RP XCOM: The Story of Defiance.

[Adrammalech]

// A ROBOT'S RECOVERY //
This is a collaboration between Adrammalech and ZombieSplitter53.
XCOM Headquarters – Engineering
Siberia, Russian Federation
October 4th – 3:22 AM

Emily rushed through the halls after her debriefing, unconcerned with checking the state of anything before Sunny and Alice. As she barged through the doors, she saw Sunny sleeping beside her computer, the abnormally large tech station connected to Alice’s drained combat body and blinking with several stable status lights. She gave a serene smile as she walked closer, her face turning back to worry as she saw a small line of blood coming from the prodigy’s nose.

“Sunny?” she said loudly, jarring her with her hand and looking for any response.

Sunny’s eyes slowly opened, looking up at Emily. “Oh… hey, I… I must have dozed off. Where am I again?”

“Your lab,” she said worriedly, grabbing a spare rag and dabbing above her lip. “It looks like you did more than doze off…”

“Oh, yeah, I…” Sunny’s eyes widened, and she jumped to her feet, nearly headbutting Emily in the process. She rushed over to her computer, rapidly typing on it while looking back at the prone body on the table. After a minute, she stopped, letting out a sigh of relief and stepping back. “Good… good…”

Emily put her hand on Sunny’s shoulder. “It looks like she’ll be okay. Don’t overwork yourself…”

“I know, I… I just wanted to be sure, I…” Sunny held her hand against her head, her expression clearly that of one with a massive migraine. She looked Emily up and down with a worried look. “Are… are you okay? Everything was so crazy out there, with people popping out of holes or dropping from the sky, or suicidally bombing MECs, I started to lose track.”

“Yeah, everyone seemed to see something new...but I’m alright. Nika got shot but she’s stable, and I still need to check on Ammy,” Emily looked over at Alice’s mobile body again and frowned, trying to hold back her guilt, “I was worried about her the most though.”

“U-um, I’m… not going to lie…” Sunny stepped over the prone body. “The sudden drop in power shut down some of her systems, and when some of the other ones tried to compensate, they overloaded.” She shook her head. “This is my fault. When I installed those new systems to avoid her systems from being fired if she was overloaded with power, like at the Ethereal base, I didn’t compensate for the opposite happening.”

“It’s not your fault,” Emily shook her head and swallowed hard. “It’s mine...I did this.”

Sunny chuckled grimly. “How can this be your fault? Did you take the energy from her?” The silver hair girl rubbed her chin. “Though… I’m still not sure what did…”

“The MEC we fought did some damage to her larger suit, as you might have seen...and she started losing power from the hole. I thought I could use the energy that was leaking as a weapon…” Emily glanced over and then back to Sunny. “But I must’ve drained some too, by accident…”

“Oh…” Sunny looked down at the floor. “That… explains that EMP that disabled…” She stood in silence for several moments before saying, “I… s-suppose this is the point where I’m supposed to… yell at you. Tell you… how mad I am for… for endangering her…”

“I wouldn’t blame you,” she nodded slowly, looking at her feet. “I’m so sorry, Sunny…”

Sunny sighed. “When… when I was in trouble… when I was alone, surrounded… seconds away from death, you… you came to my rescue. Even though it meant disobeying orders, and endangering your position here. Even though it meant… sneaking through vents and past aliens with virtually no armor.” She shook her head. “A-and… you’ve always treated Alice like a person, even before she got her body. I… I don’t believe you’d ever do anything to hurt her on purpose, or even risk her unless in a dire situation…”

“It was a huge MEC...I was worried it might’ve hurt more people,” Emily replied, “but I could’ve found another way, or listened to Albert, and I acted without thinking it through. I...should’ve done something different…”

Sunny nodded. “Yeah, maybe. But it is was a nasty situation. That thing was coming for you, and you had little time to think. That attack of yours might have been just what we needed. Or not. Maybe you could have thought of something better. But… now we’re getting into what-ifs, and thats usually a bad idea, or so I’ve been told. My guardian before coming here told me that what-ifs only lead people to doubting themselves and having regrets over things they couldn’t change.”

“You’re definitely the smart one in this relationship,” Emily allowed a small smile to form. “I can’t say it makes me feel all better, but...you’re right.”

“I know, and maybe feeling bad about it is for the best. Prevents you from making mistakes in the future… for both of us.” Sunny smiled back. “I’m… upset. But I still love you, Emily.”

Emily crouched down a bit and offered a hug. “I love you too, Sunny.”

“I’m not mad,” said a voice from the computer behind them. “Well… maybe a little. But I said go ahead, so it is my fault too. Point is, I’m not going to hold it against you.”

Emily twirled around towards the computer. “Thanks, Alice...I still owe you though. I’ll make it up to you somehow.”

“At least it worked, though,” Alice offered. “Maybe it was a control thing. Like… if you had more practice, you could do it easier. Or even do other things! Like Sith lightning, or lightning bolts from the sky, or frying people from the inside!”

“It was pretty badass, except for the consequences,” Emily chuckled. “And how do you know what ‘Sith lightning’ is?”

Alice scratched her digital chin. “Um… well, uh… you know it gets boring here sometimes, so I might have, um… h-hacked a satellite or two to… watch movies…”

Emily gave an exaggerated gasp. “Stealing movies from satellites?”

Alice folded her arms. “I-I’ll… I’ll pay for them… someday, when I… have actual money. But… but it gets so boring here, and I don’t have to sleep as often as you guys, I… please don’t tell anyone.”

“I won’t, don’t worry. I can’t imagine people are paying attention to that nowadays anyway.”

Sunny rolled her eyes. “Please don’t…” she yawned loudly. “... encourage her. Oh… what time is it?”

“It’s pretty late, but things are winding down. You should get some sleep,” Emily looked between the two quickly. “Both of you should.”

“But, I… I have a lot of work to do, and…” Sunny looked over at Alice’s body, but the A.I. turned off the lights directly over it.

“None of that without a full nights sleep,” Alice insisted. “As for me, I have a bit of… debugging to do.” The computer screen went blank, except for a dream bubble featuring a small tea party.

Sunny stretched. “I… guess I am a bit… sleepy…” She wiped her eyes, and drowzily started for the exit.

Emily followed behind, needing to head to her bunk as well. “Good night, Alice,” she called behind her.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

DarkGemini24601 & ZombieSplitter53
"Post Life-or-Death Struggle Catch-up"

XCOM Headquarters, Somewhere in Siberia
1030 Hours, October 5th, 2018
Major Ipiktok’s Quarters

...and then the robot got blown of the railing, and it crashed into the mechanical bird, Atka described telepathically as she worked on a carving.

Taqukaq watched intently with his eyes closed, viewing the images the Inuit woman transmitted to him. After she finished, he braced his paws against the table, looking at the half-finished ocelot with curiosity.

“Oh, that? Just something for Ayame,” Atka explained, patting the husky on the head. “Don’t know if I’ll finish before she gets back, though.”

“Finish what?” Ayame said, slowly stepping into the room, and obvious limp in her step. “Should I… come back later?”

Atka got up from her chair. “Not at all. I was just working on one of my carvings,” she explained, seeming to doubt that Ayame was fully recovered.

“Cool, cool…” Ayame carefully sat down on Atka’s bed, allowing her to reach Taqukaq without having to stretch too far. “So… you seem to be in one piece. I… I really was hoping to be there by your side, but… things happened…”

“The hangar defense went smoothly, no casualties,” Atka responded. “Mary and Ammelia did a good job out there, so we managed. Honestly, I got lucky. Sounds like you had a much harder task down in the labs.”

Ayame waved a dismissive hand. “Naw. Wasn’t that bad.” She rubbed her sore wounds. “Wouldn’t have been so bad if it hadn’t been for the EXALTs having almost as many gene-mods as us.” She shook her head, mumbling, “And if that bitch didn’t shoot me in the legs…”

“That PMC you took captive?” Atka asked, turning her chair to face Ayame.

“Yep. Woman can sure hold a grudge.” Ayame smiled. “Though it was partially my fault. Need to learn to shut my mouth, though… it is kinda my coping mechanism when I’m… you know, scared.”

Atka raised an eyebrow. “Well, that’s understandable. I get to cheat.” She held up a gently swirling blue glow in her hand to demonstrate her meaning, before lowering it again. “I’m guessing you know her from somewhere, then?”

“Yeah, back from my… not so dark as darkest days, but still darker than now… uh, days. We worked together on a few missions for the same PMC. We were kinda close, but we drifted apart when I realized how… how should I put this? Um… psychotic she was. Didn’t really sit well with me, for obvious reasons. She was fine to talk with on the side lines, and a pleasant person to talk to if she liked you, but if you were her enemy, she took a twisted pleasure in killing you. Great for a mercenary, not so great for casual conversations.” She blushed a bit, looking away. “That, and I… I kinda… slept…” Whatever else she said came out as an incoherent mumble.

Atka looked at her questioningly, unsure of what to say.

Ayame laughed. “Her, uh… her daughter was going through this… experimental phase. And she was a woman, but kinda naive. One of those twenty-year olds that think they have the wisdom of a fifty-year old. Didn’t want her to go off with some stranger, so I… ‘helped’ her out. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it.”

“Oh…” Atka looked off to the side slightly. “Well...I’m not going to judge you for that. I don’t pretend to understand what that’s like…”

Ayame shrugged. “Well, if it means anything, it was just an experiment. Last I heard, she was married to some rich Judge guy that treats her like a queen, with at least one kid… maybe two. Like to think I helped point her in the right direction. Not that Demeter would ever see it that way.” The Asian soldier chuckled again. “Funny… I’ve been talking about this woman with a grudge against me, but I don’t even know her real name. I don’t think she even knows mine, considering she kept calling me ‘Eris’.”

Ayame sighed, rubbing her legs. “Whatever, doesn’t matter. Besides, it is all in the past. My part in this whole thing was pretty dull anyway. I’m more interested in what I missed, honestly. I heard you got to fly one of those… new flying armor… things. I saw Sunny working one of them a while back, but she was saying the flight controls were a problem.” She raised a concerned eyebrow. “You, uh… weren’t flying into walls or anything, were you?”

Atka laughed nervously. “No, I wasn’t colliding with anything...the controls on the Seraph Armor were fine…”

After she stopped talking, Taqukaq gave her a slight tilt of the head, as if saying: You’re not telling the full story.

“I may have run out of fuel mid-flight,” Atka finally stated.

Ayame laughed, then quickly covered her mouth. “Sorry, sorry. I… I wouldn’t be laughing if you weren’t alright, sorry. What happened? Did you just lose track? How far did you fall?
“I wasn’t checking the amount of fuel I had left, and I almost fell from the fourth floor, if Janina hadn’t caught me,” Atka explained with embarrassment. “My fault for losing track, but it would help if there was an audio warning or something…”

Taqukaq whimpered, reminding Atka that there probably was, but she just forgot about it.

Ayame looked between Atka and Taqukaq, and nudged the dog a bit. “Hey, lay off her, okay? She had a lot on her plate, and I’m surprised that was the only thing that went wrong, considering how hectic things were.” Making a mental note that she had another person to thank for watching Atka’s back, Ayame added, “And she kept everyone in one piece. Even that Chyssalid girl… why was she there again?”

“She followed Ammelia up. I think Buniq was planning on protecting her for awhile now.” Atka smiled. “And she did a great job of that. Didn’t even have to use her psionics, though that was probably intentional. Psi panic isn’t really something that I’d enjoy using on other humans, either.”

“I can imagine not, and I’m glad we… hopefully won’t have to now.” Ayame bit her lip. “Did you… hear what happened to the EXALT leader?”

Atka nodded slowly. “I don’t think anyone was planning on taking him captive...but that was...brutal.” The Inuit woman clenched a fist. “And I don’t like the fact that Invidia was involved at all. He helped Elene kill Viktor as brutally as possible, he took control of Aya, and I’m willing to bet he was playing Viktor against us as well.”

“I don’t get it.” Ayame scratched her head. I can see him playing both sides. It makes sense, even if it is so dickheaded. But… why help Elene? Viktor was going to die either way, right? Why not simply save him or… something…”

“The recordings weren’t exactly in the most clarity, considering the bombings...but by Invidia’s own admission, he’s a sadist.” Atka shook her head. “To think that he does all of this just because he enjoys human suffering...it makes me sick.”

“Me too. I never really thought about ideas of true evil. As much as I hate the Ethereals, at least they think they’re in the right. But this one? To play with EXALT and X-COM like that… I really, really can’t wait until we find him and put him down.”

“As much as I’d love to see some semblance of peace,” Atka began, “I’d rather we not try to take another Overseer captive. We’ve gotten lucky twice, but I don’t think it’s worth the risk. Especially not for the Overseer of Australia.”

“I agree. Not that happy about the three… err, two…” Ayame scratched the back of her head. “I… when I was stuck in the Psi Labs, and after we were attacked, I started to think that… maybe I’ve been kinda… racist, so to speak…”

“I can understand your reasons for being suspicious of them,” Atka responded. “Though I have talked with Death personally. She’s not much like the other Ethereals we’ve met.”

“I’ve done the same, though not so much as talk. Mostly just… accused.” Ayame rubbed her arm nervously. “When we brought those aliens here, I was kinda upset. I was convinced they were out to get us, and I’m still not sure we can fully trust them. But after talking to Death, putting her down, and hearing her lament the way she’s constantly judged, I felt… dirty. Like… I was all those kids at school that used to pick on my because of my mixed heritage, or the squadmates that thought less of me as a female soldier. I… I was acting just like them.”

“You may have made a mistake, but I don’t think you’re as bad as the people you compare yourself to. Trust me, that one asshole in the generator room makes paranoia about our four guests look small in comparison.” Atka shook her head. “You were looking out for everyone here. Those other cases were less excusable.”

“Yeah maybe.” Ayame smiled slightly. “I can’t completely shake the feeling of mistrust in general, but maybe I should give the little one the benefit of the doubt. She did agree to wear something to limit her abilities. And she saved Jeanne’s life.”

“Yeah...hopefully we won’t have to worry about procedures for evacuating to the holo room again after this. With one enemy down, we can focus on the one we came here to fight in the first place,” the Inuit officer decided.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

ZombieSplitter53, MarineAvenger, and DarkGemini24601: “For the Love of Playing God, Part 1”

X-COM Headquarters, Somewhere in Siberia
Primary Laboratory, Alien Weapon Research

“Weird… but cool.” Jessica looked through the scope sight. “Hey, grab… um… something. Something that uses alien components.”

Another tech named Becky fetched a piece of shadow armor. “This uses Elerium as a power source. Does that…”

“Whoa…” Jessica smiled. “It… follows… can you turn it on?”

Becky shrugged, attaching the device to a suit and switching it on. The armor disappeared from sight. “Can you still see it?”

“Yeah, sorta.” Jessica smile widened. “It reads the energy output from the elerium, outlining it. It is like looking at a pale-blue ghost. Should call it ghost armor with this.”

Becky walked over and looked through it herself. “We could probably use this. I don’t know if the aliens are going to be using shadow armor anytime soon…” She shuddered at the idea of more invisible enemies, “...but the seekers use elerium as a power source. And we could even use this to follow trails.”

Jessica nodded. “Take this to Dr. Anderson’s lab. I doubt any of the EXALT goons are going to talk, assuming they know anything, and we’re sure not getting anything outta Viktor, but I’m sure Penny can reverse engineer it.”

