RP XCOM2: Liberation of Earth

[MarineAvenger]

Fairy Tales and Hopeful Dreams Part One (ZombieSplitter53 and MarineAvenger)

"Come on, come on!" Brigid urged. "You promised we would come here a half hour ago!"

"Alright, already." Morrigan let her daughter pull her along. "Sorry work comes before your crush..."

"Here it is!" Brigid stopped outside one of the other soldier's rooms. She lifted her hand to knock, but turned away and blushed. "Oh... I'm too nervous!"

Morrigan rolled her eyes, and knocked on the door for her.

The door slowly opened and a woman stood before them wearing only her white bra and a pair of black yoga pants, looking at the two for a few moments before she finally smiled. "You two must be Morrigan and Brigid. I went and saw your concert." Gwen told the smaller girl, leaning down only slightly as she was still getting used to moving without a crutch. "You were awesome."

"Was I really?" Brigid placed her hands behind her back and looked to the floor. "There are lots and lots of people who are better."

"I haven't heard one." Gwen assured her, kneeling down. "You know, when I was younger than you, I played the clarinet?"

Brigid gasped in excitement. "We could find one, and you could play with me next time!"

"Sure kiddo. Just know I haven't played since I was a very little girl. I lived... Well, you could sort of say I was like a princess. I loved fashion, art, cute animals, things that sparkled..." She listed off.

Brigid gasped again. "I like art, and cute animals, and sparkly things! Can we be best friends?!"

"We sure can girl." Gwen said, rubbing Brigid's golden locks. "So what brings you here?"

"I'm here to see my boyfriend." Brigid looked at Gwen's attire, and narrowed her eyes a bit. "Hey... are you..."

"Am I...?" Gwen seemed confused.

"Are you trying to steal my boyfriend?" Brigid asked, her cheeks puffing a bit.

"Excuse me?" Gwen asked, running a hand through her own blonde but short hair. "Who are you here for exactly? Only me and Leon live in this small room."

"And you're staying in his room too!" Brigid scoffed, raising her hands in the air in frustration. "Who do you think you are? I saw Leon first!" Her mother, meanwhile, was turning red faced from holding back her laughter.

"Leon?" Gwen asked, blinking a few times. "I'm Leon's sister, so I think that constitutes I saw him first, and you don't look like Yakone to me." The French woman noted. "Who IS his girlfriend."

Brigid eyes widened in shock. "I... w-what?"

Morrigan's humorous look was instantly gone, and she said, "Brigid, maybe this is a... bad time to..."

"Oh wait... Now I remember Leon telling me." Gwen noted. "You are the Brigid he was talking about, huh? That cute, fun and talented girl he had the pleasure of being her first real boyfriend. That is so adorable!"

Brigid blinked several times. "I... think... you said... Yakone..."

"I-is Leon here, Gwen?" Morrigan quickly asked. "Brigid wanted to visit him and asked what he thought of her performance."

"Oh, he stepped out for a shower. Should be back any moment. Come on in." Gwen invited, stepping back into the room.

They mother and child pair did so, Morrigan sitting on a chair and lifting Brigid onto her lap. The girl had fallen silent, a sad look in her eyes, and Morrigan asked, "So, um... I know you were pretty beat up before. Feeling better, Gwen?"

"Much, thank you for asking." The girl said with a small smile, putting a blouse shirt on. "Why the long face?"

Brigid didn't seem to notice she was being talked to until her mother nudged her. "Huh? Oh, um..." Brigid smiled. "Nothing. I mean... I was just thinking about... stuff."

"Well Leon ain't here yet. So it will just be between us girls." Gwen assured the little one, giving her a sly wink.

Brigid slowly nodded. "So... you, um... you used to play the clarinet? Why did you stop?"

"Well... no one wanted to listen to me play. When my mother died, I just stopped permanently. Had no more will to play an instrument." Gwen explained sadly, shaking her head.

"Well, if we can find you one, I would love to hear you play," Morrigan stated honestly.

"It has been a very long time. I doubt I would be any good. But we will see I suppose." She looked at Brigid and gave her a comforting look. "Hey. Stop looking like a horse."

Brigid smiled again. "What do you mean. I was just thinking... that... I think you are very pretty. I love your hair."

"Thank you Brigid, but I know that sad look. You are worried about Leon, huh?" Gwen guessed, scooting forward.

"No." Brigid turned her nose up. "Why would I worry about him? He can take care of himself."

"Alright. When he gets here I will tell him that you don't care." She teased, leading the girl into a trap.

Brigid head lowered into her shoulders a tad. "I don't... care?"

"Do you? I thought you were his girlfriend." Gwen pushed, now right in front of Morrigan and Brigid, having scooted her seat forward the whole way, touching the young girl's cheek comforting.

Morrigan bounced her a bit. "Yeah. I thought he was your boyfriend."

"H-he is!" Brigid insisted. "I mean... is he? You said... you said Yakone... he can only have one girlfriend. That's the rules... right?"

"Well here is a secret Brigid." Gwen said, leaning forward. "Leon is breaking the rules. He has two girlfriends. He has his mature one, the one to act like they are in a serious, loving relationship, and then there is you. The girlfriend who he will always lend an ear to when she want to complain or gloat, one he will always have a warm hug for, and the girlfriend he is preparing so when she meets a boy her age, she is prepared to handle the responsibilities of a man."

"Well... is that okay?" Brigid asked in a whisper. "Won't Yakone get mad? Mommy says if a man is, um..."

"A player," Morrigan stated for her.

"Yeah. A player because he likes to play with lots of girls, and the other finds out, they get mad, and cut off things mom won't tell me about."

"Well ask your Mommy if she thinks Leon is being a 'player'. After all, mother knows best." Gwen said, deflecting the question.

Morrigan ran a hand through Brigid's hair. "I think Leon is the kind of man that can give you both the love and respect you both deserve. And that Yakone would understand. After all, there are things you can do for him that she can't do. Like... like... um..."

Brigid looked up. "Like what?" Gwen's look said Morrigan got herself into this, she would get herself out of it.

"Like, um... play a musical instrument." Morrigan smiled. "And only someone your size can get around the ship as fast as you can. And, um... you have a girlish charm that we lose as adults. Only you can make him feel like a kid by talking to a kid. And I bet Yakone can't make cupcakes as good as you." Morrigan looked to Gwen for encouragement.

"See Brigid. Besides... Yakone is a bit of a tomboy. You are a true girly girl. And that is something Leon loves in me. Don't let Yakone get to you. You are still special." The Frenchwoman encouraged.

Brigid nodded. "Okay. Thank you, Gwen. You are a really cool friend. Like Yakone. I can see why he would like you both."

"Couldn't agree more," Brigid stated bluntly.

"And I see why he finds you adorable." Gwen responded, petting her once more.

 

[MarineAvenger]

Fairy Tales and Hopeful Dreams Part Two

The door then opened and in stepped Leon, his shirt removed which was in tatters in his hand, leaving him bare chested before the three females. "Gwen, do you have any idea of how to sew, my favorite shirt got-" He stopped, looking shocked to see Brigid and Morrigan there, ogling his body.

Morrigan quickly looked away, blushing ever so much. "H-hey, Leon. Brigid, um... w-wanted..."

Brigid smiled at him. "You must work out forever to look so strong!"

"Forever? No, not really. I just keep up how I do everyday." He looked to Gwen asking, "Mind getting me a new shirt please?"

"Sorry brother. Laundry day." Gwen said with a shrug. "Just have to do with out."

"Damn it..." Leon rubbed the back of his head. "Sorry Morrigan. Its fine if you look you know. Not like I have breasts."

"I-I know!" Morrigan cleared her throat, and a little softer said, "You are just... a very handsome man. And it is a bit embarrassing to... intrude on her like this. We can come back later if you want."

"But I wanted to talk to Leon," Brigid said with a pout.

"I am okay if you are." He told the two guest nonchalantly.

Brigid jumped off Morrigan's lap and ran up to the young man. "Leon! You were there, right? You saw me play? I did it for everyone, but most of all for you."

"Yeah. I made sure to get there super early just in case." Leon assured her. "And I was not disappointed at all. YOu were amazing Brigid. You should be proud of yourself."

Brigid's nodded rapidly. "I had a lot of fun. I hope I can do it again soon. You'll be there, right?"

"If I am able then I will definitely be there for next time." The Grenadier said with a smile.

Brigid stood up on her toes and whispered, "And don't worry. I know about Yakone."

"Oh... Do you now?" He asked, looking worried to Morrigan. "How did she take it?"

Morrigan shook her head. "Not well at first. But we explained to her that you are a special man, and the only man able to have two girlfriends at the same time."

"Is that so?" He noted slowly, looking to the little girl with such a vibrant face and he couldn't help but smile and nod. "Do I make you happy Brigid?"

Brigid nodded. "Oh, yes. I am always happy when I talk with you. I'm happy to have such a strong, smart, and nice boyfriend."

"And I am happy to have such an adorable, sweet and talented little girlfriend." Leon commented, rubbing Brigid's arm nicely, smiling at her mother as well. "You are lucky you know."

"Am I?" Morrigan asked. "I hadn't noticed."

Gwen rolled her eyes. "I wish I had a daughter as cool as yours." The woman noted.

Morrigan shrugged. "I'm afraid that isn't possible. My daughter is, in fact, the coolest. But maybe you can have one of you own some day that comes close."

"Maybe." Gwen noted, going over and scooping Brigid up in a spin, kissing her cheek over and over. "Boy I may just steal this one!"

Brigid giggled. "And where would you hide me, silly? It is a small ship, and mommy knows where you sleep."

"I would find a way. I am a resourceful woman." Gwen noted proudly.

"Well, before you are tempted, why don't I give you time to spend with her?" Morrigan stood up. "Who is for a bit of food in their bellies?"

"Sure, I could go for a bite." Leon said, standing up. "I just need to rummage for a slightly dirty shirt."

Gwen shook her head. "No thank you, I am good. Maybe Brigid can stay behind with me and while you two go on your secret date, I will spend time with the cutie."

Brigid nodded. "Okay. I'm not that hungry anyway."

"Alright." Morrigan smiled at her daughter. "Just behave, and don't stay over too late."

"And you two try not to get lost in a broom closet." Gwen teased Leon with a smirk. "Would be a shame if Yakone found out not only were you dating Brigid, but doing naughty things with her mother as well."

"Screw off." Leon grumbled as he pulled on a shirt finally. "Besides, Yakone wouldn't be jealous over going to eat with another beautiful woman."

Morrigan laughed. "Such a flatterer. Don't worry. I won't try and stick my fingers into another person's pot." She stood up, and held the door open for Leon.

"You might be singing a different tune afterwards." He playfully teased, walking out with the woman leaving Brigid and Gwen alone.

"Hey Brig... Where is your violin?" Gwen asked the smaller girl.

Brigid smiled up at her. "In my room. Want me to go get it?"

"Yeah. In the meantime, I'll put on my best outfit, okay?" The French woman asked, her expression saying she had something planned.

Brigid hurried out, using her unique knowledge of access tunnels and maintenance shafts to get to her room in no time, though took the long way back with her violin in tow. Seven minutes later, she walked back into Gwen's room with the musical instrument.

As she stepped in, Gwen finished putting on her strapped brown sandals, doing up the buckle in the back. She stood, showing off her snowy white dress that went to her knees. It wasn't strapless, hanging on her shoulders but from her posture, the dress and Gwendoline's natural beauty, she fit the look of a princess well, even if she wasn't one.

"Whoa..." Brigid looked her up and down. "You look like an angel."

Gwen turned her head and smiled at the girl. "Do I? I got this stuff when rummaging through an old shopping center. It was preserved in a storage container in a bin. Fit me perfectly." She spun and smirked. "Violin, hand it over."

Brigid nodded and took the violin from its case, hand it to Gwen. "Careful, though. My daddy gave it to me."

"Did he? My father never gave me anything. He was a bad man." Gwen stated, putting the instrument on her shoulder. "I never went to school you know. I was homeschooled. So I had a lot of time to myself. Time I used for the arts." She slowly drew the bow across the string, and the instrument sung.

Brigid sat on the bed and watched in wonder. "You didn't say you could play the violin too."

"I can play a whole plethora of instruments, plus paint, and sing, and tell you of the outfit you wear is in season or not. Brigid, I swear by the time this war is over me and you will be so close, it will almost be distinguishable whether or not me and you are real relatives!"

Brigid clapped her hands together. "I always wanted a big sister."

"Well then... Seems like your dreams have come true little girl." Gwen told Bridgid with a wide smile, setting the instrument down softly as she opened up her arms.

Brigid jumped up and ran into Gwen's arms, squeezing her as tightly as she could.

 

[MarineAvenger]

Fairy Tales and Hopeful Dreams Part Three

Meanwhile, Leon let out a light sigh, rubbing his arm. "I hope the two of them hit it off."

"I'm sure they will." Morrigan set down her tray, sitting across from Leon. "Speaking of hitting it off... how are you And Yakone?"

"Fine as can be. Her mother has yet to know, though I am sure she has heard rumors, and while a bit rough there is a loving woman deep down." Sinclair commented, poking his food with a small smirk.

"I agree. There is something special about Yakone, and I don't just mean that in the physical sense." Morrigan chuckled. "Sorry. Probably sounds like I have the hots for her now."

"Do you?" He teased O'Brien.

Morrigan shook her head. "No. But I can see why you do. She, um... she has a way of making sense in a way that... heh, ticks you off, but just enough to keep listening. Makes me wish things weren't so crappy for her, though I've heard she and her mother are at least talking a little more often."

"Yeah. Might make the chances of me being flayed to the front of the Avenger greatly decreased." Leon stated grimly, but it was in good humor. "Though I often wonder... are things going too smoothly between me and Yakone? The way things are progressing... us as a thing could become monotonous."

Morrigan leaned back, popping a grape into her mouth. "Would that be so bad? You could do worse than Yakone. You could be stuck with a woman your age that already has a twelve year old kid, for example."

"What would be so bad about that?" Leon asked the red-headed woman with a sly smile. "I would see it as rather exciting. Sneaking around the kid's back to sneak in some kisses here or a roll in the sheets there."

Morrigan giggled, and gave Leon an odd smile. "Can... can I be perfectly honest..." She shook her head. "Never mind. Sorry."

"Well come on, out with it. Can't lead me on like that." Leon jested, shaking his head.

"I just..." Morrigan sighed. "You know... if I... if Yakone hadn't managed to snatch you up first..."

"You would have?" Leon guessed, giving her a soft smile. "I would have enjoyed that. Who knows. Things are still young between me and Yakone. Plenty of time for a break up to happen."

Morrigan quickly shook her head. "Please don't think like that. You two are happy. It would be a betrayal of my friendship to put any doubt in your mind. It was probably a betrayal just to say what I have."

"No it isn't. Do not worry, we are just two friends having a nice, totally not romantic, dinner out together." Leon said, waving his hand. "If you ever want a piece bring it up with Yakone and Brigid."

Morrigan smiled at him. "You are an interesting man, you know that?"

"I know I am. It is why I am such an effective leader, and why I make friends so easily. Take away the polish and the smiles and I am just an ordinary freedom fighter."

Morrigan shook her head, and lifted her cup, muttering into it, "Nothing ordinary about you."

"I heard that slick." The grenadier called her out. "And really I am. I am just an ordinary guy. No powers, no mods over the PCS, I bruise and bleed like any other man, I love like any other man, and I share faults just like any other man."

"Yeah?" Morrigan placed her chin in her palms. "Tell me some of your faults."

"I can't stand seeing friends in anguish. I am not much of a talker when I am depressed. I admit when I drink I may do it in a tiny bit of excess, and I have a nasty habit of making women jealous." He rattled off the top of his head, smiling coyly at Morrigan. A very handsome smile.

Morrigan smiled back. "It is always good for a man to know his limitations. It shows intelligence and humility."

"I'm not helping much to disway your jealous feelings, am I?" Leon asked with a laugh.

Morrigan laughed with him. "No. Not really. But like I said, I'll be okay. Plenty of other fish and all that. Besides, I have my flaws that... that I would have to find the right man to accept me."

"Such aaaaas?" He asked, leaning forward a bit.

