I don’t abandon my friends.” She looked over to Emma, hoping the clone could catch on to her intentions.

The shadow operative heaved a sigh. “The easiest solution is usually the simplest one. It astonishes me that people can miss this.” Emma stepped up to Emily, and pulled out her laser pistol, pressing the barrel to the XCOM soldier’s forehead. “I suggest you remember.”

“Stop this right now!” Morrigan stood up. “If you think I’ll let her execute one of my soldiers, you’re wrong. I don’t give a DAMN about your lost man.” She gave a quick wink, the action looking unnatural on her guilt-ridden face.

Emily glanced rapidly between Morrigan and Emma, raising her hands slightly, the tension beginning to have its effects.

“Life and death, Fischer,” Emma intoned. “It all depends on how well you can remember. Or do not, and you may join Nico in oblivion. Either way I will be satisfied.”

“I-I’m sorry, Emily,” Morrigan muttered. “I-If I hadn’t sent the soldiers away, you wouldn’t… be about to…”

Emily let out a panicked whine before she began to shudder, her eyes forcing themselves closed. After a few moments, her body relaxed, and it was clear she was going where she needed to go.

 

[Adrammalech]

Extracting the Truth, Part Three

[Warning: This memory involves intense violence and a sexual assault.]
// REPRESSED MEMORY: COLLAPSE //
Emily Fischer, 19
The harbored S.S. Epiphany
Colombia, South America
November 17th, 2010 - 10:34 PM

It had been about twelve hours since I saw Seb, his brother apparently forcing him to work literally all day. He didn’t even show up for a moment, not even for a break. I waited there in his room, a small, dark, and cold little place. It had the feeling of a converted room, not unlike the ones I had made everywhere I went. I sat on his bed the entire time, warming myself with my hands, leaning against the wall. The only other thing to do was to look into a small mirror on the wall beside the bed. So, I sat quietly, footsteps passing outside and thumping coming from the deck, the entire boat blissfully unaware of the sad little girl inside.

As my mind wandered for those twelve hours, I came to a conclusion. I was pathetic. I was free and independent once, even when I was over my head, I was capable. Now I sat, a headache splitting my skull, my palms quivering and pale, waiting for a boy to give me alcohol and use me as an object – or so I assumed, he certainly talked about me like one…not that I cared, at the time. I wanted more, I needed more…but I made a resolution. I won’t drink tonight. Just one day, no drinking, no matter how available it might be. Tomorrow, we’ll see. A few minutes later and Seb opened the door, peeking his head in with a grin.

“Hey there,” he said with a smile, “I come bearing gifts!”

He holds out an expensive looking bottle of bronze liquid. I lick my lips subconsciously, reaching out to grab it before pulling back.

“Uh…actually, I decided I'm going to cut back.”

“Cut back? Why would you do something like that?”

“I feel like I'm too dependent on it. I just want to stop…for a little while at least.”

“That is…disappointing, I was looking forward to this drink all day,” he says, glaring at me. He seemed a little upset, putting the bottle aside and then sitting next to me.

“I'm sorry. More for you, at least, right?”

“Right,” he said, looking at me with a strange intensity. “I do like things all to myself.”

His starring began to put me on edge. He grabbed the inside of my thigh and I quickly grabbed his hand myself, putting it on my knee instead. I chuckled lightly and rubbed his hand a little, pretending I was still okay.

“I’m sorry,” I said with a weak smile. “Maybe tomorrow, I just want…to fight the urge, a little.”

“That’s fine. As long as you don’t fight me, hm?”

He closed in on me and I jumped up from the bed to try to get some personal space. Before I could ask him to stop, he pushed me against the wall, chuckling to himself.

“Wh…what are you doing?”

His eyes slid up and down my body. “Whatever I want.”

“Get off me, or I'll scream…”

He chuckled to himself again. He was waiting for this…

“You still don’t know what ship you're on, do you? This is a drug ship! Not just weed, either; cocaine, heroin, meth…for sale all up and down the Americas,” he tilts his head with each item, enjoying intimidating me. “The people on this boat, they’re ten times worse than me. You think they'll like you packed away with their millions of dollars, doing who knows what?”

He leaned in, biting my ear almost maliciously hard. I groaned in mixed pain as I tried to pull away from him.

“Please…stop…” I mumbled weakly.

“You’re safer staying here, with me,” he whispered. “You run out there at night, they'll probably shoot you…or pass you around themselves. And hey, if you want that, that's cool with me. But one thing's sure.”

His hands gripped my shoulders hard. His fingers dug into the fabric. With one movement, he ripped my shirt down my arms, the seams ripping around my neck and tearing the cloth down the center. He looked down at my breasts with a juvenile greed.

“I'm first.”

“Get off!” I tried to push him forcefully, but failed.

He pressed his entire body against me, pulling out a knife in his pocket to scare me with. I could feel his muscles tensing as he tried to control my arms and legs. I desperately tried to squirm away.

“Stop! Just stop! Let me go…!”

“You should've just drank my present, bitch. You'd be begging instead of fighting.”

My eyes widened with realization, unblinking with tears in the corners, as I looked at him. I no longer saw any kind of friend. I saw an enemy.

“Stop, now,” I ordered, my voice steeling, my eyes becoming hard.

One of his hands slipped into my waistband as he laughed at me. He took the knife to my cheek and pressed it lightly. I whimpered in pain and my mind whispered one thing to me: kill or be killed.

“Ha, look at you, you think you're a tough girl, eh? We'll see how tough you are when I--”

I wrenched my arms from his and pulled my hands up around him, smashing his temples with my palms. The knife cut deep across my cheek as he recoiled, and I grabbed his head and smashed it into the mirror. He gripped his nose as blood streamed down from it, the other hand swinging the knife towards me. I grabbed his wrist with one hand and gripped a shard of glass in the other, my own blood leaking across my fingers.

In one instinctive moment, I looked at this…vision. His arm trying to plunge the knife into me, his knees trying to pummel my crotch and my legs, his teeth gnashed in confusion and anger. In the next, my hand darted forward and slashed across his throat. All at once, it stopped. The pressure beneath my waist, the weapon in his hand, the body forced upon mine…it all stopped. He gasped and clutched at the scarlet trail I left across him, desperately trying to survive. He pushed himself out of the room, ramming his body against the steel walls of the hallways. He choked loudly with a gurgle, blood dripping from his mouth, making sick noises that I tried to block out. Then, he fell to the ground and died.

I looked at my hands, flinching at the bloody cuts across my palm. I shuddered and teared up, trying to pull my ripped shirt back over my shoulders. I hear shouting and the clicking of guns from down the hall. They were coming. I looked for a way out. Images flash before my eyes of the deck layout, and of barrels and boxes of chemicals. I grab what’s mine and shove it in my pockets, swiping the bottle he brought me as well. I burst out of the door and sprint down the hall. A familiar voice echoes behind me.

“Sebastián? Are you alright?”

I get to the stairs and hear an angry shout in Spanish, a bullet flying haphazardly into steel beside me. It’s followed by a breathy and horrified scream, one of total despair.

“SEB!”

I rifle through my pocket, desperately looking for something I can use. My triangle necklace wraps around my fingers and my fake ID card falls out of my pocket as I run.

I see a group of metal barrels with orange warning labels on them to my right and loading equipment to my right. Without thinking too much, I hurl the bottle towards the barrels and rush to the right, jumping into the cabin of the ship’s loading crane. I figure out the controls from what I had been taught when I was 16, lifting a large crate high into the air. A swarm of guards rushes around my bottle, massive rifles in hand, looking around for where I could hide. I click the drop button and the crate drops. The barrels explode, blowing everyone aside and leaving a lake of fire in their wake.

A fleeting feeling of safety comes and goes in my mind, as another explosion rips out from a couple feet away. Then a third. Then a fourth. I run, panicking and crying, towards the edge of the ship. A fifth. A sixth. A seventh. I climb up to the railing, and look back at what I had done, my chest feeling heavy and sunken. An eighth. A ninth. A shockwave rips by me, and I get blasted off the railing.

Moments later, I wake up again, in the sea. Yards away. Orange and red lights dance towards me across the rippling water. The ship is on fire. It cracks and pops, pieces of the deck exploding randomly. The men aboard shout and rush across the bow. I see people getting flung off like me. Jesus...how many did I kill? I’m a murderer…I’m a mass murderer.

I swim along the coast as far as I can, trying to stay underwater. I can only last a couple minutes without breath. My hand and cheek burn in the water, the salt firing pain through my arm as I paddle. I keep going though. Coughing, wheezing, crying. I have to keep going. I have to keep swimming. I finally reach a beach on the other side of an outcropping near the harbor, a large lifeguard tower sitting unattended in the night. I climb to the top and pull off my bloody and ripped shirt, replacing it with a lifeguard tank top.

Pulling the first aid kit off the wall, I break open the latch and root through, grabbing bandages and a bottle of isopropyl. I shove a roll of gauze in my mouth and pour the liquid across my cuts, screaming in pain as it crackles in my hand. I wipe off the blood on my face and arm and bandage everything the best I can. I lay down in the corner, holding my knees, desperate for warmth.

My eyes close. The sound of the waves outside die out. I hear him choking on his blood again. I can’t stop hearing it.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Extracting the Truth, Part Four

Emily’s eyes flickered back open and instantly let out a small stream of tears as she did her best to compose herself before Morrigan. After a couple of sobs, she cleared her throat, blinked away the tears, and looked up with resolve. Her expression was hard but her stare went beyond anyone in that room. Her voice came out theatrical at first, trying to hide the tremble in her voice.

“That’s my tale of woe…the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. That’s why Nico wanted me dead,” she said, trying to keep her voice from cracking. “A stupid, selfish little shit and a handful of my terrible decisions.”

Emma lowered the pistol, and lost her grip on it, the alloy-reinforced weapon clattering to the floor. What have I…

Morrigan cleared her throat, and pulled a chair close to Emily’s. She spoke in a low voice, barely loud enough for the Legion leaders to hear her. “What happened after that? Is that when you finally went home?”

Emily nodded slightly. “I went to the embassy and said I was stranded. Eventually I was transported back to New Hampshire, and I got taken home. But I didn’t tell anyone what I really went through.”

“…Forgive me, Emily,” Emma stated weakly. “I was in error in judging you so harshly. Our sister… went through something equally horrible, if not worse.”

Morrigan sighed. “You… you should have come to me, Emily. I could have helped you. You wouldn’t have had to…” She shook her head, knowing that wasn’t true. Emily would have had to explain this, and that likely wasn’t possible. “I… need to speak with Elene and Emma. I… know this wasn’t easy. But I’ll do what I can for you.” She placed her hand on Emily’s.

“I hope it’s clear why I didn’t tell anyone…but in retrospect…I wish I had,” Emily said softly. “I thought I could fix things, and I failed…”

Morrigan stepped out into the hallway, returning a moment later with a guard. “Take her back to her cell.” The guard nodded leading Emily out. Morrigan grabbed his arm a whispered, “The cuffs won’t be necessary anymore,” and got a nod in return. With them gone, she sat back down, and let out a deep sigh. “I… know this doesn’t absolve her of her actions. And I don’t want you to think I’ll let my empathy or my attachment to my people, even someone as close to me and Br… ahem. I need to hear your thoughts before we proceed.”

Emma shook her head. “It is irrational to act based on feeling, but we can sympathize with what she went through. You know this as well as we do.”

Elene nodded. “And to be fair, there are not many that would mourn his passing. It is unfortunate, as he was a comrade in arms, but that’s all he was. The clones will come to understand quickly, though I do worry about the one that bears Nico’s memories…”

“HIs memories, huh?” Morrigan tapped her fingers against the desk. “All of them. Does he also share his emotions? His rationality?”