Becky nodded, walking out. Jessica followed a few seconds later, stretching a bit and heading for the genetics lab. “Long… long week…”

The door opened, and Elene looked up as Jessica walked in, before glancing back at a computer screen. “Hello...Dr. Lockheart, correct?”

Jessica’s eyes darted between Elene and the computer. “Y-yes… hi. How can I help you…” Jessica felt the woman looked familiar.

Without looking up from the report on 115, Elene replied, “Elene Exalt.”

“Oh, yes, the head of the Legion people. Markus talks about you. Um…” Jessica smiled gently as her eyes continued to wander between the woman and the computer. “Watcha doin’”

“I am analyzing a report on one of the captives from the raid. It appears although ‘115’ is stable, he received a reckless amount of genetic modification. And…” Elene sighed at what the scans were telling her. “It appears his vocal cords were removed in favor of increased respiratory ability.”

“Oh… that sucks…” Jessica’s smile wavered, for more than one reason. “Who, uh… w-who gave you access to my… ahem, computer?”

The heiress glanced back at Jessica. “I was unaware this was your sole property.”

Jessica laughed nervously. “I… I suppose it isn’t, I just… have this thing about my work station. Don’t like people… poking their nose into files.” She raised her hands defensively. “N-no offense, of course. I just didn’t know Legion was authorized to so freely come in here and… touch my, um, our things.”

Elene got up from the table. “Dr. Lockheart, you are a poor liar. If you wish me gone simply state it instead of dodging the issue. What I do take offense to, however, is you implying we are to be confined as if under suspicion.” Elene crossed her arms. “It has not even been fifty hours, and it seems our contribution to the defense of this base is already forgotten. Not to mention the fact that EXALT no longer exists, meaning there should be zero reason to suspect betrayal.”

The color seemed to drain from Jessica’s face.

Smooth move, genius. First conversation with someone from Legion besides Markus, and you destroy all trust. Can I take over just long enough to give you a quick applause, ‘cause that takes talent.

“No, please, I… I-I didn’t mean it that way!” Jessica rushed over to Elene, grasping her hand. “It… i-it really is a personal thing, about my personal space. It’s hard to explain. I didn’t mean to imply… y-you’re my sister’s best friend’s fiance’s sister, and you’ve contributed so much, I… I’m sorry, I didn’t mean… please, touch my workstation all you want! Really, just… j-just please don’t… be mad…”

Elene sighed. “Honestly, would it not be simpler to state a neurotic tendency to resolve the issue than cause a misunderstanding?”

Jessica frowned, stepping back and rubbing her hands together nervously. “N… neurotic… tend… ency?”

“It implies that you have an unbalanced response to something, such as someone working within your ‘personal space’,” Elene continued.

Jessica narrowed her eyes. “I… I-I know what it means.” She folded her arms and turned away. “I just didn’t expect you… anyone… to be so… bluntly insulting…”

“...blunt? I believe I was just stating an observation, you are the one who chose to take offense,” Elene countered with a shake of her head.

Jessica sighed, turning back around. “Just because you don’t mean to be offensive doesn’t change when you say something offensive. I mean, here I am, sorry for our misunderstanding, pouring my heart out, and you… y-you call me neurotic! Even if it is true, you don’t just say that! That would be like me… calling you…” She stammered for a second, but stomped her foot down. “Telling you you’re a super rude lady!”

Elene just blinked at Jessica. “Was that meant to be an example of something offensive?”

Come on, that isn’t how you insult someone.

I… I was trying to make a point about not saying something mean, even if it was true.

Well, you’re doing a lousy job at it.

You think you can do better?

Alexia grinned, placing her hands on her hips. “Well, I was trying to be civil with it. You did help us out and everything. Don’t wanna ruin that by being too literal, like telling you how much of a bitch you’re being…”

“I don’t pretend to understand why someone would regard being called a female dog as an insult,” Elene responded. “Especially a woman.”

Alexia scoffed. “Not very smart either, huh?” Alexia cleared her throat. “Ahem… Bitch, one, and female dog. Two, a spiteful or unpleasant woman. Three… Elene Exalt.”

Elene raised an eyebrow incredulously. “I must speak with whoever provides you with these flawed dictionaries.”

“Didn’t know the Merriam-Webster dictionary was wrong… or is that only when certain women who have to be right say so?”

Um, Alex… we don’t want to start some kinda… catfight…

Speak for yourself.

“I imagine I would know better than you,” Elene replied, seeming a bit fazed despite efforts to appear unfazed. “Your inane attempts to pretend there is a third definition for that word are duly noted, though I know better. And I am sure the same applies to other facts, considering you are dealing with an Exalt.” Elene shook her head. “I shouldn’t expect such a troublesome woman to know her history, however.”

“Oh, my God. You are so arrogant, you mistook an insult for me misreading the dictionary!” Alexia laughed loudly. “That is the funniest thing I ever…” She wiped away a tear. “Oh, that is good. Nice attempt to turn things around, though. Very nice. Good to hear you purposely trying to insult someone instead of doing so through naivety.”

“One can only wonder why a recalcitrant person such as yourself holds a position of any-” Elene paused as the door opened. The person walking in immediately sobered her mood, and she straightened her posture. “What...brings you here, Markus?”

 

[MarineAvenger]

“For the Love of Playing God, Part 2”


Markus looked at the the two women with a confused look and pointed at the door. “I was bringing some files and I stumbled on...whatever this was between you two, I seriously got confused as to what exactly was going on.”

“Hmph,” Alexia folded her arms and turned away, mostly to hide her growing smirk from Elene. “She started it…”

Markus looked accusingly at Elene. “Oh, I am sure.” he said with a wink.

Elene sighed slowly. “Dr. Lockheart’s rudeness aside, I suppose you ought to know about this.” She gestured at the computer. “One of the captives from the aftermath of the assault...was a clone of you.”

Markus looked at the screen and skimmed over the info. Markus sighed deeply and rubbed the back of his neck. “How am I going to explain this one to my family?”

“Tell them the truth?” Alexia offered with a shrug. “Not that you can say much until after the war. Besides, we have more important things to worry about now, like the question of loyalty.” She frowned. “Something tells me if we put you two alone in a room, he’d go straight for your throat.”

Ahem… don’t be so blunt, especially after we put Elene down for that very thing.

“I am sure he has a bit more sense than that…” Markus cleared his throat. “He does, right?”

“It is difficult to ask him when he cannot speak,” Elene said at length.

“Wait, what?” Markus looked back at the screen. “Oh, there it is. Well I guess that means only one way to find out then…”

“Sign… language?” Alexia asked.

Y… you’re done for now.

Whatever.

“We could give him something to write with, assuming Viktor was generous enough to give him the ability to read and write,” Jessica offered.

“Will you be okay to go, you know, all things considered?” Markus asked Elene.

“I’m fine,” Elene responded. “It does not help that some people are now under the impression that I am some form of psychopath, but I can manage.”

Jessica raised her hand ever so much. “Um… I-I don’t know all the details, but if the rumors are true, I… don’t blame you for how you… reacted,” she said cautiously.

“It may not be so easy to convince others of that.” Especially Poinsettia.

Jessica sighed. “Well… why don’t we go talk to him now? We have him in a special cell in the other room while we check to make sure he can’t… you know, bend normal bars or something.”

“Lead the way then.” Markus put his arm around Elene. “And don’t worry, I still don’t think of you any less.” He whispered to her.

“I appreciate that,” Elene said quietly. Not...that I was worried...you would be… she continued.

Jessica led the two through the lab, coming to the cell in question. As Elene and Markus approached the captive, Jessica sat at the computer next to it. “I’ll monitor things from here. Vitals and such. Just let me know if you need anything.”

“He is...cuffed, right?” Markus asked.

“Of course. But be careful all the same,” Jessica warned. “I could sedate him a bit, if you want, but it might not be the best idea for getting answers.”

“For now, I do not think that will be necessary,” Elene decided, walking in with Markus. Jessica nodded, and fell silent, wanting to give them what privacy she could.

115 looked up from the table and warily at the two visitors, Elene most of all.

“I think you should do the talking…” the heiress said to Markus.

“What am I supposed to say to myself? You are the smarter one here.”

“Why don’t you try to ask him how he feels?” Jessica offered. “Make him know we aren’t his enemy, we’re only holding him for our safety, and gage his… well, his intelligence. I mean, just because you’re smart doesn’t mean Viktor let him keep that.”

“Well uh...me...how are you?” Markus asked nervously.

115 tilted his head, as if he expected Markus wanted a response.

“Right, we have something for you to respond with...hold on a second.” Markus quickly grabbed a pad and pen and put it in front of 115. “You can read and write, right?”

115 nodded, quickly writing something down. ‘I can’t talk. That doesn’t mean I am stupid.’

“Well, I guess that answers that question.” Jessica muttered. She glanced over at the clone. “Do you have a name? I mean, besides 115?”

115 wrote something below the first. ‘No, did you expect one?’

“Guess not.” Jessica glanced at the other two, realizing the weight of the situation was more than they had expected. She took a deep breath, and spoke calmly. “I’m guessing you probably see yourself as a captive. While… that might be true to an extent, it doesn’t have to stay that way. Markus here is a good person, and if that translates at all the genes… which it might not, but if it does, then you are too. So, we’re going to work with you, and see if… you can be trusted. But that means you’ll have to work with us, okay?”

115 looked down at the pad and didn’t write anything for a moment but started. ‘If memory serves right then you tried to kill me, as did I you when we fought. I have no connection to this Markus, we are two different people. I am judging your worth just as much as you are me.’ The clone looked up and at all three of his visitors before proceeding. ‘I am not that dead man’s soldier anymore. If it wasn’t for that big robot, I would have terminated myself after my purpose was served. Though it seemed you had other plans.’

Jessica smiled. “Well, we aren’t in the business of needlessly killing people. It isn’t our style.” She looked at Elene and Markus, then back at 115. “We’re going to give you some time to think. As you said, you aren’t Viktor Dorian’s soldier anymore. Which means you are free to do whatever you wish. Keep that in mind in the coming days, okay?” She motioned for Elene and Markus to follow her out, believing it was best to leave the clone with his thoughts.

Elene sighed. “Apologies for my silence, but I do not fancy myself a councilor.”

“I understand, especially considering everything that has happened over the past couple of days.” Jessica bit her lip. “Elene, I… if I haven’t… destroyed any chance of us working together earlier, could I offer a suggestion?”

“What might that be?” Elene asked neutrally.

Jessica sighed, unable to read the woman. “You’re in the cloning business, right? Like, whole clones, like your soldiers, or your sisters. So partial cloning should be easy for you.” She motioned into the room. “That man has little reason to trust us now. And that clone of your sister has even less, what with the mental programming. You could offer them something. Like, a replacement for what they lost. It wouldn’t be too hard, considering you have the original sources of DNA here. They might not accept it, but the fact that you were willing to offer it should mean something, right?”

“If you are suggesting I give him vocal cords, it is possible. Less difficult than repairing eyes damaged at birth, at least,” the heiress explained. “I can do that.”

“And the other clone’s limbs?”

“That...may require more work. Just as your scientists are unsure they can return the MEC Troopers to normal, it will be awhile before I can find a way to do that. Reconnecting neural pathways and the proper limbs and tissue is more complex.”

Jessica smiled. “I’d be willing to work with you. You know, if…” She poked her index fingers together. “If you aren’t still mad at me for our little… argument.”

“I think it is your ‘sister’ that infuriates me more,” Elene replied. “You, I can work with.”

Markus smirked. “You two sure make an odd pair of friends.”

Oh sure… everything is Alex’s fault…

I warned you to play nice.

 

[MarineAvenger]

What Really Happened

Bar
October 4th, 2018
0640 Hours

Desmond sat at the bar, looking down at the counter with a look of despair. The bar was luckily deserted and the bartender was sweeping some dust from around the place from the bombing the base had taken. He paid Desmond no mind as the soldier drank to himself, reaching over the bar every so minutes and taking another bottle of alcohol and drinking it down.

He was on his seventh bottle, the soldier still not drunk even though he was heavily drinking about the latest mission. It took a bit for the whole situation to finally sink in but it didn’t change how Desmond felt, not by a long shot. “And I can’t even get drunk to forget about it…” Desmond whispered as he finished his seventh bottle and was already reaching for another.

(Desmond’s Flashback)

The two men chased after the PMC leader after he had ran from the grenade explosions however both Ryan and Desmond had to get down after the leader had set up and fired at the two men when they turned the corner.

The two friends looked at each other and Ryan sighed. “What is the plan now?”

Desmond thought for a moment and he held his rifle tightly. “We kill this guy.” He was about to move again but Ryan’s hand pulled him back.

“Desmond, tell me right now, are you doing this for the right reason?” The look Ryan gave was accusing and demanded an answer.

“What do you mean? We need to take this guy down…”

Ryan’s hand squeezed his shoulder. “Desmond, now is not the time to lie to me.” Ryan looked over his friend and was surprised to see that Desmond was shaking slightly, his hand most of all. “What is this about?”

“He is the leader of the guys who took me away from Japan. They ruined my life, killed the people who had been my friends and forced me to kill my own master in cold blood, I intend to make this guy pay.”

The two stared at each other and Ryan nodded his head. “Then lets get this guy and get back in the fight.”

Both of them nodded and readied their Pulse Rifles. Desmond bolted to the right to find cover behind a support pillar as Ryan popped up and provided covering fire.

Logan was not an easy opponent though, the PMC leader taking shots at Desmond before he got into cover, even landing a hit on his shin. Training his gun at Ryan he forced the assault back into his cover. Logan reloaded while he still stood and had his rifle up and ready to shoot. “I remember you, you know. I got quite a nice paycheck for that job. Got a really good one for this one too.”

Desmond was sick of the man, but the wound in his leg prevented him from going anywhere. The two XCOM soldiers looked at one another, both of them nodding and getting their weapons ready. At almost the same time, both men shot at Logan but he had ducked down behind his own cover, giving Ryan the opening he needed to move forward.

His opening was short though as Logan was up again and firing. His armor protected him from most of the spray he took but there was exterior damage to both the armor and Ryan himself who silently cursed himself as he was pinned.

The exchange of gunfire continued on but both sides were cut short as their main weapons ran out of ammo. Logan had no more ammunition left so he threw his rifle to the side and went for the pistol at his hip. Ryan didn’t let him get the chance as he ran at Logan at top speed, the two men colliding and the gun being thrown across the room.

Desmond tried to get up and run but his wound forced him to the ground, but the psionic soldier persisting despite the roar of agony in his shin.

The large engineer and the expert merc went at it in a fist fight, both side not giving an inch. If Ryan landed a blow, Logan returned it. The huge difference of the battle being that Ryan was wounded, and he was slowed. Slowly, the battle turned against the XCOM soldier.

I have to do something. Come on, get up. Get up! Desmond yelled at himself. Despite all the pain, despite his leg nearly buckling under the weight of his body, Desmond got up and he tried to run to Ryan’s aid. Desmond was too late.

Logan had whittled the soldier down, his blows doing work on Ryan’s body until it ultimately brought the large soldier to his knees. Logan pulled a gun from behind his back and aimed it at Ryan, sending three bullets straight into the man’s chest, red burst of blood coming out the other side of the African American soldier. Ryan fell to his back after Logan kicked him down as if he was nothing.

Desmond was horrified at the sight, at seeing his friend in a pool of blood. He yelled Ryan’s name, pushing himself to stand and run despite the wound in his leg screaming in protest, and he ignored it.