Morrigan looked down into her glass. "I... have a temper. I have a bad habit of being overprotective of Brigid. I am quick to go to violence. And I... can't... have any..." She trailed off, looking away.

"And you are quite beautiful as well. You have a motherly charm that everyone can love. You can smile, and joke around. Don't sell yourself short. I would take you if not taken myself already." He said softly, patting Morrigan's arm.

Morrigan looked back. "Do you want a family someday?" she asked. "When this fighting is finished, would you like children of your own?"

"Of course I do." Leon answered without hesitation. "Unfortunately my parents were killed when I was young, my grandmother killed and it only left me with my grandfather and later Gwen. I would like a chance to be like how my grandfather was with me."

Morrigan smiled sadly at him. "I'm willing to bet a lot of men here hope to have children of their own some day. Even if they say otherwise. It is... just instinct." Morrigan looked away again. "Unfortunately, Brigid is an only child... and will remain an only child."

"I doubt that very much Morrigan. You are a fine woman." Leon assured her. "You will find someone to be a father. And a husband. And your best friend."

Morrigan chuckled grimly. "No, Leon. I'm sorry. I didn't want to just come out and say it, but... I can't... have children, Leon. ADVENT made sure of that."

"Is that... right?" He asked slowly, shaking his head. Leon's hand reached out, taking hers tightly. "I am sorry. But... there is always those without families. You could make a little boy or girl very happy one day. I was not lying when I said Brigid was lucky to have you as a mother. And I am lucky to have you as a friend."

Morrigan slowly nodded, and wiped her eyes. "Thank you, Leon. I am lucky to have you as a friend. Just as Yakone is lucky to have you. Treat her well. She is a good woman. You are a good man. You two are good for each other."

"I will. Come on. We should go make sure Gwen and Brigid haven't killed one another yet." Leon said, standing up but didn't let go of Morrigan's hand.

Morrigan nodded, walking close to Leon as they went, chatting idly and simply enjoying the company.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

XCOM Mission Parameters

Operation Slumbering Engine
Medium UFO Landing Site
1014 Hours, July 11th, 2038

South American Continent
Former Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Cliffside overlooking a Megacity, ‘Angelfall City’

XCOM Forces

Menace 1-5

Cmdr Ipiktok, Atka [Ambusher]
SQ Belle, Stacie [Sharpshooter]
SQ Kasagi, Ayame [Ranger]
SQ O’Brien, Morrigan [Specialist]
SQ Bauer, Heinrich [Grenadier]
SQ Inverse, Luna [Ambusher]
SQ Dominguez, Maxwell [Trooper]
SQ Winslow, Russell [Juggernaut]

Gear
Lethal Grenades: AP, HE, CU, AT, Viper, Incendiary
Utility Grenades: SP, TG, Flashbang, Smoke, Rebuff
Miscellaneous Items: Medkit, Battlescanner, Combat Knife, Radio Jammer
Class Specific: Bear / Spike / IED Trap [Ambusher], Micro Missile Cluster [Specialist]

Mission Briefing

We’ve received intelligence reports from our Resistance contacts suggesting that a Raider-class UFO is landing not far outside of the Angelfall Megacity. It cannot be a coincidence that this is occurring no more than 36 hours after a revolutionary group in neighboring Brazil simultaneously hit two ADVENT garrisons in the Outskirts of both Roraima and the capital of the Coalition’s southern holdings: Amazon.They retreated after making their hits in a hurry, and it seems that despite careful planning they’ve given the enemy a major clue as to their whereabouts.

ADVENT hunters they can deal with, but if a UFO loaded up with dangerous alien troops manages to locate their outpost before they can relocate, it would mean the end of that cell of resistance. The best way to prevent that outcome is to hit the Raider before it has a chance to take off again.

Objectives:

Assault and capture the Raider-class UFO outside of Angelfall City.
Neutralize all hostile targets immediately in the AO so they can’t call for backup.
Seize any valuable cargo that might be within the alien craft.

Hazards:

Light Shower - The area is currently experiencing minor tropical rainfall that could either worsen or abate at any given moment. The squad will have to make any necessary compensations as the weather changes.

Terrain:

Prewar Imaging - The world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall was once surrounded by rainforest and had no nearby development. In present times there is still plenty of surrounding greenery, but the basin below the falls has been filled in by a grand shining metropolis.

Angelfall City - The capitol building is built up between the falls and the rest of the city, meaning that to view the waterfall’s splendor people have to also acknowledge the power of ADVENT. The rest of the city spreads out from there, being one of the more polished, alabaster cities in the Coalitions’ control. It is meant to be one of the most beautiful and wealthy, and contains quite a few scientific laboratories. Because of the latter, it does have a considerable troop allotment, and dropships to rapidly redeploy them if needed.

Area of Operations - The Skyranger will be landing in the rainforest outside an abandoned zone of development in the elevated group behind the dropoff point of the waterfall and beside the river leading into it. The UFO is landed outside of the rainforest, naturally, and its landing pad is surrounded by a half-done city section leftover from when ADVENT intended to built the city above the waterfall instead of below it.

Civilians:

There should be no civilian contacts in the AO.

Enemies:

The squad should expect small ADVENT patrols consisting of mostly low-ranking forces around the Raider UFO in the construction site bolstered by some of the ship’s crew, but the rest of the enemy will be Protectorate aliens. Expect mechanical units like Worker Drones and Floaters in addition to a varied extraterrestrial compliment. The intelligence we do have suggests there will be Priorbus, Quelus, and Foecris contacts, which for us means Sectoids, Clerics (potentially Seraphim too), and Chryssalids. The rest of the ship’s occupants are unknown, but will likely be difficult foes to beat.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

ZombieSplitter53 and DarkGemini24601: “Operation Slumbering Engine, Part 1”

The only sign that anything had landed - at least at first - was a set of depressions pushing down the vibrant green grasses of a hill sticking out of the upper South American rainforest. The second version of the Skyranger’s landing was furtive in respect to both vision and sound as to not alert any patrols in the area that lay beyond this fringe band of the jungle. Poking out of the cloaking bubble the dropship was generating came the exit plank, and the XCOM squad vacated their transport.

Russell came out first with his plated shield up just in case, but the Commander was close behind handling her new single-shot weapon. Once those two had confirmed the drop site was secure, the others poured out into the rainforest, and started moving forward. The two that had exited first split up, Atka having Luna join her on the edge of the spread-out wave that was the other six soldiers.

Over comms, she told them her general plan of action. “Our best means of approach would be to take out any stray ADVENT patrols before hitting the alien forces that are either occupying the UFO or patrolling near it. If we can do that we can lower the chances of anyone radioing for reinforcements,” Atka informed Menace 1-5. “That’ll be up to Inverse and I to initiate.”

“What would you like us to do in the meantime?” Morrigan asked, scanning the rainforest carefully.

“Prepare for an ambush, but hold the fire until I give the order. The ideal would be to take out two groups, but we might get more or less than that depending on the terrain. If another group spots us taking out some of their allies we’ll be out of time to sneak around,” Atka specified, electing to have her cable slinger out first. To Luna, she explained, “If we run into a small group I’ll disable them with this and then finish off one with the Bolt Caster.”

“I’ll back you up.” Luna unsheathed her combat knife alongside her rotator, held in her other hand. “Best we take them out as quietly as possible.”

“I can do that,” Ayame said from directly behind them. Luna swung around, almost slashing at the short Ranger that had snuck up on them.

“No, you should stay with the rest of the squad. Your PCS allows you the skills to remain in concealment after we first initiate combat, so you can pull a secondary ambush when we need it. You’re more of an asset as a scout.”

Ayame frowned, but nodded. “Alright. I… just remember, I’m ready to attack when you need me.” She hurried back to the others.

Luna turned back ahead and muttered, “At least she’s spirited.”

“Just so long as she doesn’t hesitate to follow orders.” Atka shook her head, and held up a hand, calling for the squad to stop advancing for a moment.

Luna’s eyes darted about, and when she couldn’t see anything, she closed her eyes and listened, listening for anything her better trained Commander might have picked up on.

After a few seconds, the Commander opened her eyes. “Alright, I’ve got a lay of the land. There’s some sort of makeshift bunker that an ADVENT Sergeant’s using for cover along with what I think is a Gunner watching the main road. The right side is more developed than the left, and there’s a patrol on either side of the buildings running along the street. We’ll take out the group sheltered by the completed buildings so their CO doesn’t see them fall, then the rest of the squad can ambush the other group. We can try to sneak up on the last one, but if anything comes out of the ship before then we’ll have to hold back,” Atka went over her stratagem with Luna.

“Got it.” Luna held up her battle rifle and started moving forward. “That sight of yours tell us how many we need to take care of?”

“From my quick perusal I’d say they’ve got a squad of eight. The group we’re taking out is a fireteam of three. Two Troopers, and a Hoverguard. I’ll sling the troopers to pin them, and take out one. You need to slit the other’s throat and then go into the narrow hallway to avoid retaliatory fire from the flier. I’ll deal with it myself. Got it?”

“Sounds good.” Luna smiled, secretly liking the individual attention from the Commander, even if in such a situation. She cautiously moved forward, watching her every step to avoid stepping on anything that might alert the enemy. As they neared the ADVENT soldiers, Luna slung her battle rifle back, pulled out her knife once more, and nodded to Atka.

The elder Ambusher made sure of two things before making a move. Foremost was that the enemy hadn’t spotted them. The Hoverguard and its two followers appeared to have not noticed the two XCOM operatives moving among the barebones foundations to their right, and were merely moving along the white walls of derelict construction. The buildings on this side of the central street looked nearly finished, missing only roofing tiles, windows, and doors, but still satisfied Atka’s second condition: neither the ADVENT fireteam nor the XCOM duo could be seen by the rest of the Coalition forces in the area from here. It was the perfect situation to launch an attack from. She waited only a few seconds more for the Hoverguard to start rising up to the roof before acting.

Pulling out her cable slinger - characterized by a design not too far off from the Bolt Caster - Atka took aim with the rope-launching, boxy crossbow and fired, sending a spool of rope around two surprised ADVENT grunts. It spun around them several times - carried by the firing momentum - before the two hooks on either end stuck the soldiers against the wall. Not giving them a chance to free themselves, the Commander threw her secondary weapon onto her pack and pulled out her Bolt Caster, taking quick aim and firing. The javelin-like spike impaled one Trooper more permanently to the wall, going through his chest and out the back into the wall.

Luna quickly but quietly charged forward herself, noting a panicked jerking of the remaining Trooper before smashing his head back into the wall. She jabbed her knife into the side of his armor, putting extra force to pierce it and stab into his kidneys. The man started bleeding out immediately, not even having time to cry out before falling unconscious, then dying. The Chinese Ambusher had scarcely ducked into the alleyway between two of the mostly-done structures before a spray of bullets smashed into the ground near her last position. The Hoverguard had spun around angrily, and the human Floater seemed even more upset from the tightening of its grip around a carbine to see it had missed its chance to get revenge.

The jetpack adorned cyborg instead turned its gaze - hidden behind the red glass of a flightsuit helmet - upon Atka. It lifted its black-armored hand with yellow markings to take aim at her, but the legless flier was too slow. The original Ambusher was already in motion, taking aim with her grapple and sending it into the side of the roof. Her Bolt Caster put away, she grabbed onto the cable with both of her hands and pressed the retract button. In a flash, she was yanked up to the Hoverguard’s level, and formed an icy helix outwards from her palm that drove itself through the helmet of her opponent, ending the matchup before it had even begun.

As the dust began to settle on the right side of the construction site, the other ADVENT patrol was coming around from the left. Two more Troopers marched on either side of one with a checkered black and white pattern on their otherwise standard-issue patrol armor. The Saboteur didn’t immediately notice the rest of Menace 1-5 lying in wait in the brush about twenty feet off, and that cost them valuable time. Heinrich raised his laser-based ATR, and punched a hole through the fireteam leader. The other two Troopers panicked, trying to head for cover, but one was knocked over by a charging Gremlin. Before he could get up, a beam from Morrigan’s rifle pierced his head, dropping him like a rock.

Russell took aim at the second, and took the shot with his beam pistol. He was a little too slow, however, the laser whizzed past the enemies head and leaving Russell cursing under his breath. Maxwell’s accuracy was more spot-on, the Trooper’s beam rifle shot nearly killing the last remaining trooper he hit. A follow-up set of bursts from Stacie’s machine pistol finished the job, the first going astray but the second filling the badly-wounded Advent soldier with lead.

Atka confirmed over comms that both patrols were successfully taken out, and then called for a fast yet cautious advance forward. The fireteam of two Ambushers and the rest of the squad took paths around the sides, not wanting to open themselves up to the makeshift bunker the ADVENT Officer and Gunner had made in a building that was finished only on the side facing the street. However, while both groups seemed to evade detection on approach, by the time they were as close as they could get the Officer appeared to be trying to radio the other groups for a check-in. “Looks like we’re out of time,” the Commander stated, taking aim.

With the quiet hiss of the propellants firing over a brief period, and then the crack of a released bolt, the Commander’s weapon fired for the second time. The shot caught the Officer straight in the collarbone, and the projectile carried far enough in that their rough equivalent to Predator Armor wasn’t enough to protect them from the cold hand of death. The Gunner’s eyes widened beneath their obscuring helmet, and they barked something in Jabberwocky before laying down suppressing fire on Atka.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

ZombieSplitter53 and DarkGemini24601: “Operation Slumbering Engine, Part 2”

“Luna, see if you can’t advance a little more and blow their cover to give the others a shot,” Atka spoke, having to communicate through comms to get a coherent message through over the roar of the Gauss LMG pinning her down - even with Luna only a few feet away from her.

Luna nodded, and moved to the side, seeing if she could get around the firing. Once to the side, she pulled out her HE grenade. With a short mental prayer, she tossed her grenade at the foe, and with a sizable boom, the Gunner found his protection gone, dust and debris clouding his vision. “Now,” Luna shouted over the comms.

Maxwell opened fire, and this time, his shot was a kill. The Gunner fell, as something small with white plating darted out of the makeshift bunker.

The Chief Engineer’s voice crackled over the radio. “We’re picking up an outbound signal from the UFO, Strike One. It’s aimed at Angefall City, and seems like some sort of distress beacon. I think you’re going to have company in the next few minutes, Menace 1-5,” Shen warned the squad on the ground. “If you can disable that…” she paused for a second, thinking, before continuing, “...send some sort of ‘all-clear’ signal then you’ll have time to actually loot the craft. You’ll need to find the transmitter and make sure no one can re-enable it when you’re done, though.”

“Understood,” Atka replied, sighing in frustration at the complication. “We need to move, people. And someone disable that-” A DMR cracked, and the tattletale ADVENT Drone exploded. “-drone. Good shooting, Belle.”

“Bluescreen rounds, baby,” the Texan remarked proudly.

“Get me to the ship, and I should be able to interface with it and send that all clear,” Morrigan said, her personal Gremlin floating behind her.

“Get me to the ship, and I’ll kill every alien on board,” Ayame added, a look of battle lust in her eyes.

“Calm down, Edge,” Heinrich replied to the latter woman. “And don’t make that into your permanent callsign,” he warned her as the team reached the edge of the construction site, and were within about thirty feet of the Raider-class UFO that loomed close to the cliff’s end.

By a pair of supply crates was a pair of humans - civilians by the look of them - picking up boxes half their size. “There shouldn’t be any civies here…” Maxwell muttered.

“And how the hell are they carrying those things?” Stacie added.

Two flying alien units came out from behind the stack, one of them in the red and black of a Seraphim unit, and the other the gold and white of a Cleric. “I’m guessing they’re not civilians,” Atka presumed, and was proven correct as the bodies of the two lifters started contorting. They dropped their cargo, and then seemed to melt, taking on the larger forms of a pair of Faceless.

“Christ, that was nasty the first time and it’s still nasty the second time,” Stacie complained, lifting her machine pistol and drilling some rounds into one of the towering shapeshifters.

“I hate doppelgangers of any kind,” Ayame muttered, her tone saying she had some kind of grudge, and charged forward, heading towards the nearest cover to get within firing range with her scatterlaser.

