RP XCOM: The Story of Defiance.

[ZombieSplitter53]

ZombieSplitter53 and DarkGemini24601: “Assorted Ascensions: Part One”

XCOM Headquarters, Somewhere in Siberia
1630 Hours, August 19th, 2018
Psionic Labs

Scarlet blinked slowly as the pod opened, her cramped muscles immediately letting themselves be known. “So...uh, did it work?”

“That it did, Scarlet,” Jeanne said, standing outside the pod with her brother, both ready to catch her if need be. “How do you feel?’

The rocketeer managed to keep her footing, though she stepped out a bit shakily. “A bit different, I guess. What exactly...can I do?”

“Well, using the color labels we have with everyone, we’d call you a purple psionic.” Jean shrugged. “Personally, I preferred ‘violet’ psionic, but everyone thought that sounded too much like violent psionic, and yada, yada, yada…”

Jeanne rolled her eyes. “Your abilities should focus on a combination of controlling your energy and using the strength behind it, as opposed to one or the other.”

Scarlet nodded, seeming impressed. “Sweet. And they shouldn’t be that hard to figure out, considering I can just rip off the alien’s techniques.”

“Good point,” Jean said. “I guess you have the advantage of someone already showing you how it all works.” He lifted Scarlet’s clothes up. “Cold at all?”

“A little,” Scarlet responded, taking them from the engineer. “You know, you’re a lot less flirty than you were last time we talked.”

Jean smiled. “Yeah, well, I decided to be a lot more professional in my work. How am I doing?”

“I’m sure the fact that he’s spending time with a woman that would kick his ass if she found out he was hitting on another woman has nothing to do with it,” Jeanne added sarcastically.

Scarlet allowed herself a faint grin. “I’m sure.” She put her clothes back on, and added, “Anything else you two need from me, or should I head back to the barracks? Maybe get some training from Modya’s Inuit friend.”

Jeanne shook her head as her brother pulled out a wrench and slid under the machine. “Not if you plan to train with Atka. Just remember to come back here if you need anything, alright?”

“I’ll keep that in mind. I should be fine though.” A soft purple surrounded Scarlet’s eyes. “With this power, I can match up to the gene modded troops, if not more. And that’s what I came here for.”

==========================================

XCOM Headquarters, Somewhere in Siberia
1030 Hours, August 20th, 2018
Psionic Labs

“ESP?” Jean guessed. “Fairly simple, basic starting point.”

“I see nothing basic about being able to see things through a ‘mind’s eye’, thank you very much.” Jeanne thought. “Besides, who says it has to be a basic ability from the start? Blues have the potential to use their energy to power themselves up.”

“Yeah but all the other blues started with ESP in some way. Even Atka, and she wasn’t even given her powers here.” The pod before them slowly opened. “I guess we’ll find out, huh?”

Sarah slowly opened her genetically-modified eyes, looking between the two for a moment. “You were saying something about ESP?”

Jean grinned. “We were. Can you use this ability? See what is unseen, beyond the realm of human limitation, on all that such jazz?”

“I assume that is how I heard you two speaking in the first place, when I had yet to fully wake up,” the sniper responded. “Certainly useful. Adds an efficient potency to long range shots and reaction fire.”

“That’s right,” Jeanne said, ignoring her brother’s gloating smirk. “We had another sniper gain blue psionics, and he was saying how useful it would be to have his own, personal squadsight.”

“I am sure the captain will be interested to hear that one of her squad members is akin to her,” Sarah added. “She will be quite busy with all the new psions, I conjecture.”

“Mr. Walker has offered to assist with the psions with abilities closer to his,” Jean responded.

“And don’t forget about Central Officer Brea,” added Jeanne. “She and her sister are still willing to train you, regardless of their increase in work.”

“And there is always the lab, should you have any troubles.” Jean swept his arm across the room.

“I appreciate the advice,” Sarah said, before seeming to think about something, and rubbed the back of her neck unconsciously.

Looking concerned as she handed the sniper her clothes, Jeanne asked, “Is something bothering you. Like my brother said, we’re here for you.”

The Chinese sniper sighed. “It will not be an issue for awhile, with the project’s confidentiality, but I do wonder at how…” she hesitated for a moment, before finishing, “at how my son will react to these abilities.”

The siblings exchanged a look. “I didn’t realize you had a son,” Jean said. “How old is he?”

“Nearly thirteen,” Sarah replied, before quickly defending, “Adopted. I did not have a child when I was twelve, I can assure you of that.”

“I… ha… wasn’t going to… think…” Jean’s nervous chuckling implied he was going to think that.

Jeanne gave Sarah a reassuring smile. “Well, if he’s thirteen, I’m sure he’s old enough to understand. He might even think its kinda cool.”

“With Marabelle fueling his interest in manga…” Sarah began while looking off into space, not sure if she should thank Megan’s sister or not. She realized her distraction, and composed herself. “Perhaps it will not be a negative response.”

Jean nodded. “That’s the spirit. Bet the only negative response will be jealousy, especially from all the other kids without psychic moms.”

The sniper raised an eyebrow, though it was unclear if it was incredulous or amused, or both. With a nod of thanks, Sarah bid the twins farewell and began her return trip to the barracks.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

DarkGemini24601 and ZombieSplitter53: "Assorted Ascensions, Part 2"

XCOM Headquarters, Somewhere in Siberia
1245 Hours, August 20th, 2018
Psionic Labs

“Cette nourriture américaine est si drôle. (This American food is so droll.) Jeanne looked down at the small hamburger she had barely touched.

Finishing the last bite of his own, Jean scoffed. “Vous êtes trop pointilleux, sœur. Avez-mère de ne pas nous apprendre à déguster tout que d'autres pays avaient à offrir? (You are too picky, sister. Did mother not teach us to sample all that other countries had to offer?) He looked at Jeanne’s plate. “Are you going to finish that?” Jeanne shook her head, and pushed her plate towards her brother.

The door slid open with a muted hiss, and a young woman with dark blond hair in a labcoat stepped in. “This is the psionic laboratory, correct?” she asked in a smooth tone.

“That’s right?” Jeanne said, dusting herself off as Jean haphazardly shoved the burger into his mouth. “Have you been assigned to work here? I’m sorry, but I must confess, I do not remember seeing you before.”

The blonde scientist shook her head. “I am here to be tested, ideally. I wish to see if I have the capacity for that latent power that has eluded my organization thus far.” She extended a hand. “My name is Elene Exalt, the leader of Legion.”

Jean’s eyes widened a bit as Jeanne took the young heiress’s hand. “It is very nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you. My name is Jeanne.”

“A pleasure. And for the most part, I can assure you that the negative things you may have heard are incorrect,” the clone responded.

“I bet,” Jean mumbled under his breath.

“I’m sure they are.” Jeanne led their guest inside. “So why do you wish to be tested? You aren’t planning on hitting the field, are you?”

“It is a new field of science, and one that can be better understood by those that possess the ability to control it,” Elene responded. “I have already determined through other methods that most of my combat staff are unlikely to possess that which the aliens deem ‘the Gift’, but it is possible that I possess it. And if I do, chances are my double will, and perhaps my top scientist.”

“That is true,” Jeanne agreed. “You obviously haven’t tested clones before, so it…”

“I don’t think we should start today,” Jean said coldly. “These machines are meant for soldiers. We can’t just start allowing civilian staff to use them too.”

“There are boundaries raised by doing such,” Elene replied. “The soldiers have to focus on using them for combat, and have less time to study them in depth. A psionic not bound by those constraints could accomplish much, and that could benefit the soldiers.”

“Be that as it may, you still…” Jean started.

“Well, we did it for Dr. Randolf,” Jeanne interrupted. “I don’t see why she can’t get it either.”

“Sunny was different.” Jean folded his arms. “The Commander approved her.”

Elene shrugged, seeming unfazed. “Then simply ask her if this case is also acceptable. It is an easy solution.”

“Oh, it is, is it?” Jean huffed and walked into the back room to look for a phone.

“I’m… I…” Jeanne looked like she was at a loss for words. “I’m… sure the Commander will say yes, Ms. Exalt.”

“If she does not, it is understandable. As is your brother’s response to me,” the heiress returned calmly. “I have adjusted to the distrust, though I advocate that it will not help anyone to act in such a manner.”

“That’s good to hear, but it isn’t you I’m worried about…”

A few moments later, Jean walked out, visibly upset.

“What was her conclusion?” Elene inquired.

Jean folded his arms again. “Are you sure you want to sit in one of those cramped pods for a week? I mean, do you really trust us enough to put yourself in such a helpless position?”

“I trust that the Commander would have made sure another incident did not happen,” Elene said, adding, “and I doubt you are that bold. Even if you were, I’m sure you understand that you would harm XCOM in addition to Legion.” And yourself, the heiress thought icily.

“I don’t think you should make such assumptions, you…”

Jeanne jumped to her feet, an unnatural smile on her face. “Will you excuse us for a moment, Ms. Exalt?”

“Of course.” The clone gave a nod, and stepped outside with her coat trailing slightly behind her.

“Thank God that bit…” Jean’s eyes widened as his sister practically crushed his foot. “What the hell is your problem?!”

“Mon problème? MON PROBLÈME!? Pourquoi agissez-vous comme ça?” (My problem? MY PROBLEM!? Why are you acting like this?)

“Pourquoi êtes-vous si bêtement approuvez?" (Why are you so idiotically trusting?)

Jeanne scoffed. “Nous sommes censés travailler ensemble. Et vous êtes censé avoir un cerveau. Arrêter de donner à des accusations sans fondement.” (We are supposed to be working together. And you are supposed to have a brain. Stop giving in to baseless accusations.)

“Peu Importe! Elle va obtenir psioniques, donner à tout son peuple, et ...” (Whatever! She's going to get psionics, give it to all her people, and…)

“You have no proof of that!” Jeanne walked right into her brothers face. “What if I needed something from them, and they talked to me like this? Treated me like this? Threatened… me… like this?”

“Je... ce est différent, je… (I… that’s different, I…)

“You’re acting just like those bullies you always defended me from.” Jeanne looked away, the tone in her voice saying she meant what she said. “You sound like them…”

Jean frowned. He shook his head, and walked over to the door, opening it and looking at Elene.

The heiress looked back at him, her expression even. “Yes?” It was unclear how much she had heard, if any of it.

Jean dropped to one knee, and grasped Elene’s hand in his own. “Je m’excuse. I acted uncouth, ungentlemanly. I beg your forgiveness for my unfounded hostility.”

“Granted,” Elene said with a slight shrug. “I have learned to forgive more easily, in regards to recent events, and patience is not something I lack.”

Jean stood up. “Please, come inside. We shall get you set up. And I can personally assure of your safety while you are here.”

“Good to hear,” the heiress affirmed, and followed the male twin inside. Keep things together while I perhaps gain newfound power, Avanix.

Understood. Although it shall not change the outcome...good luck, mistress.

 

[MarineAvenger]

A Word with the Troops

August 20th, 2018
1400 Hours
The Gym

Chief walked into the gym with his boys in tow and all of them in athletic XCOM attire. Their short time at EXALT had not given them the proper amount of prep for battle and although they were augmented with enhanced bodies and advanced battle implants, there was still room to improve and keep themselves in shape. Fox quietly made his way to one of the treadmills and Bull went over to one of the presses. Hawke and Chief got into the boxing ring and put on the gear. Hawke looked around at the XCOM personnel eyeing them and he looked at his CO.