Logan turned and aimed the pistol at Desmond but the psionic soldier knocked the gun to the side and sent a hard left hook into Logan’s gut and kicking the PMC backwards.

Desmond fell to his knees besides Ryan, the engineer still barely holding onto life. His eyes drifted to his friend and Ryan held up his hand, Desmond taking it in a firm grip. Ryan, his breathing labored and his body shaking slightly, opened his mouth to speak. “Don’t...lose yourself...D-Desmond. You are more...you are...b-better than that...I...know it.”

Desmond’s grip tightened and he had begun to cry. “Don’t go Ryan. Please...don’t go…”

“Y-your my...best friend...Desmond. You will...always...be…” Ryan was beginning to drift off but Desmond held his head with his hand.

“Come on Ryan, stay awake. You have to stay awake!” Desmond pleaded.

Ryan weakly smiled. “I...never got...to say…” He grip began to lessen. “Congrats...I know...you and Ellie...will be...happy...t-together…”

“No Ryan, you can’t go...you can’t. You know why, cause you will be by my side. You’re my Best Man...you can’t leave. You will be there...you will…” Desmond couldn’t say anymore as he broke down.

His smile remained but his strength faded. “I-I wouldn’t...miss it...for the world...my...friend.”

His grip on Desmond’s hand loosened and his eyes closed, Desmond crying even harder and gripping his friend’s hand. “Ryan!” Desmond put his head against his friend’s chest. “Ryan!”

His friend was gone, dead before his eyes but Desmond couldn’t accept it. “Ryan!” There would no response from the deceased soldier.

Logan had finally begun to pick himself up from the hard blow he received and wiped his mouth from the blood that had come out.

Desmond spun his head when he heard the man get up and wretched the sword from its scabbard and Desmond charged at him, the pain in his heart outweighing the pain in his leg.

Logan lunged forward and grabbed Desmond’s sword arm, twisting it in such a way that when he kicked Desmond backwards, the katana was in his hand now. “I remember these swords. I took one from the ruins as a souvenir of our victory, Lost it though a year later when it broke on a job in Rio. I think this one will make a fine replacement.”

“You bastard…” Desmond whispered under his breath. His hand went to his back, feeling the handle of the knife he received from Aya. He wrapped his hand around it and he run at Logan, the slightly glowing blade in his left hand, and a black revolver from his holster in his right. “You are going to pay you son of a bitch!”

Logan brought the sword down at Desmond but he brought the knife up to catch the blade. Desmond fired a shot from his gun but it missed as Logan slapped the gun away from him with a round kick and swinging the sword with his momentum.

Desmond rolled to his right and fired two times again, Logan rolling himself behind some cover. Desmond sprinted towards Logan’s direction but the merc came up, his own pistol in hand and fired at Desmond. Desmond weaved to the left and right, the shots just scraping him and he was on the man.

Logan blocked the swipes with the stolen katana easily against the much shorter blade and quickly took to the offensive. He pushed Desmond back further and further, strike after strike landing on the soldier.

His back against a wall, Logan came down for a final downwards strike at Desmond but the soldier held up his left arm. The blade slightly bit into the soldier's own metal appendage. Logan was caught off guard and Desmond dropped the pistol in his right hand, grabbing the handle of the sword and smashed his shoulder into Logan. With a strong kick, the PMC rolled backwards and turned around, running for the pistol he got a glimpse of on the other side of the room.

He had reached the weapon and turned around, raising it at Desmond on the other side of the room. Desmond gripped the handle of the psionicly charged knife and he threw it at Logan, using his telekinetic powers to guide the speeding knife into the PMC’s shoulder that had the gun in it.

He howled out in pain and dropped the gun, the arm being now useless with the blade planted deeply in it. Desmond ran at Logan, his katana in his right hand. He ripped the tattered shirt he had on and underneath there was a holster with a second revolver. Yanking it out, he shot all six shots and they hit Logan, Desmond yelling and driving the blade of his sword deep into the PMC’s abdomen. His eyes widened at the blade coming into his body and he gurgled as blood came into his throat and out his mouth.

“That was for Ryan.” Desmond stated menacingly.

“You think...you have won...that you are...a hero now?” Logan said.

Desmond got close to his face. “I am not a hero, I am your worst nightmare.” Ripping the blade from his stomach, Desmond sliced the man’s throat open and Logan fell over, slowly dying as he bled out.

Desmond stood there, watching as he died and undid the holster on his chest and let it fall to the ground. Desmond turned, extremely tired as he walked to join back with the others.

 

[Frostlich1228]

X-Com HQ, Somewhere in Siberia
1200 Hours, October 5th, 2018
Room of Ammelia Cross.

Ammelia sat up out of bed, after a rather peaceful night's sleep. After the attack she had almost immediately went back to her room, passing out on her bed. Ammelia took some time to reflect on the events of the mission, but more specifically, Atka throwing herself into harms way to save Mary from that sniper. Ammy wasn't sure how she would begin to thank Atka for saving her sister's life, but was sure she could come up with something.

Ammelia slid out of bed and got dressed before she heard a slow knock on her door. She walked over to the door and slowly opened it, seeing Dorian standing on the other side. Ammy smiled brightly, bringing her bodyguard in for a hug.

Dorian wrapped his arms around her, happy to know that she was safe, even though it didn't show on his face.

"It's good to see that you're safe." Dorian replied in his usual emotionless voice.

"Same with you." Ammelia replied, "But I knew it'd take more than a few Mercenaries to take you down."

Dorian simply nodded.

Ammy released Dorian from the hug, giving him a few steps worth of space. "Where were you doing the attack?"

"The Holo Rec Room, or more specifically, outside it" He answered, "I tried to reach you, but the automatic defenses activated before I could find you. Therefore, I simply stood guard outside the door to the room"

"Did you run into any Exalt while you were there?" The blind sniper asked.

"A group of three." He responded, "I assume that they managed to get past the fighting, but a few guards and I were too much for them."

Dorian stepped inside Ammelia's room and took a seat in her computer chair, "Where did you fight?"

"The Hanger." She replied, also sitting down, "We managed to take out two MECs and a enemy VTOL with few injuries. I don't think those PMCs really knew what they were getting themselves into."

"Let's hope the pay was worth their lives." The assault said calmly.

"Now that Exalt is defeated, are you going to return home?" Ammy asked, with a hint of sadness in her eyes.

"No, not unless I am urgently needed. I would rather stay and ensure your safety."

"Thank you, Dorian." She spoke, smiling.

"No need to thank me. I won't leave until this war is over or the Ethereals have left our planet." The frenchman said with a sense of confidence.

Ammelia stood up, "I'm going to go check on the rest of my friends, maybe we could train together again, how about tomorrow?"

Dorian nodded again, "That's sounds good."

Ammelia placed her hand on the door and pulled it open, taking a few steps out and turning the corner.

Dorian stood up from the chair, watching Ammy leave the room silently.

She has really grown from the girl we knew months ago. Rook spoke, mentally.

She has. I just hope she doesn't follow in my path.

As do I.

 

[Dahlexpert]

Dahlexpert and DarkGemini24601:

“Motherhood”

XCOM Headquarters, Somewhere in Siberia

1445, October 5th, 2018

Legion Command Center

Eva walked to Legion command smiling at the fact that she no longer has to sneak there anymore.

“Hey kid your mom is here for a surprise visit. Wow i’m already sounding like an old person, that’s not good.

The door opened, and Lily regarded Eva for a moment. “The others are currently out. Can I help you, Eva?”

“Yes you can, you're coming with me. It’s about time I started being a mother to you three. Well I hang out with Vee the most since she’s a soldier like me,but you're going to be spending the day with your mom Lily.”

Technically, she isn’t exactly… “Then...where would you like to go?” Lily asked, straightening her labcoat a little.

“You’re coming to my room, we will hang out there and see what happens from there.”

Glancing back at the room and dimming the lights, Lily nodded, and followed Eva.

Eva opened the door to her room. “Well, welcome to my and Desmond’s room. It’s a bit messy since your brother has not been here in some time, so I had the room to myself.”

“I see… I believe that would be due to what happened to Desmond’s friend,” Lily surmised.

“That and his sickness,hum. Anyway,” Eva pulled out two chairs and asked Lily to sit in one.”So Lily tell me about yourself. I don’t know anything about you.”

The brown-haired clone sat down in the seat Eva offered. “As visual observation may indicate, I am based most heavily off of Lusett. I am technically the youngest of us four...though if we count Poinsettia, that may no longer be the case. As for specializations… I do not have one particular field that stands out over the others currently, but I am adept in bioengineering, hacking, mechanical engineering, and the majority of the sciences. A ‘jack of all trades’, to use the popular saying. And I have tried my hand at a bit of creative writing...though the fact that I am not as emotionally developed as the others seems to limit that.”

“Hum, well that’s very interesting. Me, well, I’m just a soldier that loves music, my father made me take music classes since I was a kid,and over the years I learned how to play a lot of instruments but my favorite is that one over there.” Eva pointed at her guitar, “but I also wrote some short stories, mostly sci fi stuff. But one thing you said interests me: you say that you’re not as emotionally developed. What does that mean?”

“While the others are better at expressing their emotions and understanding them, I typically have trouble recognizing how I am feeling and expressing it,” Lily explained. “I believed that I lacked most emotions previously, but Jake showed me that I do, even if I often fail to understand them.”

“Hm,” Eva walks to the end of her room and grabs her guitar. “Tell me Lily do you like music have you ever heard of music before?”

“I have listened to a little before. Though if you are offering to demonstrate, I would enjoy listening to what you can do,” the clone of Lusett affirmed.

Eva went to her computer and went to her one of her files. “Alright This was one of my fathers favorites, it’s pretty old so excuse me.” Eva pressed play on the song but got rid of some of the guitar parts. By the way this song is called ‘Go all the Way’ by Raspberries. “ Eva played her guitar throughout the song.” Well what do you think?”

“You are a skilled musician, Eva. It was enjoyable, though I have difficulty describing the feeling beyond that,” Lily explained.

“Hum I got it, stand up.” Lily looked at Eva curiously, but complied. Eva went back to her computer and went Redbone come and get your love. Once the music started playing Eva started to shake her hips.”Dance Lily.”

Lily tilted her head to the side. “How does one...dance?”

Eva jokingly rolled her eyes and walks towards Lilly. “Well,” Eva put her hands on Lilys hips, “try moving your hips for one, and how does one dance? You don’t learn. You just let the music go through you, you calm your body and you just let go.” Eva says while shaking her hips back and forth and grabs a her mouse and uses it as a mic and sings into it.

“So it is...instinctual, then.” Lily experimentally did as instructed, and eventually relaxed into a slight dancing rhythm, closing her eyes.

Eva snapped her fingers at the song. “There you go see your getting it, now this is a big question for you, but keep dancing. How do you feel?”

“I would say...relaxed. And I enjoy spending the time with you,” Lily decided.

“I enjoy spending time with you to Lily.” Eva went to her computer and paused it. “Alright, now were going to do something else do you know what and I hate to say this. Do you know what illusion is?”

“An illusion? It is a fake image,” Lily responded.

“Yes but it looks amazing her let me show you one that my father showed me. Would like to see it?” Lily walked over curiously, nodding slightly. “Alright now this is called a party trick good for parties.” Eva grabbed two bottles and a dollar. She put one bottle down put the dollar in the middle and a bottle on top of the dollar. ”I want you to grab the dollar lilly but don’t remove the bottle from the top.”

Lily attempted to remove the dollar from the side and the bottle fell over.

“Try again.”

Considering the two again, the clone of Lusett tried balancing the top one, keeping it stable, while pulling off the bottle from the bottom. and the bottle fell.

“Ok let me show you the trick, see this you pull the dollar out slowly and then you...” Eva Slammed her index finger on the dollar causing it to come out without disturbing their two bottles. “Tada.”

“Interesting. It requires an innovative solution, rather than the one that first comes to mind,” Lily analyzed.

“Hum I tell you what come here Lily.”

“What is that?” Lily walked over closer to Eva.

“I want you to tell me, why do you try to analyze things so much?”

“I would attribute it to my scientific nature. Lusett was much the same, if I am not mistaken,” Lily answered.

“That she was, she was a great woman.” Eva sighed. “Lily tell me what are you going to do after this war is over?”

“I...am not sure. I believe Elene wants to share the technological advancements we’ve made with the world, and I would probably help her do that.”

Eva started to laugh. “Well at least you have something figured out. Lily do you know what love means?”

“I understand the concept, but romantic love is not something I have personally experienced. I do care about my siblings, though,” Lily responded.

“Hum i’m sure some day you will find some romance in your life as long as you don’t tell anyone your real age, because that will make things awkward.” Eva got up and rubbed Lily’s head, and then hugged her. “I love you Lily and you know that I will try my best to protect you, you know that right?”

“I do. I’m...happy that we could spend some time together,” Lily said quietly, embracing her mother.

“That’s good.” Eva puts something in her mouth and onto her eyes.and turns Lily’s nick to the side” Now if you don’t mind i’m going to drink your blood now.”

“W-What are you talking about?” Lily stammered in a panic.

“Ou didn't you know?”Eva shows Lily her red eyes and long k9 teeth “I’m an immortal vampire, and I chose you to be my apprentice.”

“No...such thing exists…” Lily said, trying to back off from Eva.

Eva walks slowly towards Lily “Ou it’s possible and i’m going to make you my….my…” Eva starts to laugh with tears in her eye.

Lily shook her head, exhaling. “You have an odd sense of humor.”

Eva took the Vampire teeth out of her mouth and the red contacts.”Yea I know” Eva picks up Lily and hugged her again. “but I couldn't resist scaring you. But in all seriousness I do love you Lily and I always will.”

 

[Adrammalech]

// WARTORN STREETS //
Emily Fischer
XCOM Headquarters – Barracks #4
Siberia, Russian Federation
October 4, 2018 - 6:19 AM

Emily woke up with a whine, pounding her head with the ball of her palm hard, trying to extinguish the unreachable soreness behind her eyes and the ringing in her ears. Although mild at this point, she had never felt the effects of feedback beyond a night’s sleep. She exercised orange with her stealth, yellow saving the rocketeers, and red using Alice’s electricity; something she never did, much less under duress and back-to-back. If she actually succeeded with what she wanted to do for the latter two, maybe it would’ve taken some of the edge off. She stretched briefly and sat on the edge of Dallas’ bed, the firm mattress halting Emily’s weight just enough to stop the assault from waking up. With a nudge, he whined and looked up.

“Good morning,” Emily smiled. “I’m sorry to wake you, I just…I wanna talk. Is that okay?”

“Is it…urgent?”

“Umm…”

Dallas looked over to the clock, the hands telling him he had only gotten three to four hours. “I could use…like one more hour…if you don’t need me right now.”

“Oh…” Emily shook her head sadly before redoubling her polite smile. “It’s fine. Get your sleep, we'll talk later.”

He gave a brief thanks and fell back asleep almost instantly, and she gave a small sigh as she stood up again. Her mind wandered back to the attack as she slipped on a long-sleeve shirt and walked out into the base. She was relieved no one she was close to got seriously injured, but the attack still had an effect on everyone, just as the first one did. For each stretch of halls or rooms that was unaffected, there was another with a series of dents or bullet holes, the most demoralizing ones still holding a bloodstain yet to be mopped. She could still remember the disarray in the upper levels, the damage being far more similar to the aliens’ incursion.