Russell made his approach a bit slower, his shield up and Morrigan following behind. “I ever mention how much I appreciate a mobile shield?” she asked.

“Not to me,” Russell answered. “But you’re welcome.”

Morrigan typed on her wrist, and GZ-MO flew up into the air, using its new attack protocol to keep one of the flyers at bay. “It’s moving behind us,”she said. Russell planted his shield and the pair both raised their weapons. The moment the Seraphim flew above head, they fired in tandem, and the foe dropped to the ground in a heap.

“That’s the offensive one down,” Atka noted, watching the damage done to the Faceless mend with a green glow. “But that Cleric is going to be a pain in the ass.” She prepared a mindfray, but the healer seemed to notice the Commander and darted back behind the crates. “Dammit. Ayame, swivel around and cut them down to size.”

“On it, chief.” Ayame charged around her cover, firing her scatterlaser as she approached the hidden Cleric. As it turned to face her, she swung her weapon back and pulled out her sword. She slashed at it with incredible speed and strength, somehow cutting through its armor, but only its armor, giving it a chance to fly up and take aim. “Crap,” Ayame muttered, bracing herself. The flier shot a concentrated shot down at her, and Ayame rolled to the side, the plasma barely missing her and nipping at her heels. She landed awkwardly to the side as the enemy took aim again, this next hit not being one that would miss. Before it could fire again, however, Luna’s Battle Rifle punched into its back. As it staggered and turned, a beam firing through the breach in its armor Ayame had made, and it dropped, dead before it hit the ground.

While the two Quelus were down, the Faceless were still up. One of them swung down at Ayame, its claws tearing open a hole in her armor but not cutting deep enough into the alien alloys to leave much more than scratches. However, as it leered down on the Ranger, the giant’s form opened up as if it has a mouth on its chest - almost as if it intended to swallow her up. Its distraction did give Ipiktok a chance to fire off her Bolt Caster, the weapon’s raw damage potential showing against an unarmored target as the Faceless staggered, and was then taken down by a follow-up from Dominguez.

“Way too close,” the Trooper muttered, taking his second shot at the remaining Faceless but not managing to kill it. The other shapeshifter was modifying its form as well, extending its claws to try and reach the enemy without having to move far. “How is that even fair?” Max mumbled. Heinrich came through for him, quickly taking aim with his Grenade Launcher - which already had an AP round loaded into it - and fired. The explosive went straight into the gooey creature’s abdomen, and exploded, tearing it in half and causing the rest to become slurry on the ground.

“You alright, Kasagi?” Atka asked, having the others regroup before advancing but not wanting to waste much time with reinforcements inbound.

“Um… yeah.” Ayame looked over to the plasma burns where she had been standing. “I… underestimated the strength of their armor, and almost paid for it. I won’t make that mistake again.”

“Don’t try anything else daring now that your armor is a mess,” the Commander cautioned. “We need to keep moving.” As the squad started closing on the UFO, they saw a Muton running into one of the powered doors on one side of a perpendicular corner with a pair of such portals. “Is it actually running away from us, or…?” Atka’s question was answered for her as - from another entrance around the back - a small swarm of four Chryssalids led by one that was a deeper hue of red and had some sort of virulent sacks on its body charged towards them.

“I don’t like the look of that,” Stacie stated, taking aim at the front one to deal some damage before it could do anything special. However, her shot was too late, as some of the sacks burst and propelled the strange Chryssalid upwards. Small flaps folded out under its claws, and it started gliding downwards to a very surprised squad.

“That’s new,” Atka growled, trying to take a shot at it but missing - the windup time giving it the chance to change direction slightly out of the way of the incoming bolt.

Morrigan quickly typed on her wrist computer, and her Gremlin flew forward, slamming into the gliding creature and forcing it to fly away from the XCOM soldiers. Morrigan herself opened up on one of the vanilla creatures, the speedy monstrosities dodging to the side and avoiding her shots.

Knowing his shield would be their best chance in this fight, Russell stepped in front of the others, intending to use it and himself as a shield to protect the others. Luna fired at them, and snapped out, “Kasagi!? Got anything to slow them down?!”

“Yeah.” Ayame pulled out her flashbang and readied it, waiting until the last second to throw it in the middle of the group. The Chryssalids split into two groups, and the pair closest to the flash cried out, tripping over themselves in the confusion as they were momentarily blinded.

The Mavericks didn’t waste the opportunity. Maxwell fired upon one of the disoriented Chryssalids, injuring it, and then finished it off by exploding its insides with the outward blast of a concussion grenade. Stacie lit up one that wasn’t so disadvantage with her machine pistol, allowing Luna to finish the job with her battle rifle. The other active Chryssalid lunged for Heinrich, getting within a foot of him before a high-powered laser from his ATR drilled off its head. It fell forward, scraping his armor as it fell to the ground.

Ayame ran towards the other creature, and blasted away some of its natural armor with her scatterlaser as she approach. Nearing it, she unsheathed her sword once more, and swung. The creature came to its senses enough to move to the side, costing it an arm in the process. In its anguished lashing out, it clawed at its would-be killer, clawing at her exposed abdomen.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

ZombieSplitter53 and DarkGemini24601: “Operation Slumbering Engine, Part 3”

The Ranger yelled out in a combination of pain and anger, and slashed three more times, the Chryssalid’s other arm and front legs being sliced off before Ayame slashed up, sending its head flying. “Foul beast,” Ayame muttered, holding her chest and keeping her back to the others.

“Kasagi!” Atka called out, sure that the unarmored Ranger had been dealt a fatal blow. She couldn’t approach just yet, however, as the airborne Chryssalid variant swooped down upon Heinrich. It swiped its claws at the Grenadier - who wasn’t in a position to defend himself - but couldn’t quite breach his armor. However, it did shred his outer layer of armor off, and dripping oils from its claws set his suit on fire. The Grenadier cried out in fear, having a few seconds before his armor would heat up like an oven. Atka didn’t let that happen, though, sending a cryokinetic stream his way to both cool off his armor, and immobilize/neutralize the Chryssalid.

The combined fire of the rest of the squad brought the monster down. “Dominguez, make sure Bauer’s alright,” she told the Dominican before rushing over to Ayame. “Kasagi, are you alright?” she asked the Ranger, hoping against hope that she wasn’t dead. Experience told her otherwise, as she had seen what Chryssalids twenty years ago had done to even soldiers in body armor.

Ayame stepped forward, not wanting to turn to face Atka. “I’m fine!” Ayame insisted. “It… it didn’t… it barely scratched me. “I was… just frustrated at myself for letting it hit me. I’m okay, Commander. I got lucky.”

“It’ll have still poisoned you,” Atka said, simultaneously relieved and worried. “Morrigan, send your Gremlin over to inoculate her.”

“On it.” Morrigan ran over to her shorter associate, and typed in the commands for the Gremlin to inject Ayame. She examined the front of Ayame, her clothing underneath in tatters, the amount of blood consistent with a deep wound, but with no sign of the injury. “Well… you look okay, though you look like you could use an energy drink.”

The exhausted looking Asian woman shook her head, and sheathed her sword. “I’m fine. Just a little tired. But I appreciate your and the Commander’s concern. Come on. We have at least one Muton to finish off, and we need to send that all clear signal.

“You’re right about that much. Let’s get to those doors and some cover before they decide to check if their bugs finished us off and find us in the open without any cover,” Atka barked, inspiring the squad to calm down from the bug attack and keep closing on their target. As they reached the doors, the roar of engines above sounded the arrival of a pair of ADVENT dropships. “Looks like they’re starting to come in hard! Take them out as they try to come down!”

The hatches on both opened, and a full squad of eight tried to make the jump. The right dropship spit out a Shieldbearer, Medic, and two Troopers, while the other dropped a Rocketeer, Gunner, and a pair of Stun Lancers.

Russell took aim at the enemy shieldbearer, and fired. The beam missed by a hair, and he grumbled, firing again and getting a hit this time - but the enemy withstood it. Maxwell sent his own burst towards the Medic, injuring them mid-fall and thus letting a bad fall take them out. Heinrich fired off his HE Grenade at the left dropship’s group as they landed, knowing it wouldn’t kill them but would soften them up for others.

Morrigan fired at one of the Stun Lancers, felling the softened foe as they were raising their weapon. Ayame, her armor damaged and her energy low, dared not get too close. She turned to Luna, who managed to wound the Rocketeer, and said, “Let me borrow your knife.”

Luna reached for it and handed it to the Ranger. “Why?” Ayame quickly stood up and threw it with all her strength, lodging it through the mask and into the face of the other Lancer. “You intend on returning it?”

Ayame rolled her eyes. “Get it when they’re all dead,” she muttered, firing her Scatterlaser to scatter the enemy.

Stacie finished off the Rocketeer before they could cause havoc at close range with their launcher, only needing one of her bursts to hit at this point, while Atka took down the Shieldbearer. That left the two Troopers, a Medic, and a Gunner in play, however. Each of the Troopers took aim at a target - Ayame taking cover sparing her from being one of those - and opened fire. The first hit Heinrich straight on and just barely didn’t penetrate his armor, while the second did the same to Morrigan. The Medic took cover, sparing a third case of that, and the Gunner took aim at Stacie.

The Sharpshooter’s eyes widened, and she surprised the heavy weapons Advent soldier by ducking under his shot going forward. Before he could try to compensate for the unexpected move, she rolled past him, leaving a present in the form of an AT Grenade that took him out.

“Not bad,” Ayame muttered, rushing to the side as the enemies concentrated their firing on her comrades. Once she made it behind them, she pulled out her sword and rushed one of the troopers, fatally jamming the sword into his back and using him as a shield to any of the other soldiers who might try and fire at her. Luckily, his armor was more intact than hers.

Luna fired at the other remaining Trooper, felling him in a stream of heated light. The medic the only one left, Luna cried out, “You’re injured, and it is eight to one. You can’t win.”

The Medic looked like she was definitely considering surrender, but then the ship’s doors opened again. Two Mutons charged out, one of them shooting at Russell’s shield and blowing off one of its plated segments, damaging his armor through it. The other charged for the Juggernaut, raising their chain bayonet and revving it up. Behind them, it seemed, was another Muton and one of the centaur-like Chargers, but they couldn’t get through to attack just yet.

Ayame tossed her incendiary grenade at the doorway, trying to slow the two additional foes down. She looked up at the Balmadaar and suddenly hesitated, a look of guilt in her eyes. Morrigan stepped next to her and snapped, “Snap out of it, short stuff!” She fired at the Muton charging Russell, trying to deter his charge. While it didn’t seem to work at first, and scatter shot from Ayame forced it to dive into cover.

“Sorry,” Ayame muttered. “Won’t happen again.” She fired at the second Balmadaar, which had managed to take another chunk out of Russell’s shield and nearly pierced his armor.

Atka’s eyes were surrounded with an invisible violet glow for a moment. Winslow, duck! She psied to him, the move allowing him to dodge under the next shot from one of the Mutons. The Commander then raised her hand at the third one trying to come out now that the way was clear, and caused his eyes to widen in fear. The seasoned warrior fled the other way, as Atka’s RCs created a trap that toppled the Charger. “Take them down now!”

The three Mavericks combined their fire, lighting up the Muton that was out of cover and killing it with a volume of fire, but that still left the Charger - trying to free itself - and the other Muton as threats.

Ayame slashed at the Charger’s side, forcing it to turn to her. It whipped its plasma-spiked tail at her like a striking snake, and she barely dodged left and right. “Quick bastard.” She could only dodge back as the alien seemed to get joy out of toying with her, so much that it didn’t notice Luna rushing over, the Ambusher firing everything she had into it back, piercing his armor. The centaur like alien cried out in anger and jumped forward, charging past and practically through Ayame and moving to get to cover. Ayame groaned as she picked herself up from the ground. “Ouch…” She grabbed her scatterlaser and fired at the fleeing being, but it was surprisingly swift for such a large alien.

Atka lifted her Bolt Caster, narrowing her eyes as she pulled the trigger. She kept her aim moving as the weapon prepared to fire, and was rewarded for her foresight when the shot went through the exposed portion of the alien centaur’s back and ended its life. That left two Balmadaar with largely damaged armor but no real wounds to speak of in play.

Morrigan rapidly typed on her wrist computer, her Gremlin rising a bit in the air, but quickly had to dodge to the left and right as one of the Mutons saw it and fired to keep it at bay. Taking advantage of the momentary distraction, Morrigan lifted her beam rifle and watched the enemy alien carefully. As it raised its weapon to fire again, she fired first, piercing its armor on its arm enough to cause it to drop its weapon in surprise and pain. “One of them is disarmed!” She shouted, taking aim at the fallen weapon and firing, causing it to skid further away from its owner.

As it did, the weapon’s charge-up light blinked dangerously, and then the plasma rifle exploded, taking out the Muton that was about to retrieve it. The other roared in fury, but was unable to avenge its comrade as Max tossed his other concussive grenade at it. The blast caved in some of its organs, but it still took aim at Morrigan. It took a follow-up shot from the Trooper to take it down more permanently. “Damn, those things don’t go down easily.”

“Their weapons don’t seem as durable,” Heinrich noted, his eyes drifting over to the crater that had been a Muton and its rifle.

“Possible target for our sharpshooters in the future,” Morrigan stated, turning to the UFO as Russell confiscated a very-terrified Medic’s weapons. “We need to get that signal out before we get more company. Hopefully there aren’t too many left inside.”

 

[DarkGemini24601]

ZombieSplitter53 and DarkGemini24601: “Operation Slumbering Engine, Part 4”

As the dust settled and two hulking alien shocktroopers and their swift ally lay dead on the ground, Atka shook her head. “That was…”

“Chaotic?” Maxwell offered.

“That about describes it.”

Shen’s voice again came over the communications network. “You’ve got another dropship on its way,” she warned Menace 1-5.

“Dammit. We can’t have another situation in close quarters like that last drop-in.” Should have dealt with that last one better despite how sudden it was, the Commander sourly chided herself. “Winslow, Inverse, O’Brien, Kasagi, hold the line out here. I and the other three will go into the ship and neutralize any alien targets that might be remaining.”

The defensive fireteam each gave a word of affirmation, and without further ado Atka ran inside. “Let’s find that last Muton.”

“Well, at least we’ve still got a lot of smoke grenades,” Stacie mumbled with a shake of her head.

“That’s all I have left for the launcher,” Heinrich remarked, placing the defensive screen canister within his launcher as they entered the UFO.

The structure of the Raider was fairly simple on the inside. Beyond the two doors there was an outer room around the command center, being broken up into four sections facing each cardinal direction. The alien craft were no longer as symmetrical, however. In the north and south chambers there were some computers and simple objects of study - be they vials of unknown liquids or violet-leafed plants of inscrutable origin. The east and west (the former being where the squad had entered) space had been cleared for troops to occupy. This room in particular had energy barriers like the others keeping the ship’s atmosphere in blocking the hallway to the back - likely where the Chryssalid subjects were being kept up until their release.

From the other, nonshielded hallway, a machine suddenly darted into the room. It was a sleek diamond shape with black plating, save for a violet optic and similarly-colored tubes running along an ‘x’ shaped protrusion set adding a more complex shape to an otherwise simple chassis. Any illusion the alien drone had of simplicity was swiftly broken as it flew over to Heinrich and let loose a torrent of electrical energy. The Grenadier’s eyes went wide and he let loose a cry of agony as his nerves felt like they were lit on fire, and then collapsed with his back to a wall.

“Heinrich!” Stacie cried out, trying to spray the offending automaton with her sidearm. The robot proved quicker on the uptake than even the Texan gunslinger, and darted back out of sight. The woman almost went after it, but Atka psionically ordered her, Stop! They’re trying to lure you in, Belle! Drop us some smoke cover now. Dominguez, tend to Bauer.

Stacie grit her teeth, frustrated but knowing Atka was right. She dropped her smoke grenade, the canister’s cap popping off to spray a white mist over the four XCOM operatives. Maxwell knelt down beside Heinrich, putting a hand over his heart and feeling an irregular beat. He activated the medkit, and the healing nanites sent small jolts into the Hispanic-German’s chest, realigning his vital patterns and bringing him to with a jolt.