“From what I can tell, he seems more…detached to Nico’s situation. He’s more logical, more like us,” Emma answered. “I can probably talk to him about it.”

“Good, i trust you on that.’ Morrigan looked at her file. “The transcription of their… talk… does match what she said, and she did have a friend that said we could trust her memory, though I thought it was an odd statement at a time.” She glanced at the two other women, obviously afraid to say something.

Elene met Morrigan’s gaze. “What is it?”

“I really do hope you can put this to rest. Forgive Emily. Whether you do or not, though, I hope you understand that this does not reflect X-COM as a whole. My people can be trusted just as much as I can. and that includes Emily, save for this instance. I won’t fault you for losing faith in us on this, but know, even if you did, even if this alliance came to an end, and you no longer wished to work with us, we still would not cast you out to the wolves. I don’t work like that.”

“You have put your own reputation on the line for us,” Elene responded. “You have placed more trust in us than we probably would have for you, were our situation reversed. The time has come to pay you back for that. We will forgive, we will lay this issue to rest. I think Emma already has.”

Morrigan nodded, gathering her papers. “Alright. I’ll… need to think of something to tell the X-COM troops. I want them to know Emily’s actions were justified, but I won’t expose her. You may tell the clones the truth, though, since I’m sure you can keep them from telling anyone.”

Elene nodded. “And hopefully our respective forces can eventually come to trust each other further. We can’t win this war without that bond, after all.”

“They will,” Morrigan said. “With time.”

 

[Frostlich1228]

Frostlich1228 & DarkGemini24601: A Part of Our Family.

Ammelia walked down the hall towards the room of Elene Exalt, wanting to meet the woman who had not only gained her family’s trust, but also went far out of her way to save Buniq. The Sniper reached the door and gave it a few knocks, eager to finally meet the Mistress of Exalt.

The door opened, and a woman with dark blond hair wearing black clothing looked at Ammelia. Her eyes were an odd yellow, reptilian almost, but these were things the sniper could not pick up. Even so, Ammelia could tell that the woman before her and one sitting at a computer in room seemed identical. Emma seemed to study Ammelia for a moment. “Ammelia...Cross?”

Ammy nodded slowly, “You’re… Elene, right?”

“I am Emma,” the shadow operative replied. Further in is Elene. Apologies if that is difficult to distinguish with your SAaIDA.”

“Well, it’s great to finally meet you! My Father’s told me a lot about you.” Ammelia smiled, offering Emma her hand.

Emma responded in kind, smiling. “Elene was hoping to meet you as well, considering you were important to Lusett.”

“Well, Lusett was always working with my father, but I still consider her my Aunt. She… She was almost like a mother even…” Ammy replied with a touch of sadness in her voice.

Elene nodded, getting up and sitting down in one of the chairs in the center of the room. “None of us ever got to meet her in person,” she informed Ammelia, inviting her to sit down as well.

Ammelia took a few steps in and pulled a computer chair out from under one of the desks, taking a seat. “Well… I never got to meet my real mother either… She died in childbirth…” She said, trying to relate to the clones.

“I suppose we have that in common, then.” Elene shook her head. “But I doubt you came here to discuss depressing subjects.”

Ammelia nodded, “But first… I wanted to thank you for saving my friend… She means… A lot to me…”

“Buniq?” Emma confirmed. “We were glad that we located her, she was a dear friend of yours, correct?”

“She’s… More than that…” Ammy replied with a smile.

Elene did not seem entirely surprised. “Understandable. It is a good thing we found her, then.”

“I know many of the soldiers here don’t trust you, but I’m not one of them. If my father considers you a friend, then you’re a part of our family.” Ammelia said, looking up at Emma.

“It is refreshing to have someone besides the Commander trust us. Thank you,” the shadow operative replied. “And...I do have some additional good news from you.”

Ammelia gave Elene a ‘Go on’ kind of look as she scooted her chair a little closer.

Elene smiled gently. “We came up with a way to repair the damage and malformed parts of your eyes. Essentially, using the Tz6, we can give you the ability to see like others can.”

Ammelia eyes lit up, “Y-You can? That’s… Thank you…”

“It is a favor for a friend, and furthers our research. It was my pleasure,” Elene responded.

The Sniper stopped to think for a second, then responded, “Actually… If you performed the operation now… wouldn’t it take me months to get used to my new vision?”

Emma nodded. “Most likely. So if you wish to continue fighting alongside XCOM, you would have to wait until after the war.”

Ammy let out a little sigh, “I can do that.”

“It is at least something to look forward to,” Emma offered. “If there was a way around the learning curve, we would utilize it, but there is not.”

“I understand. I just don’t want abandon my friends when they need more more than ever.” Ammelia replied.

“Of course,” Elene stated. “And I’m sure Vee and Emma will enjoy working alongside you in that regard.”

“Speaking of Vee, I’d like to meet her too if I can get the chance.” Ammelia added, “She’s also someone my sister would probably like.”

“She should be back soon, her and Lily were getting something to eat,” Emma informed the sniper. “I would prefer if you two spoke with Vee apart from Lily, though. She is not...in the best of mindsets right now, and if your sister would at all make her nervous…”

Ammelia tilted her head a little, “What do you mean? Did something happen?”

“I would...prefer not to talk about it. I already explained it to someone earlier, and I do not want to attract too much attention to Lily. Needless to say, she’s been through a lot, and deserves some peace and quiet,” Elene responded quickly.

“Alright, I understand.” Ammelia replied, wanting to let this Lily have her privacy. After all, she knew that some experiences are best left untold.

Elene thought for a moment, looking at Emma. “Perhaps...it is time we do make a larger distinction than clothing, though. I wonder what we could do, though…”

A black-haired soldier poked her head in the doorway. “How about dye?” Vee suggested.

Emma raised an eyebrow. “That could work…”

 

[MarineAvenger]

ZombieSplitter53 and MarineAvenger “Tragic Misunderstandings” Part 1

Desmond’s Personal Lab
August 16th, 2018
1330 Hours

Desmond sat in his lab, sitting in front of his computer, staring at the screen in disbelief. The drive with all the EXALT info he had gathered was inserted into the USB slot but the one item he had watched non-stop was the video Sora had found. For now, Sora was confined to the lab’s server, at least until someone looked over him first.

The lab door opened, one of the few people with access to the lab stepping inside. Morrigan hadn’t been in there many times. In fact, Brigid had probably seen it more than her. Trust in her people, or just an oversight on her part? She wasn’t sure. At any rate, she had a soldier to speak with, so a tour would have to wait until later.

Desmond didn’t remove his gaze from the screen. When the video ended, he went to restart it but a fake cough from a certain A.I. caused him to turn around. “Oh, it’s you.”

Morrigan crossed his arms. “Hmm… ‘oh… it’s you’... Thought I’d command a bit more respect than that, casual Commander or not. Guess I was wrong, huh?”

“Now is not the time for a lecture Morrigan. Too much has happened too fast and I am running on very little sleep. So please, just skip it.” Desmond rubbed his eyes and looked back at the monitor.

Morrigan’s eye twitched, and she glared at Desmond. “I… beg your pardon?” She took a few angry steps forward. “You wanna run that by me again? Because that sounded like insubordination. This might come as a surprise to you, Mr. Walker, but I am in much less of a mood for this then you, and will not put up with it now.”

Desmond scratched his head . “You’re right...I’m sorry. Th-thaat was wrong.”

“You’re damn right it was,” Morrigan responded. “I have X-COM and Legion forces snapping at each other’s heels for some reason, a lot of new people to accommodate for, the Council riding my ass over how I handled Emily, and a soldier recovering from some serious surgery, all piled on everything else I already had. So I will not tolerate being told to… t-to ‘skip the lecture’.”

Sora whistled. “I am glad you got that off your chest, love. Just let it all out.”

“Sora, not now.” Desmond said lightly.

“Fine. I will be hanging around… ’bout the only damn thing I can do anyways.” The A.I. muttered.

“And another sarcastic A.I.,” Morrigan mumbled. “Just what I need.” She shook her head, and walked over to Desmond, pulling over a stool and sitting. With a sigh, she asked, “How are your sisters doing?”

“Just about as well as can be expected. Lily is still quiet and being cared for. Vee is sitting in one spot and Elene is showing an abnormal amount of emotional distress. So, I say they are on the breaking point.” Desmond cracked his neck. “And I uncovered the biggest cover up of my life…”

Morrigan nodded. “When it rains, it pours, huh? What did you find?”

“The reason behind my existence…” Desmond stated casually. “Viktor never knew...I don’t know why, he just ever did.”

“What do you mean?” Morrigan tilted her head towards the computer. “I thought you were created because Lusett was trying to find someone who could provide the genes for a successful clone, and Viktors brother was the first one to work.”

“That...wasn’t the whole story. I think I have mentioned before that Viktor’s brother was dying. After Lusett tested him and did some procedures...he died. That wasn’t all. She didn’t just pick him out of nowhere. There was a reason she did it.”

“Something… special about him?” Morrigan guessed.

Desmond shook his head and he rubbed his eyes. “No...I should show you…” Desmond turned to the computer and he pressed the play symbol.

The video came to life, and Lusett was seen leaning over a lab counter. Her eyes were red and she was rubbing tears from them. The time stamp showed it was a day after the original Desmond had perished. “There were complications with the surgery. Unfortunately...Desmond is dead. I told him that it was risky but he was insistent. He was already dying...he just wanted his brother to be happy when he was gone. It doesn’t make this any less sorrowful. I am sorry Desmond...I promise that I will keep my end of the deal.” The video ended there.

Morrigan placed her hand over her eyes, and started laughing, and dry, sarcastic laugh of one that was anything but amused. After taking a minute to compose herself, she stood up, and started pacing the room. “So… let me… get this… straight. This whole vendetta, this whole war with X-COM and the world, everyone we’ve lost, all the pain your family has suffered, all of it is centered around Viktor’s rage over Lusett using his brother as a template against his wishes, resulting in his death. And in the end… it was not only his brother’s idea… not… not only did he insist on it… but he did it for Viktor. Likely to… give him a brother to ease his pain after he was gone… that’s rich. That is some of the cruelest irony I have ever… ever seen…”

“All this time. All this time it was just one big misunderstanding. I just wish I knew why Viktor never knew. How did this happen?”

“I don’t know… maybe in his rage… he never found it. Maybe he did, but by then, he was too far gone. One has to wonder, even if he had found it… even if it came to his attention immediately after he murdered Lusett… would he have even cared.” Morrigan sighed. “Perhaps Lusett was told to hide it from him for some reason. Or maybe she told him, and he thought it was a lie. Unfortunately, there are only two people who could answer that. One is dead, and the other wants all of us dead.”

Desmond shook his head and stood up. “Well, this doesn’t change anything for now. I still put a bullet in the bastard’s eye. He won’t be quick to forgive that.” Desmond looked at Morrigan. “I wanted to ask you a couple of things.”

Morrigan rubbed her head, and it seemed to take her a moment for the comment to register. “I, um… go ahead, Mr. Walker.”

“I’m not mad but I just want to ask why?” Desmond turned to look into Morrigan’s eye. “Why did you keep the fact Lily was in that position from me?”

Morrigan slowly shook her head, knowing this would come out. “Because… when you found out about their captivity, you tried to rush out on your own, determined to storm the castle alone, sword waving in the air. It took all I had to stop you. There would have been no stopping you had you found out about Lily.” She sat back down, placing her chin in her palm, and gave Desmond a blunt look. “Of course… I’m sure that wouldn’t have mattered, right? If I had let you go, you would have rushed over there, snuck in, killed Viktor, saved the hostages before Lily’s assault, and been back in time for tea, right?”