"Their wary of us sir." Hawke put up his padded hands and Chief began to hit them.

"Of course they are. They have the right to be wary." Chief did a quick three jab combo and Hawke returned with a right hook which Chief ducked under and returned another three jabs. "Just focus on training. Their gazes will pass."

As the four of them continued to work out, Chief prediction was proven false as the people around were still staring, as if they were lions sizing up their next meal.

"So what are we going to do Chief, we bide our time and move on or will we set up shop here." Hawke tried to switch up tactics but Chief easily batted them away and returned the blows.

"What would you do Hawke? You are the second in command of this squad."

"Why do you think I am asking you Chief?" The two men chuckled but their fight was over as Chief laid Hawke flat on his back with a single move.

"I don't know Hawke. Right now we are just out for ourselves, but I fear that will not always be the case. Soon we will be forced to take sides." Chief gave Hawke a hand up and the two looked at their brothers.

"So you guys are the Elites from EXALT?" A male voice called out to them from just behind the duo. The two turned around and saw Desmond standing with his arms crossed.

"Yeah, that is us? Who is asking?" Hawke asked.

Desmond chuckled. "I guess you could say I am the first."

Hawke looked at Chief with a confused looked but Chief eyes were glued to the psionic soldier. "Walker. I heard of you. Nice to finally meet an ally around here." Chief stepped forward and the two men exchanged handshakes. "Name's Chief. That is second in command, Hawke. Over on the press is Bull, and the kid running like hell on the treadmill is Fox."

Desmond nodded his head in understanding. "Names that fit your personalities."

Chief nodded.

"An honor none the less Chief. Mind if I join you in a little sparring match?" Desmond asked.

Chief looked at Hawke, who just shrugged his shoulders and left the ring to go run with Fox. Chief looked back at Desmond and said, "Don't mind him much. We are a close knit bunch. He doesn't adjust well with others."

"Hawks are lone hunters. Though they are always loyal to the family." Desmond took of his shirt and Chief did the same, both men in excellent health. "So Chief, are they others like you?" Desmond advanced on the man with a quick flurry and pulled back, putting distance so there would be no retaliation.

"Not to sure. Don't really know who was being made when. We could be the only ones, or there could be twenty like us." Chief took the initiative and went on the attack. "Where did you learn to fight Walker?"

"Was trained by the best." Desmond tried to sweep out the man's legs but he jumped over, so Desmond rolled backwards and was on his feet. "You planning on staying?"

Chief cautiously approached Desmond and threw some punches, a few small hits connecting. "For the moment. You?"

Chief's punch was caught in Desmond's hands and Desmond pulled him close. "As long as I am needed."

Chief smiled. "You always this cocky?"

"Depends on the person you ask." Desmond shoved Chief backwards and the two got back into position, both of the men working up a sweat.

"So, how about a water break?" Chief asked. Desmond just shrugged his shoulders and the two exited the ring.

Both men grabbed a bottle and took a swig of the cool drink. "You really ought to consider staying. We could use men like you. Although some of the people here might not trust you four, but I know a good person when I see one."

"You think me and the boys would have a place here?" Chief asked seriously. "I just want to do what the best is for us."

Desmond shrugged his shoulders. "That is up to you four. I know I could use guys like your protecting my flanks."

Chief nodded his head and held out a fist. "Thanks for the advice Walker."

Desmond hit the clones fist with his own and took another swig of water, slapping a hand on the man's shoulder. "Think about it." Desmond grabbed his shirt and put it on, walking out of the gym.

Chief looked over his boys once more and took another sip. "Let's go soldiers. You deserve some R and R."

 

[Dahlexpert]

X-COM base
Somewhere in Siberia

Eva walks up to Ashley's room and knocks on the door.

Ash are you there? Are you still around, or did you leave?

A young brunet girl opens the door. Hello can I help you?

Um hi you mom here?

MOM, a blue hair woman is at the door looking for you. So why is your hair blue?

Um I collared it, why do you want your hair to be a different collar?

She will not dye her hair any collar, not until she's of age.

Ash Eva hugs Ashley tightly. Ou it's so good to see you again, were have you been? I haven't seen you ever since you talked to me a couple of weeks ago. So what happen to you?

I was talking to my family, and deploying them all over the U.S, I may be an X-COM soldier but I still lead an army. And unfortunately police are having trouble with evacuations and people rioting, to deal with certain things so i'm deploying my troops to certain areas of the U.S.

Wow so that's what you've been doing for the past few weeks.

Any way, is there something you wanted Eva?

Well I recently found out i'm psionic, but my psionic is diffren't from everyone else.

Well good for you, is there something else you wanted?

Um Ash, what was it like giving birth to your child? And taking care of her now?

Eva are you pregnant?

WHAT NO GOD NO, I mean yes I slept with someone yesterday, but i'm not pregnant.

Hum, i'll run some test on you just to make sure your not pregnant. But to answer your question, giving birth was pane full the worst pain I ever had and will ever get. But I love her very much and taking care of her is a blessing.

Hum I see well thank you Ash it's good to hear that. But can you give me some parenting lessons.

Why would I do that?

To prepare me for future children I will have. And so I can no how to deal with my children that are on base.

Fine i'll teach you how to be a parent, but first let me ask you a question. what's it like to have your augmentations?

It's no different thin what I am now, but I was already a super soldier before I came here. it might be different for you be cause i'm used to it, so it might be different for you why?

I was planing to get augmentations for my legs and eyes and nothing else, also I was planing to go to the psi labs.

You want to see if your psionic why?

I can see thanks to humanity that humanity will evolve, and my family will evolve with it.

Well that's one way to look at it so I wish you lick Ash I guess i'll see you later.

Wait Eva, the person you slept with is he a soldier?

No he's an engineer, and he works at the psi labs so you will most likely meet him.

Hum So I will meet this person my self, do you plan on marrying him?

I don't know. I mean, I just slept with him, it's not like I love him or any thing like that.

But you do have feelings for him don't you?

Do I need to have feelings for some one just to sleep with them. I mean I'm stressed out and I just needed a play thing to let out some steam.

You don't believe that Eve, you don't seem like that kind a person that just sleeps around with random people.

Sigh yes I care for him but love is a very big word for me and I need time to figure this stuff out.

Ashley smiles well you do that, I can't wait to meet this guy.

Tell me if he flirts with you so I can punch him.

Ou the honeymoon stage is kicking in.

Eva get's a smile on her face. Shut up Ashley well I need to train i'll see you later.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Ethereal Base BSA-444
August 20th, 1900 Hours

Honored... um... Ira. The attack on the small settlement is going well.

Excellent. Bring them to their knees. Take the most able bodied ones, and destroy the rest. And make it quick! The resistance must not learn of these smaller fights for as long as possible.

Ira leaned back in his seat, please with how things were going. Two timid looking Sectoids slowly and carefully approached his thrown.

SPEAK! I have no time for you cowardice.

Y-yes, Honored one. I am delivering you a message from Honored Avaritia. It seems he is... displeased with the role he has been given. He wishes to know if his...

Ira shuddered in anger, and fired a Psi Lance through the speaking Sectoids head. He looked at the other Sectoid, which was shuddering for an all together different reason.

Clean this mess up. Then tell Avaritia he will be compensated for his 'lost possessions'.

Yes, Honored One. Right away.

As the Sectoid dragged his fallen companion away, A Thin Man looked up from a nearby computer terminal. "Honored One! We have an incoming vessel. It... it matches the signal of..."

Ira studied the Thin Man's expression, and a hearty laugh could be heard ringing throughout the minds of every being on base.

So... you have finally arrived...

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Vila de Anonimato
Twenty Miles Outside of Guarujá, São Paulo, Brazil
August 20th, 1915 Hours

The small, speedy UFO slowly descended, landing just outside of the village. As the door opened, the ship cloak activated. They wanted the Ethereal base to know they were on their way, but having their ship found be a curious explorer would not be a good idea.

An imposing figure stepped out into the darkness, scanning the area. A Muton, dressed in what appeared to be a modified version of the Elite's armor, custom made, featuring several adornments, slots, pockets, and equipment, and as black the sky above them.

Following closely behind was a titanic humanoid. It stood at least twelve feet tall, and looked as though it could bench-press a tank with its four massive arms. It wore its own piece of armor, also black, with similar adornments to the Muton's.

Leaping straight from the ship's entrance to a nearby tree branch, a figure resembling a Thin Man surveyed the area from above. It had similar features to the Thin Men, but its skin was obviously that of a reptile. It also had special armor, though this one obviously made for mobility at the cost of defense.

Finally, a much smaller figure floated out. At five feet, it was dwarfed by the others around it. It was completely covered by a hooded-cloak, any sign of what was under the cover completely obscured. At slowly floated next to its companions, the Thin Man-like being jumping down to join them. With a simultaneous head nod, the four aliens ran off in the direction of the Village, weapons at the ready.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Dahlexpert & Zombiesplitter53

Ashley and Eva walked to the psi labs. “You sure about this Ash? I mean, you're already pretty tough, and this is a permanent change to you. It’s not like augmentations where they can be taken out of you.”

“Eva, I understand, and I will fully take the risks with this change. I will not see anyone else get hurt, especially my family. This might just help me be on the same playing field as the psi aliens.”

“Sigh... very well, let’s go in.” Eva opens the door. “Yo Jeanne, you here?”

“Hello, Eva,” Jeanne answered, walking over to the two women. Glancing at Ashley, she asked, “You getting us volunteers?”

“Yeah, her name is Ash.”

“My name is Ashley Van Dam, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Ashley extended her hand.

Jeanne firmly grasped her hand and shook it up and down. “It is very nice to meet you. You’re here to be tested for psionics, yes? Because we have an opening.”

“Yes I’m here to see if I have any psi energy, though I’m not sure if my ancestors will like me doing this.I mean I’m about to change my family's blood entirely if it works.”

“Well, not necessarily.” Jeanne led the two inside. “I mean, technically, we’re just unlocking what is already inside you, if you have it, of course. There is no guarantee it could even be passed on, and even if it is, like I said, it is who you are. We, as humans, just… aren’t capable of unlocking on our own yet. At least, that’s the theory.”

“In theory? Well, there's no way of telling unless I get pregnant, but that’s for after the war of course. So where are these devices?”

“Right through here.” Jeanne led them into the main lab. “Jean! We have guests. Including someone you know!”

Jean looked over from the pod he was standing on, using it to reach some of the circuitry and equipment hanging from the ceiling. He wave awkwardly, unable to speak because of the tools her held in his mouth.

“Hey darling, you need any help up there?” Eva asked

Ashley looked up. “Oh, so that’s your so called plaything that you have feelings for. Well, to each their own I guess.”

“Plaything?” Jeanne thought for a second, then shuddered. “I… don’t want to know.”

Jean slid down. “What do you mean, ‘to each their own’? I think I’m pretty studly, as a matter of fact.”

Ashley shook her head “Sorry, I tend to be a bit blunt som… constantly is what I mean is, so Eva, this is your boyfriend?”

“That he is.” Eva walked up to Jean and lightly hugged him. “Hey, Jean, I can hear your heart beating fast. Are you nervous?”