“Holy shit,” he coughed. “I think that’d be worse than what ours could do to a person.” A spray of blue pulse lasers cut through the smoke, not hitting anyone but making a few scorching craters in the wall behind them. “Heilige scheiße!” he swore again.

From around the corner, a pair of giant, alien cockroaches with cybernetic limbs and armored shells started to lower back down, having stood on their hind legs to fire from all four of their pistols. As they hit the ground, it occurred to Stacie that their underbellies were a lot more vulnerable than the rest of their armored shells. “Hey, Commander, if we can get them to stand up again they should be easy pickings.”

Atka nodded, firing at one with her Rotator and only doing a small amount of damage with the beam laser revolver. In the time Max had been healing Heinrich she had laid down a spike trap, and one of the Mecroaches walked straight into the smoke-masked danger. It let loose a chattering cry, and then fell deathly silent. “That should provoke the other,” she commented. The other rose up in anger, and Stacie nailed it with her machine pistol.

However, the threat hadn’t passed, as the Muton that had been panicked before was now very much enraged, and charged back into the room with the alien drone flying overhead. “Chokepoint can only do so much to deal with that!” Maxwell observed. He went for his LMG, but hesitated, realizing it probably wouldn’t have much armor-penetrating power. That would have been deadly if not from a wall of ice from Atka to hold it off, at least for a second.

Or maybe a moment, as one slam of the Muton’s bayonet punched a hole in the thick, frozen barricade. “Plan?” Stacie questioned, worried the alien was about to restore its honor with their blood.

Heinrich’s eyes widened. “Stacie, the drone!” he called out a bit fearfully as the machine was coming for him for a second attack.

“Not again, you verdammt arschloch!” the Sharpshooter snapped, bringing her DMR up for a snapshot. She missed, but had aimed in front of the machine, causing it to reconsider its options and veer backwards to come to a rest behind the Muton.

Safe, but seeing the Muton was charging up a shot on Stacie, Heinrich fired off his Anti-Tank Rifle straight into it’s chest. The thick beam punched through its armor and tore off layers of metal and flesh, but still the hulking shocktrooper stood, seeming more enraged than ever. “Dammit, no!”

At close range and having no other option, Stacie tried to duck to the side. She almost succeeded, but nevertheless a green plasma laser was let loose with a small, cannon-like boom, and cut across her side. Some of it scathed her ribs, but the main body of the laser caused the gunslinger’s right shoulder to evaporate. With a short-lived cry of agony that was cut short by a drop into unconsciousness, the Sharpshooter fell to the cold metal floor.

“Mother fucker!” Maxwell cursed, bringing his machine gun up. “Get some, damn you!” he roared, sending a spray of bullets at the Muton. His burst-fire was negated by a shimmering yellow barrier going in front of the alien soldier.

“That goddamn drone!” Heinrich snapped in frustration and fury. “It’s psionic too? How is that even...”

Atka grabbed her fallen soldier as the Muton’s weapon readied itself for another shot, and with strength enhanced by her psionics pulled them both back behind a corner. “Rich, Max, get back!” she shouted, pulling out her AP IED and Stacie’s AT grenade and tossing both of the explosives. The two remaining Mavericks dived out of the way, and the explosives went off to end the live of the last Muton and blow apart the Psi Drone.

The white defensive smokescreen and the black explosive cloud began to clear as Atka brought a hand up to her commlink. “Morrigan, we need you in here ASAP. Got a woman down.” the Commander instructed, removing one of her gloves to feel Stacie’s neck. There was a pulse, but it was erratic. “Hold on, Belle. Don’t go into shock,” she whispered, mostly to reassure herself, and stood back up to keep an eye out. “That drone couldn’t have had psionics on its own, it’d have to have been…” The Commander’s cybernetic eye narrowed, and she glanced down at her mechanical arm. “...a conduit for something else.” But what?

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

ZombieSplitter53 and DarkGemini24601: “Operation Slumbering Engine, Part 5”

In the darkness beyond where the two Mecroaches and Muton had come from, two slightly slouched silohuettes moved around, clearly plotting something but not eager to make themselves known. Sectoids? Maybe one of them was controlling it, not unlike our Specialists. Atka let them - and her curiosity - be for now, knowing that making sure Stacie was protected was currently the top priority.

GZ-MO flew over, its nearly-spent medical protocol doing what it could until Morrigan arrived with her first aid kit and got to work trying to save her teammate’s life. The Irish Specialist looked in the direction of her Commander’s gaze and asked, “Are there more?”

“Two tangos in the shadows,” Atka whispered. “Don’t think they know what to do.” A door slid open in the darkness, and the duo vanished into the central room. “If they’re retreating there’s either better cover in there or some sort of pilot. Wonder if they still use those Outsiders…”

“Outsiders?” Morrigan looked to the door and huffed in frustration. “We need to get in there so I can connect to the main computer.” Once she was done using the medkit for everything it had, she reached to her side and lifted a Viper Grenade. “This should help clear them out.”

Atka smiled coldly, vengeance in her eyes and on her mind. “Forget what I was about to say about breaching with Winslow. That’ll do.”

Morrigan slid up close to the door, feeling the weight of the grenade in her hand. “Just wish I could have a better look without risking them seeing me and being alerted.”

“They’re on the left,” Ayame whispered, having snuck up next to her. “About ten thirty. Really close together. Near some sort of big computer.”

Morrigan looked down at her and asked, “How do you know?”

Ayame shrugged. “I can hear them. They make this really weird noise when they breathe. And I hear the thrumming from the computer. Based on how hard it is to hear them over the machine, they must be right next to it.”

“If you say so.” Morrigan readied the grenade. “Here goes nothing.” She quickly stepped into the doorway and tossed the grenade. As she darted back, she had enough time to see they were exactly where Ayame said they would be, and the grenade would land right between them.

The poisonous, acidic gases exploded violently outwards, injuring the Sectoids on impact, shredding their natural skintight armor, and toxifying their respiratory systems. As they writhed in agony, they had no chance at defending themselves from the two revenge-minded Mavericks that finished them off with a duo of laser shots. “Eyes on what I assume is terminal,” Heinrich noted, replacing his charge pack with a tinge of satisfaction in his tone that was otherwise overshadowed with a quiet anger. “It’s got guards though!” he suddenly added as two crystals attached to either side of computer split off and formed into crystalline guardians.

“That’s the terminal, but those are Outsiders! Be careful, they’ll regenerate if you don’t take them out quickly!” Lily’s voice warned.

“All shifty like that Codex in the logs too,” Max noted, one of them running for the cover and the other oddly headed for a wall. The second was surrounded in a ghastly energy, and phased through the metal, coming out in front of Atka, Ayame, and Morrigan.

They didn’t do that before. Atka let loose a bolt from her caster, but as with the Codex the constantly in-flux form of the Outsider only took half the punishment it should have from the hit.

“How do we fight a mechanized ghost?” Morrigan darted to the left, trying to make the alien pilot keep an eye on her so it wouldn’t focus on the Commander and her wounded soldier.

“Please. This your first fight against the incorporeal?” Ayame rolled out of the way of a close shot, the Outsider having noted her weakened armor. “Just hit it with everything we got! It has to have some parts that we can injure.”

While dangerous, the Outsider had made a mistake turning its attention to Ayame, as it gave Morrigan time to put it in a pincer position. She fired, and the ghostly machine staggered forward, her superheated beam hitting home. The Outsider didn’t seem to take halved damage from the laser weapon, and shattered into a million tiny shards that evaporated mid-air.

The other was being pinned down by suppressing fire from Maxwell, unable to pull any fancy tricks - or so it seemed. Not liking its current position, the remaining pilot removed a large shard from the myraid that made up its body, and tossed it behind Maxwell. With a warp distortion, it folded in on itself and reformed at the point where the piece had landed, shooting the Trooper in the back with its strange orange rifle. The crystal ammunition slammed into the back of his armor, and seemed to phase apart, cracking a hole in the plating and doing damage underneath as well that staggered the Dominican in pain.

The daring move did expose it to Heinrich, who managed to deal significant damage with his Laser Puncture Rifle, but couldn’t quite finish it off. A combat knife whizzed past its head, and when it turned to see where it had come from, Luna was already up close. It lifted its weapon to fire, but Luna was a hair faster, blasting it apart with a close range shot from her battle rifle.

Morrigan peeked her head inside, her Gremlin floating above her. “Can I do my job now? Or are alien crocodiles going to drop down from the ceiling next?”

The silence that settled in the ship - aside from the thrumming of two elerium-powered monoliths behind the terminal - answered her question. Atka activated her radio jammer, and stated, “Make it quick, preferably before this thing burns itself out.”

“On it.” Morrigan rushed to the computer while GZ-MO found a port to connect. As it decrypted the data, it sent Morrigan a basic translation to her wrist computer to help her type. “Send all clear… on priority channels. Not sending it directly to the incoming dropship. They would find it suspicious. A… awaiting second signal, I guess from another pilot or someone else second in Command… quickly now… there… aaaaaand… all clear confirmed. Incoming support is being signaled to return to base.”

Atka laid a hand on Morrigan’s shoulder. “Well done.” She lifted her other to signal their ride. “Firebrand, you’re clear to land in front of the UFO. We’ll grab whatever gear is of the highest value from here, and then bail before ADVENT gets the guts to ask what actually was going on here and finds out the all-clear was bogus.”

The squad was able to recover a variety of equipment from the ship. Stacie was taken by Firebrand off to the Avenger before anything else. The first items of interest were naturally the computers and power cores, but they were only able to haul one of each with the time they had. The team then moved on to any smaller equipment, recovering some elerium cores, as well as what appeared to be alien weapon attachments. In total, there were two of each of the three types they found: Muzzle Brakes, Friction Dampeners, and Supercoolers of superior quality. Finally came the bodies. Ayame helped haul what she jokingly named a ‘Drake’ version of the Chryssalid, but the name seemed to stick. The remains of the Outsiders were also scraped up - their core crystals remaining behind after their deaths - and the Sectoid controller of the Psi Drone that would come to be called a Domineer.

By the time the Skyranger returned to pick up the others, all the alien gear had been put into crates borrowed from the landing site, and wasn’t hard to put into the dropship’s cargo bay. As the ship took off and everyone settled in, Morrigan scooted close to Atka and whispered, “Can I… have a quick word with you?”

Atka finished confirming with Danielle that Stacie was in the medical ward and stable, and then turned to Morrigan. “What is it?” the Commander asked, the signs of battle exhaustion starting to wear into her voice now that the time for action and caution was ending.

“The, um… the wee one. Kasagi? There is something wrong with her wounds… what little there was of them?” Morrigan glanced over to Ayame, chatting with the others.

“She said she just got scratched,” Atka replied, raising an eyebrow. “She did seem oddly defensive about it though…”

“Well… the wounds were deeper than she let on, but still not deep enough…” Morrigan rubbed the back of her next. “Look, I’m no doctor, nurse, medic, or what have you. But I know enough to know when to use a medkit. And I am sure that the amount of blood I saw on her close was not consistent with the wounds I saw. Which means… I… I don’t know what it means, honestly.”

Atka was silent, thinking to herself. After a few moments with only the quiet talking of the dropship’s occupants around them and the gentle hum of its engines, she conceded, “I’m not quite sure either. Could mean she knows biokinesis. She’s not the first person to hide their psionics. Though that doesn’t explain how she could survive a direct hit from a Chryssalid in the first place… I’ll have to have it looked into. Thank you for bringing it to my attention, though. You’ve done well, Morrigan.”

“No problem.” Morrigan sat back and sighed in contentment. “We did good today, huh?”

“Good haul, and we got the job done. I’d say so.” Atka nodded. “The rewards weren’t without their price, though.”

 

[DarkGemini24601]

DarkGemini24601 and MarineAvenger: “Stargazing, Part 1”

2154 Hours, July 11th, 2038
The Amazon Rainforest
Onboard the Avenger
Specifically, Atop It
The Landing Pad

Despite all their advancements, there was one thing ADVENT could never compensate for. Ever since the addition of electric lights to the urban centers of the world, there had always been what was termed ‘light pollution’ within Earth’s cities. It was hardly a problem, for unlike real pollution all it did was mask the starry sky from view. But that had always been a frustration for Robert Tygan growing up in a crowded settlement like Houston. He had always enjoyed chances to visit observatories in remote areas where the sky was as clear as day. It made having to work with the government for some secret project involving satellites geared to pick up gravitational distortions 24 years ago much less unpleasant. In addition, it was one of the things he didn’t miss about the Megacities.

In such a remote area as the Amazon Rainforest, he was able to put a telescope to good use gazing up at the cosmos above. “Hard to believe that more than two decades ago we could only guess as to what lived among the stars beyond Earth,” the astrophysicist muttered to himself as he swiveled the eyepiece to scan the heavens above. He had always been of the mind that there simply had to be extraterrestrial life out there: the universe was far too fast for humanity to be unique in its existence and sentience. Still, he had never thought they would visit Earth, let alone take over the planet itself. “Such a shame that they had to come like this. We could have learned so much more so much more quickly had we been able to cooperate in peace.”

Robert shook his head, stepping back from his telescope for a moment. “Then again, it wouldn’t have been a challenge. As unfortunate as the state of the world is… at least my work is much more interesting when it is not easy.”

“Yeah… I almost miss the days when me and you were forced onto a project over and over. Nowadays feels like we are strangers all over again.” The familiar voice of his student said behind Tygan, Kai still wearing his doctor’s coat overtop just a white shirt and some jeans, though the sleeves were rolled up past his elbows to help with the damp -but still nonetheless hot- nights.

Tygan was still dressed as formally as ever, wearing his signature moss green button-up shirt and dark brown pants. His labcoat was laid neatly atop the container for his telescope, however. “Good evening, Kazuko,” he addressed his partner, turning around to face Kai. “What brings you out here?”

“Oh you know… heard they were free hotdogs up here for a union barbeque. Seems I was lied to.” The Japanese man noted as he went to Robert’s side, crossing his arms. “I heard you were stalking around up here with your toy and decided to pay you a visit.”

The scientist shook his head. “I am a little biased towards barbeques… my father was not the best of cooks. And I do not ‘stalk’ around,” Robert specified, raising an eyebrow slightly. “What do you take me for, a Chryssalid?”

“No hair, strikes fear into the hearts of many and something you’d be rather smart not to piss off? Yes, actually, you remind me of one very much.” Kai noted as he looked to the sky, raising his own eyebrow. “Looking for anything in particular?”

“Not exactly, though I always have wondered ever since the invasion where exactly the aliens came from,” Tygan remarked, choosing to ignore the comparison for now. “Is their homeworld in our galaxy, or have they traveled between them somehow?”

“Depends on the tech on those huge ships of theirs. A thought has crossed my mind before what they used for travel. Warp space, jump stations, worm holes… every science fiction novel somehow now having a bit of truth to them in some way.” He raked his hair with a hand but ultimately sighed, “Though I am just a doctor. That stuff isn’t my ballpark.”

“I’d love to be able to get a look at one of their ships, but we have no real way of tracking them. No satellites under our control, and the Avenger’s systems aren’t exactly calibrated to pick up their movements,” the Scientific Chief lamented. “Though even if I can only really put the physics suffix of my degree to good use here, that doesn’t mean I can’t take an evening to enjoy the vastness of space that lies beyond Earth.”

“Certainly is vast, I can agree on that.” Kai rubbed his chin, looking up at the stars wonderingly. “I wonder if any of our old tech is still intact up there. Our telescopes, our space station… if we ever took control of a ship of theirs I wonder what we would find.” The man let out a short chuckle. “Could you imagine it? XCOM in an alien battleship traveling the stars?”

“I feel like that would exceed our jurisdiction, considering we’re meant to excommunicate our enemy from the planet, not go after them,” Robert contested. “As for our technology, I honestly doubt it. If they dismantled our equipment on the ground to prevent us from looking up, logic would dictate they removed our eyes in the sky as well.” The older man sighed. “If there’s one thing I can never forgive them for, it was defuncting NASA.”