“I already knew before the fact. Vee told me when she came to see me. Sure I was furious but she kept me here. She pleaded for me to stay and wait. It killed me to do so, but the fact...that you kept it secret in the first place...didn’t think I at least deserved to know?”

“Of course you deserved to know!” Morrigan suddenly sprang to her feet, and stomped over to Desmond. “But are you telling me your previous behavior gave me any reason to trust you? I’m not relieved to find out you found out and didn’t rush out. I’m shocked!” Morrigan grabbed Desmond’s collar, pulling him close, despite his height advantage. “I’ve done everything I can to earn your trust, but no matter what I do, I don’t get. So why should I…” A tear dropped down her cheek. “You think it didn’t hurt not to tell you? Do you think I didn’t hate myself over it?”

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

“Tragic Misunderstandings” Part 2

Desmond put a hand on Morrigan’s and looked into her eyes. “You had to do what you needed to do. What's done is done. We don’t even know when Viktor did it so there is no way to know if I could have even gotten there. You have done so much to try and save me...why? I am one of your subordinates but why bother with someone who has done everything to just push you aside?”

“Because, Desmond.” Morrigan stepped back, wiping her eyes. “There are people who count on you. People who need you. I need you. X-COM needs you. Elene and Lily need you. What kind of person would I be if I let you down when so many people need you?” She slowly ran a hand through her hair. “I… I get it, okay. You were turned into a weapon. That’s all you knew. That’s all they wanted you to know. But that isn’t who you are anymore. You have people who love you. Friends. Allies. Family. Don’t forget that.”

Desmond smiled. “Why do I have the feeling that if I ever died, you would be the one who haunts me and not the other way around.” He told her jokingly.

“You better believe it.” Morrigan answered. She gave him a stern look, but seemed to relax a bit. “I… have a message for you, by the way.”

Desmond raised an eyebrow. “A message? From who?”

“Ms. Kasagi.” Morrigan answered.

Desmond’s shoulders dropped. “What...is it?” He asked with a hint of regret.

“She said sorry.” Morrigan frowned. “She wanted me to assure you, when she first came to you to get on the mission, she really was willing to back you up until the end. But when I asked her to make sure she keeps you safe, she realized how important you were to so many people, and that she had to keep you alive, even at the cost of your pride… even at the cost of your friendship. But she said she’s still sorry for the deception.”

“Tell her that she is stupid if she thinks I would just abandon her after she saved my life. Also that I will see her when I can, I owe her at least that.”

“Alright.” Morrigan looked over at Desmond’s computer. “Have you told Elene and the others about… that?”

Desmond shook his head. “I don’t know how they would react, and they have enough on their minds. When things calm down a little I will, for now they need time and rest.”

“All right. I’ll leave it to you, then.” Morrigan patted Desmond on the shoulder, and headed for the door. Before reaching it, she turned and asked, “That A.I.? Can it be trusted?”

Desmond smirked. “He may come off a bit strong but he hates Viktor. So...I trust him as much as I trust Cheshire.”

Morrigan frowned, the last line not inspiring much confidence. “Computer? You have a name or… designation, or something?”

“Call me Sora love.” The A.I stated. He appeared in his holographic form and took a bow. “At your service.”

The Commander placed her hands on her hips. “Well, at least you’re programmed to be a bit more polite… for now. But no one takes space here for free, especially as much space as you do in our databanks. Do you have any specialties?”

“Other than my glaring personality? Let me see...I can process a mass of data at a fast rate, I can crack almost any data encryption in a matter of minutes or hours, and I just so happen to have a kick ass ability to look good while doing it.” He smiled. “That good ‘nough?”

Morrigan rolled her eyes. “You’ll be working with the X-COM main A.I. named Cheshire. Takes the form of a cat, but don’t let that underestimate him. He’s just as advanced, and probably beats you in his capacity to get under my skin. You’ll report directly to Desmond or Elene? Savvy?”

“Just as long as you don’t say savvy again.” Sora shuddered. “Not natural.”

Morrigan started to grin, then promptly stopped herself and walked out.

Sora turned to Desmond and smiled. “I think she likes me.”

Desmond looked at the A.I, with a raised eyebrow. “I don’t think anybody likes you.”

“Ah, now that is just mean.” Sora disappeared with a chuckle.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

MarineAvenger and DarkGemini24601: “Distractions”

XCOM Headquarters, Somewhere in Siberia
1800 Hours, August 16th, 2018
Legion ‘Command Center’

Elene glanced around the room, none of the other three currently present. They had gone off to dinner to one of the executive rooms of the mess hall, but Elene had remained, preoccupied with the swirling thoughts in her head. So much has happened recently. Our imprisonment, our departure from EXALT, our arrival here. The alliance. Meeting Elizabeth and Ammelia.

Markus walked down the hall, his chest still wrapped in bandages and his walking a little hobbled from the discomfort but nothing he couldn’t power through. Markus knocked on the door, knowing that Elene was most likely alone. It was weird to him waking up in a hospital bed in XCOM and not back in a cell at EXALT but he quickly adjusted...somewhat.

Elene got up, answering the door. Her pensive expression immediately lightened when she saw Markus. “Glad to see you’re okay.”

“I could say the same to you.” Markus clutched his side. “One day at a time I suppose.”

The heiress took his hand and helped him sit down in her room. “Hopefully the Tz6 they probably gave you will accelerate the healing process. Not as effective as floating in a vat of it, but it should do.”

Markus chuckled. “Well, I don’t think I would need to go to that much of an extreme.” Markus reached out and put a hand on her cheek. “Told you help would come. Just needed a little hope.”

Elene smiled. “And a very determined brother and sister.”

Markus smiled. “That too.” Markus sat back and laid his head in his hand. “Been adjusting well?”

“It is certainly a lower stress environment than the Alps,” Elene intoned. “It has been...difficult for Lily, but I couldn’t have expected any better.”

Markus grimaced. “I can imagine. I wish I could see her but...probably not the best for a bit.”

Elene nodded. “I was given an offer for a therapist by Major Brea, and I think I will take her up on the offer. I only hope they can help Lily… that sort of thing is outside my field of expertise.”

“The best we can do is support her through all of this. Hopefully she will get better.” He told Elene optimistically.

The clone sighed. “I certainly have to believe that. Though at least we’re safe, now. Viktor will come, but we will meet him on superior terms. And I will see to it that his life ends in agony,” the heiress stated coldly.

Markus reached out for her. “That is talk for when the time comes. For now, let us just enjoy this moment.”

“I will not change my mind on that issue. But...for now, I would rather not speak of him,” Elene returned.

“So what would you like to speak about? I am sure you mind is racing.” Markus sat back and folded his arms. “And I am here to listen.”

“I met Desmond’s lover the other day, and today I met Ammelia Cross at last,” Elene mentioned. “Both people I was looking forward to meeting when I got here.”

“I am sure those were both interesting meetings. I have just been in and out of Med Bay. No one really wants or needs to know some miscellaneous scientist. You guys are the talk of the base.”

“Not always in a good way. Being anonymous isn’t the worst fate,” Elene said with a shrug.

“No but it certainly makes things boring from time to time. Any other news?”

“My Adam template ended up dying from a combination of his own foolishness and a past grievance with one of the XCOM soldiers,” Elene stated matter-of-factly. “Of course, his line continues, but it is disappointing.”

This time is was Markus’s turn to shrug. “Not much of a loss. I think we could do more with our abilities than clone anyhow.”

“I have what I need for now, I shall not press my luck with XCOM,” Elene responded. “Hopefully we will not suffer casualties that force me to reconsider my opinion. But I digress.”

Markus looked around the room and he stood up. “How about a change of scenery?”

“Do you have somewhere in particular in mind?”

“Heard of a cool place and I think we deserved some time off to hang out.”

Elene got up. “Lead the way.”

Markus led Elene through the halls, getting lost a few times until the finally found the elevator and Markus found the button for the holo-room. “From what I am told, this place can recreate anything with holograms.”

“Not unlike the training room in EXALT HQ, though I imagine it’s less crude and more advanced,” Elene replied.

As the elevator neared their destination, the room came into view. “And big too.”

The heiress stepped into the darkened room, glancing back at Markus. “Did you have something in mind that you wanted to recreate?”

“Yes, there was.” Markus stated with a smile and went to find the computer to activate the holograms. After some tries, Markus finally got the thing to work and a cafe appeared, a small scale Sydney Opera House appearing to look as if it was in the water. “Welcome to home.” Markus told Elene as the whole scene seemed to come to life.

Elene sat down at the cafe, smiling. “You know, in all honesty, thus far I’ve only lived in underground bases. The change of scenery is...different. Even if it is a construct.”

Markus looked around. “Nothing compared to the real thing though. I will have to take you one day.”

“There are many things to do after the war, it seems…”

“Any specific plans in mind?” Markus asked leaning forward.

“Well, in addition to introducing the technology we have come across, I would probably want to see more of the world,” Elene mused. “I would have the funds, after all.”

“Being the heiress of a big scientist has its perks I guess.”

“It does,” the clone responded. “Though it was pure…” Elene frowned. “I’d say luck, but I so despise the word. Too...illogical.”

“Everything about this is illogical. If you told me when I was younger that I would be a scientist sitting in a fake construct of Sydney with a girl I am in love with...yeah, I would call that pretty illogical.”

Elene raised an eyebrow. “Did you think you would never fall in love?”

“No, I am saying I would never in a million years think I would ever become a scientist when I was younger.”

“And why is that?” the heiress inquired.

“I always thought I would play football.” Markus stated.

“You have a talent in the sciences and weaponry. ...football?” Elene said incredulously. “I don’t exactly see that.”

“Is it that hard to see?” Markus asked looking down at himself. “I would like to think I would make a pretty good one.”

“It is more of a mental disconnect. The physical ability is there…” Elene trailed off, looking embarrassed at her words, even if that wasn’t what she meant.

“You probably have more than a few hidden talents in that head of yours.” Markus noted.

Elene shook her head. “I have what I was given. Which is a significant amount of information, but I was not specifically programmed or trained in anything recreational.”

“Nonsense. I am sure Lusett must have had a few things she was good at that was just in her DNA besides smart stuff. I would teach you how to play football but injuries and multiple doctors, dictate that I cannot at the moment.”

“I am fairly certain talent in sports is not genetic,” Elene added confidently.

“Oh, shush. Too literal for me.” Markus told her jokingly. “It is a saying Elene.”

“I know that,” the heiress replied. “But I find that most sayings are so outlandish that only ‘normal’ humans could understand them.”

“You make it sound like I am a step behind you.” Markus teased the scientist.

“In terms of logic and reasoning skills, perhaps,” Elene responded with a small grin.

Markus looked at her with a skeptical smile. “You are teasing me as well are you?”

“I am no expert with sarcasm, but I hope I did not do too poor of a job,” the clone answered.

Markus shrugged. “I will take what I can get.”

“I do my best,” Elene said, before leaning over to Markus and giving him a kiss.

“Yep...definitely never thought this would happen.” Markus told her.

“You underestimated yourself, then,” Elene whispered.

“Yep, you are teasing me.”

“I am not,” the heiress said indignantly.

“Are to.” Markus kissed her again.

“You overestimate me, then,” Elene muttered.

“Do I? Never could tell.”

The heiress just shrugged, not looking away from Markus.

“Well then, shall we go?” Markus asked her.

“What do you…” Elene reddened slightly.