“That’s just my heart fluttering whenever I’m near you, my sweet.”

“Gag me…” Jeanne rolled her eyes. “She we get down to business? Did you want to start testing today, Ashley?”

“Right, and as for gagging you, I was an assassin so that could be arranged.” Ashley smiled. “I also have a gag if you need it.”

“ASH!” Eva stopped for a minute, then walked up to Ashley and whispered in her ear. “Can I borrow your gag? I might need that.”

“No way in hell.” Ashley said.

Jeanne rubbed her temples. “Oy… Jean, do you mind…”

“On it, sis.” Jean winked at Ashley and Eva, and went off to set one of the pods up.

“So, any questions, Ashley,” Jeanne asked.

“How long will this take? And what would happen to me once I’m out?

“Well, it would be like an extended nap,” Jeanne explained. “Testing takes about two days, and if you have potential, it’ll take five days to unlock your abilities.”

“Great to hear, so it’s no different than any of my trials, only this time, I’m napping and not meditating. Which works for me just fine. Do I need to strip down or what? “

“Yep.” Jeanne nodded as she fiddled with her computer. “Down to your undies, please.”

Ashley looked at Eva. “Eva, is it alright that I strip in front of your boyfriend?”

“I don’t mind Ash, he’s not your type. You're married and your partner is a woman. He has no chance.” Eva said with a smirk.

“Very well.” Ashley striped down to her underwear.

“I heard that!” Jean shouted over. “I’m completely loyal Eva, you should know that. But if I wasn’t, I’m always up for a challenge.”

“Even if she doesn’t like men?” Jeanne asked.

“Always up for a challenge,” Jean repeated.

“Jean, if I took that seriously, I would be beating up and down this room.” Eva said. “And I mean me punching you and breaking your bones, and not that other beating.”

Jean walked over, smiling nervously. “Sorry, love. Just messing around. I’d never try to get between a woman and her fruits de l'amour interdit.”

“I know you won’t, because if I did take you seriously, there are benefits to having a lesbian friend.” Eva hugged Jean and kissed him on the cheek. “But you know me. I just love to joke with you.”

“Yo, lovebirds, can we get back to me getting psi powers?” Ashley said, getting annoyed

“I have to deal with this everyday with him,” Jeanne whispered to Ashley, grasping her hand and leading her over to the pod.

“Great, so what do I do here? Just get into the pod and nap?”

“That’s right.” As she helped Ashley into the pod, Jeanne asked, “Now, like I said, it’ll take about two days for testing to be complete. Did you want us to wake you up then if you have potential, or just go straight into unlocking your abilities.”

“Wake me up in two days, so I can at least see what I’m dealing with.” Ashley yelled, “And Eva? Don’t go and get pregnant during that two days you hear me.”

“Yes, Ash, I promise you that won’t happen. Remember I’m a soldier first and a girlfriend second. My training come before everything.”

Jean raised his hand slightly. “Does anyone care what I have to say on that subject?”

Eva looks at Jean “Of course you have a word darling, but i’m a soldier over everything else and I hope you understand that?”

Jean laughed. “Of course I do. I… don’t wanna a kid now either, to be honest.”

Jeanne shook her head as the pod slowly closed. “Thanks, Ashley. One more thing I’m going to have to hear about.”

“Hey, Eva might become your sister-in-law some day. It’s best to get used to her now rather than later, best get to knowing now if you want. Eva is a nice person, and you two might find some common ground some were.”

Jeanne rubbed her chin as the pod closed. She turned to Eva, and asked, “Do you have any free time?”

“Yea I’m not training to day why?”

Jeanne grasped her hand, pulling her along. “Hold the fort, Jean. Eva and I are going to share stories.”

“S-sure,” Jean said, horrified at the prospect of his girlfriend and sister getting close. The stories she could tell…

“Share stories, huh? Well, I have nothing to hide, so shoot.”

 

[DarkGemini24601]

“Demolition Experts” – Modya Dragomirov and the Rocketeers

XCOM Headquarters, Somewhere in Siberia
2015 Hours, August 21st, 2018
The Barracks

“You sure you aren’t getting mind-merged?” Megan lamented s Modya sunk another solid.

“Don’t blame me on your own incompetence, Connor,” Scarlet shot back, in her defense more than the Russian’s.

The Brooklyn rocketeer let out a soft, indignant growl, and managed to sink a stripe. “Heh heh heh…” Modya sunk two, leaving only one more before the eight ball. “Bastard…”

The Russian chuckled. “Sour, Megan?”

“What do you think?”

“Sounds sour to me,” Letz confirmed.

Scarlet just shook her head, glancing over at their fourth companion, who kept eyeing Scarlet uncomfortably. “Something wrong, Temple?”

“I’d be lying if I said your newfound power didn’t make me nervous,” Sharron replied.

“And I’m sure my Palestinian half has nothing to do with this,” Scarlet responded. No reply this time. “Though so.”

“When you defend your country from extremists for long enough, it blurs who you can trust,” Sharron muttered. “I’m not saying that’s the only reason your powers worry me, but…”

“It’s an underlying feeling,” Scarlet affirmed, shrugging nonchalantly. “And I’d be a liar if I pretended like I wasn’t tired to shit of the Israeli government’s inability to play nice. I don’t hold that against you.”

“The lack of blame is mutual… just something that was bothering me, even if it was an unfounded concern.”

The half-Palestinian rocketeer punched Sarah lightly in the shoulder. “Forget about it. I’m not the best at alleviating that sort of tension; most of my friends have to hate me first, like me afterwards.”

Sharron smiled. “Indeed. And perhaps we can fix our people’s conflict after the war.”

Megan perked up, catching Sharron’s last comment. “XCOM as some super-U.N.?”

Letz scoffed. “That’s the concept, but I’d like to think we’re more competent.”

Modya shrugged. “Sounds like a question for the higher-ups, honestly.” He sunk the eight ball, making Megan groan. “Anyone up for some training?”

***​

Modya looked over the simulation with approval. Before the four rocketeers was an urban environment, with several buildings having accessable rooftops. It was late evening, lit by streetlamps, and vaguely resembled a London street. “You all ready?”

“Always,” Scarlet confirmed with a nod.

“Of course,” Sharron added pleasantly.

“Yep,” Megan said enthusiastically, brimming with anticipation.

“Ready to go,” Letz finished with a fist-pump.

Modya inclined his head, and began the exercise, heading up to the roof with the others. Sharron made it there first with her muscle-fiber density, and the other four followed up a ladder as the Israeli rocketeer blew away a Floater with her heavy rifle. This gave the others time to get into cover.

“So the idea is this:” Modya explained, “There is a retaliation force coming through the building across the street. We need to collapse it on them.”

“How do we manage that?” Sharron asked, suppressing the second Floater.

“Precision, my friend,” the Russian replied with a grin.

Megan nailed the third Floater with her gauss carbine, and pointed to one of the office building’s support beams as Letz finished off the second. “We could blow that up with anti-armor rockets, right?”

“One won’t be enough,” Modya cautioned. “We hit two.”

“You and me can take the right one,” Megan told Scarlet, as Modya and Sharron took aim at the left. Letz aimed more central to collapse the section of roof in-between.

“Knowing your tendency to be off-target…” Scarlet’s eyes glowed violet, and thin threads of purple linked the two’s vision. “We will do this together.”

“Sweet,” Megan mumbled, lifting her holographic recoilless rocket launcher.

The sound of Balmadaar boost, stomping Mechtoids, Sectoid skittering, and the mighty servos of a Sectopod warned of the enemy forces nearing. A thunderous cannon shot blew apart the back wall, and the alien force entered the building.

Modya held up a hand. “Wait for it…”

A Sectoid peeked out of the front windows.

“Fire!”

The rockets soared into the bottoms of the support beams and edge of the roof, chaos ensuing. The Sectoid squealed as massive chunks of the roof caved in, crushing it and its companions, battering the Balmadaar and sealing the entrance.

“Fire again at the upper beams and walls!” Modya furthered. More rockets were let loose, and the top half of the office complex cave way, crushing the organic alien troops and mechanized ones beneath tons of rubble. All that remained visible was the head and arm of a Mechtoid. The plasma cannon fired off erratically, stuck with its barrel pointed straight up. The rocketeers put him out of his misery, Letz’s rifle dealing the final blow.

“Poor guy,” Megan offered.

“An alien, and a simulation, stupid,” Scarlet corrected her.

A series of missiles blew up the top layer of the rubble, and an ‘upset’, damaged Sectopod rose to its feet, having ravaged its own armor in the bid to escape its grave.

Letz sent a shredder into it, and the others opened fire. The titan only got one parting shot, but it was enough to hit Megan’s lower half and collapse the building under her. The simulation quickly ceased, force-fields lowering Megan harmlessly to the ground.

Modya rubbed the back of his neck, Megan slowly recovering from an imagined broiling and subsequent fall. “Maybe the Sectopod was a little much…” The Russian decided.

The Brooklyn rocketeer grabbed Modya by the front of his practice armor. “Ya think?!”

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Frostlich1228 & ZombieSplitter53
Part of Being Human

X-COM Headquarters
Secondary Shooting Range
August 21th, 2030 Hours

Alice slowly looked the sniper rifle up and down, wondering why she needed to learn to use a weapon she would likely never use. 'But what if you have no choice at some point' Sunny had insisted.

With a shrug of the shoulders, she took aim, trying to ignore the curious look from the soldiers, wondering what the deal was with the blond woman in a casual dress practicing amongst them. She fired, and was surprised to find she had missed the target completely. "How?"

"You have to steady it on something when you fire for maximum accuracy." Ammelia said smiling as she walked up behind Sunny and the unfamiliar woman.

Sunny turned and smiled. Before she could say anything, Alice mumbled, "My aim is steady enough. It's probably just broken."

"Well, I'm sure it's not broken, Sunny and her crew make sure all of our weapons are at peak efficiency. You probably need to practice more, firing a sniper rifle is not as simple as picking it up and shooting." Ammy replied, taking a few steps closer to the girl.

Alice folded her arms, pouting a bit, and Sunny rolled her eyes. "Alice, if you want a mature body, you shouldn't act so immature. Ammelia is a sniper, after all. I think she knows what she's talking about."

"A-Alice?" The Sniper's eyes widened as she gently ran her hand along Alice's arm, "I heard you gave her a body but I assumed it would be mechanical... This is incredible...It feels so real..."

"Thanks," Sunny and Alice said together. "I asked her to make it as realistic as possible," Alice continued.

"And that was at the cost of durability," Sunny insisted. "That is why I want her to be prepared. She'll need to be if she wants any field work. That was the way I was able to convince the Commander to let me do this in the first place. But she won't train."

"You may have terabytes of combat data Alice, but you need to actually fire a gun to learn how to use it properly." Ammelia said, crossing her arms.

Alice signed. "Fine... but you need to promise me that if I do well, you'll tell me, instead of insisting that I need to do even better like some... overprotective mother."

"I am NOT being overprotective." Sunny stomped her foot. "I just want you do be the best you can be, and be completely prepared."

Alice shook her head, and slowly took aim, trying to steady the sniper rifle.

"Okay, this may be a little strange for you, but holding your breath will stop your hands from shaking and help steady your shot." Ammy said, her words reminding herself of Dorian's training.