She found herself wandering back to the hall with the generators, this section being fairly unaffected. In the middle of the hallway, Kieran stood, staring blankly into the window looking into the thermal generator. She looked behind her as she walked to him, only a single person strolling by just as she turned. Kieran showed little recognition as she stood beside him.

“You okay?” she asked.

“Yeah. Just taking it in,” he sighed. “You’d think a base like this is safer than some ordinary bullet-peddling camp in Ethereal territory, but…I guess nowhere is safe these days.”

“I heard Japan’s pretty safe. Madagascar, New Zealand too…”

“Yep, countries barely holding onto their customs now. Most of the islands are like gigantic refuges more than nations.”

“Bet if you told a commander a year ago that the ingredients to survival were seclusion and culture, he’d laugh at you,” Emily chuckled.

“You ever think about leaving?” Kieran turned towards her.

“Leaving? Here?”

“Military altogether. I mean, it was a fun challenge for a few years, but these traitors and aliens…guess it's not really what I signed up for.”

“It doesn’t give you a sense of…belonging?”

“Well, I’m not saying I wouldn’t carry a gun and shoot bad guys for the glory of mankind,” he gave a little grin, “it’s just being in a big base with all the science…makes you a target. I always worked better alone.”

“We had some fun in a group.”

“A group of two, not sixteen and counting…” he mumbled.

“I do think about it sometimes,” Emily admitted, “but then I remember what I have to lose. What everyone has to lose.”

“Yeah…’everything’ has never seemed quite so literal.”

Emily nodded, touching his shoulder briefly as she turned away. “See you later?”

“Definitely,” he smiled modestly, watching her walk away for a moment before turning back to the generator.

She went over her mental checklist as she walked through the halls aimlessly, not in the right spirits to sneak peeks at mission control, not in the right time to spend time with Sunny, and certainly not in the right mood to visit an alien. She remembered that she had the captives to check on, and even though the medical wing was unaffected, she still hadn’t seen the effects of Luxuria’s new drug formula. She rushed with renewed purpose and arrived at the medical wing, operating the same at 6 am that it would at 5 pm. When she reached the appropriate area, she flagged down a doctor while peeking through Sybille’s room window, the scarred woman sleeping soundly in her bed.

“Is something wrong?” the bedraggled doctor asked, wiping her slightly made-up eyes with the exhaustion of a full day’s shift.

“How is she?”

“Excellent, actually. After we allowed the alien to create a cocktail without our restrictions, it worked perfectly. She’s calm, responsive, and docile; and we’re even starting to see focusing capability from her.”

“Really?”

“Yes, we’re creating more doses for the other girls as well. I believe soon we’ll know their names and homes, so we can run searches like the one Mr. Wiewiora did for Sybille.”

“Well…I mean, that’s fantastic,” she said, unable to complain about anything the doctor was saying, surprised that Luxuria's treatment was actually working with no problems.

“It’s still a long road for all of them, but it appears we’re hitting a smooth patch in it,” the doctor gave a brief smile towards Emily, “it’s all thanks to you and your ‘friend’ that we’re able to progress. These women owe you an unpayable debt.”

“They don’t owe anyone anything,” she mumbled.

The doctor blushed slightly and reconsidered her words. “Oh, I didn’t mean…I meant thank you, Ms. Fischer.”

Emily gave a curt nod as the doctor walked away, looking back at her oddly and fiddling with her hair before composing herself. She chalked the behavior up to tiredness, which was affecting just about everyone. She read through a couple pages of unreadable penmanship on the clipboard stuck to her door before giving up and heading back to the normal area, looking for Nika’s room. The Russian heavy was also sleeping soundly in her hospital bed, and Emily gave a tired sigh. The headache began to return as boredom crept back into her mind, unable to think of anything more immediate to do in the morning. She turned the knob slowly and slipped in, looking for a comfy chair to slump down in for a couple hours.

 

[MarineAvenger]

Unwelcomed Guest (MarineAvenger and Dahlexpert)

XCOM Base, Siberia
115's Cell, Laboratories
October 4th, 2018
2145 Hours

Still in his cell inside of the labs, 115 looked intently around the small containment room, his hands still bound though he had been granted permission to at least move around. He could try and escape, but there would be no point in his mind. This was the situation he was in, he would adapt.

Eva entered the labs and walked into his cell after a little talk from one of the assistants looking over 115. Stepping in, Eva stared at the prisoner. "So you're one of Viktor's new clones? Wow, for some reason I want to break your skull open and stomp on your brain.”

115 just blinked once at the loud visitor and he went to the desk and sat down, grabbing a pen and writing on the yellow pad. ‘You sure are loud, you know?’

“Tell me something people haven’t already told me. So what’s your story?”

The clone got to work scribbling on his pad, his bound hands making it a bit hard but when he was done he placed the pen down and turned the pad towards Eva. ‘What story is there to give? I am a clone and nothing more. My directive is no longer clear, though it seems I am still useful in some way, the people here won’t allow me to terminate myself.’

Eva started to giggle. “Wow you can’t talk? Some fucking master you had. Yes you're a clone, so what? My kids are clones, hell one of my friends is a clone. But if it was my way, I would kill you just out of spite, but let’s say motivations. What motivates you?”

‘I had a mission. To kill the Exalt heiress. The mission was terminated when my creator, was so right now nothing motivates me.’ 115 wrote down plainly, staring at Eva with a blank expression that had no emotion, especially the clone’s eyes.

“Wow you truly are pathetic aren’t you? Your only purpose is in life was to follow your master's orders. Tell me why would you follow someone that gave you no voice?”

‘He wasn’t my master, he was only my creator. The only reason I fought because that is what my directive dictated. I am not upset with not having a voice, I have gained for what I have lost.’

“Alright you follow orders, does that mean any order?”

The clone shook his head slightly.

“Alright, what if I gave you an order to fight the aliens? Will you do it with no problem?”

He shook his head again.

“Good lord, killing you is so sounding better and better by the second. Not out of hate but out of sympathy, you literally have no purpose.” Eva rubbed her head “How are you feeling right now about this conversation?”

115 took the pad and wrote on it. ‘You are a very hard person to converse with. A hard exterior but most likely more soft hearted underneath. You like articulate things but you are afraid some people might judge you, though it does not stop you from doing what you see is fun. Am I correct in this assumption?’

“Oh your damn near 100% right. I love music and I don’t allow my fear to stop me, because if I did allow my fear to stop me, I would not be the person I am now.”

‘I watch, I observe, I analyze my target and environment to the best of my ability. I already know about two ways I could beat you and escape. Though I have no need, or desire.’ He put the pen down and stared directly into Eva’s eyes.

Eva starts to smile “Oh you think you could kill me? If my kids can capture you, then I could kill you with ease. But like you said there's no point. Hell we’ll kill you once you open that door. If you go through the vents we'll just...well where's the fun in telling you. So how strong are you?”

‘I don’t need to be strong. I was made to be fast and agile, not to take damage. Unlike you.’ He looked her up and down before writing again. ‘Though you obviously don’t listen to tactics. You share much of that with the others I was made with.’

“You may think that but that’s your opinion, and that’s all i’m saying." Eva got up. "Now if you excuse me, I have a war to win along with other things. Enjoy your prison. I’ll give you a quick death after we win this.” Eva headed towards the door.

115 looked at Eva and tapped his knuckle against the desk for her attention before writing something down. ‘If you know, how is flower girl? Her name was some sort of holiday plant but I never learned it. I just always referred to her as flower girl.’

“No I don’t know her, but if I find out that person's name I’ll pass it to you. Is that alright?”

The clone nodded. He clicked the pen one more time and wrote a single word down on the pad. ‘Asher.’

“What does that mean? What does Asher mean?”

‘It was something I found while doing what little browsing I could while back at the base. I believe it was the name of someone important...I can’t remember from where. If I am to be here awhile I feel a number designation being redundant and impersonal.’

Eva rubbed her chin “Well thank you for the information, 'Asher'. Enjoy your prison.”

The clone sat back down in his chair and looked on as Eva left, though his face remained flat and emotionless still.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

“Innovative Solutions” - Elene, Lily, and Emma Exalt, plus Avanix

XCOM Headquarters, Somewhere in Siberia
1630 Hours, October 6th, 2018
Legion Command Center

Beneath the microscope, the cellular scene played out for Elene. Everything appeared calm at first. The white blood cells carried out their normal duties, fighting off infection. Though Desmond’s immune system seemed to be stronger than the average man’s, and the Exalt heiress suspected that had something to do with his ability to hold alcohol, as well.

Elene sighed, momentarily distracted by the thought. “Emma, how long was he at the bar?”

“At least six hours. Though he didn’t seem to get very drunk, as we would guess,” the shadow operative replied with concern.

“What point would there be in that in the first place, though?” Lily inquired, sitting at the computer beside Emma.

“It can shackle the mind, and sometimes that helps with distractions, but the consequences for continued consumption are far greater than the debateable relief it provides,” Emma responded, shaking her head. “He should count himself lucky he can’t get hammered like Vee.”

“I don’t exactly blame him, though,” Elene added, glancing back down into the microscope. “Desmond has too many things to worry about right now. Between losing Ryan, his wedding, and… this.”

Elene’s pause was not random, for as she watched, the white blood cell’s behavior changed. In groups of two, they attacked the synthesized vital cells the clone had laid out for them. Applying pressure, locking their targets in place, the cells were destroyed as if they were maladies like viruses or harmful bacteria.

“Just like the tests we ran on Desmond himself,” the heiress thought aloud.

“Fortunately, it appears that while this does occur at all times, it is on such a small scale that cell replication far outpaces the infinitesimal damage it causes,” Avanix reminded her. “Though that begs the question of what causes this madness to spread to all antibodies.”

“I had you run several tests, Avanix. Did you really find no answer?” Elene snapped.

“Mistress, we will find something. You need to keep a level head,” the original A.I. responded calmly.

Elene’s irritation faded. “Apologies, Avanix. We just...need something. His condition could worsen again at any time. An hour, a day, a week, a month, a year….we have no way of telling. That, to me, means we can’t afford to waste time.”

“Understood. I will continue to analyze the white blood cells. Though while it is unrelated to the reason for their attacks, I believe that the reason it showed up more quickly, chronologically speaking, with Desmond is not random. His partially accelerated growth and strengthening through the Tz6 made him stronger, but that unfortunately means that if his immune system turns on him like this…”

“...it is far more deadly than that for a normal person,” Emma finished for her. “That power… certainly comes with a price.”

Elene nodded grimly, and leaned into the microscope again. “Avanix, use formula DS-092 on the white blood cells. With any luck, this one will make them recognize the cells they target as benign.” The A.I. complied, and an infusion of the small nanites found within the Tz6 permeated the immune cells, affecting the activity of their nuclei. However, it appeared to change nothing, as the cells still destroyed the next set of cells they came across.

“What is causing them to do that… it doesn’t make any sense. Nothing is working,” Elene lamented, leaning back in her chair hopelessly.

“...may I take a look?” Lily offered.

Elene regarded her for a moment, and then stood up, standing by the chair. “Be my guest.”

Lily sat down in the swivel chair, peering at the cells. “Run test 093.” The brown-haired clone of Lusett watched intently as the white blood cells went on their rampage, tearing through the rest of the simulated heart cells. Lily quietly considered what she had seen, but started to wonder if she was going to reach the same conclusion as Elene. The clone closed her eyes, and then recalled something important.

Eva slammed her index finger on the dollar, causing it to come out without disturbing the two bottles. “Tada.”

“Interesting. It requires an innovative solution, rather than the one that first comes to mind,” Lily analyzed.

The scientist’s eyes snapped open, and Lily quickly turned to Elene, a rare expression of excitement on her features. “I have it!”

Elene looked back at Lily with genuine surprise. “You...do?”

Lily looked into the microscope again. “Test 094.” As she watched the scene again, Lily explained her plan to Elene and Emma, who were both beside her now. Avanix was listening in, of course. “We cannot find out the reason for the white blood cell’s behavior, that much we know. And time is a constraint, so we cannot afford to spend weeks on that one issue, correct?”

Emma inclined her head slightly. “Yes… but how does that factor into a solution?”

“I was thinking about something Eva showed me… a party trick with two bottles. I couldn’t figure out how to remove the dollar in-between without disturbing them, and Eva showed me that you had to quickly hit it with your index finger to dislodge the currency without failing the criteria.” Lily requested another test of Avanix, this time suggesting that the MELD be used to dislodge the affected cells.

When Avanix complied, however, the screen displayed the unfortunate results for Elene and her silver-haired copy. Although it momentarily rescued the affected heart cells, the white blood cells quickly went after them. Lily explained the meaning of this to the other two. “Simply dislodging them is like yanking out the dollar and shaking the bottles. The immune system knows that its target has escaped, so it continues to pursue it until there’s nothing left, only being satisfied when its destruction is complete.”

Elene started to realize where Lily was going with this. “So you mean…”

“Test 096, standby.” Lily pulled back from the microscope to watch the screen with the others. “Yes, that’s what I mean. Avanix, can you formulate artificial cells matching the heart cells?”

“I could clone them, yes. Where do you want me to put them?” Avanix asked, seeming to cherish this moment of brilliance from the youngest of the four.

“In a thin layer over the heart, deployed once the white blood cells start to attack, but nothing that would disrupt its normal functions,” Lily responded.

“But it makes those unneeded cells a target and placeholder,” Emma surmised. “That’s...I can’t believe we didn’t think of that.”

“Begin test.” The heart cells began to be attacked, but then the Tv6 quickly freed them, pushing the real heart cells back into position while filling the gap between the two white blood cells with a perfect copy. Once the doppelgangers were destroyed, the immune system seemed placated, returning to its normal functions. “By providing the momentary replacement for their original targets, we are hitting them with our index finger, without disturbing the bottles. It’s not a permanent solution, but it could save Desmond’s life.”

Elene hugged Lily, surprising the brown-haired scientist. “Thank you, Lily… your innovative solution is just what we need.”

Emma smiled. “I’ll get to work on some sort of device Desmond could potentially have on his person to inject the DS-094 solution. You’ve brought us something that will give him time, if it doesn’t outright negate the problem. Well done, Lily.”

The clone of Lusett reddened a little. “T-thanks…”

She really is Lusett’s progeny, after all. Although Avanix wanted to say how proud she was of Lily, the A.I. decided it better to not embarrass Lily further, and went to archive the data and aid Emma in production. Physical problem down, though I suspect the emotional half will require even more work than this solution did, Avanix mused, her thoughts drifting to the tragedy of Ryan Gregory.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

"One falls, another rises to take their place"

X-COM Headquarters
Interrogation Room #3
October 6th, 1700 Hours

Demeter slowly tapped her fingers against the desk, giving Jake a defiant grin. "So, boy. You're the one guarding me today? Really?"

Jake rolled his eyes. "Again with the boy... no, I'm not your guard. I'm only here to..."

"Good to hear," Demeter leaned forward, seeming to accentuate her British accent for added effect. "Because you realize I could jump over this desk and kill you in about five different ways before anyone could save you, right?"

The other two guards in the room shifted slightly, but Jake only folded his arms. "You have a deep seeded need to prove you are better then others."

"What?" Demeter raised an eyebrow. "What are you..."

"Could be a self-esteem issue. Of course, considering your line of work, and what I've been told, it could be a need to hurt..."

"Oh, God, you're a shrink!" Demeter cringed. "Don't tell me I have to put up with a bunch of psychobabble."

"This isn't a therapy session, this is an interrogation." Ayame stepped in, a big grin on her face. "So don't get comfy."