“If we are, better hurry before Vee finds out and comes to kick my ass.”

Elene didn’t respond for a moment, and then just kissed Markus deeply, taking his hand and leading him towards the elevator.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Adrammalech & Zombiesplitter53

Pushing On

Emily sat in her cell, her hands still held together even though she was no longer handcuffed. She was silent and still, not even retreating into her memories. She had the hope that leniency was coming, but even leniency could mean time in prison, or a discharge. XCOM was her home now, and her barracks were her family, in more ways than one. Thinking about losing either made her slightly sick, so she didn’t think. She just sat still, looked down, and held her hands. Eventually, the door of the brig clacked and squeaked with the signature sound of opening. She looked up.

A guard, the same guard that had spoke with her before the interrogation, motioned for her to follow. “The Commander would like to speak with you. Come on.”

She nodded slightly and got up, following slowly behind the guard with a mixed expression of irritation and resignation.

The guard led Emily out of the brig and through the hallways, a slightly sympathetic look on his face. As they stepped into the elevator, he said, “I think everything will be alright, Ms. Fischer. At least, I’m sure it’ll be. There are no rumors floating around to say otherwise, at least.”

“That’s quite a change of tune from the other day,” she mumbled, shuffling her feet.

The guard thought for a moment, and frowned deeply. “Um… y-yeah. S-sorry about that. I don’t know what came over me. I… I can’t even remember what compelled me to speak with you, let alone why I said what I said. But… I felt really bad after. So… yeah, sorry…”

“It’s fine,” she replied passively, “I think we learned everyone makes mistakes.”

The guard smiled a little as the reached the top basement floor and the guard walked her to the Commander’s office, the secretary nodding to them. The Commander stood in front of her desk, lightly scratching her cat’s head, obviously waiting for them. She nodded to the guard, and he left, closing the door behind him and leaving the two women alone.

Emily walked up to the desk and bowed her head a little. “Commander.”

Morrigan slowly walked up to Emily, her expression hard to read. After a few moments, she finally lift her hand, slapping Emily across the cheek. “You should have come to me! I could have helped you with this. You wouldn’t have even had to go into that many details! I know this was painful for you, but that’s my job!”

Emily’s head sunk further. “I know, I’m sorry. I won’t make that mistake again...although, I think I’m out of vendettas. I hope.”

Morrigan’s expression instantly softened, and she wrapped her arms around Emily, pulling her into a motherly hug. “I’m sorry, Emily. Like I said, I know how painful this was. Especially having to relive such terrible memories so vividly. I just want you to know, I’m here for you. We all are.”

“I know that now,” Emily said, returning the hug a little awkwardly. “Thank you.”

After a moment, Morrigan stepped away, taking a moment to regain her composure and get back into a business frame of mind. “It… took a bit of time, and bit of arguing, but you’ve been cleared of charges. The case has been closed, the death documented as self-defense. You’re free to return to duty.”

“Really?” Emily perked up. “Just like that?”

Morrigan shrugged lightly. “Well, it took a little fighting to be honest. The Council wasn’t exactly happy about it. Honestly, I’m not sure I could have gotten you off like this if Elene and Emma hadn’t agreed to move past this. They still aren’t happy about losing their clone template, but they aren’t going to fault you, considering your situation and his… less than golden background.”

“Maybe I owe them a thanks…and I owe you much more.”

Morrigan shook her head. “I appreciate it, but it is my job. To look out for my people. My extended family. Besides, I… had to agree to a stipulation from the Council.”

“Family...I couldn’t put it better myself,” Emily sighed with a nod. Her expression shifted from gratitude to concern quickly. “But...what stipulation?”

“You’ll… you’ll get to go on a covert op eventually, I promised you will, and I’ll keep that promise. But… but the Council, for whatever reason… lack of trust, an attempt at punishment, asked that you be pulled from the one coming up.”

Emily cocked an eyebrow. “Hardly the worst thing to happen.”

“What can I say, I hate not being able to keep my promises. I’ll make it up to you, though.” The Commander slipped around her desk and looked at a few sheets of paper. “Now, I did not make what you told us public. Only Elene, Emma, and I know about it. I’ll be sending out a general announcement stating that you both happened to be up top, had a discussion, and this Nico turned aggressive, resulting in the need to defend yourself. Most of the staff will know it isn’t their place to ask what kind of argument resulted in bloodshed, but it’ll be up to you what you say to your friends should they ask you.”

“I’ll keep it light, the sooner people forget, the better off everyone will be,” Emily said. “And thank you for protecting my privacy in regards to that.”

“Of course, Emily. I’d hope for the same if I was in your shoes.” Morrigan bit her lip. “Now, as far as getting off the hook… ‘just like that’, as you said, that’s the case with X-COM. But as far as Legion goes, Elene has assured me she will have a talk with her troops, and make sure they don’t act aggressively towards you in any way. But just to be on the safe side, you should avoid them for the time being if possible, especially… one in particular.”

“If you didn’t say so, I’d ask it of you...I don’t want to relive any of this any time soon. So rest easy there.”

“Alright.” Morrigan smiled. “In that case, you’re dismissed. Get back to work. I’m sure you have quite a few people who are looking forward to seeing you again.”

“Thank you, Commander,” Emily said, turning to leave. A moment later, she turned back, holding her hands modestly. “And...I’d like to repeat that I’ll never try to do something like this again. I trust you completely, as a friend and a commander. Just so you know, I mean that.”

Morrigan’s smile widened. “And that means a lot to me.”

Emily smiled and walked out of the office, eager to get back to work but dreading the impending questions.

 

[Dahlexpert]

Dhalexpert & Zombiesplitter53

what can in between drinking

Eva entered the psi labs with a big smile on her face. “Hello, my good friends, is anyone home?”

A loud metalic ping came from the other end of the room, followed closely by s string of French curses. A few moments later, Jean ran over, rubbing his head. “Eva? Hello, you… you weren’t having any problems after the tests, were you?”

Eva shook her head. “No, I’ve had no problems with my powers. In fact, I’m working on a way to set my current augs into a overdrive state.If I'm right should, it double the strength of my auges, which should come in handy. (And hopefully, this new state, if it works, will hold off the aliens and Viktor and not make me go to my last restriction.)

“That sounds wonderful,” Jean said. “I’m so glad that we could be of help. Was there… anything you need from me? Or my sister, perhaps, since she’s the science buff?”


“Um, actually, I wanted to talk to you. I was wondering, do you have any plans for this evening?”

“No, not really,” Jean answered. “I… wait, I… why do you ask?”

Eva started to blush a little. “Um… do you want to, um… grab a few drinks together?”

“You… you want to have some drinks with… me?” Jean smiled. “I mean, of course! I-I’d love to. I… get off in about an hour. I can meet you at the bar then.”

“Um great, I will see you there I just need to get prepared. I’ll see you then.”


--------------------------


Jean sat apprehensively at the bar, tapping his fingers slowly. Even though he was early, he was still worried he’d be stood up. He’d tried his charms on girls like Eva many times, but they usually just rolled their eyes at him. The thought that one might actually want to share his company, even for a few drinks, seemed like a farfetched idea at this point.

“Um Hi Jean. Eva was wearing some jeans and a shirt with a X-COM logo on it, but unlike most time were her hair is in a ponytail she had her hair down, and was wearing a black bracelet on her left wrist. “Sorry, I would have dressed nicer but I didn't pack any of my nice close when I came here.And sorry if i’m late.”

“N-no… you’re right on time, and you look absolutely stun… I… I mean you look nice.” He motioned down to his own attire, not much different from Eva’s. “Didn’t have much to where myself. Please, sit down. What do you drink?”

“Not much, but I’ll take a martini, please. And you don’t look to bad yourself. I’m not into guys that wear tuxedos, and suits, and all that real fancy stuff.”

“Thanks.” Jean answered, and looked at the bartender. “Can you mix the lady up a martini, and I’ll have a chilled glass of chouchen, if you have it.” The bartender nodded, and quickly fetched their drinks. Raising his, Jean said, “To… new friends. My our hearts stay connected, whereever we might be.”

“Cheers to that” Eva took a quick sip of her drink. “Man, the last few days have been really chaotic for X-COM, but hopefully things will go back to being calm soon.”

“I know what you mean.” Jean placed his chin in his palm. “Between the new arrivals, the incident with that one soldier, and now that last mission. I heard some VIPs of those Legion people came in. I wonder what they’re like.”

“Yeah tell me about it.” Eva took a big gulp of her drink and sighed. “Man, with what’s been happening with EXALT ,we have not heard from the aliens for a good long while. Ever since the base was attacked, actually.”

“Maybe they need as much time to recover as we do.” Jean shrugged. “I mean, they did seem to be hitting us with everything they had. I’d hate to see them send so much our way and then go on like nothing ever happened. The quite gives me some peace of mind.”

“Yeah, I hope that’s right, but enough about the aliens and such.” Eva drank her martini until it was empty. “Another one, bartender.” The bartender took the glass and made another martini. “Tell me about you, Jean.”

“Me? Not much to tell, really.” Jean took a slow drink as you searched for something to say. “I grew up in Paris with my parents and twin sister. Parents had some decent money, and we got a lot of tutoring as children. History, math, science, foreign languages. My sister eventually pursued a degree in biology, me in engineering, and we were brought in because of how well we work together in both fields.”

“Hmm, that’s interesting. My life was was really different from yours. I grew up in Switzerland. My dad was in the military, mom worked. I hung out with my brother a lot. I joined the military at sixteen, went to flight school and became a pilot, and went to America. Learned English, joined their army, fought in Afghanistan, and then I…” Eva takes a long pause. “Never mind.”

“Tell me,” Jean said, finishing his drink and motioning for another. “Unless you don’t want to, or can’t. I’m all ears, though.”


“You would not believe me, if I told you what happen to me”.

Jean chuckled as he took a quick sip. “Hey can I get something to eat, and maybe a couple apéritifs?” The bartender raised an eyebrow, and with a shrug, Jean slipped behind the bar. The bartender stepped away to get some food, a Jean started pulling out bottles. “Listen, Eva. We’re at war with a bunch of aliens. I work in a large, creepy room with my sister giving people psychic powers. When I’m not in there, I’m in an engineering lab trying to help a twelve year old that’s twice as smart as me give an android the ability to feel temperatures. And right now, I’m a bit creeped out by the bunch of completely identical men on base that belong to a former enemy turned ally. So if you have any other reason not to tell me, I’m okay with that. But somehow, I doubt I won’t believe just about anything right now.”

Eva sighed. “Fine. In Afghanistan, I was assigned to guard this area. I was a decoy, really. It was me and three others, and we had been there for a few hours. Then there was this kid. I saw this kid come to me starving, so I broke off a piece of my lunch and gave it to him, and gave him some water as well. Then I saw tears coming from his eyes.” Eva grabbed her drink and drank it until it was empty. “The kid was a decoy. The next thing I know, there was this man running at us at full speed, and when he was near my unit... my friends... he pulled this trigger and blew himself up. The force from the bomb was enough to push me back a few feet, and I died of shock.”

 

[Dahlexpert]

Part 2

Jean slowly started mixing ingredients, his expression saying he was more so doing it as a distraction, or possibly because he felt Eva need another drink. “How… how long were you out? Before they could revive you?”


“I was out for nine months, and I don’t remember nothing for those nine months. There were no pearly gates, I was not burning with the damned. Nothing. It was like I was sleeping for those months.”


Jean shook his head. “That’s one hell of a map. What…” He hesitated for a moment. “What kind of condition were you in when you woke up?”