"Um... alight." Alice temporarily deactivated her breathing simulator, and concentrated on the target. She fired, and hit the target just to the left of the center. "Oh... I-I... guess it wasn't broken. Sorry."

"See? This is actually a lot easier for you because we're using gauss weapons. Normally you would have to compensate for bullet drop and aim higher than the spot you intend you hit." Ammelia replied, giving Alice a smile.

Alice smiled back. "Thanks. It... it's nice to get some positive reinforcement for a change, Sunny keeps..."

"Keeps what?" Sunny asked, folding her arms. "Trying to keep you safe? Trying to keep you in one piece?"

"I don't need that much help!" Alice pointed her arm at the target, her palm opening. A few moments later, a concentrated laser beam shot out, incinerating the wooden target. "I can fight."

"Just because I'm having you learn to fight doesn't mean you will," Sunny said.

"Well, maybe I will fight!" Alice glared at Sunny. "Maybe I'll be a soldier."

"No you won't!" Sunny screamed. "If you try to be a soldier, I'll take away your bo..." Sunny slapped her hands over her mouth, and Alice's eyes widened. "Wait... no, Alice, I didn't..."

"I hate you!" Alice shouted, and ran out of the room.

Ammelia stood there and gave Sunny a disappointed look, "You know Sunny... Part of being human is learning things by yourself through trail and error... I know you want to protect her, but you have to let her do what she wants to and let her make mistakes... Free will doesn't mean much if you don't let her live her own life..."

Sunny's lip quivered a bit. "I... I-I just... don't want to lose her. If she... she died because of the body I gave her... she's my friend..."

Ammelia knelt down and wrapped her arms around Sunny, "I know... I know... But if you love something... you have to let it go... you can't tell her what to do her whole life... she's a person... No one wants to be babysat forever..."

Sunny nodded, but then shook her head. "B-but... what do I do now? She... after what I said, she'll never talk to me again!"

"Say you're sorry... That's the best you can do... I can come with you if that makes you feel better..." Ammy answered comfortingly.

"Yes, please..." Sunny grasped Ammelia's hand. "She probably went back to engineering. Come on."

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Ammelia squeezed Sunny's hand tightly as she followed her to the engineering bay. Entering the large bay, an engineer immediately pointed towards the back of the room, guessing what they were there for. They found Alice curled up on a chair, staring at the android body representing her younger form. She glanced back at them, then starred at the floor. "I... wish I had the ability to cry in this body. Somehow, not being able to do so when you want to makes you feel even worse."

Ammy lead Sunny forward, stopping just in front of Alice, "Alice... Sunny has something important that she'd like to say to you..."

Alice slowly turned to Sunny. The young girl rushed forward, wrapping her arms around the taller android's stomach. "I-I didn't mean it. I'd never take away your body. It's yours now. I'm sorry I was so... restrictive."

Alice hugged her back. "And I'm sorry I was acting some childish. If... if you really don't..."

"No!" Sunny shook her head vigorously. "Ammelia talked to me. I promised I'd help you become your own person. And that means not holding you back. You can do whatever you want."

Alice looked up at Ammelia with a questioning look.

"I told her that part of being human is making your own choices, Good or Bad, but don't forget that Sunny is your friend and she's here to help you... You're your own person now Alice, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't go to Sunny for advice when you need it. You mean the world to her and she'll be there for you, whatever you need..." The Sniper said, putting a hand on Alice's shoulder.

"I... I understand." Alice nodded. "I think I'll just stick with what I was originally going to do. Field hacking and back-up." She smiled at Sunny. "But no matter what I do, I need to be as prepared as possible." Looking back at Ammelia, she asked, "If, um... if you aren't too busy, do you mind if we train a little more. Your advise really did help. This body follows a lot of... I guess you'd say rules that my hologram doesn't, and I could use help getting used to it."

"Of course, I'd be glad to teach you what I know!" Ammelia brought her hands together in excitement, "My trainer Dorian is also here on base, maybe we could all train together!"

"I'd like that very much." Alice rubbed the back of her head. "Do you... think he'll be ask excepting as you are about me?"

"I don't see why he wouldn't be, he's friends with my father after all, we live around technology twenty-four seven. If anything, I'd think he would be fascinated by you." Ammelia said, trying to guess her bodyguard's reaction to the android.

"Alright!" Alice clasped Ammy's hand. "Let's go. It sounds like fun."

The Sniper helped the android stand up and looked down at Sunny, "Would you like to come?'

"Of course," Sunny answered, taking Ammelia's other hand.

"I'll lead you up to his room, then we can go practice!" Ammelia smiled, pulling them both towards the door with surprising strength.

"This Mr. Dorian must inspire a lot of confidence in you," Alice said as she was pulled along.

"Well Dorian isn't his last name... In fact I don't really know what his last name is... I would always ask but he would never tell me... After a while I just gave up..." Ammelia shrugged, stilling pulling them forward, "Anyway, he's that one that got me where I am today... Without him, my dad would've never let me become a soldier..." Ammy looked back at the pair and smiled, realizing the similarities between those two and herself and her father.

Sunny seemed to realize the same thing, and muttered, "I guess I should have realized how over protective I was being, considering what you've told me."

"It's not your fault, we all want to protect the ones we love." Ammelia responded as they reached the elevator.

Alice watched as Sunny tried to catch her breath, and asked, "So, is there anything we should no about this man before we meet him?"

"Well, he's really shy around new people, so don't be upset if he doesn't open up to you immediately." The Sniper answered, pressing the button to go up.

"I can relate to that." Sunny motioned her head towards her android friend. "I originally programmed Alice to be so open to meeting new people to counter how shy I was."

"Well, Dorian isn't 'normal' shy. His shyness comes from a disorder that he's had since birth." Ammelia explained.

"What kind of disorder?" Alice asked.

"Y-you don't have to tell us if it is too personal," Sunny quickly added.

"Well..." Ammelia thought for a second, "I don't think he'd mind if I told you... He has full functioning autism. That means he thinks and acts differently than normal people, so it's not uncommon for people to find him strange..."

"Oh... okay," Sunny said. "We'll keep that in mind. It should be fine." The elevator finally stopped and Ammy walked out towards Dorian's room, trying to calm her excitement. "Make sure you're polite now, Alice." Sunny told the blond android.

"Yes, mom," Alice said sarcastically.

Ammelia chuckled a little as they reached Dorian's door giving it a knock. The door opened and revealed a towering dark skinned man wearing a black T-shirt and pants. He noted Ammelia, nodding slightly, but then turned towards Alice and Sunny, staring at them awkwardly.

"Good Afternoon Dorian!" Ammelia said brightly, "I wanted you to meet my friends. This is Sunny and Alice."

"Whoa..." Sunny starred up at the man's face, towering nearly two feet above her.

"Nice to meet you!" Alice extended her hand. "Ammelia told us so much about you. She really thinks highly of you, you know."

"Hello..." Dorian said slowly, not really attempting to shake Alice's hand, "I... Am Aware..."

Alice simply left her hand extended for a few more moments before Sunny cleared her throat. "What?" Alice asked. "I... oh, right..." She put her arm down and smiled.

"Mr. Dorian, Ammy said you might be able to give my friend some advice, and maybe a little training. We figured, if you could train a civilian well enough to be on par with trained soldiers, despite her impairments, you might be able to help Alice to. She... also is a special case, though for different reasons."

"I'd... Be glad..." Dorian replied simply, his head tilted a little at Sunny's last line, but decided not press her about it. It would come out with time.

Ammelia smiled happily, "Thanks so much! We can go now if you'd like."

The Assault nodded, following Ammelia and her two friends back towards the shooting range.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

X-COM HQ
Office of Commander Morrigan O'Brien
August 21st, 2230 Hours

Morrigan hit enter on her keyboard, and the familiar silhouette appeared on her screen. "Commander. We'd like to discuss the situation of your... guests. First, in regards to Ms. Fischer. Have there been any more... incidents?"

"None," Morrigan answered. "Some odd looks, whispers, but no problems. How... did you finally convince the rest of the Council to..."

"I don't know what you mean." The shadowy man shrugged. "With tempers high amongst everyone, a show of good faith on both sides will likely relieve some of that tension. The Council recognizes how important a sign of trust is for both sides."

"I see..." Morrigan tapped her fingers together. "So, when can she go on another mission?"

"The rest of the Council might be resistant on that front, but should you assign her to a mission before they have time to complain?" The Councilman shrugged. "So, tell me how the Legion forces are doing."

"Those clones of theirs are behaving well, despite hostilities. And the robots are robots. As for the sisters, Vee is adjusting well. She seems to be some thing of a troublemaker, but her mood and access to her emotions makes it easier to adjust to the soldiers. Emma doesn't have it so easy, but she is doing fine, and Lily barely leaves her room, and never without one of the others."

"And... their leader?"

Morrigan sighed, trying to ready herself. "Elene... is undergoing psionic testing. I realize I should have contacted the Council first, but delaying it would have risked betraying trust, as she may have felt I don't have control..."

The Councilman held his hand up. "We are not fearful of a single Legion member, even the leader, gaining psionics. And this presents an opportunity to study the development of psionics in a non-combatant without opening the door to our staff."

Morrigan nodded. "Right. And Elene has been open with her research up until now. I'm sure this won't be any different."

"Please encourage her to continue as such, "the man said. "Thank you for the report, Commander. I leave you with... an unusual video file. We are still researching the nature of it. Our top informants are on the case, including one I'm sure you are familiar with. We will contact you with more information when it becomes available."

As the screen went dark, the Commander scratched her head. "Unusual video?" The video in question finished uploading a few minutes later, and Morrigan carefully watched the strung together compilation of security footage, video recordings, and phone recordings.

====================

Vila de Anonimato
Twenty Miles Outside of Guarujá, São Paulo, Brazil
August 20th, 1930 Hours

Gabriel flew across the street, smashing violently against a large metal dumpster. As he hacked up blood, he was sure he'd be lucky with only broken ribs. If not, one of said ribs likely punctured a lung. He looked at his camcorder that had landed next to him, still in one piece somehow, and glared like it was the small device's fault he had been so reckless. Still, he couldn't help but scoop it up as a Thin Man and a Sectoid approached him. The pair of aliens seemed to discuss something, likely in regards to him, though it was hard to tell when one spoke in an unfamiliar language and the other simply bobbed its head up and down.

Finally coming to some agreement, the Thin Man wrapped its hand around Gabriel's ankle and dragged him along, ignoring the man's screams. They had only gone a few dozen feet when a Muton in black armor stepped forward. It looked down at Gabriel as the Thin Man questioned where it had come from in several different languages. Frustrated, the tall alien looked at its Sectiod partner, the latter lifting its wrist-mounted weapon. With incredible speed for such a large being, the Muton pulled a weapon of its own, what resembled an over sized handgun, and blew a hole through the Sectoid's head. As the Thin Man reach for its own weapon, a second Thin Man dropped down in front of it from an overhead branch, and snapped the first one's neck, quickly tossing it to the side before it expelled its gas.

Gabriel starred at the two new aliens with a mix of horror and confusion, when a loud crash made him look to his left. A colossal alien walked forward, fighting hand-to-hand with a Muton and a Berserker. It smashed the former alien's head in with one mighty punch, and lifted the latter alien into the air, ripping it in half with its four gigantic arms.