“Well, you have more of an attachment to that old government system then me so I can’t really say I sympathized like that, but I do get that it is disheartening. All the more reason to do our best and see what we pull out from the ashes. Maybe NASA will make a return.” The doctor tried to say as a comfort.

“I have a feeling we’ll be too busy putting the world back together to be looking to the stars.” Tygan sighed. “I do hope we can reach some sort of resolution that doesn’t require us to just wipe the aliens out. There has to be a better way than that.”

“Well hey, what goes around comes around. I still have a hard time trying to figure out why they keep us as pets. I wonder what their end goal is. Surely not just to stroke their own egos.” Kai let his arms fall to his sides, looking over to his mentor. “Do you think… they need us somehow?

“With all the test subjects they collect, I imagine they do,” Tygan affirmed. “What purpose they could have for us though, I’m not sure. Their technology exceeded ours in every way when they came here, and they seem to have one of everything in their armies. Aside from the inclusion of our DNA into select alien types like the Sectoid to improve their capabilities, there must be something bigger still in progress.”

“Who knows, maybe we are just overthinking things. Simplest answer can sometimes be the right one.” Wanting to change the subject from their previous, Kai sat cross legged on the floor. “So how is Jennifer handling autopsies in my stead? Prefer the young women to your old friend?” He teased the older man.

“Chambers has been handling the Chryssalid subject, actually. There’s quite a backlog with the Muton and ‘Faceless’ specimens both being in cold storage. Not to mention that the Cybernetics Lab should be ready tomorrow, and that opens up the Hoverguard she did a preliminary analysis on for further study.” Tygan paused. “Speaking of which, if you’re not working on anything I got a request from Shen” he said, seeming mildly surprised, “that you help her with that. I didn’t know you two were on good terms.”

“We are… well…” Kai rubbed the back of his neck. “It is complicated. We hung out a couple times but that was it. I wouldn’t say good terms, but she has at least stopped hating me for stealing her thunder when we first arrived here with those cybernetics for Atka. To think that was something huge she held against me when I saw it as nothing. Women are weird. Makes me wonder if they were placed in existence to make men suffer.”

“Don’t ask me. I’ve never held an interest,” Robert reminded him. “And that was why she disliked you? Intriguing… the reason she disagrees with me is simply a matter of being too different to get along. I’m glad her mark against you was possible to resolve.”

“Oh please. Give it time, and she will be back to badgering me same as you. After all, what would she like about having a gynophobic recluse as a friend?” Kai asked incredulously, seeming convinced the idea of An-Yi having any positive feelings about him a foreign thought.

“Still haven’t made any progress with your phobia?” the man of African descent questioned.

“Well… I’ve found little girls have no effect on me, just grown women.” Kai put his hand on his cheek. “Doesn’t help that Su-... uh… my mother used to beat up on me rather roughly and tease me about finding a decent woman to marry.”

 

[MarineAvenger]

DarkGemini24601 and MarineAvenger: “Stargazing, Part 2”

“Well, the best way to deal with it is exposure therapy, and learning how to hide your tells,” Tygan noted, recalling something he had read in a psychology magazine once. “Additionally, your Freudian slip is not unnoticed. Your mother’s name does not begin with ‘Su’, so I’m not sure who you were about to speak of.”

“And you don’t need to know.” Kai said, unusually defensive. Well Alexis and Jenn know… and I’m closer to Robert than either of them. What would be the harm in one more knowing… “Hey Robert… are you a religious man?”

“Odd question to ask. Not really, no,” Robert answered.

“Did you know I was? I used to visit a shrine near the village my took me to shortly before the capital was destroyed during the war in Japan. I met someone there. Someone who changed my life.” Kai looked up at Robert seriously. “Her name is Sukuna.”

“And I assume you are referring to some sort of religious enlightenment?” Tygan analyzed.

“No.” Kai said, shrinking down a bit as Tygan felt something touch his shoulder.

“He is talking about a goddess herself.” Sukuna said, smirking down at the scientist, winking to Kai. “Me, in fact.”

Robert turned around, seemed to process for a moment, and then stumbled backwards in shock. “Where did you come from?” he asked with uncharacteristic disbelief. “How…”

“Robert… meet Sukuna. The Goddess of Healing and Rain. The main source of my gynophobia, lifelong friend, and at times the extra kick that gives my powers speciality.” Kai introduced, waving his hand over the goddess. “A secret I have kept since I was seven. A secret not even the Commander herself knows. Sukuna is a member of the Japanese pantheon of gods.”

“A pleasure to finally meet you in the flesh Robby.” Sukuna said, patting the bald man on the head.

Robert narrowed his eyes at her, and tapped his fingers against his pant leg. “You… expect me to believe you’ve had… a… supernatural being with you all this time? How could she have remained hidden? And how am I supposed to believe she’s an actual goddess?”

“Oh no… you made the same mistake Alexis did.” Kai let out in a grumble.

“Well egg head, I remained so well hidden because only people I want to see me get to see me. Also you sort of need an open mind. Hence why I can catcall An-Yi and she will always think it is Kai.” The mischievous goddess snickered. “Not to mention my powers sync perfectly when Kai uses his healing arts. And as for the proof I am actually the goddess of rain…” The woman snapped her fingers and a black storm cloud formed over the scientist and quite literally rained on his parade, soaking him in a downpour.

Tygan irritably crossed his arms. “I’m… inclined to accept that you have special powers, though you’ll forgive me if I don’t convert to Shintoism on the spot.” I’ll file this away under psionics I don’t yet understand for now. “Was she… why I was able to maintain consciousness after our mutual operation? I noted at the time that I was more lurid that I should have been.”

“Yeah. I also used her during Atka’s operation, and usually when I work with female patients. Though… with Sukuna’s help I have begun looking into… other forms of healing other than just the physical.” Kai stated vaguely, tapping his cheek as he ordered Sukuna to stop making it rain on Tygan and she did so, also taking all the moisture out of his clothes and throwing the water over the side of the ship.

Robert watched it slide off the aft section of the former alien supply ship for a moment before inquiring, “What do you mean by ‘other’ forms of healing, precisely?”

“Mental healing… emotional in a way. Sukuna explained to me that when I was helping a patient by the name of Gwendoline De Saint Pierre, she entered the woman’s mind. She walked through traumatic experiences the woman had faced and while not completely ridding her of her anguish, she helped relieve some of the pain. After a while, Gwen started showing signs of… well, lack of depression, she seemed more alert, stuff like that. If I am right, I may be able to help soldiers if they are risk of suffering from potential PTSD or other mental blocks that would usually take them out of a fight. Though I admit… I am no therapist, and neither is she. I chop it up to luck and compassion that Saint Pierre got better. I have yet to try I someone else as of yet.”

“And despite our experience with neural implants neither of us are certified neurologists. I’d be wary of what psionics could do to someone’s mental makeup. We don’t have the knowledge the aliens do about mental reformatting, or the consequences it has,” Robert cautioned warily.

“Trust me, I know. Which is why I was hesitant bringing up the subject with Atka just yet. It will just be a side thing. I am the Head Doctor, I run the medical staff, make sure we have adequate supplies, help other divisions when needed and occasionally help heal someone when no other doctors are available or it needs to be done quick. If someone wants help, they will have to seek me out. I am not a miracle worker, so I will just stick to my guns and hope next time is a success as well. If there is a next time.” Kai assured his old mentor, looking back up to the clear night sky. “I just want to help Robert. It is all I ever wanted to do. Same as you.”

“Understood.” The older man paused. “Were you going somewhere with that last bit?”

“I’m not a philosopher, so I doubt it.” Kai noted as he laid on his back, noting Sukuna’s sly smile before she disappeared again. “Just have to take things one at a time and hope to the gods I, or any of us for that matter, don’t do anything to screw up the things we have going for us right now.”

“I’m not a philosopher he said as he espoused his simple philosophy,” Tygan remarked.

“Screw off Mr. Cosmos.” Kai shot back to his teacher, rolling his eyes. “And you tell anyone about what we talked about up here I will dangle you off the side of the ship for alien bait.”

“No, you wouldn’t,” Robert countered. “You’d have your spectral friend do it.”

“Or maybe Lily. I think she would be more then happy to help me.” The student noted.

“I thought you said you didn’t really think she thought better of you.”

“And her thoughts of you are even worse. Said it yourself.” Kai said with a triumphant smirk, then began to laugh, shaking his head. “Though no worries my old friend. I would sooner ask An-Yi out on a date then ever betray or hurt you.”

Come on Kai, you and her would make such a cute couple! The Kami protested in Kai’s head.

Forget it, never happening.

I don’t believe that! Sukuna said in a sing song tone.

“Huuuh… great, now Sukuna won’t lay off me for An-Yi. Count yourself lucky you don’t have a woman in your head trying to hook you up with every female you come across. I mean seriously, could you ever see me and Lily together.” Kai asked his mentor, saying it as a jest.

“You’re asking me?” Tygan shook his head. “Your troublesome not-so-imaginary friend probably knows better than I do about romance.”

“If I followed her advice I would have had slept with almost every female I ever even crossed paths with.” He chuckled. “Besides, Lily would never say yes to anyone probably, especially me.”

“I don’t know,” Robert replied, exasperated. “Go get some rest, Kai.”

“Yes sir.” Kai said, standing up and shaking his head. “Don’t stay up too late Robert.”

“I don’t plan to,” he responded, gazing up one last time at the stars for a few minutes after Kai had departed. Then content, the chief scientist picked up his labcoat, unfolded it, put it on, and packed up his telescope before heading back into the ship.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

MarineAvenger & ZombieSlayer21
The Spider and the Bloodsucker: Part One

Artyom slowly pulled up the hood of his darkly colored, homemade shirt, looking down at the old engagement ring that sat on the old sink of the janitor closet turned bedroom. He took it and slowly slipped it on, not being able to stop the flash of a couple of faces to pop into his head. His old fiance, her young daughter he had grown to love, his new girlfriend and Lily's. They made him let out a shuddering breath, quickly exiting the closet, closing it behind him quickly.

A figure with a small frame was passing by and stopped behind him, having him a sly smile. "Having a little fun in the closet, are we? Who you got in there?"

"Excuse me?" Artyom asked, not looking to the side, his hood and his height concealing his face. "No one is in there."

"Come on." Ayame nudged his back. "You can tell me. Who are you having happy fun time with in the closet? I won't tell anyone. I'm just fulfill my daily requirement of gossip and being nosey."

"No one." He pressed, shaking his head. "Now mind your own business."

"Okay, okay." Ayame pursed her lips. "No need to be hostile. I was just curious. Why else were you in there. You don't look like a janitor."

"I live in there." Artyom answered briskly, finally looking down at yer with his eight glowing red eyes of his implant.

"Whoa!" Ayame jump back, reach to her side on instinct. "Those are... some interesting peepers you have there."

The downward curve of his mouth did not show amusement. "And you are unusually short." He stated maliciously.

Ayame glared at him. "I wasn't saying they were bad, jerk. I said they were interesting. In a good way."

"Do not lie to me girl. It just annoys me." 'Rasputin' intoned, walking away with urgency.

Ayame glared at the back of his head for a moment, then hurried after him. "Hey, wait up! I'm new here. How did you get the spider mask? Is it permanent? What's your story?"

"It is no concern of yours. Bother someone else." Artyom told the girl, not looking down at her. "I don't want to waste my time with little girls."

Ayame snarled lightly, and kept pace. "I am not a little girl. I am a soldier, the great Ranger Ayame Kasagi. And I demand that you... you be more friendly!"

"I don't take demands from those beneath me." The phrasing was double meaning.

It was hard to tell which meaning Ayame took more offense to. "And what makes me beneath you in the metaphorical sense?"

"I hate people, especially nosey ones. You are beneath me on the simple fact I do not see you as someone I should hold a high standard for. Only a handful of people I hold to high esteem... Maybe one other I am unsure of, but that is it." Artyom explained to the girl in a frustrated voice. "And the more direct meaning is self explanatory due to your size."

Ayame rushed in front of him, glaring up angrily. "Who the fuck do you think you are?! All I'm trying to do is talk to you! Be friendly! And all you can do is mock me and act like you're better then me? Well you're not! You're just an arrogant ass!"

"Take people as they are, not what you expect them to be." Artyom told Ayame simply. "Now please leave me."

Ayame stayed in his way. "I can't take you as you are, idiot. You won't tell me what kind of person you are. You won't even talk to me other to insult me. Is that the kind of person you are? Are you the spider face guy who looks down on others for talking to him?"

"I am the kind of person who does not make friends. You would not understand, and I don't understand why you just do not go. I insulted you, and you looked on the verge of leaving so just... Do that. I don't need any friends." Artyom told the woman in the first not so jaded way he was before.

Ayame folded her arms. "No. I think you are just saying whatever you can to get rid of me. Well, I don't give up that easily. I'm going to stay with you until you open up to me, and bother you until we are friends."

Artyom tensed. "You... Wouldn't."

Ayame smiled, and stepped to his side, wrapping her arms around his and rubbing her cheek against him. "Since you like to call me small, I'll be little sister Ayame, and you can be big brother... whatever your name is."

The Russian man recoiled and pushed her away from him. "You... You are going to do no such thing."

Ayame giggled childishly. "And what will you do if I do?"

"I will simply go back into my room and stay there." The man stated, drumming his fingers on the back of his thigh anxiously.

"Then I'll come with you!" Ayame said in excitement. "We can use the privacy of your room for you to tell me all your secrets."

Artyom grit his teeth, clenching his fist. "What is with it and you stubborn women that refuse to leave me alone! First Catherine, and now you! Can I not just be allowed to be left alone like I really want!"

Ayame folded her arms. "It is called common courtesy and basic human interaction. It isn't that big of a ship, and if me and this Catherine are the only ones who have 'bothered' you, consider yourself lucky." She sighed. "You are really that annoyed just from me trying to be friendly with you?”

"I am." The Russian man affirmed. Rasputin looked the woman up and down, rubbing his hand. "Why do you wish to be friendly to me?"

Ayame shrugged. "Part of it is because you insulted me, and I know it annoys you. Part of it is because... I know what it is like to try and push everyone away. To try and avoid humanity. But it is unhealthy to the mind. Too much loneliness..."

"I can deal." The man pressed, his jaw so tight you could likely bounce a quarter off of it. "And you have better things to do with your time then waste it with me."

Ayame's shoulders slumped. "You would be surprised what few things I have to do that are better than trying to reach out to someone."

Artyom looked at the smaller woman and he sighed. "Would you like to come into the closet and keep one another company?"

Ayame laughed. "Now, that was a sudden change in desire. At least give me your name first, but boy."

"Artyom." He spoke simply in his thick accent.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

MarineAvenger & ZombieSlayer21
The Spider and the Bloodsucker: Part Two

"Artyom," Ayame repeated. "Строгое имя! Значение одного хорошего здоровья, и посвященный Артемиде, греческой богини охоты!" <A strong name! Meaning one of good health, and dedicated to Artemis, Greek goddess of the Hunt!>

From the way Artyom recoiled slight, if he could blink he would have been. "Where did you learn Russian?"

Ayame grinned. "In Russia, of course. But that hasn't always been the case. I have a talent for languages, and learn them as a hobby.”

"I see..." The man said slowly, looking her up and down untrustingly, then walked back to the closet and he opened the door.

Ayame waited for him to step in and close it. When he didn't, she took it as an invitation and stepped in. "So... why do you not have a normal room?"

"Because then I would have to share it with another." He told the girl frankly, looking over his closet. The shelves were now cleared of any items, and the room was quite bare except for the small self constructed pallet with a mat on top of it. There wasn't a pillow nor a blanket, and off to the side seemed a folded up white shirt and pair of dark pants. Artyom walked over to the sink, taking his ring off his gloved finger and he set it down.

Ayame looked at it for a moment before asking, "So... about the eyes... what's up with the Peeping Spider eyes?"

"They were forcibly fused to my face when I was in the hands of Advent for many years." The man said, sitting down on his pallet, rubbing a knuckle against his trimmed beard. "Along with implants placed within my head that make me a human computer.”

"Well, that's really cool... in a from way." Ayame stood across from him. "I can kick all sorts of ass, but other than the basics, I suck with computers. Maybe you could give me some pointers some time."