Demeter looked her up and down. "What the bloody [1] hell are you doing on yer feet?"

Ayame's grin widened. "Wonders of X-COM medical science. Hope I have time to pay you back before the Commander gets here."

"Afraid not," Jake said, Morrigan walking in a few seconds later.

The Commander took a seat, folding her hands. "Now, let's make this quick. I have a lot..."

"Have fun with your questions, your torture, your shocks, your fingernail pulling, and whatever you have planned. You can ask Eris here. You won't get a thing from me."

Jake's eyes darted towards Morrigan. Can... can you hear me? Not really... experienced... Tap your finger twice if you can.The Commander tapped her finger.Okay, good, um... she isn't bluffing. Other then some apprehension about the perceived coming torture, she isn't afraid.

Morrigan sighed. "I've lost my taste for torture, if I ever had one in the first place. And I have too much on my plate to be bothered with this. I have one dead soldier, which I'm sure you don't care about, but I do." She did a quick mental count, being sure to count Alice. "Four critically injured soldiers. A crap ton of damage to my base. And let us not forget the mountain of paperwork. Now, I was trying to give you a chance, but if you don't want to take it..."

"I don't," Demeter snapped. "So either execute me or release me. Just get on with it already."

Ayame laughed. "You really think you're getting off that easy, huh? You're going to sit in the brig until this war is over, and then we're gonna find you a nice cell to spend the rest of your life in. Maybe one here in Siberia."

Morrigan wondered what Ayame was doing, but decided to let her talk. Demeter laughed back. "What the fuck cobblers [2] you getting on about? I know my rights as a private military soldier. You have no right to detain me, so just..."

"I'm afraid the Private Military Act of 2016 doesn't protect PMC soldiers from unprovoked acts of aggression against multiple National governments," Morrigan interrupted. She pulled out a computer pad, fiddling with it a bit.

"What are you... how the hell is some back water, frozen desert based operation acting as an aggressor towards an anti-alien..." Demeter started, silence when Morrigan slid the pad in front of her. She looked it over, her eyes widening as she looked at all the various flags and national seals.

"You done fucked up... love." Ayame smiled. "You shouldn't have attacked one of the largest gatherings of world nation's ever."

"Did I fuck as like [3], ye hobknocker [4]!" Ayame blinked a few times at the response, wondering if she needed to go get Mary to translate. "This is a secret organization! How was I supposed te know it was run by some many nations!?"

Jake shook his head. "Even assuming your boss had no idea about us, and didn't immediately find Viktor Dorian fishy, ignorance of a crime is never an excuse."

"Yes, my boss!" Demeter insisted. "I dinit kill no one! Ye got nothin' on me, ye duffer [5]!"

"You assaulted Kasagi, and nearly killed one of my scientist." Morrigan leaned forward, her expression neutral. "And your boss killed one of my men. In most of the countries backing us, guilt for a death during a crime extends to all accomplices. So I'm afraid we have you for murder."

"Pft." Demeter flipped Morrigan off. "Piss off [6], ye munter [7]." She folded her arms and glared at the trio.

She has quite the poker face, but that's all it is. She had almost no fear at the idea of dying, but the thought of us clipping her wings has her terrified.

Morrigan gave a slight nod, and stood up. "Well, as I said, I have a lot of work to do." The others stood with her, and they made for the door.

Demeter's eyes widened a bit. "Now, wait, you... where are you... this isn't over, aren't you..."

"I told you, you missed your chance." Morrigan didn't bother to turn around. "I don't need you anyway. I have other prisoners, and none of them have nearly your degree of will, or stubbornness. I'll have one of my mind-readers..."

"But I have information they don't! And I'm more equipped to..."

"Don't care. I'm not in the mood." Morrigan opened the door.

"PLEASE!" Demeter shouted, the plea stopping the Commander. "I... I can't go to prison, I... I-I..."

Ayame leaned in close to Morrigan, whispering, "She might do something stupid if we don't give her a chance, like attack the guards to try and force them to shoot her."

The Commander sighed and nodded. The three returned to their seats. "Well... you are the only one with any apparent rank we captured. But you get one chance. Act pissy, and I leave. Got it?"

Demeter nodded. Ayame smiled, not wanting to miss her chance. "What's... your name? Your real name?"

Demeter narrowed her eyes. "Uphill gardening [8] nosey parker [9]..." The three started to stand, and she blurted out. "Rose! Okay? Rose Atkinson. Happy?"

Ayame's smile widened. "Never figured you for a Rosie..."

"So... what can you tell us that the others can't?" Morrigan calmly asked.

"My PMC is... was Black Void Contracting," the British mercenary started. "Most of the common grunts probably don't know this, but Logan Wade's second in command, and likely the one in charge with Wade gone, Mira, is also his adopted daughter. She's a ruthless, cold-hearted bitch, but she cared about Logan. I have no doubt she'll seek vengeance on X-COM."

Ayame waved a dismissive hand. "That all you got? Why should we care about some pissed off woman with a chip on her shoulder that probably lost half of her people in the attack?"

"I wasn't finished." Demeter took a deep breath. "I overheard Logan and Mira talking before we came here. Besides him leaving her in charge while he was gone, he mentioned they were paid a lot for this mission, and got half of it before it started, so they have even more funds then before. And... a-and Logan was probably as deceptive as your EXALT guy. He was already making plans to ransack Dorian's base if he died during the mission. Knowing Wade, his desire for power might have led him to attack them even if Dorian survived. I'm sure they did just that by now, which means they have what was left of EXALT's resources, and even without vengeance on her mind, I'm sure Mira will want your tech as well. My suggestion to you? Stamp her and Black Void out before they become another EXALT."

She's telling the truth, Commander.

Morrigan slowly stood up. "I... have some facts that need to be checked out. If they do... I'll consider a reduced sentence." She stepped out, Jake and Ayame following. Taking a radio from Jake, she said, "Eve, I need you to get me everything you can on a Mira Wade and Black Void Contracting. And I need a report on the status of the EXALT HQ."

"Report is in, Commander, but I don't think you're gonna like it," Eve answered back.

"I'm sure I won't..."

[1] Damned
[2] Rubbish, Nonsense
[3] I certainly did not!
[4] One who sleeps with animals
[5] Idiot, Simpleton
[6] Go away, Get lost
[7] Deeply Unattractive Woman, Pig, Dog
[8] Lesbian
[9] A person who takes a little bit too much interest in other people’s goings on

 

[MarineAvenger]

Moral Compass (Andrammalech and MarineAvenger)

XCOM Headquarters
Siberia, Russian Federation
October 5th, 2018 - 10:42 PM

Emily knocked on the large steel doors of Desmond’s lab, becoming concerned as time and knocks passed by without answer. She thought for a moment where he could be, but it was difficult to figure out where the enigmatic teacher would go for stress relief. She fast-walked through the halls and checked the gym, and then the rec-room, finally coming full circle towards the common areas - namely, the bar. She found him with an unlabeled bottle of bronze, gripping the neck like a last hope. She loosened up and sidled over, slipping into the seat beside him. The bartender nodded towards her and passed her a glass of juice, returning quickly to the thirsty soldiers down the bar. After a moment of silence, she looked over.

“Hey. How are you holding up?” she asked.

Desmond was silent, putting the bottle to his lips and drinking a fair bit before he put it down. “About as well to be expected.”

She nodded solemnly. “I heard he was your friend...I’m sorry, for what it’s worth.”

“He was a close friend.” Desmond finished off the latest bottle and set it off to the side where a small collection was gathering. “Fuck Lusett and her near perfect design for me. At least Vee has the luxury of being able to get drunk.” He mumbled.

“I don’t know much about her, just that Elene’s her clone,” Emily sighed, taking a sip of her orange juice. “Were you supposed to be a super-soldier or something?”

“Of...sorts. To be honest I still don’t fully know what was going through her head. A strange turn of events later I came to be and was never the fully best or worse for it.” Desmond took a peanut from a bowl of them and put it in his mouth. “Sometimes I feel my life is more of a curse than a gift.”

“I wouldn’t say that’s true,” she looked over at him worriedly, “the Commander likes you. I like you. Pretty sure lots of people agree you’re more of a gift than a curse.”

“And then things go wrong. It has happened countless times before and it will keep going on countless times after. These recent events were just the latest kicks to my well being.” He went looking back at his previous bottles to see if there was anything left but he just put them down in frustration.

“That’s how we grow though, we fall on our ass,” Emily said, grabbing one of the empty bottles and turning it on its head. “I know I did plenty of times, a good few from this.”

“I sometimes question whether the things I do are right. If I should have just up and left when I was presented the chance to. Maybe if I had just died in Moscow or never went to the Med Bay the day I met Elizabeth. So many ‘what ifs’ and the biggest on my mind being, ‘what if I had just done something. I had the means. I had the knife, the guns, the powers and yet when I could have used them I choked. I don’t know why but what I do know is that my best friend is dead right now because of it.” He picked up another bottle and stared at it with anger, slamming it down back on the bar counter. “And I can’t fucking forget it!”

“I don’t think Ammy would’ve preferred you dead in Moscow, and I know your fiancee wouldn’t have liked a world where you didn’t meet,” Emily said sternly. “A smart person once told me that what-ifs only lead people to doubting themselves and having regrets over things they couldn’t change.”

“And when I first came here my philosophy was that relationships made you weak. I thought I changed my ways, that I had become a better person. That I had...one, tiny shrivel of real humanity in a sea of artificial creation. But I wasn’t made to be human, so it might not just come to me quite easily as other people. I was on top of the world, planning a better future and finding purpose where I thought I had none. Only took a push to knock me down from that high, and it seems the blows just don’t stop coming.”

“The blows are part of being human though, just look at us for all the evidence you need,” Emily gestured wildly at random scarred soldiers and men drinking away their sorrows across the bar. “If anything, how far you’ve come from your past makes you more human. You care about so much more than your ambitions and your objectives, from what I can tell.”

Desmond sat in silence once more, grabbing a fresh bottle that was placed in front of him, this one clear and he popped open the top and took a swig.

“Just look at what you’re doing for me, trying to make sure I learn at a good pace, even though I want all the power for my ambitions,” Emily continued. “You’re disciplined, and thoughtful, and you think about how things affect other things. That makes you human - and important - no matter what your background.”

“I think that is the worst part of it all. That so many people have become reliant on someone who doesn’t deserve it. People like Ammy, Modya, even you, are the ones that deserve to have that spot. I wasn’t made to be a leader and yet every seems to think it comes naturally.” Scratching his neck, he leaned back at looked at the ceiling. “I am expected to be strong. To be a symbol of hope to those who need it, but I am not strong, I am not a symbol. I never wanted to be one, because I am not an of those things. I just put on a mask and be the person that people want me to be, even if it isn’t what I want at times.”

“Maybe you weren’t made to be or didn’t want to be a leader,” she replied, her voice echoing slightly in the glass as she took a sip, “but did you ever think you just became one, on your own? That you actually earned it?”

He went for another sip but looked at the bottle and he put it down. “I lost my home, my arm, my best friend, and even my brother. The bastard was an unforgivable prick but we were still technically related. If Elene heard that one she would probably go off on me but it is the truth.” Desmond turned to look at Emily. “I have lost a lot. Some of it for this war and some of it for different reasons altogether. I may not be a Morrigan, or an Atka or even Aya for that matter, but people seem to look up to me. Even if I can’t be the person I want, I am stuck being the leader that they need.”

Emily nodded slightly, looking sadly into her glass and hesitating on what to say next.

Desmond clicked his tongue and turned back to his bottle, staring at it. “Ryan warned me of this. He told me not to lose my way, but he was more than just a friend to me...he was...he was the one who set me straight. He was the one I relied on most for advice, the one who acted as my moral compass. The one who I hanged out with in the lab, building small trinkets or sharing stories. It was nothing that seemed special at the time but now that he is gone, I don’t even want to set foot in the lab. The silence would kill me, the fact that we can’t have those occasional banters while working...I just can’t bring myself to do it.”

“No one can replace those things, not when you lose a friend,” Emily looked at him sadly. “I can’t tell you that someone will step in and fill the shoes, or that I could do that. But that doesn’t mean you should stop doing what you do. He was there to talk with you and work with you because he wanted to keep you moving, and I can only imagine he’d want you to keep moving now.”

Desmond nodded his head slightly, wiping his face with his hand and blowing out his mouth. “Ryan was always there for me...now it should be time for me to be there for him. He may not be around but I will be damned before I truly let him die.”

“I like the sound of that,” Emily showed the beginnings of a smile as she took another sip.

Desmond picked up the bottle of booze and looked at the label, a slight smirk appearing on the corners of his mouth. “Maybe that is why I can’t get drunk. If I was allowed to do that, I would never be able to learn. Seems everytime I try to drown myself in alcohol there is always someone coming here to give me a lesson. If I was ever drunk I would be as stupid as could be.” Placing the bottle down, he got up from the stool he was sitting at and for the first time since the mission, Desmond began to leave the bar.

“I couldn’t agree more.” Emily swiveled over as he stood up, setting her near-empty glass back onto the bar. “Want some company?”

“I have the feeling whatever I say, you would follow anyways.” Desmond added as he walked down the halls.

“You know me too well,” she chuckled, following along not out of over-eagerness, but over-friendliness.

They continued to walk further into the base until Desmond stopped and looked at his destination with a small bit of hesitation. Placing his hand on the scanner, he took a deep breath as the door opened and he walked into the dark room, the lights turning on row by row when he entered until it was fully lit. Everything was still left the way it was before the base defense, not a screw out of place.

His eyes darted around and he saw all of the small and unfinished projects as well as the completed ones lying around, Desmond swallowing hard as he took deep breaths. “I don’t know if I will ever adjust…” Desmond snapped his fingers and holograms popped to life as schematic upon schematic of small tools and larger projects appeared on the tables and floated in suspension. “But I owe that to him to at least.”

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Dahlexpert & ZombieSlayer53
Comparing Homes

X-COM Headquarters,
Alien Containment Facility
Oct. 7th, 1200 Hours

Luxuria hovered several feet in the air, looking as though she was lying on an invisible bed. Her upper arms were behind her head, her lower arms raised in the air, manipulating the illusions of various planets, stars, and celestial bodies.

You can't do that, She telepathically spoke to someone not in the room. I don't care how furry and adaptive you make them, nothing could survive on a planet that far from its sun. At your age, I shouldn't have to remind you of basic astrophysics and celestial mechanics, Avy.

Ashley walked into the room and saw Luxuria hovering. "Hey, what are you doing?" Ashley asked.

Luxuria glanced out of the cell, and projected, I have been called upon to entertain. We will continue this discussion turned into a lessons later. Floating into a standing position, the Ethereal directed towards Ashley, I was entertaining myself the best I could. Please understand that, for one devoted to her work as much as I, these long, empty days are quite fulfilling.

"Hmm, you were entertaining yourself." Ashley nodded. "Well, I can give you some entertainment if you want. But on two conditions. Condition one, you don't take over my body."

Luxuria chuckled a bit, the sound resonating within her helmet. I am quite sure I could not do that anyway, but I promise I will withhold my urge to try. And the other condition?

"The second one is none of your psi crap. Do I have your word on that?"

Oh, but I enjoy my psi... crap?... so much. But very well. No illusions, at least none of people. She twirled a finger in the air, the images of a Yellow, blue dwarf, and red giant star swirling around in a circle. Really, though, you humans take such easy offense. But I shall try to behave myself. As long as you keep your promise to entertain me.