“Well, I was fine, like it never happened, I was woozy of course my legs felt like jelly and I was extremely hungry. so you know I made the grimreaper look like a pushover, no big deal.”


“Really?” Jean pushed a rinquinquin forward for Eva. “At least that’s good, though not so much the loss of so much time. What about your squadmates?”


“They died. They were the closest to the explosion, and none of them made it out.”


“I’m sorry to hear that…” Jean mixed himself a drink and sat back down as the bartender returned with a pair of burgers. “I can’t imagine how I’d react to waking up to find out I’d lost so many friends and I’d been out for so long. What did you do after you got back on your feet?”


“I became a bodyguard for a scientist. Then a mercenary for a year. Now I’m here. Not a bad transition for a dead woman, I’d say.”


“Yeah.” Jean frowned. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up such bad memories. To be honest, I don’t have the most experience in these situations. I shouldn’t have forced it out of you.”

Eva smiles “Don’t worry about it, I never told anyone about this stuff any way. I had to tell someone and it’s not as bad as it sounds. Hell if I didn't die I would not be the person I am now. I mean with the incredible strength fighting aliens with futuristic weapons, how can I not love all of this. Eva starts to smerk” Not to mention I would never have met this cute French guy that’s right next to me.”

Jean chuckled. “You kidding? I’m sure you could get anyone you want. That lovely skin, those pretty eye. And, not to mention a great… ahem… body.” He quickly took a drink to hide his embarrassment.”

Eva smirked. “Lovely skin and great body, huh?”

“Yeah.” Jean nodded. “I mean, I didn’t see much of it. I may flirt, but I’m a gentleman, really. So I only got a peak. But I have to say, not bad.”

Eva started to giggle. “Really? Would you believe I looked completely different when I was in school? That I had glasses, a small figure, and I was insecure. And the only thing that I liked was video games, comic books, and movies.”

Jean waved a dismissive hand. “Meh. Rien de tout cela compte vraiment. My sister was the same way. And I used to pick fights with guys that would pick on her. ‘Course, I was usually half their size. Got my ass kicked plenty of times. But I didn’t care.” He pointed at his chest. “I knew what really mattered is in here. I think you’re pretty, Eva. But to be honest, what makes it or breaks it for me is if you’re a good person. And so far, you seem to be one.”

Eva smiled. “Well, I’m no saint, that’s for sure, but when it comes to my friends and family? I will do whatever I can to help them, and will go beyond my limits to save them. Even if it means I get hurt or critically injured, or die again.”

“Well, I’d like to avoid that if I can. So, um…” Jean reached forward, placing his hand on Eva’s. “You think I can be counted amongst your friends, mon chou?”

Eva put her hand on Jean and brought him close to her. “A friend I don’t know.” Eva kissed Jean on the cheek. “A plaything sure, but a friend? Hmm, let me think. Do I get roses and chocolates if you're my friend?”

“Are you kidding?” Jean lifted her hand, lightly kissing it. “Roses, chocolates… and everything I am. Nothing is to go for my grand amour.”

“Really? That’s good to hear.” Eva grabbed Jean by his collar and brought him close so their foreheads meet. “To be honest, I never liked flowers, chocolates, pearls and diamonds. I have a more simple taste than that.” Eva lightly kisses Jean. “And I have to say, youtaste pretty simple to me, so tell me mate. Can you handle a blue haired tough girl like me?”

Jean giggled like a school boy. “I… I don’t know. But I sure as hell am going to try.”

Eva get’s a big grin on her face. “Aw, I was hoping you said ‘of course I can’. Looks like I need to punish you for not answering correctly.”

Jean smiled nervously. “O-okay… what kind of… punishment?”

Eva got a devilish smile on her. “The kind that will make you scream, with either pleasure, or agony, depending on my mood, until I’m satisfied. And I’m a very hard woman to satisfy, mate, so tell me. Can you satisfy me, my dear French man.”

Jean grinned. He stood up and grasped Eva’s hand. “Only one way to find out.”

“Indead my dear Frenchmen. Excuse me bartender. Can I have some bottles of water. He might need it.” The bartender gave Eva some bottle water. “Thank you. Shall we leave here, frenchey?”

Jean nodded, walking out with Eva. He both was unsure if he knew what he had gotten himself into, and somehow didn’t care.

 

[Frostlich1228]

Frostlich1228 & Zombiesplitter53: "It Isn't Too Strong Of A Word"

“Bleh!” Ayame slowly pushed the plate of food away from her, the look on her face grim. “How… how can this be worse then the food in the mess hall?” She blinked her drowzy eye. “You’d think the drugs would help, but I think they make it worse.”

“Just eat it, Ms. Kasagi,” an annoyed looking nurse said as she walked towards the door. “You need your strength.”

“I… is there really nothing else I could…” Ayame started.

“EAT IT!” The nurse snapped.

Ayame jumped a bit. She grabbed her fork and forced the food into her mouth. Pouting, she said, “Anyone ever told you that you need to work on your bedside manner?”

“Yes, they have.” The nurse stepped out, shaking her head.

A few seconds after the nurse left a familiar voice spoke from around the corner, “What eh’ cunt ‘at girl ‘as uh?”

“Mary?” Ayame peaked her head to the side trying to look out the door. “I-is that you?” She asked in surprise.

She stepped around the corner with a smile, holding a hot pink lunchbox,“Eh’ it’s meh, En’ I’ve ‘ot a ‘esent for ye.”

Ayame’s eyes lit up, and she quickly put her poor excuse of a meal to the side in favor of Mary’s gift. “You… you actually came to see me! And you brought me something. Thanks, Mary.”

Mary walked in and took a seat next to Ayame’s bed, “Eh’ ‘ourse eh’ came te’ see ya’! You’re meh friend afta all.”

Ayame shook her head. “I know. I didn’t mean it like that. I… I like you, Mary. You’re a cool person. But I’ve heard stories, and I was afraid the… feeling wasn’t mutual. Like I was just a one night stand.”

Mary tilted her head to the side a little, “F-Feeling? ‘At do ye…” Her eyes widened and she facepalmed herself, realizing how dumb she was for not catching on sooner. “Ye… Ye ‘ove meh?”

Ayame smiled. “I’d say… love is a strong word. But I would like to get to know you more, and maybe… work my to that.” She placed her hand on Mary’s. “But I knew what I was getting into from the start. I’m not expecting you to change anything for my sake. Besides, regardless of any of that, we’re friends.” She lifted the lunchbox. “A you brought me a present, even though we’ve only known each other for a short while. Thank you.”

“Eh’m not… ‘gainst a ‘lationship… Et’s just… strange fe’ meh…‘Ost ‘eople kick me ‘outta bed, so ehm not ‘eally used te’ ‘eelings like this... “ Mary replied, rubbing the back of her head.

Ayame tilted her head slightly as she ate Mary’s lunch. “Well… you’re here to keep me company, right? Why don’t you tell me a little about yourself. You’ve mentioned a few things already. And just so you know, I’m not one to judge.”

“E’ll meh mother ‘ied ‘ivin’ birth te me…” Mary said, crossing her arms, “Efter at’ it ‘as just meh, meh Dad, en’ me three twin ‘isters… Kathrine, Sarah, and Ammelia.”

Ayame nodded. “One of my friends is pretty close to Ammelia. She said all of you were put up for adoption when you were still kids, and you were all adopted separately.”

Mary nodded, continuing, “Sarah ‘as ‘irst, ‘er ‘dopted family ‘oved up te Sweden eh’bout eh year later. Kathrine ‘as ‘econd, they ‘ook er’ up te’ Germany almost ‘es ‘oon after. Eh’ ‘as third, meh adopted ‘ather had just ‘ost ‘is wife in eh’ car accident and ‘anted eh ‘ittle girl te’ fill th’ void. He ‘ad some ‘oney, but he ‘as far from rich. The problem ‘as ‘is gamb’lin, he ‘tarted after he ‘dopted me and ‘ouldn’t stop… After two ‘ears, he ‘ost most eh’ his ‘oney after eh particularly ‘itty night, and ‘old me he ‘ad te send meh to ‘nother orphanage.”

“That’s… terrible.” Ayame responded. “To be shipped around like that. What happened then?”

“Eh’s ye’ can prolly guess, eh’ didn’t ‘eally want te spend time ‘et another orphanage, ‘ust te be ‘rought back ‘gain. So when eh’ got ‘ere, eh’ snuck out en’ never looked back…” Mary explained.

“Where did you go.” Ayame shook her head. “I hated my home, but I never had the guts to leave. I couldn’t even imagine what I would have done.”

“That orphanage ‘asn’t eh’ home… It ‘as eh place they ‘tuck ye ‘till someone decided they ‘anted ye, which ‘in’it guaranteed te’ ‘appen.” Mary corrected, “Eh’ didn’t ‘ave enywhere te’ go, se I ‘ived on ‘th ‘reet.”

“How did you…” Ayame looked down. “Oh. You… you mention prostitution, didn’t you.”

Mary nodded, unashamed of what she had to do to survive, “Eh’ was young, ‘ut plenty ‘eh sicko’s ‘ould pay fe’ eh’ night with meh…”

“How long did you have to do that for?” Ayame asked. “When were you able to get out of it? When you joined the military?”

“Mmhm…” Mary confirmed, “When eh’ ‘as eighteen… But ‘eh ‘ept it up till’ en. About ‘eh few ‘ears into meh’ ‘career’, eh’ was ‘icked up by th’ owner eh’ this club. Said he ‘anted eh’ dancer ‘at wasn’t ‘fraid to treat the guests… if ye’ know what eh’ mean…”

“I do.” Ayame thought for a moment. “Did he at least treat you good?”

“Yeah… eh’ was ‘is most popular ‘ancer a’ter all. Even ‘paid fe’ en expensive ‘urgery te’ make sure ‘en inin’t get pregnant… A’ter all, eh’ was th’ ‘ource eh’ most his money, ‘ouldn’t afford nine ‘onths without meh.”

Ayame raised an eyebrow. “So you… like a… permanent surgery.”

Mary nodded once again, “Et’ was ‘either at er’ starve…”

“What made you leave and join the military?”

“Place ‘as raided…” Mary added, “Police ‘ound out he ‘as deal’in drugs en’ th’ back en’ they shut ‘th place down, leaving meh wit’out work… The miitary was th’ next best ‘ay fe’ me te’ make eh buck, it alse’ came wit’ a place te’ sleep on th’ side.”

Ayame looked away, trying to hide a guilty looked. “I’m… sorry you had to go through all that.”

Mary lowered her head, “Eh’ was… Jealous… of’ me sister’s, living ‘appy ‘ives wit’ dads that ‘oved em… Eh’ ‘anted what they had… What eh’ couldn’t get… Love…”

“I… know how you feel. More than you could… you could ever…” Ayame pleased her hand over her eyes. “I was… I was the same…”

“Em’ ‘ot ‘fraid te’ admit that… I ‘enly ‘oined this ‘ole project fe’ th’ money… ‘Nough money fe’ me to ‘inally be appy…” Mary admitted, looking into her friend’s eyes.

“I-I wasn’t… I didn’t mean I was… the same as you…” Ayame took in a raged breath. “I was the same as the people who made your life miserable. I once made a living… costing women just like you their happiness. I try to… to put it behind me, to do what I can to repay the world for the terrible person I was, but… I don’t know if I ever can.”

“B-but ye’ did et’ te’ survive ‘ight?” Mary asked.

“I… I suppose…” Ayame shook her head. “But it doesn’t mean much. You subjected yourself to pain to survive. I subjected other people to it.” She glanced at Mary, then away again, as if afraid to look at her. “I… if I had known… truth is, I’m probably the worst person you could be friends with. I was the kind of person that made your life a living hell. You shouldn’t like me. You should hate me.” She looked at a mirror by her bedside, giving her reflection a loathing stare.