Walking over to its colleagues, the three aliens and single human turned to the sound of rushing footsteps, two Mutons and two Muton Elites leveling their weapons. They didn't fire, however, and after a few moments, they started to shake violently. An alien hidden under a cloak floated past them, and the Mutons crumpled to the ground.

The the four aliens together again, they turned to move on. Gabriel cautiously lifted his camera, and the Thin Man spun around, pointing a weapon at him. Before it could fire, the cloaked figured rushed between them. It shook its head, and looked at Gabriel. The camera floated out of his hand, and hovered in front of the cloaked alien, turning on all sides as it was examined. Seemingly satisfied, the camera floated back into Gabriel's hands, and the aliens walked off, leaving the dumbstruck human alone, surrounded by alien bodies.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

"A Repaid Debt" - Amanda Ortiz

XCOM Headquarters, Somewhere in Siberia
1400 Hours, August 22nd, 2018
The Barracks

"And that is how you operate a battleship turret," Kris Smith, gunner, concluded.

"...I'm going to be honest with you, that went over my head," Janina Adolfsson, infantry, replied.

Atka shook her head in amusement. "Matters of that sort are best left to the engineers and gunners."

"Perhaps you mean those who are not technologically illiterate," Airi Fujioka added.

"To be fair, I think heavy machinery isn't exactly something everyone understands," Amanda Ortiz muttered.

"Says the MEC trooper," Kevin Nash countered.

"That doesn't mean I magically gained the ability to operate turr..." the Guardian trailed off as she noticed a man in a business suit clear his throat. "What's up, Tom?"

"I picked someone up that you ought to speak with," the messanger explained, motioning for Amanda to follow. The former field medic got up, and walked with Thomas.

"My brother?" Amanda guessed apprehensively.

"Indeed. You...haven't told him about your augmentation yet, so I understand that you'd be nervous."

"I still have to talk to him though."

"That would be for the best," Tom affirmed, stopping at a door. "Good luck." He left Amanda to speak with Gabriel.

Amanda did not spend more time letting her nervousness stop her, and opened the door, stepping inside. Gabriel was sitting in his wheelchair, and looked up at Amanda as she approached. His initial joy of seeing his sister quickly subsided when he noticed her metallic limbs. "Jesús...what happened?"

The MEC trooper knelt down to be at eye level with Gabriel. "It was by choice, Gabe. XCOM needed mechanized troopers, but to operate the battlesuit we have to attach to the limbs by the jointns. And that means I had to be augmented like this."

Gabriel was quiet for a few moments. "Amanda...you didn't do this to punish yourself, did you?"

Amanda shook her head. "N-no...I know you wouldn't have wanted this for me, but I went to Moscow...saw the hell the aliens had unleashed...and I knew we needed the added strength to stop that from happening again."

The paralyzed soldier took a deep breath. "Alright. I just worry about you, hermana. You said they had to be...detached for combat? And attached to some battlesuit? Does that hurt?"

Amanda winced. "Every time."

Gabriel shook his head. "And you say I'm the brave one."

"You're the one who jumped into a hail of gunfire to save his sister." Amanda's expression lightened. "The same technology that made me like this...it can be used to help you, though. That's why I asked you to join."

"They can make me walk again?"

Amanda nodded. "I'm not sure if you'll have the same range of mobility...but yeah."

Gabriel's smiled returned. "I owe you a lot for that, then...not sure that's a debt I can repay."

"I'm just repaying a debt I"ve owed you the past few years," Amanda replied softly.

 

[Frostlich1228]

MarineAvenger and Frostlich1228

XCOM Base, Siberia
Room of Ammelia Cross
1200 Hours

Desmond walked down the hall towards the room of a person he had not spoken to in a while. Although they had not left off on the best of terms, Desmond thought enough time had best and he should go see his friend. He knocked on the door and took a step back, waiting for a response.

Ammelia’s voice spoke from behind the door, “Hello?”

“Ammelia, it’s me, Desmond. Can we talk?”

Her voice began to hesitate, “D-Desmond? W-what ab-bout?”

“I just want to talk. I think this whole thing has gone on long enough. Can we just talk like normal people?” Desmond asked, hoping that she would hear him out.

“I-I… Y-You… I…” Ammelia took a deep breath, trying to push the thoughts of what happened during the base defense out of her mind, “A-Alright…”

He put a hand on the handle. “May I come in?”

“Mmhm…” Ammelia answered as she slowly opened the door.

“Hey,” Desmond said with a smile. “You look good. How have you been?”

Ammelia held her arm, looking down, “I-I… It’s… been hard…”

Desmond’s smile faded. “You okay?”

“I’m s-sorry… I have talked t-to you… I’ve forgiven you… for keeping your past from me… but…” Ammy hesitated for a moment.

“What is wrong? Did something happen? You can talk to me you know. You know I won’t judge you.” He tried to encourage her.

“Something… happened during the base defense… I… One of t-those things… took control of m-me…” The Sniper said slowly, having to remind herself that Desmond wouldn’t hurt her.

Desmond grimaced. “Sorry you had to experience something like that. The same almost happened to me as well. The Ethereal that attacked us tried to pry it’s way into my mind, it was hard to fight him back.”

“It… it m-made me s-stab Jessica… I-it wanted m-me to…” Ammy took a seat, shaking a little.

Desmond put a hand on her shoulder. “It is fine Ammelia. No sense going back into painful memories. Has anything good happened? I am sure you have had some good times.”

“I’m… so happy t-that Buniq is back.. but they… they made her a p-psion…” She grasped her pants leg, trying to calm her shaking.

“I am...sorry. They had forced enough onto those poor refugees but being a psion isn’t so bad. I know doesn’t affect daily life all that much…”

“I… I’m scared that she’ll lose control of her power… After h-having that… thing… in my head… I know just how evil they can become… No one should be able… to control someone else like that… it’s… horrific…” Ammy responded, looking up at Desmond.

“Well...that is a way to look at it.” Desmond sat down on the bed next to her. “I know you must have been terrified but I want to give you a bit of advice to try and ease your mind a bit. I would understand if you have never seen a firework display but see it like this. A firework can be beautiful and can make people feel good. Yet take something like a missile. Works exactly like a firework but the two have completely different purposes. Just because a concept can be frightening, there are better uses for them. Think of Buniq’s powers like that, they may be scary to you but could have the capacity for something...wonderful.”

“B-But… What if the intention is to make something wonderful, but you lose control and the firework… hurts someone… or burns someone’s house down?”

“Accidents happen. If someone was to mishandle the firework or didn’t know how to use one then that might happen, but someone who knows how to use it, can try and minimize that margin of error. If an accident happens, it happens. There is nothing to do about it but would you rather it be by someone who had no idea what they were doing and have that make them responsible, or someone who is trained and have it just be a mistake that unfortunately happened?”

“I-I guess… But I still don’t trust it… I’m not sure I’ll ever after what happened…” Ammy nodded slowly.

Desmond shrugged. “That is your choice. Just as long as you understand.” Desmond cracked his knuckles. “Things have been rocky on my end as well. Too many things happened at once, I nearly just lost it.”

“At least Elene made it back safely… That’s what’s important.” Ammelia said, trying to comfort him in return.

“Yeah, that is a consolation in of itself. Until EXALT is destroyed though, my job isn’t done.”

“I’ll be glad to help you do it. Lusett was my family too.” The Sniper responded with determination.

“We will see what the future holds. So...have you found anyone yet?” Desmond asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Mmhm…” Ammy nodded, “Buniq and I have… become close…”

“Good for you. Would explain why you had that sparkle in your voice when you said her name.”

“I didn’t know what to do when they took her away… I was willing to take them all on by myself in order to save her... I’ll never be able to thank Emma enough for saving her… It could’ve been so much worse.” Ammelia replied.

Desmond rubbed his neck. “I would be lying if I didn’t feel the same about the Exalt girls. They are basically sisters to me. I made Morrigan angry more than once with my vendetta. Was on the verge of blowing open the doors and going in solo. Thankfully people who cared for me snapped me back to reality before I did something I regretted.”

“At least you knew where they were. If not for Emma, it may have taken us months to find Buniq again. You had the option to do something, I didn’t, I had to sit and wait until they found her… That waiting was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do…”

“I hear you.” Desmond put a hand on Ammelia’s shoulder. “At least things are okay for now. It was nice having another talk with you Ammy.”

“You too… I’m… I’m sorry I didn’t want to talk to you for so long… I shouldn’t have been so scared of you…” Ammelia replied, a little disappointed in herself.

“Don’t dwell on it too much alright, I am not holding a grudge.”

“Thanks… Could… Could you do me a favor?” The Sniper asked.

“What kind of favor?” Desmond asked with a bit of hesitation.

“Could you help Buniq practice her powers? Maybe teach her how to use her more… offensive abilities safely?” Ammelia replied.

Desmond scratched his head. “I-I could try to. All depends on her willingness to learn and how close her powers are to mine. From what we have observed, a lot of different people have unique colors and powers. If we are too far away from one another one the ‘spectrum’ then it may be impossible for a person of one color to teach one of the opposite. I will try though.”

“Colors? I guess I don’t really need to tell you this, but I wouldn’t know what Buniq’s color would be. Maybe you could meet her and find out yourself.” Ammy asked inquisitively.

“I will try. Not saying I can work a miracle but if I am able to then I will at least attempt it.” Desmond told the girl encouragingly.

“Thank you Desmond. I want her to be in the hands of someone who knows about this sort of thing” Ammelia responded smiling.

Desmond returned the smile. “Glad to help.” Damn you Morrigan, always have to be right don’t you...heh, that woman is going to be the death of me.

“It’s been nice seeing you again Desmond, feel free to come and talk anytime.” Ammy said, wrapping her arms around him.

“I will be sure not to wait a month before seeing you again.” Desmond put a hand on her head and walked to the door. “See you around, all right?”

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Adrammalech & ZombieSplitter53
Adjustments

XCOM Headquarters - Holo-Rec Room
Siberia, Russian Federation
August 22nd, 2018 -1430 Hours

Emily sat on a spare chair with one of the security guards by the holo-rec room, the guard leaning towards her eagerly during their conversation with a grateful grin. From a distance, it looked as though they were flirting, with Emily smiling and chuckling comfortingly towards him. As their conversation wrapped up, Emily was surprised by a poke in her side from behind her, and the familiar face of a girl and her robot over her shoulder.

“Is this a friends of yours, Emily?” Sunny asked, smiling at the guard.

“Oh, yeah, I’m just helping him with something. We’re just finishing up, in fact,” Emily stood from her chair along with the guard. She turned towards him and continued. “Just remember, confidence, firm pose, mild smile.”

“Right,” he gave an exaggerated nod. “Thanks, Emily.”

“No problem, and thank you,” Emily smiled, and turned back towards Sunny. “So, what brings you two over here?”

“Maintenance on the rec room,” Sunny answered.

“And a bit of testing to see how quickly I can ‘pop in and out’, as it were.” Alice added. “Never know when that might be prudent.”

“Can you connect to the room somehow?” Emily asked. “Sorry, I haven’t been good with computers in a few years.”

Alice nodded. “As long as there is a wireless signal. Or I have time to plug into the computers, but let’s face it, if I’m jumping out of my body quickly, I probably don’t have time for that.”