"Good now put your hand... one of your hands on the glass, and close your eyes."

Luxuria tilted her head slightly, wondering what the human was up to, but at the same time intrigued, bored since Emily's last visit. She placed her hand on the glass, and even closed her eyes, even though Ashley wouldn't be able to tell behind the mask.

Ashley closed her eyes. When she opened her eyes, they were blue, and she entered Luxuria's mind. Ashley looked up at Luxuria. Okay, first thing's first, let's get you out of here. Ashley opens the cell. Now mind you, you're still in the cell, but I might as well give you the illusion of freedom.

Luxuria stretched her illusionary limbs. Hmm... a taste of freedom, even if not real. That does catch my interest. I am impressed.

I figured you wold enjoy this. Now then, I'm going to show you my planet. The first stop is my ancient birth place. Ashley waved her hand, bringing them to an ancient Roman Colosseum, were two gladiators were fighting each other. Come, sit down. Enjoy the show.

A history, lesson, is it? Luxuria sat awkwardly on the stone seats. A game in which two oiled up men fight to the death for the amusement of others. It is good to see you have evolved past this, else we might have been less willing to except you into our fold.

Well, we didn't really evolve from this, see. There is a sport called boxing, where it's pretty much the same as this. The only difference is no one dies. Now then, let me show you a more recent version of my planet. Ashley waved her hand and showed what the arena looks like many years later. So what do you think? After almost a thousand years, this Colosseum still stands.

Hmm... impressive architecture, I will give you that. But why keep it around for so long? Surely, you could use this space for something far more useful. Seems... wastful.


True, it may seem wasteful, but think of it more as a testament to the past. I mean, without this, we would never know about the gladiators, so it's more like a museum if nothing else. Do you have museums on your home world?

Museums... holders of the past. I suppose we do not. Much of our existence is devoted to the Path to Accession. It is an important part of our everyday life. We have records of our past, and there are those that hold on to various trinkets, but as far as whole buildings... no. We do not. Do you... find that odd?

A little. See, my people have a saying. 'Those that don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. However, museums are mostly used to hold other things. Ashley waved her hand and showed Luxuria a museum. Come with me, there is something in particular I want to show you. Ashley and Luxuria walked around, and Ashley showed the Ethereal the bones of an dinosaur.

Remains of a long extinct creature. Do you wish to learn how not to go extinct, or is it just a fascination with you large, ancient lizards? There was a slightly amused tone in Luxuria's voice.


It's more for studying, really. Tell me, Luxuria, what is your home world like? How did your people evolve?

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

My world? Not many have shown interest, except perhaps Emily, and only to an extent. Seemed as though she... wanted to push it away... Luxuria waved her hand, the illusion changing to that of a large, lit up world, two medium sized moon orbiting it. It is a prosperous world, free of crime and strife, or the need for such things. Everyone works together as one species. There is the occasional... misunderstanding, but we are a united people. Most of my people, while followers of the Path, are removed from our struggles, many likely unaware of the lengths we go to in order to spread our way of life across the galaxy. As for our evolution, we have dedicated our beings, body and soul, to the Path. This has strengthened our minds to heights unheard of a millennium or two ago, though... there are those of us who have regretted the loss of our physical being, the trade off.

Hmm, a world filled with peace, and no war. Everyone gets along and works together. It reminds me of my village. Everyone works together for our survival, there is fighting, but we deal with it our own way. Ashley sighed. It's almost what I want in a paradise.

Then why not join us, Ashley? I... I have started to believe that... that Avaritia was right. That are method of delivery of our message is flawed. But it is still a path to greatness, to unity. Join us.

I have a question. You keep mentioning the path. This path... what is it?

It is the meaning of our existence. The reason we are here, centered around what you refer to as 'psionics'. It is our belief, our driving principle, that one day, we shall find the one, whether it be an entire species, or one individual, who shall gain full control of psionics, and rise above it, and through Assension, by the being that we have long searched for. In a... limited human sense, you could say it is a search for the one you call God.

Well, I gave up on a lot of religions, but searching for a god seems like a wast of time. But, here's a question for you. Why haven't your people Ascended? I mean, you lived for God knows how long. Why haven't at least one of your people Ascended?

Luxuria let out a sound resembling a sigh. There are those amongst us that believe that it is only a matter of time, and that patience is all we need... She turned to face Ashley. And then... there those of us that believe that... we missed our chance. That Ascension can only be achieved amongst those with a perfect synergy between body and mind. The latter is not a problem for us... but the former... We have come to your planet because you might be the people we have searched for. At the time, I am afraid you are beneath us. But you may have the potential to exceed us. To achieve what we missed out on. And we are here to help with that. It is why I attempted to become one with Emily. She has the body, I the mind. Together, we could have been the one... but I do not expect you to understand. How could you, when you have never been as close as... as I am sure I was...

So you come to my planet thinking we can do better then you. What about the other races you encountered? Did they not become what you wanted? And you turned them into monsters, or were they already monsters? Ashley turned and looked up at Luxuria. And let's say I do join you. What will happen?

In an elated tone, Luxuria answered, Why, you have proven yourself to be above the others we have encountered. We would work with you, help you develop, and perhaps be the ones to achieve Ascension. And should you fail, you would likely become the greatest ally we have, taking the place of the ones you call 'Muton Elites'. Together, we would travel the galaxy, spreading the Path, searching for Ascension. And you, Ashley... you are a leader of your people, are you not? You could become a great galactic general! Her shoulders slumped, and her tone darkened. But this is a farce, is it not? You would never willingly join us, not matter how great you could be. You will continue to cling to human sentimentality and stubbornness, and if you fail to be the Ones, you shall become nothing more then another footsoldier, a simple fusion of the ones you call 'sectoid' and 'Thin Man'. Such a waste... She shook her head. I believe we are done here. You have strung me along for long enough.

Ashley takes her hand off the glass returning them to the prison. "To tell you the truth, after this war is over, I might join you. I love my family very much and I will do anything for them, but to see the galaxy and what it has to offer? I would love to see it, and learn more about your people, maybe even see your home world. Hell, I might even convince you to not transform an entire spices into monsters. So I tell you what. Once my people are do beating the crap out of this invasion force you guys have, I want you to take me to your home world so I can talk to your people. Do we have a deal?"

You are an optimistic one. I fear that this war will likely not end until you are a part of us... or we are all dead. And regardless of the result, I have little hope of living until the end. Once my usefulness is through, I shall be executed, if not dissected alive. But... should that not be the case... if both sides survive, and we both live through this... then yes. You... have a deal.

"Good to hear. Now if you'll excuse me, I have other things to do. I do hope you live after this war." Ashley nodded to the alien, and left the room.

 

[Frostlich1228]

Frostlich1228, DarkGemini24601, and Andrammalech: "What the Future Holds."

XCOM Headquarters - Common Area
Siberia, Russian Federation
October 6th, 2018 - 3:45 PM

Although the base was mostly cleaned up after the attack, the bar still carried a degree of somberness, with soldiers that took bullets drinking away their woes and the occasional group toast by the memorial. Regardless, the healing had begun, and darts were still being thrown, glasses still being passed, and cue balls still being knocked around the tables. Dallas in particular spent a lot of time here, hoping for another chance encounter with the clones he had met before the attack to thank them for their assistance.

“Well, it’s training time,” he said, slamming down a glass of soda. “See you later?”

“Yep,” Emily smiled, leaning in to kiss him quickly before he left.

Dallas walked through the doors towards the administrative areas, headed for the officer training hall. Emily swiveled out towards the rest of the bar, taking a sip as she looked over the soldiers relaxing throughout the giant room. She smiled when she saw a familiar face, raising her hand high and waving enthusiastically.

Ammelia sat at the other end of the bar, the drink she ordered having not arrived yet. She looked over at Emily, not noticing that she had been there until a few minutes ago. With a smile, she moved to the seat that Dallas had just left available, “You two sure seem happy.”

“Yeah, it’s going well,” Emily admitted, giving a slight smile. “How are you holding up?”

“I’m holding up fine. All of my friends are safe, maybe not unharmed.” She replied, thinking of Alice in particular, “But safe. That’s all I could really ask for.”

“I was worried about Nika for a bit, but our armor’s getting pretty damn good these days. And Alice…” Emily took a sip and let out a sigh. “Still feel a little bad about her.”

“I’m just glad she’s okay. It could’ve been so much worse.” Ammelia responded, her drink arriving in a tall metal cup with a long red straw reaching out the top.

“Yep, that’s what I keep telling myself,” she replied, her smile returning. “But enough about that, what have you been up to? Anything interesting? Feels like we haven’t really caught up in a while, with everything that’s going on.”

“A lot of training, but I’ve been taking more time off to spend with my friends since the attack.” Ammy answered, enjoying her drink.

“That’s good, anyone in particular?”

A seventeen-year-old with violet hair peered into the bar, quickly finding Ammelia sitting with Emily, but hesitated to come in due to how crowded the room was.

Ammelia looked over towards the door, upon spotting Buniq she smiled and waved her over, motioning towards the empty seat next to her.

Hesitantly, the hybrid did comply, sitting down at the table with the other two, even if a few people noticed her entrance with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity.

After a moment, Emily nudged Ammelia’s side. “Pssst, aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?”

“Of course, this is Buniq. Buniq, this is Emily, my roommate.” Ammelia said looking over at Emily then back again, “I’m sorry about this, I didn’t think it would be so crowded today.”

Buniq shook her head. “I-It’s f-fine. I-I c-can deal w-with i-it.”

Emily covered up her natural hesitance with a welcoming look and reached her hand over Ammy. “I’m Emily, it’s good to finally be acquainted with you.”

Buniq carefully reached out from under her overly-long sleeves, shaking Emily’s hand gently. “N-nice to m-meet y-you, t-too.”

Emily watched her hand with a little tension, hearing about her abilities from Dallas’ mission reports, but quickly resumed her smile afterwards. “So, you two are friends, hm?”

The sniper blushed a little bit, taking second to speak, “Uh… you could say that.”

“Ohhhh,” Emily said, grinning happily.

Buniq just looked down, seeming more embarrassed than Ammelia was.

“Want me to get you a smoothee?” Ammelia asked, trying to change the topic to make Buniq feel a little more comfortable.

Buniq’s eyes lit up a bit. “T-that w-would be n-nice, t-thank you.”

“Is strawberry good? They have peach too I think…” Ammelia pondered.

Emily reached over the bar and grabbed a hand towel, snapping it at the soldier tending it to get his attention for the two girls.

“I-I’ll go with s-strawberry,” Buniq decided, watching with her amber-tinted eyes.

“So, how did you two meet? I mean, must be a story there…” Emily said, failing to hide her enthusiasm for Ammy’s date.

“I met her after my spine injury a few months ago.” Ammy said as the bartender slid Buniq’s smoothee down the counter. “It took me awhile to really tell her how I felt though.”

“That’s so sweet,” Emily gushed. “I’m happy for you.”

Buniq looked over Emily curiously. “A-Aren’t you t-the o-orange psion p-people have b-been t-talking a-about?”

“I am, but I imagine there are quite a few false rumors too,” she nodded. “Kind of the nature of my...’agreement’ for that.”

“T-the E-Ethereal, r-right?” Buniq guessed. “W-What i-is she l-like? I-I’ve o-only m-met o-one, t-the ‘H-Honored Overseer’. H-He was p-powerful, and a-awe i-inspiring, b-but a b-bit s-scary, a-and h-he had…” Buniq thought for a moment, trying to find the right words. “A G-God c-complex?”

“God complex is a good way of putting it,” Emily nodded. “She’s powerful too, but manipulative and sort of selfish. She did help with one thing though, so I guess she’s improving..”

Ammelia sighed, not exactly liking the direction the conversation was going, “I don’t trust it. You know what they say about cornered animals.”

“Well, she’s been cornered for a while, and hasn’t bit my hand off yet. But I’m not saying I trust her either, just that she’s...useful,” Emily paused, looking around for a moment. “Maybe there’s an end to this whole thing that doesn’t involve a ton of killing, you know?”

“Hopefully… But we can’t be sure that they won’t just come back with more friends and a bigger armada.” The sniper countered, “If we don’t kill them… we could regret it…”

“I-If t-they had a b-bigger f-fleet, w-wouldn’t w-we l-lose e-either w-way? W-we c-can’t s-stop th-them from c-communicating w-with t-their home, s-since t-they have the h-hyperwave d-devices,” Buniq offered. “I d-don’t think they h-have a m-more p-powerful a-armada that t-they’d be w-willing to c-commit to t-this…”

“I don’t really know, they could have a bigger fleet that they’re saving, or maybe this is all they have, or maybe it’s another situation entirely…” Emily shook her head slowly. “I never really thought of this kind of stuff until recently. But now I can’t stop thinking about it.”

“If they do have a bigger fleet, perhaps they don’t have the resources to send them here. We don’t know how far away their homeworld is, after all. They might’ve only brought enough supplies for the trip here and back.” Ammy considered, taking a sip of her own strawberry smoothee.

“Maybe, that’s certainly possible,” Emily nodded. “I have seen a little of their planet…”

Buniq looked at her confused. “Y-you have? H-how?”

“The Ethereal ‘showed’ me, kind of...not where it is, but what it looks like. There’s a couple of hints to be gained, not that we could act on them…”

“I-It’s not l-like w-we have s-space travel d-down…”

“I wouldn’t really want to go there anyway… I can’t help but think of it as a big grey rock.” Ammy replied.

“It’s actually quite beautiful…” Emily sighed and then coughed nervously, “in it’s own way, that is.”

“So it’s not a big grey rock? Well, hopefully I don’t end up seeing it for myself, I imagine that would only mean one thing.” The sniper responded.

“Yeah, I could live without seeing it in person, but who knows where the future will take us?” Emily slapped the counter after a moment, swiveling her chair outwards again. “No sense in dwelling on it yet, though. Let’s see if we can snake someone’s pool table, we’ll have a girls’ night.”

“Sounds like fun, but uh… Pool isn’t really for me… Not until Elene repairs my eyes at least.” Ammelia said with a smile..

“Right, forgot about that...sorry,” Emily replied, “how close is she to doing that for you?”

“It’s ready now actually, but I told her I wanted to wait… It’d take me out of the fight if I got my eyes repaired now and you guys need me.” Ammy answered.

“I w-wonder w-what it w-will be l-like f-for you to a-adjust,” Buniq thought aloud.

“I have no idea… But I imagine it’ll take me awhile, just like it took me awhile to adjust to my SAaIDA.” Ammy wondered.

“Sounds difficult, but I’m sure you can handle it,” Emily assured, “I’m not the best of buddies with Elene, but if she can help you, then...maybe she’s not so bad.”

“Anyways, let’s try to play something that doesn’t involve colors okay? How about darts?” Ammy suggested.

“I’m fine with that,” Emily nodded and stood up from her seat.

“That alright with you Buniq?” Ammelia asked, also getting up from her chair, but grabbing her smoothee off the counter first.

“I-I’ll j-just w-watch, I’m not g-good with t-throwing things,” the hybrid responded.

“That’s alright, we’re just playing for fun,” Emily smiled.

 

[Dahlexpert]

Dahlexpert & ZombieSlayer53

I will change your race whether it wants to or not

Ashley walked into the prison of Avaritia. "So you're the Ethereal that turned humans into monsters?"