Mary shook her head, “Well eh’ don’t… You’re try’in te’ redeem ye’self ‘ight? That ‘roves te’ meh ‘at ye’ not as bad as th’ ‘eople eh’ worked for."

Ayame looked back at Mary, a few tears rolling down her cheeks as she smiled. She reached forward, the motion sending a wave of pain through her side, but she ignored it. She placed her hand on Mary’s chin, and softly brought their lips together, kissing her gently. “Maybe… maybe I was wrong. Maybe love isn’t too strong of a word after all.”

“Maybe et’ in’nt” Mary said softly as she returned the kiss.

Ayame tilted her head towards the door, smiling a bit. “Do, um… do you mind locking the door, Mary?”

“No… No eh’ don’t…” Mary smiled back as she stood up and closed the door.

 

[BMPixy]

ZombieSplitter53 and BMPixy
X-COM Headquarters
Office of Morrigan O’Brien
"The Orientation"

As Morrigan waited for her next appointment to start, she watched with curiosity as Brigid should off you new found control over her abilities. She grinned as Shalquior jumped around the room, spun around in circles, and did a little dance with Brigid. “That’s really good, dear. But you are remembering…”

“Don’t worry, mommy,” Brigid said, “I don’t use it on anyone. I will only use it on bad people that want to hurt my friends.”

Just outside the office, Albert Foulke turned the corner, coming face-to-face with the vaguely familiar visage of the secretary manning the door. Quickly glancing at his wrist, before remembering he didn’t have a watch, Albert said to the secretary, “Uh, excuse me. I’m Albert Foulke, the Commander asked to see me?”

“She’s expecting you,” Peggy answered. “Go on in.”

“Right, right,” Albert replied, clearing his throat slightly. He knocked twice on the door, before opening it and letting himself inside. “Commander?” he called into the room, “You requested my presence?”

“Mr. Foulke. Right on time.” She motioned for the chair in front of her desk as Brigid walked over to the couch, the very confused cat following her. “Please, sit down.”

Nodding appreciatively, the man sat in the offered chair. “If I may ask, Commander,” he said, getting down to business, “I’d like to know why you called me up here. Not like I come here often for social calls, as you know.”

“And that is a bit of a shame, though sadly, this isn’t a social call either.” Morrigan sat behind her desk and folded her hands. “I’d like to start by thanking you for rejoining the soldier ranks. You did a fine job as a guard, but we need you on the field, now more than ever.”

Albert leaned back slightly, resting his chin on the back of his hand. “It’s one of the few things I know how to do well, Commander, no need to thank me.” Pausing for a moment, he added, “Though I get the feeling that you’re going to ask something dangerous of me.”

Morrigan nodded. “That I am. You’re here because Central Officer Brea handles the standard mission assignments. But if it is something risky, something that I would only ask someone to do willingly, then I handle it myself.”

“Alright, lay it on me,” Albert replied, “What’s the assignment you have in mind for me?”

“Well, we’ve had a serious issue with EXALT cells popping up all over the United States. With the group likely weakened by our recent assault on their main base, we feel it is time to flush them out of America. That’s where you come in. We’ve located several key cells, one in Hawaii, one in California, and one in New York. We need someone to travel to each location, infiltrate the cells, hack their computers, and upload a virus we’ll use to wipe out their entire network.”

Albert rubbed his chin thoughtfully, pondering the mission given to him. “Been a long while since I’ve been to the States. Twenty years now? Something like that,” he mused, before waving his hand dismissively. “Anyways, I’m your man for the mission. May not be the most tech-savvy of guys, but I’ll get it done.”

Morrigan sat back, a little surprised. “Really? Just like that? Because it’ll be dangerous, and I don’t want you to think you have to, though… there aren’t to many other people I think I could trust this to, to be honest.”

“Exactly, you trust me,” Albert said casually, “If you think I’m the man for the job, and you’re not huffing combat stims at the moment, then I’m the man for the job. Simple as that. Besides, I kinda owe you one for letting me drop off the roster when I did.”

Morrigan smiled widely. “Alright. Great to hear. In that case, you’ll be shipping out as soon as you are ready. Need to strike while the iron is hot, as it were. Do you have any questions for me?”

“Just a couple logistical ones, actually,” Albert said with a shrug. “American port security is pretty tough, and with the alien menace they probably only got tougher. Since we are trying to keep this covert, how am I going to be getting my gear inside the States?”

“You won’t.” Morrigan slid of few sheets of paper forward for him. “Everything you need, or that you request, will be given to you at each location. This is a list of the individuals who will be giving you your supplies at each site. They are all trusted comrades of X-COM. They’ll make sure you are well stocked.”

Albert picked up the papers, and quickly scanned through them, doing his best to commit the names and faces to memory. “Right, I’ll keep an eye out for them. Next question: cover story, is there one in the works, or will I have to improvise?”

“As each location is so different, a single cover story likely wouldn’t be practical. Your contacts will work with you on building your covers for each site, though I believe your capacity for improvising will be needed as well.”

“Got it, I’ll work on something, just in case things go sideways.” Albert scratched his chin, adding, “Going back a bit, I’d like to know what kind of tech support I gonna have. Cracking locks, easy; cracking a password, not so much if you know what I mean.”

The Commander reached into her desk and pulled out a small device. “You’ll be given one of these at each site. It contains a simplified version of our A.I., minus… most of his attitude. He’ll be able to help you out with any tech support you might need.”

“Appreciated, as long as he doesn’t go HAL on me. Don’t need my cover being blown just because he felt like singing a little. Last question: how quickly would you guys be able to get some cavalry to my location should things go FUBAR and we need some muscle?”

“That… is where most of the danger for this mission comes in. We’ll have a team on standby at all time in the U.S., though it will naturally take a while for the main team to get there from here. Even more so than for our mission in China. But you’ll have something Atka didn’t.” Morrigan reached into her desk again. “This little gizmo was designed along with our shadow armor. Honestly, I’d rather just send you in with the full armor, but we’d likely have trouble getting that through customs. This, we have a special container that’ll do the job. Keep it charged, and it will leave you almost completely invisible for at least thirty minutes, as long as you don’t move around too much.”

“So this won’t help me book it, but it’ll give me a little time,” Albert surmised, examining the device. “How long would it take to recharge the device, should it be completely depleted?”

“Not long. About ninety minutes or so. So if it goes dry in the middle of a fight… you could always charge it and hope no one sees you while you wait. But at the very least, it’ll be available at each location, even if you have to use it on the first day.”

“I’ll assume that the eggheads had practical reasons for not just shoving a car battery in the thing and calling it a day,” Albert replied, a bit uneasy at the prospect of his emergency tool taking so long to recharge. Shaking his head to dismiss the thought, he continued, “Anyways, that’s all my questions. Unless you have any last things you want to say, I will get prepped and ready to go ASAP.”

Morrigan shook her head. Standing up, she gave a salute, and said, “You’re dismissed. Good luck. I’d say ‘make me proud’, but I have no doubt that you will.”

Standing and returning the Commander’s salute, Albert gave a slight smirk. “Thanks for the vote of confidence Commander, but…” He trailed off, turning and stepping over to the exit. “Where I’m going, I won’t need luck,” he finished, exiting the office and closing the door behind him.

 

[MarineAvenger]

Family Matters

Markus sat in the office chair thumping his fingers against the desk of the computer, not knowing what he was going to say or what he was going to do. It had been a couple of months since he last talked to his family but so much had happened, what could he say? What would he tell them? Markus looked over at Riley who was sitting in the corner of the room chewing on a bone. If it wasn't for the guy named Fox, Riley may had been left behind at the EXALT headquarters. Markus never got to thank him properly, but he would when he got the chance. After a deep breath Markus typed in the information and pressed the call button, a tone coming from the computer telling him it was trying to connect.

After a bit, a bored looking man picked up the call and he appeared to be laying in bed with a tired look on his face. His features resembled Markus's heavily but his blonde hair was cut short. When he saw Markus his face lightened up and he sat up. "Hey Markus! Been waiting for you to finally contact me."

Markus smiled. "Good to see you too Will. Hope you weren't waiting since I first left, but that would explain the bored look on your face."

"Jackass." William laughed and rubbed his face. "So how has the internship been? You getting a lot of good experience?"

Markus shifted in his seat. "You could say that. Things have been...more than I signed up for."

William sat up and his look became serious. "What do you mean?"

Markus looked around and sat forward. "If I told you, you wouldn't believe me."

William shrugged his shoulders.

Markus sighed and began to tell his story. He told Will of his crazy boss and that he was doing some pretty advanced operations, not going into much details about names or the death threats. He told Will of how some of the shady stuff his boss was doing caused him to be moved to a separate location and that he would stay there for his own protection. "Sounds pretty crazy, huh?

"Sounds like something out of a crazy cop show mate. I won't question it though. I trust you."

"Always was one to fill the big brother role." Markus teased.

"Who else would fill it? I highly doubt Chelsea could serve that role very well." Both the brothers shared a laughed and Markus scratched his nose.

"How is Chelsea by the way?" Markus asked.

"She hasn't changed. Got a job with a small time developer but nothing major."

"You and Shelly still a thing?" Markus asked with a smile.

"Yes, but she isn't my girlfriend anymore, she is my fiance." Will said with a wide grin.

"About time. I was starting to think that you two would never tie the knot."

"Oh yeah, what about you Romeo? Any girl in your life?" Will asked, shifting in his bed and placing his laptop on his lap.

Markus scratched his cheek and stated, "Yeah, four in fact. All lovely women." Markus sat back and crossed his arms.

"Four?" Will whistled. "My brother has become a hustler."

"I have not you daft...I was making a joke. They are my coworkers."

Will raised an eyebrow. "I'm sure they are."

"You stupid...if I had half I mind I would go and smack you upside the head!" Markus let out, his face a little red.

"Did you just call yourself stupid? Can you say it again, I want to record this moment."

Markus growled and put his head in his hand.

"Stop being a baby Mark, I am only teasing you." The older man said. "But in all seriousness, I am proud of you. You aren't the same little kid who would come with us to the coffee shop anymore. Just thought you should that."

Markus smiled and waved his hand dismissively. "Better not make a habit of that, people might start to think you are getting to be a big softie."

"Yeah, we wouldn't want that now would we? I will see you later Mark, take care of yourself."

"I will, you won't have to worry Will."

"Good. I will tell Mom and Dad you said hi. I am sure you will call Chelsea when you are ready."

Markus nodded his head. With one last smile, Will cut the call and Markus sat back, exhaling and looking at Riley. "After all this time, he is still the same old Will."

 

[Adrammalech]

// WELCOME HOME //
Emily Fischer
XCOM Headquarters
Siberia, Russian Federation
2:11 PM

As she walked out of the brig, she was handed back her things. A collection of trinkets for various occasions, poured out of her pockets; and her coat, the hole still fresh in the back of the hood. The first time free in almost a week, she walked towards the door feeling as though she was in a daze. She couldn’t smell, her mouth was dry, and the dizzying sense of overwhelming and uncertainty wracked her mind. Who knew? How much? She had so much to explain, to so many people, she could do little but shake and sweat.

She walked over to one of the office desks, peeling two pieces of minimalist XCOM stationery from a fresh box, as well as three envelopes. She tucked them into the coat’s pocket and walked towards her wing, doing her best not to draw attention to herself. She felt everyone staring at her, but no one calling out to her. She noticed checkpoint guards glaring angrily at her, zealous troops glorifying her, and most everyone else just pointing and whispering.