Sunny glanced back. “Was that man your boyfriend. You two seemed really friendly.”

“Oh, no, I haven’t had a boyfriend in a while,” Emily shook her head. “I was helping him get a girlfriend, actually. He asked me for advice on the whole talking to people thing, nice guy.”

“Oh, that’s nice of you.” Sunny smiled.

“Is it hard to get a girlfriend?” Alice scratched her head. “Do you not simply need to be nice to a girl to gain her desire for your company?”

“It’s pretty much that easy,” Emily chuckled, “but some people are nervous and shy. Been embarrassed and rejected, things like that, then they need a little nudge.”

“I see,” Alice said with a nod. “All so interesting, human relationships. Perhaps one day I will have to try it for myself. Assuming I can find the proper human who would like the company of a synthetic lifeform such as myself.”

“I think you’d be surprised how open-minded people are these days, if you did want to do that.”

Alice nodded her head, deep in thought. Sunny smiled at her android friend’s learning experience. “So where are you headed now, Emily?”

Emily looked around as if compiling a mental checklist, and then resolved with a shrug. “Nowhere else, really. Just kind of enjoying freedom at the moment.”

“Has anyone given you a hard time?” The short engineer asked, concern in her voice.

“No, not really...just an awkward stare here and there. I didn’t really care about that, though, more worried about what you and the others thought.”

“Well, I never doubted you.” Alice folded her arms. “Even if people would call that naive. You wouldn’t simply hurt someone unless they gave you a good reason. And here you are, walking with us. So you must have had a good reason.” She frowned. “Wait… is that gloating? Sorry.”

“Nah, I did have a good reason,” Emily nodded.

“Well, regardless of what the situation is, I’m just glad to see you out.” Sunny rubbed her arms. “The thought of you in that cold, empty brig, all by yourself. It sent chills down my spine.”

“It was pretty scary at the time,” Emily gave a brief frown, “but everything worked itself out, thanks to the Commander. I still get to be around you, Alice has a brand new body,” Emily sighed with contentment. “Everything’s pretty good right now, I think.”

“It is odd,” Sunny said cautiously. “With everything that has happened, I was afraid you might be depressed. I’m glad to see you in high spirits.”

“I guess being in a dark place makes you appreciate the light a little more,” Emily replied. “It’s still rough to think about, but I don’t have to think about it all the time. I have you, and Nika, and Dallas to keep my mind off things.”

“What about Sven?” Alice asked. “He can be a little… what’s a good word?”

“Distant?”

“Yes, distant. But he’s been warming up to us, little by little.”

“He has, and I also have Ammy, and you, of course,” she continued with a playful nudge. “So there you go.”

Alice smiled, glad to be part of a group.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

As they approached engineering, Sunny said, “I have some adjustments I need to make for Alice. Did you want to join us?”

“I can’t say I’ll be helpful, but I can’t say no to you,” Emily grinned, letting Sunny lead the way.

Entering the large bay, the trio headed towards Sunny’s area near the back. Passing Dr. Shen, Sunny said, “Emily is going to be a second pair of hands for me. Can you make sure none of the men come back while we’re here without announcing it first.”

“Of course,” Shen responded, giving Emily a quick nod before returning to his work.

“So,” Emily clapped her hands together, “how do I do science?”

“I’ll just need you to hand me a few tools, if you don’t mind,” Sunny answered as the reached her station. She grabbed a small curtain, pushing it in between them and the rest of engineering as Alice slipped her shirt off. “Do you know tools, Emily. Because I don’t want to insult you if you do by assuming you don’t.”

“I know my tools, but I’m not sure just how complicated your tools are compared to...a garage, or something.”

“Nothing to complicated.” Sunny examined Alice’s bare back. “In the second shelf, there should be a radio signal transmitter. It… looks like a sonic screwdriver attached to an Geiger counter.”

Emily picked up a little box with a couple antennae poking out. “This?”

“Yeah,” Sunny said, detaching a piece from the back and holding it up to Alice’s back. After fiddling with the dials, the androids back opened up, revealing a wall of circuitry. “Hm… not bad. I was afraid that fall… Can you get my a 8mm socket wrench and a laser scalpel? The latter… um… looks like a scalpel with a laser pointer. Sorry, probably didn’t need to explain that one...”

“You’d be surprised, I was looking for glowing edges,” Emily mumbled, pulling the wrench and then the scalpel and handing it over.

“So what did the others say when they saw you for the first time,” Sunny asked as she detached the circuit board. “Especially Nika. Couldn’t have been a pleasant thing to wake up to.”

“Everyone was really accepting actually...they hugged me and told me they knew I was innocent,” Emily explained, looking over Sunny’s shoulder and then looking away. “It was unexpected...but really important to me. I thought I couldn’t love my team anymore, but I was wrong.”

“Well, we all really love you, Emily,” Sunny insisted. “Your pain is our pain.” She slipped on a pair of surgical gloves. “Alice, deactivate pain receptors of the flow of internal fluid to your back muscles.”

“Already done,” Alice said, though her expression looked like that of a small child about to receive a shot.

“You aren’t squeamish, are you Emily?” Sunny asked, motioning towards what appeared to be light blue muscles in Alice’s back.

“Can’t be in this line of work,” Emily replied, “but, this is pretty new…wouldn’t it be easier if she was ‘sleeping’?”

“Need her to be awake to tell me if I’m hitting something I shouldn’t be.” Sunny quickly shook her head. “Not… not that I will, of course.” She slowly cut into the muscles, a small amount of white fluid bleeding out. “So what about Legion? Have they given you any trouble. I’ve heard so many people say they can’t be trusted, but… but I haven’t actually seen them do anything wrong, so I’m a bit confused.”

“I think they can be trusted to a point, it was just this one guy I had a problem with,” Emily said, shifting uncomfortably and feeling like she should do something with her hands. “They’ve been good to me as far as forgiveness goes.”

“Well, that’s good.” Sunny cautiously pulled some muscles apart, revealing another circuit board underneath. “Now, um… on the desk next to you, there is a small computer chip. Can you… pop it into that open slot in the middle of the board?”

Emily grabbed the chip and held it over Alice’s back, and with a small shudder, pushed it into the correct place. “So, uh, what’ll that do?”

“Alice has enhanced strength, but I neglected to put something in her to automatically distribute her strength. She can do it herself, but she couldn’t redistribute pressure instinctively. She nearly blew a few muscles when she dropped down from too tall of a height and all the force went straight to her back. This’ll give her that ability.” Sunny started closing up the ‘wound’. “I guess there a few things the human body does instinctively that I took for granted.”

“It is a pretty cool thing, and someone’s becoming more like that everyday,” Emily said, looking over at Alice to see if she was okay.

“Th-thanks…” Alice smiled. “Though, I have to admit. Having my back open like this makes me nervous, even if I’m not feeling anything.”

“I’m sorry, Alice.” Sunny quickly finished closing the muscles. “I promise, I won’t have to do anything like this again unless it is for maintenance.”

Alice nodded. “O-okay…”

“So, everything’s good, right?” Emily nodded quickly, a little shiver running down her spine. “That was a success. I wasn’t nervous at all.”

“Y-yeah… me neither…” Alice said, contradicting herself.

“Complete success.” Sunny screwed the original board on, and used the electronic device to close the panel. She smiled at Emily. “I’ve had to learn the hard way about different human traits I never thought of before. Take basic modesty.” She motioned her head towards Alice, who was covering her chest with one of her arms while using the other to reach for her shirt. “There is a surprisingly thin line between modesty and shame, and it took me hours of fine tuning to find a good balance.”

“I could see that being a problem, and maybe...disappointment and sadness?” Emily asked.

“Exactly,” Sunny said, happy to hear someone understand her programming difficulties. “Before I got it set up right, whenever she’d fail to do something right, like in training, she’d get incredibly depressed. Of course, I’ve left room for her to change and decide for herself how to react to situations, but I needed a good base. That way, she didn’t start off kicking herself for every mistake and walking through the base naked.”

“And I imagine it’s nice for her not being depressed if someone spills a coffee or something.”

“Just as long as I’m sad when I’m supposed to be,” Alice said. “It is part of being human, right?”

“Right.” Sunny held her stomach. “Speaking of being… you wanna get some lunch, Emily? We could talk more, and maybe you could give me ideas for tinkering with Alice’s programming to make it more… natural.”

“Sure, I’m not really hungry,” Emily said, scratching her head, “but that sounds fun. As long as Alice is okay with having my opinions, of course.”

Alice clasped Emily’s hand. “Of course I do. I love getting suggestions from my friends, especially one of my best friends.”

“Sounds good,” Emily smiled towards both of them.

 

[MarineAvenger]

Some R and R

XCOM Base, Siberia
Desmond's Personal Lab
August 22nd, 2018
1500 Hours

Ryan sat on a stool working on a small project he had been assigned to by Shen and looked as though he could jump at the quickest drop of a dime. He was concerned, to put it mildly, about his friend. Ever since the base assault, Ryan had been noticing that Desmond wasn't the same man he had began working with. The occasional joke and smile was there but Ryan couldn't help but feel it was all a front. Whatever Desmond was playing at, Ryan didn't like it. The man was a time bomb and he feared that he was close to going off.

Ryan watched from the sidelines as his friend beat down tirelessly on a dummy, an unusual tension surrounding Desmond. He had no idea if he was this way to others just whether Desmond was just more open when he was alone or have little company. Ryan set down his screwdriver and wiped his hands with a greasy rag. "You have been pounding on that thing for," Ryan looked at the clock and crossed his arms. "Two hours. You need to take a break man."

Desmond hit the dummy hard once more and turned to his friend, wiping his brow. "Ryan, I am fine. I have gone on longer with more intense workouts than this. I am not hurting myself."

Ryan looked unmoved and not fooled. "Desmond, you can't fool me. We have been together to long if you think I don't notice these things."

Desmond stopped himself before he hit the dummy again and looked down shaking his head while sighing. "What is your point?"

Ryan stood up. "My point is, is that you have handled a lot of stress lately. You need to cool yourself or you are going to blow."

Desmond shook his head in disbelief. "Wha...I am not burning myself out Ryan. Sure, I am a little on edge but isn't everyone?"

"Oh yeah? When was the last time you got more than eight hours of sleep, huh? Or the last time you ate something without someone trying to fight you to do so, or the last time your even changed yourself without someone telling you to remind you?" Ryan asked with confusion in his tone.

"So I get a little into things. Is that a crime?" Desmond said looking around as if there was a crowd.

"No, Desmond..." Ryan walked closer, his tone grower higher and more condescending as if he was a father telling off a child. "The crime is that you are making people worry? What has got to you?"

Desmond held up a hand and then turned his back to Ryan.

"Desmond you try and put up this tough guy act and the only place you are going to get yourself is in a hole six feet below the ground." Ryan put his hand on Desmond's shoulder and turned him around. "Come on man. Stop this facade. I can see the pain in your eyes."

"What is there for me to worry about?" Desmond chuckled and started to pace back and forth. "Elene, Vee, Lily, and even Emma is safe. I put a bullet into the bastard who has been trying to ruin our lives. My relationship with Elizabeth is doing fine. I have finally talked to Ammelia again. And Morrigan is looking out for me like a god damn mother! So why would I have anything to be stressed about?"