"I work more on instinct than personal knowledge." He informed the woman, staring up at the wall as he sat on his pallet. "Knowledge given. Not learned."

"I... see." Ayame glanced to the side. "What's... with the ring?"

"A reminder. Of a woman I used to love when I was normal. A slave to Advent. We were poised to marry one another. I loved her. Then I was taken away from my life. Made into... This thing. When I escaped I hacked into Advent networks. Found the woman I loved moved onto another man and made a family with him. Kept my engagement ring all this time."

Ayame rubbed her wrists. "It is hard to see the one you love... move on without you. But... at least there is comfort in knowing they found someone. Someone to make them happy... the way you wanted to make them..."

"I suppose, but the bitterness has never gone away. It makes me question sometimes how much she truly loved me. I was gone for several years. Did she move on after a month... or several years I will never know. She is out of my reach. She always will be now." He spoke the last sentence as if a faint whisper, and from the way he looked now, he seemed normal. He could have almost been a handsome man without the piece of metal and red arachnid eyes.

Ayame have him an empathetic look and sighed. "May I... sit next to you for a moment?"

"Yes, you may I suppose." He said, pulling his hood down to show his tied back mess of hair.

Ayame sat next to him. She raised her hand as if to put it on his arm, but didn't, realizing he would not react well to it. "You know... they say time heals all wounds. And while that is true to an extent, with this kind of pain, there will always be a small amount of sadness left, whether it has been a year or five hundred years. But do you know what helps sooth the pain?"

"What would that be?" He asked curiously.

"Why, support, silly." Ayame nudged his shoulder. "People to help distract you from those sad thoughts. Friends to remind you there are reasons to go on. Associates to sing your praises for all you have done or can do. And don't give me any of that self defeating talk about you not being worth it or any of that guff. I bet you work in intelligence of you're a living computer. Can you ever imagine how much we would lack with out you that brain of yours?"

"I just happened to be a accident. If not for An-Yi, I would not even be on this ship. The Commander distrusted me very much. Though I suppose without me, things in the command room would have been hectic when both the Commander and her second went out and left me in charge."

Ayame have him a friendly slap in the arm. "That's what I'm talking about! Let's see... what else. Well, you're stubborn, which can be a good thing depending on the situation. I bet you'd be awfully handsome if you weren't scowling all the time. Your cybernetics are kick ass, and I bet kids would look at you and think you're a super hero. And man... you have one hell of a poker face. You play? Because you would kill it at Texas Hold 'Ems."

"I don't play." He grumbled. "I don't enjoy human interaction much if it was hard to tell."

"Right..." Ayame jumped to her feet. "Well... you should try it some time. You might actually like it."

"Maybe. It may be something I do at a later date." Artyom stated sourly. "Finally getting out of my hair?" He asked in reference to her getting up.

"Yup. I think I've bothered you enough." Ayame bowed towards him. "I apologize for annoying you. But if anything I have said has sunk in, it was worth it.”

"We will see." Artyom said, shaking his head. "Though you are free to stay. Might as well."

"No, no. I'll leave you be. Besides, I... heh..." Ayame rubbed the back of her neck nervously. "Was going to a meeting for newer soldiers when I stopped to annoy you, and... I'm probably in trouble as it is..."

"Good luck then." Artyom stated, rubbing his palm.

"Hope to talk to you again soon!" Ayame rushed out, yelling back, "Without the short jokes next time!”

 

[Taxor_the_First]

Le Surveillant

Location Unknown
6:34 PM, July 11th


Chloe wrinkled her nose slightly as the smoke rose past her face, joining the oppressive clouds above. She’d arrived for the final part of the cremation ceremony, a demonstration to the people that worked for her that she cared for them in life, and still did in death. The fires burning now were symbolic only, thankfully – the actual cremation had taken place already, saving everyone from having to smell burning flesh.

The second last person to speak finished their speech, nodding respectfully at the urn that was the center of attention on this day as he placed a flower next to it, joining the veritable garden that had cropped up. And everyone turned to look at her. She was the last speaker, after all. Swallowing a small outbreak of nerves, she moved forward and took her place at the head of the group, facing everyone else with the urn between her and them.

She was silent at first, considering her words. With an exhale, she began. “In my books he appeared as ‘Hummingbird’. That’s it. No name attached to it, no personality, no face. A statistic.” Chloe paused, noting that she had everyone’s attention. “I can’t speak, then, for his strength of character. It’s been said today that he was cheerful, always ready to crack a joke to lighten the mood. It’s been said that he was kind, willing to help others when they needed him. I can’t confirm any of this.

What I can confirm is that he was a good agent. He did good work. The information he’s provided us with over the years has helped keep the resistance in the game, however small overall one might say his contribution was.” She lowered her eyes, aware that she probably wasn’t saying the sort of things they wanted her too. But I won’t lie. I did not know this man until his body was slung in front of me. “I can speak for the work he did for us, for humanity as a whole. I, and the resistance, have lost an excellent operative. To those in front of me today, you have lost a friend. We have all lost a human being wanting to keep us free.”

The Overseer walked forward, procuring a brown, wilted poppy flower from under her coat. “I cannot deign to understand the sorrow of those you’ve left,” she said quietly, addressing the urn. “But I can respect the knowledge that it exists.” With that, she placed the dead flower with the others, a stark contrast to the live ones surrounding it. “Agent Hummingbird, your employment has come to an end. You held no obligations to us, yet you gave your life for the cause anyway. For that, thanks is insufficient, but it is all we can offer. You knew this when you joined, and accepted it, as did the rest of us. We hope you can rest easy, Charlie Hu. Your job is done.” She bowed her head solemnly and moved away, past the mourners and away from the crowd.

There was something about funerals that mellowed her like nothing else, Chloe reflected. A reminder of mortality maybe? Was it the outpouring of grief? The memories it brought up of her standing alone, mourning a loss so specific and yet part of something so much larger?

She finally came to a stop at the cliff edges, the sea breeze whistling through her legs, making her coat flap around her. She shivered and drew it closer, but the cold didn’t necessarily bother her as it did others. Unpleasant it may be, but it served as a reminder of a life she nearly lost. With the sun usually out, she didn’t normally get the opportunity to watch the ocean roiling for extended periods of time either. Placing the funeral at the back of her mind, she stood there, on the outskirts of the camp, just watching nature at work.

A pair of hands found their way onto her hips, grasping them firmly but not aggressively. “Hey,” their owner greeted, hooking his head over her shoulder. “You seem a little bored.”

Chloe did not attempt to extricate herself. “Not really. Just watching the waves.”

“You know I could use some entertainment myself,” the man pressed on. “Come on. What do you say we adjourn to a tent and entertain ourselves?”

The Overseer chuckled. “Not today, Nathan,” she said, eyeing him.

Nathan moved his hands to her torso, just below her chest. “Playing coy today are we?”

“No, I’ve just come from a funeral and I’m not in the mood,” she responded, a little more firmly. “Besides, you know I’m trying to cut back-“

“And I disagree with that completely.”

“I’m sure you do.”

The man chuckled. “One time won’t hurt. You know you want to.” He made to kiss her, but she wrenched herself sideways with surprising force.

“I said no,” Chloe stated, her face hardening.

From behind the two, a newcomer chuckled. “Sounds like you ain’t takin’ no for an answer,” he said, causing them to turn around. “Am I gonna have to remove your punk ass? Or will you do the right thing and walk away?”

Nathan frowned. “Samson. Where’d you come from?”

Samson smiled, his expression cocky. “Followed her,” the African-American said, pointing at Chloe. “I’m her bodyguard, remember? Right now, you sound like you’re disrespectin’ her body. As the guy in charge of guarding that, I’m tellin’ you to back the fuck off and cool the fuck down.”

The response was a pair of folded arms. “Since when did you take an interest in her?” he asked. “Not like you ever claimed her for yourself.”

“C-claimed me?” Chloe asked, quietly. Unnervingly quietly.

Samson jerked his head backwards. “Go on. Get movin’, before I move you myself.” The other agent scowled at him, but complied, stalking away like a disappointed hunter.

The two stood watching him go for a few moments. “I want to bite him,” Chloe declared. “Hard.”

“Yeah, well. I don’t think that shit’d go over well,” her bodyguard said, walking over to a nearby rock and sitting down on top of it. “Nearly went bad enough as it is just now, don’t need you bein’ aggressive.”

The Overseer glanced at him. “I had that under control. I didn’t need you to step in and save me.”

“Save you?” Samson laughed. “Fuck that, I wasn’t saving you. I was saving him! You notice the eyes you were givin’ him? Shit, I was fuckin’ quakin’ in my boots! You can be one scary motherfucker you put your mind to it.”

She glared at him for a moment before a smile cracked onto her face. “Alright, yeah, you got me,” she said, turning back around to stare at the ocean. “He probably would have ended up on the bottom of this cliff if he’d kept that up. Horny prick. Should never have slept with him.”

“How many times you say that about how many people now?”

“Fuck you.”

“You never did. And no, that’s not me askin’.”

The Overseer raised an eyebrow. “You… really? You’ve never thought about…” She waved a hand at her body.

“Didn’t you just refuse Nathan?”

“Obviously not now, idiot. I just meant in general.”

“Nah,” her bodyguard said, shrugging. “Don’t get me wrong, I ain’t sayin’ you ain’t one fine lookin’ woman, but… well, shit’s unnecessary complication, you get me? Besides, we good friends, yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“You confide your secrets to my sorry ass. Tell me your problems, your goals.” He smirked. “I’ll do friend talk with you, but pillow talk is out of the question.”

Chloe nodded slowly. “I can respect that,” she said, turning to the ocean again. “You sure it’s not because I’ve been around the block?”

“Some guys like their women ‘pure’,” Samson answered, shrugging. “Most don’t give a shit, though. Experience ain’t exactly a bad thing, you get me?”

“I suppose it depends on what you’re looking for,” the Overseer murmured thoughtfully. She glanced at her bodyguard, her expression curious. “What about you?” she asked. “What are you looking for?”

“In a woman, or in life?”

“Life.”

The bodyguard shrugged. “I dunno. Shit’s good as is, I don’t see no reason to start runnin’ after some grand goal or whatever.”

“I know how much you like a good fight,” Chloe said. “Never thought about maybe going to the front line? Joining one of the other resistance groups, hurt ADVENT a bit?”

“Well, I won’t say I haven’t thought about it,” Samson mused. “But I’m not goin’ anywhere yet. You still need my sorry ass, don’t you? Protect you from your own people if nothin’ else. Or vice versa. And if ADVENT finds out where we are-“

“That’s not going to happen,” the Overseer asserted, her face and tone suddenly serious. “I won’t let it.”

“I said ‘if’ didn’t I?” he contested. “Anyway. If it happens, then you’ll need me here, won’t you? So, here I stay. Call me a lazy piece of shit if you like, but that’s the reason I’m givin’.”

Chloe had found herself analyzing motivations a lot recently. The motivations behind both her enemies and her allies, specifically. What was ADVENT’s goal? XCOM’s? What about her own people, what did they want? Were they here to fight back against an oppressive regime, or were their desires more basic in nature? How loyal were they to the cause?

Come to think of it, how loyal was she?

Briefly, the Overseer considered bringing the subject up with Samson, but decided against it. In the end, she knew exactly why she was doing this. She’d said as much to Samuel only a few years ago. It was this or death. Even if she wanted to, even if she tried, there was absolutely no chance she’d be able to fit into normal life in an ADVENT controlled city. It was this or death.

Her bodyguard noticed her pensive silence. “Damn, you weren’t lyin’ when you said funerals make you go all serious.” He grinned and stood up. “Come on. It’s getting’ dark, and they’re bound to be cookin’ up a storm in memory of the recently departed. You hungry? I’m hungry.”

“I’m always hungry,” Chloe answered deadpan, but allowed herself a slight smile. “Alright then,” she said, turning away from the water. “I just hope the scavengers found some meat other than fish this time. I’m sick of fish.”

 

[DarkGemini24601]

DarkGemini24601 and MarineAvenger: “Static, Part 1”

Live Feed from the ADVENT Network
1300 Hours G.M.T., July 14th, 2038
ADVENT Administration News

The gilded symbol of the ADVENT Coalition came to life in front of a bold red background. The metallic symbol - characterized by a central column topped with a square with triangular ‘wings’ and similar upside-down triangles above ‘arms’ curving inward - rotated slightly before being pulled to the side as the intermission came to an end. Sitting at a smoothed, black granite desk were a pair of news anchors dressed in the current ADVENT fashion.

The former, a man in a sleek black suit, fully done up with a red tie, skin perfect from the makeup he had gotten before airing, as well as having hair that was slicked back with gel tapped some papers against the desk and he gave a wide, pristine smile. “My name is Henry Donahue of the Advent Administration News, joined today by our French correspondent today,” he announced in that upbeat way, allowing the newswoman to introduce herself.

The second person was a woman from Paris in Europe, dressed in a simple gray shirt that only halfway masked a body of impressive proportions. She wore a leather jacket over that, not as regal as what her counterpart was clad in - though then again he was from the bastion continent of the Coalition. She was not. She was younger in addition to that, seemingly in the midst of her twenties. The woman had neatly waving black hair and plain yet striking green eyes that looked odd on one as docile as she. “That would be me. I’m Avril Charbonneau, and welcome to our segment for the western hemisphere today.”

“One of our recaps today before moving on to new developments, the attacks on Coalition garrisons in the outskirts of Amazon and Roraima have been completely investigated into and we are happy to report damages are minimal and the troops are largely safe. Terrorist forces were successfully beaten back and efforts are quickly underway to make repairs to any infrastructure damaged. We here at AAN were able to get ahold of some footage from the skirmishes but have been asked not to show them due to the violent scenes they hold.” Henry said, setting down his papers flat on the desk.

As he did, he looked to the side, his partner’s story next as the recap was over, writing down a few notes about what segments were next in the meantime. “In addition to the pushback, ADVENT forces were able to locate the origin of the attackers,” Avril stated with a smile, bringing up a few images from a base hidden in the jungle. “Several arrests were made, and a serious blow has been dealt to this particular group of dissidents, but for security purposes the Peacekeepers cannot release the details at this time.” The pictures faded out, and Avril added, “They of course reassure us that such a disturbance is unlikely to happen again in the area, and the citizens of both of our shining cities in South America are perfectly safe.”

“It is nice to know that no matter where around the world, our Peacekeepers are able to deal with whatever threat may rear its ugly head. We can only hope that the destruction of this base is the first of many on the road to peace. Our other top story today…” Henry said, going on about how more funds have been going into gene clinics around the world and how much of a boon it would be to the people. At the end of the story, there was a cut to commercials.

***​

As with any major broadcast, there was sure to be a recruitment message. It showed an Advent Captain donned in his red armor standing on the edge the street corner of a megacity in broad daylight, people walking behind him day to day with glorious golden statues of the Elders in the park behind him.

The jumpcut afterwards showed of a statute where an alien was grasping the hand of a human, lifting him up as if a comrade, symbolizing the uplifting of humanity after the war. The next scene showed a large procession of Advent troopers walking down a road. MECs and dropships were off to the side, mingled in regular soldiers saluting with their fists to their hearts. Leading the large numbers of troops in the march was someone in heavy black armor, next to them one in a armor much resembling that of a captain’s, but was sleek like a Lancer’s. Behind them were four captains, and behind them were eight straight rows of Peacekeepers marching in unison.

The music swelled as if to engross the audience with the sheer scope of things, and the camera panned to the front of the marchers, particularly on the imposing figure before a deep voice said, “We all do our part to keep humanity safe. Will you?” Before it faded to black and an ADVENT symbol flashed on screen, as well as bold text calling for able bodied people to go to their local recruiting station to join in freedom. Then the recruitment ad ended.

***​

Next, the programming brought up an ad for the latest fashion. For prices that were cheap for a good citizen (who would be rewarded with the redeemable token currency the Coalition used) and expensive for someone new to the Megacities, there were various nanofiber outfits ranging from suits to dresses, as well as jewelry and accessories of all sorts adorned with gemstones. While some things had changed from the old world to the new, popular culture was a continuity. This fad was one of the latest of many, and much like the old world precious stones and metals were prized as part of a wealthy, well-off person’s repertoire. This much the commercially endorsed.