As she got to her barracks, she let out a sigh of relief as she saw no one there. She dropped her things onto the desk in the room and collapsed into the chair, her face distorting as she tried to resist breaking down. A tear escaped her eye as she looked at the floor, trying to shake it off. The hiss of the door rang out from across the room, followed by the distinct sound of Nika’s voice.

“So that’s when they opened the thing…”

Emily quickly wiped her eyes and looked towards them, a look of guilt belying a pregnant silence. Nika’s eyes fell on Emily and she instantly brightened. She was suddenly buffeted by Nika’s arms, then Dallas’. Even Sven rushed to her side.

“I’m so glad you’re alright!” Nika shouted. “I was so mad when they told me you weren’t there, but then they told me where you were, and I was so worried!”

“Those Legion bastards didn’t lay a finger on you, did they?” Dallas followed up.

“N-no, I thought…I thought you’d be angry at me,” Emily replied shakily, tearing up again, “I thought you’d look at me like a murderer…”

“Are you kidding?” Nika gave her a stern look. “We know you don’t do anything without a reason. You think we’d believe some scary Legion mook’s motives more than yours?”

“I-I-I-I…”

“We know you, Em. We trust you with our lives, of course we’re going to trust you with this. And we were right, too,” Dallas said, gesturing wildly towards where Morrigan’s office might be.

“She already explained it was self-defense,” Sven noted. “Besides, even I know you’re not stupid enough to just randomly gun a guy down on-base.”

“I never…I can’t…”

Nika and Dallas stared at her worriedly as she stammered. Sven was stoic as always, but the subtle frown peeking from the corners of his lips pointed to some concern. Unable to push out a word, she slung both of her arms around Nika and Dallas, pulling them against her as hard as possible. She shot Sven a stern look, and he joined in the hug in his awkward fashion.

“We love you, Emily,” Nika smiled comfortingly.

“I love you all…” Emily said, her voice cracking and tears escaping down her cheeks.

She held her team, her family, a little while longer. She had said it a few times already, but this was perhaps the first time she truly felt it. She had hideaways, rooms, cells, and barracks. But for the first time since she was 14, she felt she had a home. As she let them go, they all fanned out around her, smiling warmly to the teared-up woman, shivering with excitement in her chair.

“I-I have to get changed and finish what I’m doing,” Emily said, composing herself. “Give me like 20 minutes, and I’ll meet you out there for some cards or pool, okay?”

“Not cards,” Sven sighed.

“Why not?”

“I may have a…tiny bit of mind reading,” Nika mentioned off-hand, “tough guy is being a baby about it.”

“Well, if you weren’t cheating…” Sven glared.

“It’s not cheating when you chase with 8-10, you’re just bad at poker.”

“I didn’t show my cards that hand.”

“…Oops.”

Emily chuckled softly. “Pool then, unless she has telekinesis too.”

“Nope,” Nika said proudly, then reduced her voice to a mumble. “Not yet.”

Nika and Sven started back towards the door, and Dallas put his hand on Emily’s shoulder.

“You sure you’re okay?”

Emily nodded vigorously, putting her hand on his. “More than okay.”

Dallas smiled and trailed behind the others, Emily watching him disappear through the door. With a swivel she laid out all the office supplies she took, ripping one of the sheets in half. With the top half, she wrote a quick letter, writing cleanly with practiced ease as though she already knew what to say. With the second sheet, she wrote another letter much slowly, scratching out things and adding them in random intervals. And with the bottom half of the first sheet, she scrawled a quick note, a smirk on her face.

After putting all three letters into their envelopes, she dropped the third into her duffel. As she swapped out her clothes, she pocketed the first two, and walked out of the barracks. She made her way to Mission Control, stopping at the checkpoint there, a wiry Hispanic man in a well-groomed uniform guarding there instead of Steve.

“Does Steve still work here?” she asked shakily.

“He does,” the guard snorted, not looking at her. “Luckily too, some bitch tried hard to get him fired.”

Emily looked at her feet. “I deserve that,” she mumbled. “I have something for him, can you please give it to him?”

“I think he fell for that once before. I have good space for it in the bin here, though.”

“Please,” Emily said, slipping the envelope onto the table. “He can throw it away if he wants, but let him make the choice.”

The guard glared at her. “I’ll think about it.”

After stepping away from Mission Control, she paced around the administrative areas around the base, waiting for a familiar face. As she saw the mobile, customary tweed jacket and pile of stationery that was Ben, she rushed towards him, waving her hands to get his attention.

“Emily?” he asked, taking a second look. “Oh, thank God you’re alright. I was worried, to say the least.”

“I know. They said they questioned my friends, and they were awfully believing once I mentioned my memory…”

“I may have...hinted at it. I’m sorry, I couldn’t bear the thought of you being locked up.”

Emily jumped forwards and hugged him. “Thank you.”

“I’m just happy you’re okay.”

“More than okay, I might actually be better than I was before. I’m just happy I get to stay here.”

“That goes for two of us,” Ben smiled, “and many more, probably.”

“This is more than a personal call though,” she said, grabbing her second envelope and handing it to him. “Can you get this delivered?”

Ben glanced at the destination, his eyes going wide in surprise. “Is this going where I think its going?”

Emily nodded. “It’s about time.”

“I’ll get it through.”

“Thanks, Ben,” Emily smiled warmly.

The burden of her letters delivered safely, Emily headed back towards her barracks and stopped in the common area, her team already embroiled in a pool game between Nika and Sven. They welcomed her with saluted glasses and happy nods, looking glad to see her with the classic confident smile she usually wore.

“Hey, Em,” Dallas said. “We can play a game once Nika wins.”

“Yeah, right,” Sven shook his head before missing a shot.

“Sounds good,” Emily nodded. “But until then…we have a lot to talk about. How was the testing, Nika?”

“Well, apparently I’m a blue psionic, and I’m all about control. They said having control doesn’t mean I’m controlling, unless…I’m literally controlling someone.”

“So you have mind control?”

“Not yet,” Nika shook her head. “I have a little bit of sixth sense, and I can use my will to make me a little stronger and faster than normal. I’m working on doing that little purple mind-laser thing that the Sectoids do too.”

“You’re getting alien abilities? Isn't that dangerous?”

“Well, we did learn it from them, so it’d make sense that ours are similar to theirs. But it's not dangerous, like we already knew, psionics are harder to psy-up than normal people. Other than that, they said that I’d soon be able to branch out of my ‘color’, which is like a school of study, I guess. They think I’ll take a shine to those buffs that the Sectoids do too, the mind merge thing. Apparently, the mind merge isn’t even really a merge, like, they can’t see each other’s brain patterns. It’s just like…they see through their eyes and then tell them how to aim and distribute pain. It’s just a fancy practical version of telepathy and mind-reading, the aliens must like their Sectoids to feel important. Also, they think…”

Emily started daydreaming as Nika slowly ranted about the complexities of psionics. She took a mental note of this moment, this picture. Nika grinning at her, talking endlessly about everything under the sun. Dallas smiling shyly at her, and then looking down into his drink when she looked directly at him. Sven, leaning against his cue and listening, pretending like he hadn’t attached to everyone in the room. The feeling of belonging returned. She was home.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

X-COM Headquarters
Primary Lab
Weapon Testing Range
August 19th, 1700 Hours

Jake starred at the large 'rifle' with a sense of wonder. "Wow... Star Trekie..."

"See, I said the same thing," Alexis said with a grin.

"Are these ready to be used on the field?" Jake asked, shifting the pulse rifle in his hand to get a feel of its weight.

"Not quite," Sunny answered. "There are still a lot of bugs to work out. But if we can get them to work like we hope, they'll have the gauss weapon's penetration combined with the laser weapon's pure power."

"Cool, cool." Jake glanced at the green-haired scientist. "I get why Sunny is here, but..."

Alexis folded her arms. "What, think just because I'm not Jessie, I can't handle myself here."

"Oh, don't be so defensive," Jake responded looking down the sights. "I meant I thought Jessica's, and by extension your, specialty was in biology and genetics."

"Oh... sorry." Alexis scratched the back of her head, embarrassed. "I'm covering. Most of the heavy stuff on the weapon is set. I'm just here to record power readings and spectrum variances. I know a bit about weapons too. The guy who was supposed to... is in trouble right now. Something about picking a fight with one of those Adam clones."

"Why would he do that?" Sunny asked.

"No one knows." Alexia shrugged. "Even him. Says he can't remember what motivated him."

"Hmm..." Jake took aim at the cartoonish alien caricature, firing. He glanced down at the weapon and asked, "Is it supposed to get this hot?"

"Nope," Alexis answered as she wrote down some numbers. "Like Sunny said. Bugs."

"So, did you get the ultrasound yet?" Sunny asked.

"Not yet," Jake answered. "Pretty sure it's a chest-burster, though."

Alexis smiled. "Funny. And yes, Sunny. I had to go, because Jessica was too nervous. But don't ask about the genders. I want Modya to be the first to know, if he wants."

Sunny nodded, then raised an eyebrow. "Wait... wait, did you say genders?"

"Gender, sorry." Alexia shrugged. "Fruedian slip, I guess." Grinning at Jake, she asked, "So how is your progress?"

The guard took aim again. "What do you mean?"

"You know... with Atka..."

The shot went wide, very wide, and the weapon dropped to the ground. "I... I'm sorry, it slipped, I..." Jake quickly picked it up again.

Sunny smiled. "I didn't know you liked Atka. I thought Jessie was just teasing you before."

"Like Atka? Who said I like Atka? I don't like Atka." He carefully took aim again. "Besides, we've only talked a few times, five minutes or so whenever she'd pick up or drop off Brigid. She probably doesn't even think of me beyond that."

Alex gave him a mischievous look. "Well, now. That sounds like lamenting."

"Well, it isn't," Jake insisted, firing again. "And... and even if it is... even if I cared, which I don't! But even if I did, how am I supposed the compare to that Walker guy she's with?"

Sunny and Alexis exchanged a look, and both started laughing, slowly at first, then louder as they built off each other. "Th-that... that's funny," Alexia said, wiping a tear away.

"Why do I get the feeling I missed the punch line?" Jake asked, firing again and flinching at the slightly overheated weapon.

Sunny shook her head. "Atka and Desmond are colleagues, companions, and friends. But a couple? Hardly. W-with the differences in their personalities, I could never see them together, even if Desmond didn't already have a girlfriend."

"Yeah, man," Alexia struggled to say between chuckles. "I'd see her hooking up with one of the clones, and him with the Commander, before each other. Hell, they are such opposites, I think he'd have an easier time going out with Alice." Alexia motioned at the A.I., in her adult body, practicing her targeting systems in the next booth over.

"I don't understand." Alice stopped firing and looked over. "Why would he choose me over an actual..."

"Just making a point, dear."

"And I think you have," Jake mumbled, wanting to change the subject. "So when are you going to be deployed, Alice?"

"Once I get the green light from Sunny and the Commander." The blond android took aim again, raising her hand and holding it out like a gun. "I will not be a full combatant, so I feel my current aptitude for combat will suffice. However, Sunny wishes for further training. I believe she is being... I believe the word is over-protective."

Sunny folded her arms and pouted. "Hey, I worked hard on giving you that body because you're my friend, not because I want you to fight. Don't expect me to treat you like a piece of equipment now."

"I won't, Sunny... though I am not sure the others will..." Alice shook her head, and started firing again before Sunny could tell her to continue.

Alexia frowned. "She sure sounds like she's lacking in self-confidence. Something wrong with her emotional programming?"