"Look at yourself Desmond! You are a shell of the person who once were. Your eyes are sunken, you haven't shaved lately and you spend a lot of your time wandering around the base or lock up alone! All the things you listed are stressing you out. Just because things may look good doesn't mean they are all alright."

Desmond rubbed his face and looked down. "And what am I supposed to do, huh?' Desmond shook his head and held out his hands. "Just...pretend like everything is fucking right in the world! Just try and act like it is all sunshine and rainbows? Well I fucking can't!" Desmond slammed his fist into one of the metal tables and his shoulders dropped, and he put a hand over his eyes. "The fuck am I supposed to do. I talk to people, I try and vent everything but it just all fucking builds up."

Ryan walked up to Desmond and put a hand on his shoulder. "Look I know it is hell right now man. You just need to try and power through it. Take a break. You probably aren't going into the field anytime soon, so get yourself out of this room. Go take a shower, freshen yourself up. Go get a check up and get some rest. You are human Desmond. Other people can only look out for you so much. You need to take the initiative."

Desmond harrumphed. "You really don't let up do you?"

Ryan nodded his head slowly. "I was in the navy Desmond. You stick a man on a boat and a few screws come loose from time to time. I also had a few buddies in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some of them lost it coming home. Couple of them were put away for doing bad things, one of them even killed himself. I refuse to see another friend of mine go down that road."

Desmond turned around and the two men hugged each other, Desmond slapping Ryan on the back a couple of times and Desmond doing the same.

"Go get some R and R. I will check in with you later and we can grab a couple of beers over a game of pool." Ryan told his friend.

Desmond nodded and grabbed his jacket, slipping his arms into the sleeves and walked out into the hall to go get a warm shower and a clean shave.

***

Desmond sat in a office in the Med Bay, a hot shower and a clean face giving him the energy to follow Ryan's advice and get a check up. Elizabeth had the day off so he visited just one of the other doctors.

The man walked in with a clipboard and looked over the chart for a few minutes before setting it down and looking at Desmond. "So what brings you here Desmond?"

"Just a quick check up. Been under a lot of stress and a friend of mine suggested it." Desmond informed the doctor.

The man nodded and rubbed his hands together. "Then let us begin." The doctor did a usual examine, checking Desmond's pulse and breathing, drawing a little blood for some test, checking his eyes, throat and ears.

After the doctor was done and the tests were finished, he walked in looking over the notes. "Well, you are healthy for the most part. Your blood/oxygen levels were a little off balance and your blood sugar was a bit low but that can be normal for a man with your workout routine. Breathing was a little unsteady but it is probably the same case, so what I would recommend is just a little more bed rest and to take it easy on the gym visits. Remember to balance out your diet but a little bit more sugar in your system could do some good. Other than that you are well."

Desmond nodded and shook the doctor's hand. "I will be sure to do that. Thank you doc."

The doctor nodded and Desmond left to get a quick bite and to try and rest to the best of his ability.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

X-COM Headquarters
Hyperwave Relay
August 23rd, 1300 Hours

"System's are go," Irene said, sitting if front of one of the two large terminals.

"Alright then. Let's see what we can find," The Commander looked up at the large, spinning device as it powered up.

After a few minutes of nothing, an alarm started going off. "The machine is oveerheating!" Arin shouted for the other terminal. "We need to shut it down."

"Keep looking," Dr. Vahlen shouted back. "They are out there. We can not miss another chance to find them!"

"Our numbers might by off," Irene offered, attempting some last minute calculations. Her hands suddenly stopped, and she starred at the screen. She frowned, muttering, "Ignorant humans. Can't calculate for a simple supra-dimensional transmission." She quickly typed in the appropriate numbers, a malicious grin spreading across her face as the machine indicated a finding.

"We got one," Arin said, and looked over at Irene. "How did you do that?"

Irene blinked a few times, and looked at her hands. "I... don't know. I guess I just... acted on instinct."

"Great work. Send the readings to Central," Morrigan said, already running out the door.

A few dodged soldiers and a tense elevator ride later, and Morrigan emerged in Central Command. "Commander," Aya said as Morrigan stepped next to her. "The cloaked UFO was sighted over the Gobi Desert. I've taken the liberty of deploying a pair of Firestroms, ETA is twenty-two minutes."

"Excellent, let's see what's important enough to stay hidden."

Twenty minutes later, the radio sprang to life.

"Phoenix One, I have radar contact."

Phoenix Two, Radio Con... they're running! The moment we both had sight of it, it took off!"

"What?" Morrigan glanced at Aya in confusion. "Why just hover... how would they..." Aya could only shrug, and Morrigan gritted her teeth. "Phoenix One, go after them. Phoenix Two, scout the area it was hovering."

"Copy..."

...

...

"Central, this is Phoenix One. I'm closing the distance but target is assenting into orbit. Should I follow?"

Morrigan and Aya both sighed. "Negative, Phoenix One," Aya answered. "The Firestorms haven't been fully tested for orbital combat. Return to base."

"Damn it!" Morrigan punch a fist into her palm. "Phoenix Two, come on..."

"Central, this is Phoenix Two. You'll want to see this. Lock on to my coordinates and use orbital satellites to PSX scan of the area."

Morrigan nodded to one of the technicians. After a few minutes he smiled at her and said, "Huge Psionic reading. We've found another hidden base. And if these readings are right..."

"Then we found one of those bastards." Morrigan grinned. "Phoenix Two, keep patrolling the area and let us know if anything moves."

"Copy, Central."

Turing to Aya, the Commander said, "Get a team ready. I want that base ripped apart before the know what..."

"They're... probably already prepared for us," Aya interupted. "And they'll be more so by the time we get there."

Morrigan placed her hand on her chin. "True... and it isn't like they can just leave without them noticing."

"Could let them sweat it out," Aya offered with a smile.

"Yeah." Morrigan smiled back. "While we make sure we're nice and ready. Alright, form your team, brief them, and make sure they have plenty of time to prepare."

Aya nodded. "And I'm sure I know one soldier at least that is itching to get out there." Aya sat at one of the terminals, going over the soldier lists carefully. Finally, she reached for the intercom. "This is Central Officer Brea. The following soldiers, meet me in the briefing room ASAP. Kwan, S. Temple, S. Muthambi, M. Brown, R. Roosevelt, J. Volodarskii, H. Orlov, N. Anderson, S. Stewart, J..."

"...Fischer, A."

 

[DarkGemini24601]

ZombieSplitter53 and DarkGemini24601: “Birth of the Blaster Launcher...Soon.”
Part 1

X-COM Headquarters
Holo-Training Room
August 23rd, 1330 Hours

“Hmm…” Alice looked down at her attire, jeans and a loose fitting AC/DC shirt with disappointment. “Is this… really the best we can do?”

“What?” Sunny looked up from the computer. “Oh… yeah, ‘fraid so. Those dresses you like cost a lot more than time programming them in real life, and I can’t exactly ask for them to be shipped in with regular supplies.”

“I guess.” Alice pulled at the shirt. “But why does it have to be so big?”

“The only one’s I know in your size are Ayame, who didn’t exactly bring a full wardrobe when she came here, and Atka, who I feel awkward asking.” Sunny shugged. “I’m afraid Jessie’s clothes will have to do for now.”

“Why does such a skinny woman have such big shirts?”

“Not all of her is skinny,” Sunny mumbled as she continued her programming.

“I bet Modya can attest to that,” Megan said as she walked over with Scarlet and the Russian rocketeer. “But he’s too much of a gentleman to say anything,” she concluded with a half-suppressed laugh.

“You have no shame…” Scarlet muttered.

Sunny smiled at their banter. “Glad you could make it.” Sunny stepped away from the computer, and approached the rocketeers. “As I’m sure you know… or at least, as I’m sure rumors have spread about, we’re working on adapting the alien plasma weapons, and while we aren’t there yet, what we’ve learned has netted us some advanced versions of our laser weapons. However, we aren’t going to stop until we crack the code, so to speak, on the plasma tech, and I’ve been working on something in anticipation of that, something I’m sure you three will like.”

A grin slowly spread across Modya’s face. “You’re working on an improvement for the rocket launcher, aren’t you?”

“An understatement, my Russian friend.” Sunny looked over at Alice. “If you’d please…”

Alice nodded, closing her eyes and holding her arms out. Activating the right program, the holo-projectors created a weapon, one that appeared to by a rocket launcher straight out of a science fiction story. Alice stepped forward, offering it to one of the rocketeers.

Megan deferred to the Russian, knowing he would want a first test with the weapon. Modya took it from Alice, looking it over. “So...what can it do?” he asked, looking the weapon over. Green markings confirmed that it was a plasma variant, though there was something different about it that reminded Modya of the Sectopods.

“We call it a Blaster Launcher,” Alice answered. “It uses advanced targeting systems based on the alien spacecrafts, and fires a concentrated ball of pure energy. the launchers targeting systems will them maneuver the blast around obstacles. The more obstacles it has to avoid, the less accurate it is, but it is essentially a rocket launcher that does not require direct line-of-sight.”

“Smart-bombs, huh…” Scarlet muttered. “That’ll make things easier, and a lot more interesting.”

Modya lifted the rocket launcher, testing out its weight. “What is stopping us from producing it thus far? It might be connected to plasma technology, but it sounds like it is mostly independent.”

Sunny frowned. “I’m afraid the energy output needed to operate an actual one exceeds what we have available. Naturally, we could simply fire a rocket straight up after it locks on, but by the time its propulsion systems kick in and maneuver to hit the target, they’d likely have moved. We’ve failed so far to get the results with simple laser technology, so plasma is the way to go, but without some kind of… I don’t know, fusion core, like the ones suspected to power the weapons on the larger UFOs, for now, this weapon only exists as blueprints and a hologram. But that doesn’t mean we can’t collect data so we’ll be able to start producing them right away when we can.”

The Russian nodded. “So I’m guessing I can fire this prototype...just tell me where to aim.”

Alice nodded. “Load Blaster Launcher program one. Medium difficulty.” A cityscape formed, and a pile of debris appeared between the group and a holographic Sectopod. “Modya, when I say go, run to cover behind that vehicle. use the launcher to at the Sectopod, get a lock on, and fire before it finishes locking onto you and fires its missiles.” She took a few step backs. “When you’re ready.”

Modya took a deep breath. “Ready.” He ran over behind the car as the Sectopod knelt down, and opened up its barrage missile launchers. The Russian took aim to the side, and the smart blaster bomb launched out, thrumming as it curved around the corner. It had a bit of trouble, but slammed into the underbelly of the Sectopod, blasting a hole in the giant robot with a thunderous explosion that left a thrum for a few seconds after detonation.

“Excellent” Alice said, clapping her hands together. “Very impressive. You’re a natural. Would you like to try something more difficult?”

Modya raised an eyebrow. “Perhaps,” he said cryptically.

“You’ll be fine,” Sunny assured him. “I’ve had Alice tone back the unintentional sadism she seemed to have with these things.”

“I didn’t mean to…” Alice shook her head. “Load Blaster Launcher program two, high difficulty.” A similar landscape formed before them. In place of the Sectopod were a dozen Thin Men. Frozen in place, they were pointing their weapons at a group of faceless Mooks, dressed in X-COM uniforms, taking cover nearby. The debris blocking them became more diverse and random, and there were now several cars that could work as cover.