The male Ethereal looked Ashley up and down. Hmm... how blunt. You must be Ashley. And no. While there was the... occasional, unfortunate experiment to appease my superiors, I avoided it as much as possible. Avaritia folded his arms. Or are you speaking in a metaphorical sense, as in, they fought for me, therefore, they must have been monsters? Such a narrow minded way of thinking...

"Hmm..." Ashley walked to the terminal and pressed the button that zapped the Ethereal. He yelled in agony. "Okay, first, don't insult my intelligence. Second, how do you know my name?"

Avaritia rose from the ground a lot slower then Luxuria usually did, and grasped his side as he did. Luxuria... told me... about you... spoke... positively. I'm guessing you weren't so... violent with her...

"No I wasn't. Now then, what makes you different from her? And how strong is your faith to this Path you keep talking about?"

Avaritia chuckled deeply, the sound amplified by his mask. You come to me, a prisoner with no chance of ever obtaining freedom. You accuse me of some crime, electrocute me for defending myself... then ask me questions? A wise human once said... what was it again... um... oh, right. Fuck you, bitch! his mask.

"Oh, and that just earned you another zap." Ashley pressed and held the button for four minutes straight. "Now, I ask again. How deep is your connection with the path?"

Avaritia floated to a standing position, this time even slower then before. My belief... is much the same... as hers... except I am more patient. More patient then most... in fact. I do not... approve...of everything my people do. I have always advocated a more... diplomatic approach. Happy? Now fuck off... He starred intently at Ashley, his hand shuttering slightly against his side.

"In do time, now answer this. Why experiment on people? What's the purpose in that?"

To find what makes you tick. To know, inside and out, up and down, and so on and so forth. To see on where improvements are needed, and where they are possible. Not that I care. I've always felt the best way to now a people is through what they make. That is why most of my time was spent experimenting on your machines, your weapons and vehicles, and the like. Avaritia shook his head. Why do you care. You obviously have little regard for us or our ways. Personally, I'll likely be dead in a month. Possibly today, if you have your way.

"True, I don't like your kind, mostly because your invading my planet. I'm sure any one would be angry at that, but I do have one more thing to say to you. But first, put your hands on the glass."

Avaritia cautiously pulled his hand from his side, and placed it against the glass.Whatever floats your boat, sweetheart, and keeps you from needlesses torturing me.

Ashley closed her eyes, and an aura of green energy flowed through her. She transfered the energy to Avaritia, who found that he was no longer in pain.

Hmm...The Ethereal pulled his hand back, leaving behind a slight purplish-red hand print, and lightly touched his side. I suppose I should thank you, if you hadn't caused me pain in the first place. Still... you are an odd one. Luxuria told me of a similar situation with you. Hostile at first, then somewhat friendly. Your species never ceases to surprise me. Why heal me after being so aggressive?

"Me being aggressive is because you killed two of my friends, Palmer and Quinn. And not just kill them, but incinerate them with a rift. So that in itself deserves a bit of agony. But I'm a doctor, and not a killer anymore, so I'm meant to heal people, even if the are my enemy."

Avaritia chuckled. I suppose that is fair. I know this doesn't mean much, but it was not personal. And even though I was defending myself, I was still an aggressor against your home, so that is hardly an excuse. I would not blame you if your doctoral instincts were over ridden by revenge. I... I would do it for you, if only to protect my friend, but taking one's life is strictly taboo amongst my people. It... would be so easy, too.

"Relax, it's fine," Ashley sighed. "Look, I apologize for my rudeness, but I do have another question for you. Do you have family back home? A wife or a child?"

A family? No. I believe there is an expression amongst you humans; married to one's work. Though do not let that give you the wrong idea. Our people still care, we still love. We have relationships. We even care for our children, even if our birthing process is a little off. As for me, I have devoted myself to the path for far too long. There was, for a time, one person... though it wouldn't have worked out.

"Hmm... so, you devoted your life to finding a god that may not exist. Great way to spend your life, be the way. This is what we humans call sarcasm, what I really mean is, you're an idiot."

Avaritia shrugged. That's fine. I don't expect you to understand. It is your decision to not believe, it is mine to believe. Perhaps, one day, we'll convince you, but if not, there will be others.The Ethereal bent down, and in the closest thing to a whisper he could have telepathically, he said,And I know what sarcasm is, my dear. Trust me. I was annoying my superiors with sarcasm before you grandparent's grandparent's grandparents were born. So now who is insulting who's intelligence?

"I'm sure my fourth great grand-father was a pirate, but whatever. I'm not a fan of a lot of religions on my own planet. The only religion I follow is the Greek gods, and that's just a bit of worship. They never tell me to do some ridiculous thing."

Avaritia folded his arms. And does that mean you judge others for their religious beliefs? I believe that is what your people call being close minded. That can be dangerous. It leads you to look down on others for thinking differently from you. That usually leads to arguing, strife... war...

"No, the reason I hate other religions is because Christians think I'm evil and should be put to death, Jews think I should not have sex with my partner, and Islams would also kill me because I am what I am. So me being close-minded has nothing to do with it," Ashley snapped with some anger in her voice.

Avaritia opened his arms slightly. All are welcome along the Path. You need but to embrace the gift, and join us on our journey to Ascension. And your partner is welcome.

"My partner has nothing to do with your path, and I already told Luxxy I might consider joining your kind. But only to change them from the inside. And what I do with my psionics is my own choice, not some mythical gods."

You say that like we are worshiping someone we believe to already exist. We are searching for someone yet to be found. Who knows? Maybe you're the one we are looking for, the one who will Ascend. Would you shy away from the chance to be a god?

 

[Dahlexpert]

"Normally, I would say yes. However, your race seems like they need a leader. Will I ascend? I don't know, but I will help your race change. I don't know how I'm gonna do it, but I will."

Avaritia bowed gently. Well then, my lady., I wish you luck. May you one day become the god of the Ethereals. I only hope you remember the humble servant that helped lead you onto your path to greatness.

"I'm no god, but I will change your damn race, whether it wants to change or not."

Avaritia laughed heartily, so hard, he had to hold his side in pain. That... that is funny, dear. And not because I doubt you'll try. You might even succeed. It is funny because... that is, more or less, the exact mindset of my superiors when the attacked your planet. 'We will bring them onto the Path to Ascension, whether they want to or not, because they don't know better. Funny, how it feels that the Ethereal sounds more human, and the human sounds more like an Ethereal. The irony is so think, you could cut it with a knife.

Ashley was quiet, and looked down at the ground for a few minutes. "You know... Luxxy said that I was more like your kind then she expected, and that thought stayed with me for months. Maybe she's right. Maybe I'm just like your people, but I don't care." She looked back up at Avaritia. "I WILL FIND YOUR SUPERIORS, AND I WILL MAKE THEM BOW BEFORE ME. AND WHEN I'M DONE WITH THEM, I WILL TEACH THE LEADER OF THIS INVASION THAT MY RACE IS NOT TO BE MESSED WITH!" She took a deep breath. "But once this is over, and if I do Ascend, I will remember you, Luxxy, Morrigan, and every one here. But you, Ethereal. I will have special plans for you if I do become your god."

That's the spirit, Ashley! I look forward to that day! I am sure whatever you have planned for me will be deliciously brutal! Avaritia turned around, and waved his hands back. I suggest you keep this to yourself, though. Can't have your superiors knowing how much alike we are. Could cause some trust issues.

Ashley headed towards to door. "Don't worry. What I have planned for you isn't brutal. But it is best that I keep this to myself. Enjoy your prison, Ethereal."

Oh, you know I will, as long as I have such interesting guests.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Frostlich1228, DarkGemini24601, & ZombieSplitter53
“The World Endures”

X-COM Headquarters, Somewhere in Siberia
Primary Rec-Room, The Bar
Oct. 7, 1900 Hours

Ayame lazily stared at the concoction of tequila, vodka, light rum, triple sec, and gin, originating from one of the few places in America she had never been. Wherever it was from, she needed it to kill the pain, and fast. It wasn’t really working, though, and Ayame wasn’t drunk enough to not worry about the hangover it would bring.

Startin’ to think Atka has a point of this crap. She looked around at all the people, mostly upbeat after the recent victory. She didn’t blame them, not in the least, but couldn’t help but feel down. Maybe I should quit… hmm… maybe after the war. She lifted the drink into the air, mumbling, “Here’s to you, you big, dumb, pig-headed, suicidal dipshit. Thanks for dying on me before I could… make it up to you…” She took a big sip, finishing the drink.

The bar doors opened, and Vee stepped in. The destroyer spotted Ayame, and started walking over to her, briefly diverting her course to give Guillermo and Alejo a pat on the back. “Nice job out there, you two.” The black-haired clone went back on target, sitting down next to Ayame. “Sup.”

Mary entered the room a few seconds behind her, having had to stop for a second somewhere down the hall. She stepped towards Ayame’s right side, stopping when she reached it. “‘At’s ‘oing on?” she asked before really noticing Ayame’s expression.

Ayame shrugged. “Oh, nothing, just… bringing down the room.” She sighed. “Got shafted on my participation in the defense, and the one person, one person, that we lose… happens to be the reason why I even got to be a soldier.” She smiled slightly, looking between the two women. “Is it weird to… to know that you thanked someone, and did so more than once, but once you’ve lost your ability to do so anymore, you… feel like you didn’t do it enough?”

The… one guy that died, and he had to be someone important to her. Shit. “Well, if it’s…” Vee scratched the back of her head. “If it’s any consolation, Desmond fucked up the guy responsible pretty good. Not as bad as Viktor, but that Logan guy got what he deserved.”

Ayame chuckled a bit. “Well, that… that probably shouldn’t make me feel better, but… but I think it does, actually. And…” She shook her head, and slammed her hand on the table. “And damn it, he died a soldier’s death, right?! Fighting the enemy, protecting his friend. And as down as Desmond probably is, I’m sure he has the strength to keep going. I should too!” She looked over her shoulder at the bartender. “Give me another! This one is for celebration! To the life of a great man… and to a great victory over a terrible evil!”

“Dem’ right!” Mary spoke with enthusiasm. “De’ ye’ ‘ave ‘eny ‘ef ‘at ‘Merican stuff th’...” She took a second the remember the word, “Mood’ine?”

The bartender raised an eyebrow. “I’ll… see what I can come up with.”

Ayame chuckled. “You know, there’s been something I’ve been meaning to ask you something. Both of you. What is it like to… to fight with your sisters? No reason, just… curious.” She took her drink from the bartender, who gave Vee a questioning look. “Sounds nerve-wracking, considering you have to not only watch out for a teammate, but your own flesh and blood.”

“Well, I know Emma can hold her own, and Elene can just make them blow their brains out,” Vee responded. “Though it was a bit stressful with half of the stupid bastards having mind shields. We had Black King, though, and Avanix with us.”

“Th’ prin’ess ‘as th’ luxury ‘eh stay’in in th’ back, se’ ‘eh dun’t usually ‘ave te ‘orry ‘bout ‘er.” Mary answered, “An’ as ‘ong as ‘eh ‘ill e’erything in front eh’ me, she ‘on’t be en ‘anger.”

“I guess that makes sense. I try to do what I can myself.” Ayame shrugged. “Guess as long as you’re busy mowing down anyone who could possibly hurt them, you don’t have to worry about them.” She nudged Mary. “Not that that stopped a certain someone from diving gut first into a poison knife.”

“Ye’ ‘ow... Te’ be honest eh’ ‘in’nt’ ‘ink I’d get ‘abbed ‘ere. ‘Eh in’nt’ ‘ink he’d ‘ave mods.” Mary replied, taking a seat.

“Point taken. Of course, I’ve learned to expect everything and anything nowadays.”

The bartender returned, placing another Long Island Iced Tea in front of Vee, as well a tiny bottle of light green liquor and a shot glass in front of Mary. He looked between Ayame and Vee. “Watch her with this,” he said as he walked away.

“E’ll be ‘ure te’ go slow!” She said to the bartender as she walked away. She examined the bottle, expecting a little more, but pouring into the shot glass anyway, “‘Eh ‘eard ‘bout this stuff ‘rom ‘eh guard ‘ep ‘en ‘ommand. Se’ I’d ‘cide te’ try ‘ome.”

“We’ll be sure to watch out for you, just go slow.” Ayame grinned at Vee, leaning back. “So… I heard a certain someone knocked out our Central Officer…”

Vee put down her iced tea. “She was possessed! I think that was the logical move, especially when it sounded like ‘vidia planned to use Viktor’s death as material for master-”

“Whoa, whoa, chill, girl!” Ayame laughed. “Just a bit of teasing. Please, for the love of everything decent, I do NOT need that image in my mind.” She shuddered, the thought creeping in all the same. “At any rate, I agree with you. I only hope he felt it… and Brea didn’t so much…”

“Speak’in of th’ defence, ‘ere were ye’, Ay’me?” She asked, taking a shot of the greenish liquid. Mary’s eyes widened, and she shook her head a little as it passed down her throat, “Whew, ‘At’s ama’zin!”

Ayame scratched the back of her head. “Yeah, I, uh… I was trapped. The automatic defenses trapped me in the psi lab. Though I did run into a bit of trouble when some of the EXALT’s goons busted in.” She lifted her glass, muttering, “Ran into a face from the past, too,” before taking a drink.

“Oh? De’ tell.” Mary said, still reeling a little from the shot.

Ayame shrugged. “Just some woman from my old mercenary days. Bitch shot me, but she’s in the brig now.” She fell silent, her eyes shifting back and forth. “She, uh… don’t tell anyone I said this, but she said something about her bosses replacement coming for us. I don’t know how much stock we should put in it, but the Commander is taking it serious. I just hope we can take care of them quickly if need be. Super low casualty rate or not, I don’t want to have to defend the base again.”

Vee sighed, taking another swig of her tea. “Some other pretender wants to be EXALT, huh? I’m sure there more competent, but jeez… can’t people leave Lusett’s lab in peace for awhile?”

“At least they aren’t the EXALT, or Viktor.” Ayame frowned, not sure how touchy a subject it might be, but compelled to bring it up anyway. “I… I heard after the Ethereal stop ol’ Vik from offing himself, Elene… ahem… took matters into her own hands…”

The destroyer fell quiet for a moment, before looking over at Ayame. “Yeah, she executed him. And whatever you heard isn’t entirely incorrect, it wasn’t pretty. But the bastard deserved every cut.”

“I suppose.” Ayame looked down at her hands. “Honestly, I’m not so much worried about Elene. I’m more worried for her. That kind of rage is a dangerous thing. Especially when it is gone, and she is left with the images of the man she butchered. Whether he deserved it or not, I’m sure it’ll give her nightmares. I know I’d have ‘em…”

“Well, that’s what happens when you have to bottle up your feelings for so long,” Vee responded, shaking her head. “Anything less, and I think she’d be left with pent up anger that she had nowhere to direct. Right now she’s just frustrated because of his final ‘fuck you’ in the form of Poinsettia’s biological programming, nothing more.”

Vee sighed, seeming deeper in thought than she usually was. “You know, it bothers me. I think about what might have happened if Viktor wasn’t an incompetent fool… if he’d hired all those sorry bastards before, we would never have been able to escape. I’d have died, or I might have ended up fighting you guys to the death with no other choice.”

Ayame tilted her head a bit. “I guess… but that doesn’t matter anymore. You’re here now, with us, and that’s where you belong. And don’t worry about this… Poinsettia…” Ayame leaned over to her side, whispering to Mary, “Um… what’s a Poinsettia?”