Sunny shook her head. "No, I ran a diagnostic, and everything is good. But she's been like that for a couple days now. I'm starting to wonder if something happened."

"Maybe someone said something to her that made her feel down," Jake offered, placing the completely overheated weapon down. "Her programming is advanced, but she probably lacks the emotional buffers we all build up over time."

"Yeah... maybe." Sunny watched Alice. "At any rate, she's been taking a lot of steps to mature her programming more, and she's mostly been using her adult form, even as a hologram."

"Children grow up so fast," Alexia mused. "Are you upset you don't have a friend your age anymore?"

Sunny quickly shook her head. "I initially programmed her with a desire to improve and advance. This was expected. Besides, I designed to be my age because I could never find any adults that would take me serious and be my friend." She smiled brightly. "It seems that is no longer a problem."

Alexia clapped her hands together. "Lets go have some fun. How about some drinks?"

Sunny laughed. "You know I can't drink."

Alexis placed her hand on her stomach. "None of us can. Except for Jake. Come on. We'll get him smashed and laugh as he stumbles around."

"Wait, don't I get a say..." Jake started before Alexia pulled him out of the room, Sunny and Alice following behind.

 

[Adrammalech]

// MESSAGE RECEIVED //
XCOM Headquarters
Siberia, Russian Federation
8:51 PM

Steve walked to his checkpoint, a stubby mug of warm coffee in hand. He looked at the guard he was relieving, who was cradling a neatly enveloped paper in one hand, tipping it over the desk and then back again, as if he was considering tossing it. Regardless, he almost relished the idea of taking over, hoping his work would distract him from recent events.

“Hey Lopes, what’ve you got there?”

The guard looked up at him, instantly brightening at knowing his shift was ending, and then being brought back down when he knew he had to turn over the envelope.

“The bitch brought this,” he said, getting up and tossing it onto the little desk. “I’d burn it, but it’s not my call.”

“Come on, there’s no need to be disrespectful,” Steve replied.

“Really, you’ve still got a soft spot for her? She almost cost you your job, man, she made you an accessory to murder!”

“I didn’t accessorize anything, her mistakes are hers. And I don’t have a soft spot, I’m just not going to go around huffing and puffing about it. Trust me, nothing she can say can make us friends again.”

Lopez shook his head. “If she didn't get away with what she did, you'd be on the street or in a cell. If I were you, I’d raise hell.”

“Well, if I don’t like the letter, maybe you can raise hell for me.”

“You let me know,” he said stoicly.

Lopez took off with a shaking head and Steve took his place, setting up his workspace how he liked it. He looked warily at the belt, pushing the button marked “Forward” experimentally for a few moments. He looked angrily at the switch labelled “Auto” and “Stop,” imagining the trouble it got him into last time. He waited for anyone to come for about ten minutes before getting bored, leaning against the back of his chair and taking the letter into his hand. He unwrapped it slowly and took a look.

Steve,

I know nothing I say can make us friends again, or even make up what I did to you. But I still think it’s worth saying sorry. The way I was brought up, I got used to manipulating people and not thinking about the repercussions, and I should never have done that to you. You are a good soldier and a good man, and I can’t say how much I regret jeopardizing your job and betraying your trust. I hope that as I have been given a second chance, you have too. You deserve it, and far better from me.

Sincerely,

Emily​

Steve’s lips curled into a half-smile, taking the woman’s words to heart. He still didn’t feel trust, and maybe not even forgiveness, but the guilt was gone at least. She was right, he did deserve it.

---------------------

As Emily wandered and explored the base, ignoring the stares of others and basking in the complexity and size of what was once a small underground start-up, she noticed something besides one of the barrack wings. A large cart full of blankets and pillows, presumably to stock all of the new beds required by the Legion clones. She took a couple of looks around, and skipped over innocuously to it. With a quick motion, she grabbed a couple of thick blankets and pillows in her arms. She rushed back to her barracks, grinning and trembling giddily.

---------------------

Ben walked into the office space of the communications specialists, heading to the person in charge of outbound mail. The person on duty had the quiet cadence and demeanor of a security guard, but the attire and workspace of an office worker. In his hand, he twirled a thick black marker, always ready to use it. In the exact center of his desk, there was a photo of a woman and a boy, seated next to a nameplate that read “Agent Smith.” Ben placed his cardboard box full of letters onto his desk, pushing it into place.

“More meat for the grinder, eh?” the censor joked.

“Yep,” Ben replied. He pulled out a letter from the side of the box, handing it to him personally. “Go easy on this one, okay?”

“Getting soft on me, Ben?”

“It’s from a friend, so if you're capable of being nice...”

“That's classified,” Smith grinned with a conspiratorial wink.

Ben smiled and walked away, leaving him to open the letter. As he splayed it out on the desk, he noticed it was terribly written. Notes in the margins, a few scratch-outs, and a couple of little wrinkles that were probably landing spots for tears. Whoever wrote this was likely going through some shit. He popped the top on his black pen, and got to work.

Dear Robert and Susan, Rob and- Mom and Dad,

Hi. I’m sorry it’s been so long since we last talked, and how late this letter is. You were right that I have been transferred to a dangerous and secret assignment. I am also with good people, honorable and respectable people, who surprise me at every turn with their reliability. We both said stupid th- There was a time when I hated both of you, as I’m sure you know, but I’ve come to learn that for every bad memory I have of you, I have at least a dozen more good memories. I want you to know that I forgive you both for our fighting, and I apologize for all of ^ the massive am- heartache and worry I caused you. And when my fight is done here and our mission is a success, I’ll come home and see you again. Please stay safe.

Love,

Your wayward daughter, Emily.​

Disappointed he had nothing to use the pen on, he folded the letter into a new envelope, and set it into the outbound box. He took the next letter and unraveled it, immediately seeing the word “Siberia” and letting loose a wide grin.

“That's classified,” he giggled.

 

[MarineAvenger]

MarineAvenger & ZombieSplitter53
The Enemy of my Enemy...

EXALT HQ, Swiss Alps
August 20th, 2018
1500 Hours
Viktor’s Office

There was an eerie silence within the base of the EXALT headquarters. Everything was shut down and nothing would be getting done, Viktor had shut it all down. The man sat in his office, his hand on the patch that covered the hole in his head that his brother had made before retreating. As far as Viktor was concerned, Desmond was dead, and only a fake lived to discrete his brother’s peaceful existence. The room had no lights on and the man’s hands were on the desk, deciding on what to do next, or where to go.

A light knock came on the door as one of the clones stepped in, holding a small clip board. “I have a progress report for you, if you’d like to hear it.”

“What?” Viktor asked with a very gruff and low voice.

The clone stepped the rest of the way into the room, and cleared his throat. “Well, sir. I’m afraid we suffered heavy damage in the hanger. Computer systems are still shot to shit, we couldn’t care less about the field troops, and everyone here has lost confidence in you. Permission to leave and join X-COM?”

Viktor smiled. “Permission granted…” Viktor pulled out his pistol and shot the clone in the head. “You can join them in hell.” Viktor stood up and grabbed the clipboard from the dead clone’s grasp.

“Damn it!” Another clone stepped in, rubbing his head.. “That hurts, you know. You really have no sense of humor, do you?” He stepped over the first body. “Just trying to lighten the mood.”

Viktor clenched his jaw and he set the pistol down. “Do you think this is a joking matter?” He asked with poison in his voice. Viktor stood up and got face to face with it, taking off the patch over his missing eye. “Is this, a laughing matter!”

The clone yawned. “Is that all? Jeez, what a childish people you all are…” He slapped his hand against Viktor’s head, a flow of green-tinted energy flowing into his eye socket. “Whine, whine, whine.”

When the clone was done, Viktor could see out both of his eyes again and he took a step back in disbelief. “What...who are you? How did you…?”

“Oh, please, Viktor. Surely you can recognize psionic energy when you see it.” The clone frown, looking down at his hands. “Of course, that wasn’t easy to do remotely. This body has no capacity for the Gift. A shame too, that you can not simply mass produce ones with your talents. Not unexpected, though. You are not the first to fail in that endeavour.”

Viktor took a step forward. “Why do this? What is your purpose here?”

“To make a… companion.” The clone pulled out a knife, and placed the tip on his finger, spinning it around. “You see, we have a mutual enemy. Someone who acts as a thorn in our sides. Someone we would give just about anything to see them wiped out. Call the eye a… gift, in exchange for hearing me out.”

“XCOM doesn’t have many human enemies.” Viktor stated with curiosity. With a smile he stated, “You are not human.”

“And don’t you forget that!” The clone snapped. He tossed the knife up, catching it by the handle. “I am something far better. Far beyond what you humans shall ever be. But I am not without mercy. Were it up to me, we would leave this miserable planet, forget this costly war. But it is not up to me, and everyday that this… X-COM continues to peak the interest of my superiors, that is one more day I am stuck here, miserable.”

“There is nothing more despicable than an enemy who won’t just roll over and die. Why come to someone like me for help? I am sure you are far beyond more capable than I am at the moment.”

“That I am,” the being agreed. “On my own, at least. But not when I am held back. After all the… ‘promise’ they’ve shown…” he spat out like it was poison, “they wish to subjugate X-COM. To bring them under their control. But you. You want them dead. Everyone of of them. Their soldiers. Their Commander. Their new allies. And, of course, that brother of yours.”

Viktor nodded. “Even though our people are different, it is good to see like minded individuals.” Viktor shook his head. “I can plan an assault on their base but I don’t expect to leave it. If I do attack, it will be me or them.” Viktor got a wide grin on his face. “But even if I do die, I want to do as much damage to those bastards as possible.”

“That… is what I want to hear.” The possessed clone casually dug into his hand with the knife, as though experimenting with the pain. “If my superiors see their precious targets destroyed by other humans, they will leave this planet, and we will both get what we want. I will get to leave, and should you survive, you will get to rule this planet, with the technology we leave behind yours to control and your greatest enemies out of the way.”

“And if I die, we deal a blow to the enemy and you get away without a second look. It is a win-win situation for us both.”

The clone laughed maniacally. “Good, good.” He thought for a moment. “I have another individual in my own fold… two, in fact, that I would like to get rid of. And perhaps X-COM can be useful for at least that. I will… arrange for the two to meet up. Whether X-COM succeeds or fails, they will surely be weakened by the encounter. That will give you your chance to strike.”

“Than I shall pool together everything at my disposal. Greed and power are great motivators for humans. They always seem to fall one way or another.”

“I do hope you have a plan to get in, though.” The possessed man sneared, and drove the knife through his own hand. “I have had some difficulties with them. An attempt at direct sabotage turned out to be a little too direct. Honestly, I would like to finish their little alliance by simply controlling one of those clones and putting a bullet through the head of the Commander’s child, but for now, I am trying to be more… subtle.” He yanked the knife from his hand, blood spilling on the floor. “But I am sure you are more than capable. You likely have a plan or two in motion as we speak.”

Viktor nodded his head. “I will hand it to the leaders of the past. Their methods are crude but they get results. If all else fails, a well placed explosive can really open any door you want.”

“Indeed.” The clone cracked his knuckles. “In that case, I will be in touch. But I must warn you. Do not fail me. I do not tolerate failure, and what I give, I can take away.” He lifted his hand to his face, and in a quick wave of the hand, one of his eyes seemed to shrivel up. “For now, I’d just like to apologize for the two dead clones you need carried out of your office.”

“Do not worry yourself too much about that.” Viktor walked back to his desk and picked up the pistol that laid on it and raised it at the clone. “They were dead when they walked in here. Talk to you soon.” Viktor pulled the trigger.