“In this program, you’ll have to think fast. As I said, the Blaster Launcher can maneuver around obstacles, but the more it has to avoid, the less accurate it becomes. Additionally, the higher difficulty has more numerous, smaller targets to take out. Quickly choose cover to fire from. You’ll have two shots and a limited amount of time to take out at least half of the Thin Men.” Alice smiled. “Good luck. It personally took me four tries do this one. Still working on that intuition thing.”

The Russian nodded, and began the simulation, going for the nearest car as the Thin Men lined up their shots. He looked between the scattered cover, taking a few seconds to find a feasible path, and sent the first rocket through. The blast claimed the back row of four Thin Men, and badly injured two more. Modya was forced to move to new cover when the two injured infiltrator aliens returned fire on him, and knew his time was running out. He tried to find another firing point, but was forced to fire prematurely, and the second rocket went off target, only hitting one of the injured Thin Men before the time ran out.

“Hmm…” Alice shrugged. “Well, that’s what practice is for, right? And you did incredibly well considering the difficulty and how new you are with the weapon.”

Modya rubbed the back of his neck. “Maybe...I’m not that good with time constraints, anyway.”

 

[DarkGemini24601]

ZombieSplitter53 and DarkGemini24601: “Birth of the Blaster Launcher...Soon.”
Part 2

“Don’t worry about it,” Sunny insisted. “Really. You’ll get it in time, and you have plenty of time to practice.” She looked towards the rocketeers. “Either of you want to give it a try?”

Scarlet stepped up while Megan looked at the program hesitantly. “I will.” She took the blaster launcher, and began. The Welsh-Palestinian rocketeer went behind the second car from her starting point, and found a semi-optimal place to fire, blowing away three of the Thin Men. She then moved for a different angle, and took a bit more time to find a better firing point, three more of the aliens being killed by her second shot.

“Fantastic!” Alice clapped her hands together. “And on your first time using it!”

Scarlet shrugged, standing back up. “I’ve been at this longer. You spend twelve years doing this sort of thing, and you learn how to work under pressure.”

Sunny looked over towards Megan. “How about you? Or maybe another test, if you're too nervous?”

“I’d probably do worse than them…” Megan confessed.

Sunny smiled. “No pressure, of course. Why don’t we try one last test together?”

“Load Blaster Launcher program three. Medium Difficulty.” Another pair of Launchers materialized next to Alice. The room changed to display a large, indoor area, seemingly the remains of some stadium. On the other side of the room was a single Sectoid. “Aliens will come one after another, increasing in number, strength, and intensity with each passing moment. The three of one need to work together, and take out as many aliens as you can before they reach you. The obstacles in the way will slow the aliens down, but not the launchers. Begin when you’re ready.”

Modya and Megan picked up the additional rocket launchers, and set up behind cover, Scarlet doing likewise. They started it, and practically ignored the first Sectoid as it just shot at their cover. A group of 3 followed it, and Megan fired the first rocket, easily blowing them away. Two Thin Men and Two Floaters came in, but despite spreading out they were still close enough together for Modya to hit all 4. A troop of Five Mutons came next, and it was up to Scarlet to hit them.

Trouble began when six Heavy Floaters came in and scattered, forcing Megan and Scarlet to aim in different directions. “Wait for more to show up…” Modya cautioned, hoping to make the most of the two shots. Two cyberdiscs with their escorts came in from either side, and Modya gave the order to fire, the blast launchers tearing the groups apart. Two Heavy Floaters remained, however, getting dangerously close.

Two Mechtoids and a Sectopod came in, and Modya fired at them. The Sectopod still stood, only to be knocked down by Megan’s last shot. Scarlet tried to hit the two Floaters, but could only get one of the heavy armored enemies, and the other flanked the 3 rocketeers, tossing its grenade before opening fire.

Megan sighed as the simulation ended. “I hate those things…”

Sunny sighed. “Alice… that was medium?”

Alice frowned. “Still… too hard? But they did so well…”

“Flying units are more difficult to hit than ground units. I’d take a Sectopod over a small army of Heavy Floaters any day,” Scarlet responded.

Alice shrugged. “Well… I’ll work on that. Still, if you could use the weapons with such ease the first time you saw them, we’re in good hands. I’d like to think it has something to do with how well designed.”

Modya smiled. “I’m sure it does. Those are honestly easier to use than normal launchers, it just takes a little getting used to the self-guided systems.”

Sunny nodded. “Alright. Alice and I need to head back to engineering to prepare for the next mission, but you three are free to keep practicing. We’ve opened these training programs to all rocketeers and heavies.”

“And thank you for letting us try these things out, Dr. Randolf,” Megan added.

“Of course.” Sunny gave a quick wave, and she and Alice ran over to the elevator.

“Have fun,” Alice said as the doors closed.

 

[MarineAvenger]

Friends in Need (ZombieSplitter53 and MarineAvenger) Part 1

August 23rd, 2018
1100 Hours

Desmond looked over the equipment on his wrist and looked at Ryan with a raised eyebrow. “When did you get the time to make this?”

Ryan looked at the modified wrist computer. “Sora...insisted that I make him mobile for at least the moment. Since the implants you have support A.I. control it helps but too simple to house his entire programming. That, will allow you to carry around Sora.”

“What a joy ride that will be.” Sora noted.

Desmond shook his head. “Are you sure this will work?”

Ryan shook his shoulders. “No idea. But worth a try at least.”

After some fiddling, Desmond inserted an SD card into the wrist computer and he could feel as if something was pushing into his head and adding a few pounds. “Roomy in here.”

“Shut it Sora.” Desmond told him irritably.

“Shush now. Why don’t we go for a walk? I want to see the base.”

Desmond gave Ryan a handshake and he walked out the door, and starting wandering around engineering.

As they neared the bay, a large cinder block came flying out of the main door, crashing into the wall with enough force to be pulverized.

“The bloody hell was that. Oi! Watch the head, precious cargo in here!” Sora yelled.

“Remind me to thank Ryan for adding a speaker to this thing.” Desmond said shaking his head and walking through the main door.

“Get away from me!” Alice screamed, lifting another cinder block over her head. Sunny stood nearby, a worried expression on her face as she searched for away to calm her friend down.

The apparent target of Alice’s raged backed up a few steps, his arms raised. “Calm down, geez. Get this thing under control, Randolf, before it kills me!”

Desmond raised an eyebrow and walked up to Sunny. “What is going on?”

Sora whistled. “Damn, girl’s got spunk...and a lot of strength.”

“He…” Sunny pointed at the engineer in question. “He touched her chest.”

“I touched it’s chest area!” The man countered. “I was told it hard reserve storage units there, and I was trying to examine them!”

“No means NO!” Alice tossed the cinder block, smashing it only a few feet from the man.

Desmond sighed and looked down at Sunny. “Want me to handle this?”

“And ruin the show? Come one hun, give it to ‘em!” Sora cheered on.

“Please do, Desmond, if you can,” Sunny practically begged. “But be careful. She’s stronger than she looks, but you could still hurt her if you put too much force on her.”

“Just stop it before it causes any more damage!” The man yell as Alice stomped towards him.

Desmond ran over to Alice and put a hand on her shoulder. “Hey, come on Alice. You know he isn’t worth it.”

Alice glared at Desmond. “But… but he fondled me! And he keeps calling me ‘it’!”

Desmond pulled the sword off his back and pointed it at the man. “And I am sure he is very sorry and will spend some time thinking about what he is going to do and say to make it up to you. Aren’t you?”

“Yes…” The man nodded his head fiercely. “I will, I’m sorry, I… I’ll make it up to… to her…”

Desmond nodded. “Good.” He put the sword back in his holster and looked back at Alice. “Long time no see Alice.”

Alice relaxed a bit, starring dagger at the man as he ran off. Smiling sheepishly, she said, “Y-yeah, I… sorry. Guess I overreacted.”

“A little bit, yeah,” Sunny said, shooting Desmond a grateful look.

“I thought it was pretty funny.” The device on his wrist stated.

Alice looked down at Desmond’s arm. “Do have a friend in there?”

“More like I have one in my head.” Desmond told the A.I.

Sora appeared in the form of a hologram next to Desmond, Desmond relieved to have his head free to himself again. Sora adjust his glasses and fixed his silver hair in place. “Name is Sora.” Sora bowed mockingly. “A.I. at your service love.”

“Oh!” Alice bowed back, her bow sincere. “I didn’t know there was another A.I. besides Avanix. I’m Alice. Nice to meet you.”

“Hello Alice. You could say I was Avanix’s replacement but me and the boss had a disagreement. Now I am Desmond’s A.I.”

“So does that mean you were built off of Avanix’s A.I. too?” Sunny asked. “So, you’re, like, Alice’s… uncle, I’d say.”

Sora looked at Desmond with disbelief. “Has anyone figured out the Exalt family tree yet?”

Desmond looked at the three of them and shrugged. “Not really.”

Sora put a hand on his chin. “Uncle huh?”

Sunny held up her hands. “I-if that doesn’t work, we could say brother. Or nothing at all. I-I didn’t mean to offend.”

Sora tried to contain a chuckle. “You are just a little bundle of fun aren’t you?” Sora looked at Desmond. “I could get a few laughs out of these two.”

“Don’t torture my friends Sora.” Desmond said, glaring at the A.I.

“It’s okay, Desmond,” Sunny assured him. “Remember, I programmed Cheshire, and do maintenance on him. Compared to the cat, Sora is… what’s a good word?”

“Charming?” Alice offered.

“Hardly the word I would use.” Desmond joked.

“Now, now, let us her the girl out. No need denying the obvious.” Sora stated with a grin. “Please, continue.”

“Charming… but arrogant.” Sunny grinned. “You must be pretty advanced, considering how full of yourself you seem to be.”

“What a 180. Yes, my personality is more advanced than my counterpart. I am also a skilled hacker and encryption as well as having the ability to process large amounts of scientific data at an amazing rate.” Sora had a light bulb idea. “And I can also make a mean pastry.”

“But can you make someone smile when they are down?” Alice asked, only looking half serious.

“Is the sky blue?” Sora asked, raising an eyebrow.

“That it is,” Alice answered.

Sunny shook her head, chuckling a bit. “So what brings you over here, Desmond? Just going for a walk and happening upon a android girl in need?”

“Well, wasn’t like I was planning on seeing Alice in need but yeah, just out for a walk. My buddy Ryan made this,” Desmond held up his arm with the computer on it. “Out of one of the field computers we had and it allows Sora to be mobile without being on base servers. The implants in my head aren’t as complex as the ones my sisters have so I need it to house Sora completely.”

“Interesting.” Alice examined it carefully.

“It is really well made.” Sunny smiled. “Would you like to put a holo-projector in it. It’ll have a limited range, but it’ll allow him to appear without having to be in a lab.”

Desmond took the computer off of his wrist and handed it to Sunny. “Go right ahead.”

Desmond rolled his shoulder. “Arm is on the fritz a little. I looked over it but I have been having a bit of pain and stiffness. Would you mind looking at it as well? I can’t find the problem.”

“Of course. Follow me to the MEC bay.” Sunny handed Alice the computer. “Alice did maintenance on her holo-projectors, so she can do that while I look at your arm.”