“All of this on sale!” bright gold text declared to the viewer. “For only a hundred tokens, select five items from this plethora of goods! Suits! Dresses! Business uniforms! We have all the attire you’ll need to look fancy! And when that isn’t enough, look to accessories like our new crystal AMDAD studs!” The text took up the foreground of the screen, with the various items in question flashing by teasingly in the background. As the advertisement came to an end, a question was posed. “Do even our low, low prices look expensive?” In the signature red of the ADVENT Coalition the audience was reminded of the following:

“Be a model citizen! Show your loyalty and dedication to preserving our wonderful society, be it by working extra hours, reporting potential dissidents, or working government projects! Then no longer will you be daunted by simply monetary challenges, and all that you want can be yours!”

***​

“Welcome back to AAN,” Avril declared as the series of commercials ended and she and her fellow anchor came back into focus. Her smile faded slightly, but was still maintained nevertheless. “The next topic of discussion is one of the most serious ones facing the Coalition at the moment. Yes, it’s time to talk about the violent, unpredictable, and dangerous dissidents that style themselves as ‘XCOM’.”

“Polls today say that unanimously all people agree XCOM is a threat to the stability we take for granted today. However, just how dangerous are these organized terrorists?” Henry asked, before clearing his throat. “Analysts say that it is actually a very low chance that these dissidents will be any real threat to any plans moving forward for the government in the near future. One major point to back this up is the sheer amount of Peacekeepers compared to this rather ragtag resistance. Your thoughts on this data Avril?”

“I would be inclined to agree that they aren’t as big of a deal as they’re made out to be, but we should still be vigilant. One question that still remains in the air - at least for us at AAN - is how they manage to cover so much ground. Not long ago they were acting in Canada, and recent intelligence suggests they assisted in pillaging a minor outpost in the Colombian rainforest,” the Frenchwoman noted. “Are they traveling with some sort of petrol-guzzling vehicles? Or are they moving by sea?”

“Or perhaps these rebels aren’t as organized as they would like to appear. Sources claim that this ‘XCOM’ is just a moniker. An umbrella title for groups to use so that they are harder to pin down. I am more inclined to agree with this line of thought, as it would explain better the frequency and movement of such an insignificant force.” The male news anchor smiled, looking over to his partner. “Though I suppose the thought of these terrorist riding around in dinghies is an amusing thought.”

Avril chuckled, a sound that was perhaps too lighthearted. “Agreed. Though whatever the case may be, anything we initially come up with is likely scarier than the truth about them is. XCOM will not shatter what we have under the ADVENT Coalition, have no fear.”

“Indeed. Soon we will all live under a peaceful rule with our benevolent Elders, and not have to worry about our Peacekeepers ever being in danger again.” With a nod of his head, Henry have another toothy smile. “Tune in for our later broadcast for more stories, and we here at AAN wish everyone on Terra a happy, and peaceful day.”

 

[MarineAvenger]

DarkGemini24601 and MarineAvenger: “Static, Part 2”

At a hexagonal table in a room lit only by dim lights in the upper reaches and the red glow of a holographic projector atop the table, six ADVENT soldiers were seated to discuss the threat that was XCOM. At the head of the table - only distinguishable by a slightly more bulky chair in the darkened room - was, naturally, the Colonel of the Advent Peacekeeping Forces.

He looked over those who had gathered, both from his own decision and his Major’s, though only a fraction of those being able to actually attend due to different mental states and tactical know-how. He looked around from left side of the table to right. On his immediate left was an older gentleman, his actual age being hard to distinguish at first as his skin was weathered looking, but had no wrinkles, and while his hair was a greyish white, he sat straight at attention, seeming ready for action at the snap of anyone’s fingers. His eyebrows were bushy and his mustache hanged down the side of his lips, something he rubbed when he thought, currently something he was doing. He was wearing merely a black nanofiber suit most Peacekeepers wore under their armors.

Next to him was another odd looking person, this one more so than the previous, though for somewhat different reasons. She was humanoid certainly, tall for being a woman, but her skin was scaly green color, the only smoothness to her being her face and her hands. Her greenish brown colored hair was cropped short and she had the yellow eyes a reptile. Her tongue sometimes found its way out of her mouth, forked and more elastic, but still human looking enough. She was somehow even more casual then the Colonel with her attire, having a dangerously low cut teal t-shirt that showed off her scaly stomach, and very low cut shorts. It wasn’t exactly regulation, but no one was exactly looking to get on her bad side either.

To the Colonel’s right was his second-in-command, Nigella Blukersey. She - like her two subordinates - was wearing her armor, save for her helmet placed neatly under her desk. If the woman to her right was unnerved - by the slight translucency of her CO’s skin and the Major’s hair being stained blue like her eyes - she did not show it.

This person to Bluksersey’s right was wearing a suit marked by attachment ports on her arms and legs, being the underpinnings of the alabaster armor of a Shieldbearer. She bore the dirty blonde hair and ocean blue eyes of her fellow clones, but was no mere copy mass-produced for their psionic potential and coming in both sexes to hide that fact. In those eyes shined an intelligence beyond the biological programming of typical Shieldbearers, and faint yellow lines that occasionally thrummed next to the artery on her neck suggested underlying cybernetic enhancements.

To the Shieldbearer’s right and next to the more heavily hybridized woman among the six was the final soldier at the table - looking all the part of a model recruit. He had a shaved head, as well as youthful features. He would look like a rookie because of this if not for a set of notched dogtags around his neck and a medal attached to his black armor, and orange-dyed eyes that were the telltale signs of extensive genetic modification. He seemed to have to make a concerted effort to not move them to follow every movement the others made.

Cain Verrater - less referred to as Desmond Walker - finally broke the silence and let out a small sigh, leaning forward. “Well, with South America having been hit over and over it is time to finally talk about solutions here.” His eyes occasionally wander to Nigella’s two recruits, having read their reports but he wished to make his own assumptions first. “With you five, we can better do that then I could with just the major, and with our very pleasing to talk to a set of eagle eyes glowering at us from afar, those solutions need to be made up fast. So talk. What do we know about capabilities right now other than field reports?”

“Well, other than the fact that they have a juxtaposition between weapons inferior to ours and armor better than ours…” the young trooper began, his voice characterized by a distinctive Bronx accent, “I don’t have much. I can tell you what, though, there’s no way they’re continent-hopping the way they are without some fast means of transportation.”

“I believe that’s something we all are in agreement on, Jayden,” the woman in the stripped-down Shieldbearer armor next to the man stated. “The question remains: what are they using to move as fast as they are?” She folded her hands together, leaning forward slightly. “I have to rule out any sort of ground vehicles, honestly. We control the rail networks, which is the only transport big enough to explain… this.” She pressed a button on the console in front of her, and let her CO take over.

“Thank you, Lucia,” Blukersey noted. On the display were images taken either by satellite or security camera of more than a dozen XCOM operatives. “While the identities of some of them still elude us, there are far too many among their ranks to fit into any land vehicle they could occupy. And the amount of infrastructure it would take to maintain the equipment they have rules out any sort of fast-moving convoy.”

“Well…” Elise or Venom, as was her callsign, said slowly. “Could it be a ship? I mean oceans are vast. A lot of places to hide.” The half breed suggested.

“Yes… well while that certainly is a thought, a highly doubt a ship with the proper size to accommodate XCOM’s size would be able to travel over dry land to the heart of a continent, now could it?” Desmond chastised the woman who nodded silently and slunked down a bit. The Colonel shook his head at the attitude, glad she got more aggressive in combat. “What are the possibilities it is an airship of some kind? Some sort of ship they may have commandeered?”

“The biggest aircraft they could have would have to be pre-ADVENT designs,” Jayden - or ‘Commando’ - pointed out. “So we’re talking passenger airplanes, and I honestly don’t think that is big enough to overcome the infrastructure issue.”

“Additionally, not only do we police the skies with our interceptors and satellites, but so does the Protectorate,” Blukersey firmly reminded the others. “I can’t see them evading our watchful eyes.”

From that, Desmond only chuckled, which turned into stifled laughter as he shook his head. “Sorry, it is just I forget you all think as ADVENT or the aliens would. Sorry to say, the likelihood they have something more advanced than pre-ADVENT is very high. As for them evading us, there are always holes to slip through. Always back doors. These are not children playing around here. These people are resourceful, and a threat. Don’t ever doubt their capabilities.” He said, his tone having grown deadly serious. “Church, look up a list of possible Advent craft that could house and transport a small resistance army.”

 

[MarineAvenger]

DarkGemini24601 and MarineAvenger: “Static, Part 3”

Church raised a bushy eyebrow and stroked his mustache, not even having to bring up the list. “I don’t even think there is anything in our arsenal that would fit that mold. And as far as I know, no resistance cell has ever stolen something so large as to be XCOM’s Headquarters if it is a mobile base instead of a stationary one.”

Desmond looked over at his Major and he grumbled something inaudible, sitting back. “Seems we will have to have a talk with our friendly neighborhood Elder soon.” The Colonel’s gaze shifted to Williams and he crossed his arms. “So you mention before inferior arms but superior armor. How is that possible? What sort of protection they rocking?”

“Alien alloy armor,” Commando stated with a shake of his head. “Remember that security breach in Vancouver awhile back? Friend of mine traced it back to the research lab there that was working on our Hybrid Armor research. The eggheads there found out about two weeks ago that most of their data was corrupted, likely after being stolen. Though to take our half conventional metal prototypes and just jump straight to plated armor, they’ve got some damn geniuses working for them. Or prior experience with that sort of tech.”

“The original X-COM did have alloyed armors,” Blukersey affirmed. “The information I have access to confirms that much.”

“Would have gotten farther if not for our defeat,” Desmond told Nigella, tapping the table. “Vahlen was a genius but she was killed when the base was destroyed. We also had Shen but he would have had to die by now. He was old. That leaves his daughter. She was about as bright if not more so than Shen himself, and wasn’t like any other kid I knew. She worked. And she was good.”

“W-Well um…” Elise began once more, and when eyes turned she quickly sat up straight. “Lucia, have we had any defectors at all!?” She asked very quickly, closing her eyes not wanting to be in the spotlight.

“There is the occasional person that manages to slip away. Make the implants too invasive and our soldiers would be like incompetent automatons,” codename ‘Aegis’ replied. “At least how I see it,” the independent-thinking Shieldbearer stated. “What is the significance of that to the discussion at hand?”

“...w-well… what if… what if they have… one of… our geniuses working for them?” The half snake girl asked.

Blukersey ran a search in the database. “There was a pair of scientists in Dahlsworth that disappeared two years back… a Doctor Robert Tygan and Doctor Kai Kazuko. The latter was an expert in medical matters, but the former’s expertise covered a wide range of disciplines.”

Desmond smirked. “Well then… seems they replaced the old crew. I would be well to be that little Shen took over for her father, and more than likely they got this… Robert Tygan to be their Vahlen. Atka’s smart alright, but she certainly didn’t change much from before, has she…” He mused more to himself then the others.

“Well, that resolves one question, but not the main one we convened to address,” Jayden grumbled. “With all due respect, of course, I think we should focus on the issue at hand.”

“Well then hot shot, what would you suggest we do to resolve it?” Church asked bitterly. “Before you start grumbling we are meandering.”

The Colonel merely raised an eyebrow at the man, judging how well he would handle the confrontation.

“Well, as was suggested before,” Commando’s eyes flitted for a few microseconds over to Desmond before continuing with a small breath, “it might be prudent to ask those more knowledgeable than us. We don’t know what they’re capable of in their entirety, but… the Protectorate fleet humbled us with battleships in the Liberation War. It’s not out of the question that one of their ships could have been stolen… though how that happened beyond me of course.” Jayden shook his head. “Point is, theorycrafting can’t take us any further. We just need to leave our COs to their audience.”

“O-Okay… I am fine to adjourn the meeting if… if you guys are. The others of our squad should be informed too.” Venom intoned.

Aegis nodded. “Of course. I’ll handle that.”

“It’s settled then. Church, I want you to write up a report that I can submit in to Akker so he doesn’t bust his lid over not being in the loop.” When the older man nodded, Desmond’s gaze was solely on Jayden. “Williams. I have a special task for you. Go down to records and get the most recent footage of our engagements with XCOM. Study them and tell me what you think of their fighting styles. How we could better prepare our troops so we can actually start winning. In the meantime me and Blue will handle Cordiam.”

“Understood, Colonel,” Williams affirmed, getting up and departing with the others save for Blukersey.

He looked to his Major and said nothing for a moment, looking her over. “You know it never stops ceasing to be weird seeing you without your helmet. You wear it all the time. It’s rare I get to see your face.”

“Just a matter of protocol,” Blukersey replied, closing her eyes. “I will be ready to make contact whenever you are.”

Desmond looked down at his own attire and thought to himself, Yeah, protocol my ass… before audibly saying, “Might as well do it now. Won’t be more prepared later.”

 

[DarkGemini24601]

DarkGemini24601 and MarineAvenger: “Static, Part 4”

Blukersey nodded, and the world around the two high-ranking officers faded from view. When things came back into focus around them, they were surrounded in white. Not snow or ice, but rather the trappings that one would expect to find in the outer edges of Heaven. They appeared in a hallway of sorts, flanked by pillars shaped like endlessly upwards-winding double helixes - beyond which lay lush violet flora of origin unknown to the two. Walking down the hall and up a set of indistinct stairs they came to a terrace with four pillars on each side curving upwards into the pristine nothingness like neverending spiral staircases.

In the center of that platform was a tall being wearing silky blue robes with silver linings on them. The otherworldly creature had four arms and lower body masked by its attire, but the most detailed part of its form was a shiny gray mask. It consisted of a myraid array of sloping curves and gentle gradations. Nigh-hidden beneath its complexities was a crystaline blue visor that turned to face the Colonel and Major as they approached and took a knee. The Ethereal folded her four hands together in a pyramidal greeting, and then ordered them:

“Rise. You are here to inquire about what sort of vessel XCOM might be eluding our grasp in,” Overseer Cordiam stated, for she already knew their purpose in contacting her.

“That unnerves me to no end you know.” Desmond told the Elder, looking over to Blukersey. “Either from her reading minds or you secretly telling her. But yes… that is why we are here.”

Although Cordiam’s smile was not visible to the two due to her mask, both felt her lighthearted amusement down to the core of their being. “And you believe it is one of our ships, yes? I find the possibility unlikely, but that does not mean it is impossible. Only the foolish discounts any possibilities they find objectionable.” The Elder hummed quietly, the sound a gentle like a flowing stream. “There is one starship that they could have gotten under their control. I did always find the North American Overseer’s report to be inconclusive on that matter, especially considering the nature of the lost vessel.” The Ethereal spread her hands, and an image formed as if being constructed from the ripples on a lake.

Before the two was a transport ship of some sort, likely a supply barge by the looks of it. It was flying over the clouds, but they were made intuitively aware that it was over somewhere in what was once the United States. “This was a vessel meant to test cloaking technology,” Cordiam informed her subordinates graciously. “Eight years ago, during one of its test flights, it appeared to explode from a malfunction. It is entirely possible that was an illusion cast by the field around it that is capable of bending light… and if XCOM somehow seized the Luxumba, that would explain how they have avoided detection for as long as they have.”

Desmond crossed his arms, looking over the ship for a long while in silence, the grip on his own arm tightening very subtly. “I am sure it is no coincidence. They must have that ship. It is the most likely explanation.”

“Perhaps it is how their Commander lost that arm of hers. The last reports we had of her before what was thought to be her demise-”

“Information I am terribly sorry proved to be incorrect,” Blukersey apologized.

“Do not fret, child. It was not your fault. It was the information from Nouja Ipiktok/s memories that proved to be falsified.” Cordiam waved one of her hands reassuringly, and moved on. “As I had begun, the last reports of Atka Ipiktok did not mention a missing arm. The Luxumba was staffed with fine Protectorate forces, so it could not have been taken easily. But we must assume that is the case, and in which case… I shall task a Venata-class craft with attempting to locate the missing ship. Should it find the Luxumba, its orders will be to disable if possible. I would like the psions among them taken alive,” as much as you do, Cordiam added to Desmond alone.