Mary shrugged, unsure of the names they were throwing around in general, but at least Desmond was a simple one. “‘Eh ‘elmost ‘eel bad ‘or ‘ose PMCs, ‘eh doubt Vik ‘ould’ve let ‘em quit ‘en ‘ey ‘ealized what ‘ey ‘ere ‘oing up ‘gainst.”

Ayame thought for a moment. “Yeah… good point. Viktor didn’t seem the ‘good job, here is your check, have a nice day type.”

“‘Aybe ‘eh ‘eel ‘at way cause ‘eh ‘elmost ‘oined one...” Mary said, taking a half shot of her green concoction.

“When was that?” the black-haired clone asked, finishing off her tea.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

ZombieSplitter53, Frostlich1228, and DarkGemini24601: "The World Endures, Part 2"

“‘Efter th’ club ‘eh ‘as work’in ‘et shut ‘own.” She answered, “‘Eh ‘eeded some ‘ay te’ make ‘oney an’ eh’ PMC ‘as meh ‘irst choice. Net’ ‘es strict es’ th’ army an’ ‘ill offered ‘ousing. Beh’ ‘ey ‘urned me ‘own, said ‘ey ‘in’nt ‘ant ‘eh rookie.”

Ayame chuckled. “That’s stupid. They wanted experience? If you had experience, you’d just stay where you had the experience.”

“‘Eh’lot eh’ mercs ‘ere discharged from th’ ‘ilitary, er’ just ‘riminals. ‘Ey on’t ‘ave eh’lot of options ‘bout ‘ere to go.” Mary smiled at Ayame, “‘Eir ‘oss eh’ suppose.”

“Yeah, and now we have you. Our gain.” Ayame scratched her chin. “Wonder if any of those people we captured will join us. Probably not many we can trust, but then again, it was probably a risk trusting me.” She raised an eyebrow at Vee. “Didn’t we have two captured…” She frowned. “That was what Poinsettia was, huh? Sorry. Sounded like the name of some… flower. Must have sounded like I was ignoring you…”

“It’s fine,” Vee replied. “She’s the copy of Lily that Viktor made into a MEC...and he made her think he’s the best dad ever. Nothing we can do will change that view, so we have to find some way to help her around that.”

“Why… don’t you just tell her the truth.” Ayame scratched her head, feeling like she was missing something. “I mean… how many ‘best dad ever’ memories could she have. I doubt he ever took her out for ice cream or anything.”

“It’s not that simple. The way biological programming works…” Vee tapped a finger against the counter. “Basically, its a forced command. For Elene, she has to pursue science and preserve her life at all costs. For Set, even if we were to offer proof that Viktor wasn’t a father to her, she would be forced to believe otherwise by her own mind.”

“Se’ et’s imposs’ble te’ remove ‘is progamm’in?” Mary asked, tilting her head a little.

“As far as we know, it’s as intrinsic as things like personality,” Vee responded.

Ayame sighed. “That… that doesn’t…” Ayame squeezed her eyes shut, trying to think of something, anything, they could do. “W-well… you… you love your sisters, right. You love Lily. And she is basically Lily’s… twin? Right? So maybe it is a matter of… proving that you could love her too. It isn’t going to be easy, but if she thought Viktor was a good father, then she probably fought for him because she was protecting her father, not because she was as evil as him. As long as that’s the case, there is always a chance… r-right?”

Vee nodded. “I don’t think she’s nearly as bad. She’s more of a blank slate like Lily used to be. And we can probably show her all the bad things Viktor did, so at least she will understand that ‘the way he treated her’ wasn’t his true self, that it was an exception. It’ll be difficult, and take time, but I think that’s all we can do.”

“E’ll be ‘ere te’ ‘elp ye’ ‘if ye’ ‘eed et’, though em’ ‘net ‘ure ‘at eh’d be a’le te’ do.” Mary added, taking another half-shot of her moonshine.

Ayame nodded in agreement. “We can be character witnesses!”

Vee chuckled. “I dunno, would that help me or hurt me?”

Ayame waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t be mean. You’ll need all the help you can get, especially with a girl devoted enough… or one who thinks she was devoted enough to cut her limbs off for her ‘father’. Personally, I’m surprised I had the guts to get gene-mods.” She took a sip of her drink, absentmindedly adding, “Though once I started, I couldn’t stop. Like… like getting a tattoo…”

“You saying they’re addictive? I mean, sure it’s fun to jump heights and all, but once Elene had basically given me everything possible I didn’t get withdraw or anything,” Vee stated, having her glass refilled.

“Not like a drug, I guess, but they sure do help.” Ayame tilted her head a bit, the heavily mixed drink starting to take hold. She smiled at her British companion. “You ever think of join the mod club? But we can come up with a combo you’d like. Bet Jes and Elene could even team up to get you in and out of a pod in no time.”

“E’ve been ‘sidering ‘et, somethin’ ‘ike th’ Bicep on’ ‘ould be useful.” Mary considered, “It’d ‘elp meh’ ‘arry ‘at pulser ‘ef mine.”

“Muscular enhancements wouldn’t be bad then… Density for balancing on the ground, Magnified for carrying the weapon itself…” Vee mused.

“Do you have both, Vee?” Ayame asked.

The destroyed nodded. “Like I said, I have practically everything possible. A leg enhancement, a brain enhancement, eye enhancements, skin enhancements, gland enhancements, plus a whole load of muscular, cardiovascular, and other body functions optimized.” Vee grinned. “Mother stylises herself as a super soldier, but I might have her beat in that department.”

Ayame suppressed her jealous side, and chuckled. “Well, maybe we should ease Mary into it at first. Legs here, arms there.” She laughed loudly at herself. “Oh, man, I sound like a drug dealer trying to score a new client.”

“‘Ore ‘ike ‘eh black ‘arket body part aleswoman.” She chuckled, putting her hand on her chin, “‘Eh ‘ust admit ‘ough, ‘eh ‘econd ‘eart ‘ounds pretty ‘ood too…”

“Eh, I considered it, but I’m already resilient enough that I don’t plan on having someone blow up my main one,” Vee explained. “Though it might not be a bad choice for you.”

“Yeah, I got the respiration thingy. Makes me able to move around for quite a bit, but I’m in trouble if I actually get hit.” Ayame smiled. “Be nice to know one of my closest friend can take a hit like a champ, and the other one won’t die the moment she gets shot.”

“Yeah’, ‘if ‘eh ‘ad ‘at, that Atka ‘irl ‘ould’ve ‘ad te’ save meh’.” Mary spoke, thinking of the events of the base defence.

“She’s got a habit of going around and doing that,” Vee muttered.

Ayame shrugged. “At least Atka isn’t the kind of person who would hold it above you. If you said anything about it, she’d probably just smile and insist she was doing her job.” She smiled. “I mean… when you did the same for Ammelia, you didn’t hold that over her, right?” She took a big drink. “Because that is what family does. And even if we aren’t blood related, a good squad looks out for each other like family. I know I’d take a bullet for either of you, at least.”

“An’ I’d ‘et ye’, ye’ ‘ave iron skin ‘efter ‘ell.” Mary replied jokingly.

Vee raised an eyebrow. “You may not have iron skin, but that doesn’t mean…” She snickered. “I can’t even say it, that sounds like such a cliche pick up line.”

Ayame tilted her head, smiling drunkenly. “Oh, come on. I love cliche sayings. Out with it.”

“...doesn’t mean your skin still isn’t succulent,” Vee finished, barely able to keep herself from failing due to amusement.

“Dun’t ‘orry ye’ guys, eh’d ‘ake ‘eh bullet ‘or ye’! ‘Eh can ‘ink of eh’lot eh’ ‘ings te’ do ‘wit ‘eh fourth hole.” Mary responded with a smirk, snickering a little.

“Okay, I might be adventurous, but if you get shot, I’m not poking around in the bullet hole,” Vee mumbled.

“‘Ome ‘eople ‘ave ‘eh thing ‘or pain.” She added, shrugging, “Neh’ meh’ though, eh’ve ‘ried ‘et ‘end ‘et’s ‘ot ‘eally meh’ thing.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Ayame said. “‘Cause I ain’t zapping you, a hitting you, or any of that weird stuff. I’m happy with what we…” She thought for few moments. “I’m… happy. Despite everything that has happened, despite the near deaths, despite the pain and the fights, I think I’m happy. I have several dear friends, to off which are with me today. I have a young individual I’ve been able to help out, unlike the past. Someone with great potential I’ve supported, unlike the past. I’m… content with my life. For the first time in a long time… maybe ever.”

“‘Eh ‘gree.” Mary added, wrapping her arm around Ayame and Vee, “‘Eh don’t ‘ant te’ be ‘lone e’er ‘gain!”

Vee looked between the two. “I know it was awhile ago… but Mary, didn’t you suggest something involving the three of us?” the destroyer suggested with a sly grin.

“Oooh yeeeaah… ‘Eh ‘ink eh ‘member say’in som’thin ‘ike ‘at…” Mary smiled wickedly, looking over at Ayame.

Ayame looked down at the rest of her drink. She pushed it away, deciding she didn’t want any more alcohol interfering with her enjoyment of the situation. She stood up, and held out her two hands. “Shall we, ladies?”

 

[MarineAvenger]

Trying to Reconnect (MarineAvenger and DarkGemini42601)

XCOM Headquarters, Somewhere in Siberia
1615 Hours, October 8th, 2018
Legion Command Center

Emma looked over the armband for a moment, looking for anything out of place. Satisfied with her work, the shadow operative closed the metal panel, hiding the wires and small tanks within from view. “DS-096 prototype is complete, Lily.”

The brown-haired scientist nodded. “It is a bit cumbersome, but that will work for now until we find a way to make it smaller, or a more permanent solution.” Lily glanced over at the destroyer lounging on the couch, seeming overly content. “What happened to her?”

“Knowing Vee, I’d rather not know,” Elene replied simply.

A knock on the door signaled a visitor and said person stepped into the room, Desmond with a slight smile on his face. “Hey girls.” He looked around and chuckled. “Work never stops, huh?”

“Indeed.” Elene walked over to Emma, picking up the device on the counter. “We made this for you, Desmond. I won’t go into the fine details, but it’s essentially a lifesaving device to combat your disease.”

“Really? You got something working already?” He took the device and turned it over, studying it. “So what does it do?”

“From what we were able to figure out, your white blood cells will erratically attack the cells that make up your organs,” Lily explained. “The prototype is designed to copy the cells under attack and swap places with them.”

“Thank you, really. I guess this gives me a second chance.” He hugged Lily. “Thanks for this. I know Lusett would be proud of you. I know I am.”

“We will continue to look for a more permanent solution, but this should allow us to turn to other matters,” Elene stated. “There is still much to be done.”

“And I have full confidence in you guy’s abilities.” He returned. “But how have you been holding up? You having been over-doing it have you?”

“We’ve been fine,” the heiress responded. “Though dealing with Poinsettia is not an easy task.”

“Poinsettia? That clone who was controlling the MEC? I know she was an enemy but what makes it so difficult to work with her?”

“She’s biologically programmed to believe that Viktor treated her like a favored daughter, and thus removing her loyalty to him is difficult,” Lily offered.

“Yeah, I could see how that would make things difficult.” He put a hand on his chin. “Do you have any ideas on how to get through to her, make her see the truth?”

“Thus far we’ve tried pointing out the things he’s done to others in hopes that she will eventually come to accept those. Seeing Lily seems to have made some progress, at least,” Emma answered.

“That is good. What he did to that poor girl, whether she accepted or not it was not her own free will.” His face darkened a bit and he sighed, rubbing his eyes. “Is there anything I could do to help?”

“Perhaps your presence could have a similar effect to Lily’s,” Elene suggested.

“That could work.” He looked down on himself. “What is the worst that could happen?”

“She could hate you like she does me. But so be it.” Elene went back to her computer.

He looked at Lily. “Shall we go then? I have nothing pressing for the next couple of days and I could use the distraction.”

The clone of Lusett nodded slowly, and walked Desmond down to the holding cell where her red-haired copy was kept.

Desmond knelt down in front of the door of the cell and tapped the bars. “Hello Poinsettia. How are you holding up?”

The EXALT MEC Trooper looked over Desmond for a moment, but didn’t say anything. Why does he look like…

“I am sure this must be confusing for you. My name is Desmond, I am a clone of Viktor’s brother. don’t know if you knew he had one but looks don’t lie.” He smiled to try and comfort the girl. “I like your hair. It is very pretty.”

“What do you want?”

“I wanted to come and say hi. To try and help you feel...more comfortable with your current situation.”

“By trying to convince me that my father is a monster like these ones have?” Poinsettia replied. “Not going to happen.”

“I am not here to do that. I just wanted to see you.” Desmond stood up and looked down at the captive. “May I come in?”

“Why?” Poinsettia questioned, eyeing Desmond suspiciously.

He shrugged his shoulders. “Nothing really. Just a little impersonal doing this between a set of bars.”

“I have no intention of befriending an enemy.”

“And what makes us enemies per say? I have no ill will towards you. If you want to be technical, I am your uncle. If that was the case, I would like to get to know my niece, whether she believes me an enemy or not. It will get lonely in here, I can promise you that. They held me in a cell when they learn of my origins and I also know the isolation was really bad.”

“If you are not a liar that altered their facial structure, then Viktor likely had reason to not tell me about you. You cannot be trusted,” Poinsettia stated coldly.

“You could say me and my brother were estranged. Some things happened that led to a big argument and we never spoke after that. If things were different then maybe we could have been closer, but unfortunately there were things that we had no control over.” He sighed and rubbed his forehead, think of some way to connect with the girl. He had remembered something, from when they had assaulted the Exalt base, a small detail that he was sure could get her to open up, even a little.

“There was a picture. A picture on Viktor’s desk from before the war. It was him standing with another person while they were fishing. You must have saw it. That person was Viktor’s brother, his real one. Me and him are virtually the same. Viktor loved his brother, and from what you have said, Viktor loved you too. That makes us more like family then you know.”

“Considered we were ordered to exterminate the staff of this base, things have changed. I will judge you on present conditions, not on the past,” Poinsettia responded.

“Then maybe we could repair those conditions. I want to get to know you, to make sure you are not alone. Whether that takes weeks, months, or even years, I want to make it up to you.” He held his own cybernetic arm through the bars out to her. “Would it hurt to try and reconnect our family?”

“There is no point. Especially not when you are an ally with my father’s killers.”

Desmond smiled sadly and pulled back his arm. “Well, that won’t stop me. If there is one thing me and your father have in common, it is that I can be very stubborn when I put my mind on something.” He took a small candy bar from his pocket, something special Sora was able to hack from the outside to start coming into the base supply stores and he slid it to her. “You should eat something.”

Poinsettia just looked away from him.

“Fair enough, but just because your body is mechanical, doesn’t mean you can go without food. I hope me and you can become close. I would hate to see something happen to you. You seem like a nice girl regardless of what you think of us.”

He took a deep breath and sighed as he walked away to rejoin Lily. “Well...it’s a step.”

“Perhaps. Though it is a function of time. It is not an easy task, and I suggest you focus on your other duties while we handle it,” Lily explained.

“Lily, I can’t just sit by and not do something. What Viktor did...I have to and least help. This is just as much my responsibility as it is yours.”

“We have ideas in mind, but I fear your presence just served to make things more tense. You can’t fix everything, you know.” Lily sighed, going to return to her room.

Desmond sighed and scratched the back of his head, walking to his own room as well.