Desmond tensed even more, letting out a sigh. “Thank you for your assistance.” He looked to the side and said to the Major. “Could you please leave us now that we have our answers? There is a matter I wish to discuss with our Elder. Alone.”

Blukersey saluted with a hand over her heart. “Of course, with the Overseer’s permission.” Nigella prefaced.

The Ethereal inclined her head ever so slightly. “You may depart.” Blukersey vanished from sight, and Cordiam turned her attention to Walker.

Desmond stood for several seconds, not saying anything. His gaze seemed to be at where Cordiam’s feet would have been, not at her directly. “When I agreed to do this, you told me that it would make the world a safer place. That we would never have to deal with what happened before the war again. Did you not?”

“You have made the world a safer place. Those that style themselves as ‘the Resistance’ threaten the peace and prosperity that ADVENT has achieved for humanity,” Cordiam intoned gently. “I have not failed to come through - nor have you.”

“And what would you do to see that the entirety of XCOM is defeated?” He asked with his own eerily calm, one that unlike Cordiam had an extreme edge.

“Theirs is the last poison of the old world trying to taint the new,” Cordiam remarked. “I would see that venom cured by whatever means are appropriate. Combined, humanity and the races of the Protectorate under the guidance of we Elders have the might to do so. It is only a matter of patience, strategy, and time.”

While he kept calm on the outside, power flared up inside, threatening to boil over. “And what would be the consequence of me not letting you get ahold of one of those XCOM psions you covet so dearly be?”

“That, of course, depends on the circumstances. If you were forced to kill one of them in battle, such is how it must be. If you were to withhold one of them, would that not be a betrayal of the trust the High Commander put in you, Desmond? Would it not jeopardize your peace?”

This time, the anger boiled over. Desmond’s power boiled over and a circle of fire surrounded him. “That was before I knew the truth! If I had known what I know now, I would have never spoken that damn oath to your kind! I don’t care what happens, but I will not allow my daughter to fall into your plans! I don’t know if you creatures even know the concept of family, but it means something to me! I turned my back on one because I couldn’t follow what she had become! I will not turn my back on the other! I will not!” The Colonel yelled, taking all of his willpower not to lash out more than he already was.

The Ethereal before him had listened as he spoke his denial, and had not moved nor spoke. Yet, with the absolute power the being wielded in their dreamscape, he had no sooner finished than Cordiam stood directly before him, an ebon-skinned palm hovering before his forehead. A placating wave of emotions washed over the Colonel - her tidal wave of power overshadowing his mere stone fort of resistance - and the Elder replied to his concerns.

“Family is a powerful thing, Desmond Walker. It can motivate both human beings and other races to act in strong responses, sometimes even misguided ones. But if you wished for your daughter to be unharmed, you merely needed to ask. Her value to the Ethereal Ones does not exceed her value to you. Thus, she will be spared when XCOM is put down once and for all, and placed into your care under our watchful eye. I am perfectly amenable to you showing her how misguided she is on your own terms.” With that said, Cordiam shifted back to her initial position, and her tone - kind and commanding - seemed to intensify without showing a hint of anger.

“Be wary, however, Desmond. Not all of my kin are as forgiving of insults as I am. Had you said what you did to another, you would likely face the full magnitude of their wrath, and I would not be in a position to save you from your mistake. Do not hold the Ethereal Ones or the near-utopia they have created for you in contempt. It will be your undoing.” Cordiam folded her arms beneath her robes. “And as for your inquiry, we do understand the concept of family. I understand your strong feelings, for I had a growing child once that I would have protected with my life. But do not easily forget that one life is not worth the crumbling of an empire.”

Desmond’s power quickly faded from him as well as the flames at his feet, the man letting out a long, shuddering breath as a tear fell. “I’m sorry Elder… I forgot my place.” It took all of his will not to let his knees buckle from his weight. “With your permission, I shall leave.” He slowly put his fist to his heart.

Cordiam was silent for what felt like an eternity - potentially not just because of the gravity of the situation. “You may depart,” she told him, and Desmond was back in the planning room, alone. Blukersey had departed to wait for him outside.

Desmond finally gave up and sagged to his knees, placing a hand against the table so he did not completely collapse. “I will protect you…” He whispered, closing his eyes. I swear it… daughter.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Frostlich1228 & ZombieSplitter53
К оружию, товарищ!
Part One

On Board the Avenger
The Armory

Ayame Kasagi stood steadfast in front of several targets, sword in hand, waiting as if the targets might attack. She finally rushed forward, swiping three times and the wooden faximilies. One After another, the heads of the targets slowly slid off and fell to the ground.

Separate from her, a large Russian man wielded a machete like sword, wearing a custom alloy mask, similar to a hockey mask, painted with red strips, two running down from each eye, and one running down from the mouth. The large man took a swing at the first target, cleaving it in half with his strength, next he slashed upwards, using the momentum to cut the target over to his left's arm off, then finally came in with a horizontal slash to finish the last one, all in the span of two or so seconds.

Thanks to his rigorous training, he had almost mastered the weight of his weapon, and had improved his technique by much, but he sacrificed social interaction to do so, but he had few people he truly wanted to converse with, even among his roommates. Between Sunshine personified, the fashionista, and the surprisingly jubilant tan-skinned woman, he chose to pass on all of the talking. While they didn't seem to get the memo, all of them trying their hand at getting him to open up.

"Idiots..." He muttered out loud.

"Who's that?" Ayame asked, hearing him despite the distance between them.

He cracked his neck, speaking without turning towards the woman, "My Roommates... This is a military base, and yet, I feel like I'm roomed with a gaggle of circus performers."

Ayame chuckled. "Don't you think you're being a little harsh?"

"You haven't met them."

"True." Ayame grinned widely. "But I can already tell you're the kind of man that gets aggravated a little too easily."

"I prefer to call it concentrated spite... It's what makes me the best choice for ranger out there."

"Yeah. Sure." Ayame held up her own bladed weapon. "Hate to break it to you, but I'm here now. That bumps you down to second. Maybe third. Haven't seen my roommate on the field. Point is... what was my point? ...oh yeah. I'm first."

"I don't really care what you tell yourself... It makes you feel better... Just don't let it get you killed." He responded.

Ayame's eye twitched. "Excuse me?"

"I'm saying, you can believe that if it makes you feel better, but we don't exactly have enough proof yet to put that viewpoint to the test." He replied, turning towards the woman, his imposing visage towering over her as his mask shone in the light.

And yet, Ayame gave him a brave glare like she was twenty feet tall. "You think you're better then me?"

"I wouldn't know, I haven't really paid attention to the mission cams, but if I had to hazard a guess?" He paused for a moment, "I'd say... Yeah...I do."

Ayame pointed her sword towards him. "Wanna test that?"

"With these?" He answered, looking down at his machete, "Killing each other over this would be idiotic..."

Marx gazed across the room to a rack of hardened wooden swords, "How about those? That, or we could simply use our fists."

"Those will do," Ayame said, quietly adding, "less likely to accidentally kill you."

Marx walked over to the rack, pulling the heaviest looking wooden blade off of the set, "So, would you like to introduce yourself before we begin this?"

Ayame took one of the smaller, faster ones. "I usually don't bother giving my name to someone I'm about to destroy, but since this is friendly and all, it is Ayame. Kasagi Ayame."

"Marx Tvarnov..." He said as he walked towards the practice ring, "So, what brings you to XCOM? Why're you here?"

Ayame twirled her blade around. "You want the politically correct answer I would give the tight ass commander, or the real answer?"

"The real one..." He responded, "I'm here because the aliens took everything I ever cared about, my home, my family, the farm I took care of for years... I want to get back at least what I can... My parents... They're somewhere in ADVENT custody... And I'll find them..."

"I hope you do," Ayame said honestly. "Me? I'm here because they crossed me. Used me and tried to murder me. I'm thinking the least I could do is kill every single alien I can until they are either all dead or gone."

"I can get behind that..." He replied, getting ready for the fight.

Ayame cracked her neck, and spun the sword in her hand. "Word of advice? Don't underestimate me."

"So, first one on the floor wins?" Marx confirmed.

"Agreed." Ayame's eyes darted across Marx rapidly, taking in everything about him, from size, to proportions, estimated weight, the way her moved, and anything else she could use against him. Taking a defensive stance, she said, "I'll let you make the first move."

"How gracious of you..." He said as he stepped forwards slowly, two handing his wooden blade, as he stopped a few feet in front of her. After a brief moment, he quickly raised his sword up, going for a vertical slash, but in the middle of bringing it down Marx instead charged into her with his shoulder in an attempt to surprise her.

Ayame took it full force, the shoulder charge and skidding back several feet, though amazingly never lost her balance. The look she gave Marx was a mixture of playful and threatening. "You caught me off guard. I'm not used to that. It won't happen again."

"I'm actually surprised you're still standing, you've got damn good form." He said honestly.

"Thank you," Ayame returned, then yelled out as she charged, darting to the side at the last second and sending the sword towards Marx's left side.

Marx took the blow without flinching and went for a powerful upward strike with his weapon.

Ayame flipped backwards, somersaulting back and holding up her sword defensively. "That was very risky, sir. If I had put more Force into that blow, I could have shattered your ribs."

"Not a big deal. It was worth trying to go for the attack." He countered, readying his sword again.

"You have much to learn about picking your attacks." Ayame charged again, this time being more cautious with her attacks in case he didn't block, for both their sakes.

"You say that, but you don't know me." Marx collided blades with her, but instead of pushing her back, Marx went for a headbutt and a follow up strike quickly afterwards.

Ayame met his headbutt, and Marx found a lot more resistance then he expected. Still, Ayame stumbled back, and barely dodged to the side. "Son of a... at least you're not holding back. But I won't anymore either." She yelled out, slashing left and right several times until slashing up.

Marx blocked the incoming attacks from the sides with his blade, but took the vertical blow to the chin in order to deliver a knee to Ayame's gut. He then charged forwards himself, using his size and strength to lay into her with a powerful series of two handed blows.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Frostlich1228 & ZombieSplitter53
К оружию, товарищ!
Part Two

Ayame blocked, clearly not used to be on the defensive so much. It was obvious Marx was taking this as a full out battle, and Ayame had underestimated his drive. Unwilling to give in, however, Ayame pushed his sword back with unusual strength and turned to her superior speed to help. She darted to the side, moving to get behind him and hit him in the back.

Marx huffed, spinning around to deliver a blow to either force her away or counter hers.

Ayame took a page out of Marx's book, ignoring his attack in exchange for whacking her sword hard into his back.

Both the strikes connected at the same time and Marx was pushed forwards by the surprising power of her strike. Marx quickly turned around to see how she handled his blow.

Ayame backed away, holding up her left wrist in pain, having taken the full blow in her last minute attempt to block. The look on her face said it wasn't good, but she held up her sword in her right arm defiantly. "Hope I... didn't hurt you too much."

Marx slowly took off his mask and one side of his jaw fell slack. He brought his hand up to it, confirming that it was broken. "Ahn... ghood fiaght..." He slurred.

Ayame yanked her hand away, a motion that made her wince in pain, and she stepped back. "We were fighting until one of us fell, right? Why should we stop?"

"Weh shud stahp... yer huart..." He answered slowly.

"So are you." Ayame slowly lowered her sword. "Are you okay? I... I might have lost myself there for a minute. Sorry."

"I'm fhene... Eh thinnk mah jaew is brouken..." He answered, "Yer struang..."

"I try to be..." Ayame examined his jaw, and whispered, "Damn. It isn't that bad, though. This is going to hurt." Ayame flicked her wrist, and reset his jaw. "Better?"

"Yeah, I think so, I'm fine." He smirked, "You're surprisingly strong and fast for a lady your size, that'll give ADVENT a run for their money..."

"You're not slaking yourself." Ayame rubbed her wrist. "Tell me, Mr. Tvarnov; where did you learn to fight?”

"I'm mostly self taught, improvising off of what little my father taught me, he was in the Russian military in his younger years I believe... Back when there was one."

"Russian, huh?" Ayame smiled. "Я должен сказать, это редко, что я нахожу соперника как волнующе сильный и агрессивный, как вы." <I must say, it is rare that I find an opponent as thrillingly strong and aggressive as you.>

"Thank you, you're not so bad yourself..." He replied, smiling at the woman, "So, how do you know Russian? You seem to be of a more... Eastern descent..."

"Half Chinese, half Japanese," Ayame said proudly. "But I have traveled practically everywhere. What about you?"

"Russian born and raised... Never really left the country... I've lived there my entire life with my parents." He replied.

Ayame rolled her shoulders. "So, uh... which one of us won?"

"Heh... How about we call it a draw?" Marx replied.

"I hate draws..." Ayame held up a finger. "Only if you promise we can have a rematch sometime."

"Damn straight..." He said as he set down his sword, "So, what makes you so strong? You don't seem like you have too much muscle..."

Ayame grinned. "I work out a lot. Actually, that's a lie. I hardly have to work out at all. My strength is... just one of those things about yourself that you can't explain. Maybe I have those physical enhancement psionics and don't even realize it."

"Well, I guess some people are just born better off than others."

Ayame smile fadded. "Depends on your definition of better off. Something tells me you weren't one of them, huh?"

"Depends on what you think..." He added, "I was born starving into poverty, with a unique condition... It's a blessing and a curse, in a way..."

Ayame folded her arms. "Mind if I ask what that unique condition was?"

"I can't feel pain..." He answered simply.

Ayame narrowed her eyes. "You have congenital analgesia? Really? So the whole time we were fighting... you didn't feel a thing?"

"Not really no... It helps me take hits alright... But I tend to push myself farther than my body can really go without knowing, I can't really tell how bad my injuries are either or if I even have them..." Marx replied, "Some people think it's a blessing... But personally, I think they take pain for granted."

"And I agree." Ayame walked up to him. "Take off your shirt."

"Excuse me?"

Ayame rolled her eyes. "I hit you really, really hard on the back. I want to make sure I didn't crack a rib or burst a kidney or something. Take the shirt of, and turn around."

"Fine..." He complied, taking off his shirt and turning around. As expected, there was a large bruise on his back, but other than that, it seemed fine.

Ayame slowly ran her hand across the bruise. "Well... you're going to live. You could use an ice pack though..." She moved her hand away from the bruise, but kept it on his back. "Can you... feel me? Is it everything you can't feel, or only pain?"

"Just pain... If I could feel nothing... Well... I'm unsure of how I would handle it..." He responded.

Ayame seemed entranced as she traced her fingers around the bruise. "It must have been so hard growing up. For both you and your family. You know must people with your condition don't live to reach adulthood. You're lucky... for someone so unlucky."

Marx pointed to his own face, "I can see why..."

Ayame stepped away for Marx, and shook her head. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be so nosey. I just... know what it is like to have something leave a nasty mark on your childhood. I'd hate to be like those roommates you dislike so much."

"You do, do you?" He raised an eyebrow, "Well then, what happened to you exactly?"

"I was happy. Me. My parents. Three brothers. A sister." The petite Ranger have him a blank look. "Then everyone died."

"At least your family had the mercy of death... Like I said, mine are somewhere in ADVENT'S hands... Who know's what is happening to them..."

"Believe it or not, death is not much of a consolation." Ayame sighed, and turned away. "Maybe we can save your family some day. But it'll take teamwork to even try. I hope we can count on you, regardless of any misgivings you might have about some of your teammates."

"Most of them aren't soldiers anyway... But even if they were, I wouldn't risk the mission out of spite." He explained.

"Right." Ayame cracked her knuckles, showing no pain from her 'broken' wrist. "Well... I think I'm due for a nice shower."

"Yeah..." He said, his gaze uncontrollably drifting to her bust, but he quickly corrected it once he realized where he was looking, "So... Are we... Friends now?"

Ayame grinned. "Yeah. Or at least, I'm willing to call us friends if you are.”

"Well, lord knows I could use one..." He grinned.

Ayame nodded, and turned to walk out, calling back, "See you around. And take care of yourself. I would hate to lose such an interesting sparring partner."

He smiled, "Yeah, same for you..."