FictionZero presents
A XCOM: Enemy Unknown/Within Fan-Fiction Story
Written by Donarudo Jinhoshi
Squad Destiny
Chapter 0 – XCOM Recruits
15th Feb 2025, 7.30am
XCOM Headquarters, Section Briefing Room
"…and with that, I welcome all recruits to XCOM Headquarters." As soon as HR Officer Winston Nightcap finished his last sentence, the new youth recruits gave his well-earned applause for his wonderful speech. After the applause died down, the Central Officer, Bradford, went up to the front and called for the recruits' attention.
"Recruits of the NLD (New Life Defenders) Campaign, listen up! Report to the Medical Labs at 0800 hours sharp for your aptitude test, this test will determine which squad you belong to, as well as the role that you are going to be taking on. Any latecomers without a valid reason will be immediately discharged from duty." A slight commotion came from the crowd, not expecting the rules to be that extreme.
Bradford then continued with an expression filled with pride, "The XCOM Army is no place for recruits who can't even be on time for a simple aptitude test. If you do not have such a simple and basic discipline, I now stand in this room as Central Officer Bradford, orders you to get out of this place and never return here. Is that clear to all of you recruits?!" Deafening silence filled the room, even a pin drop can sound like a car crash.
"IS THAT CLEAR, RECRUITS?!"
The entire crowd of recruits then replied in unison, "YES SIR!"
15th Feb 2025, 7.55am
XCOM Headquarters, Section Briefing Room
"Next, Recruit Donnell Scarlett Ashlar! Step forward!"
A reddish-brown haired youngster stood out from the crowd. "Yes sir!" As Donnell walked towards the aptitude test device, some of the other recruits started to whisper.
"Isn't that the sole survivor of the Scarlett family?"
"Yeah, that's him alright…look at that tattoo on his hand…"
"Come on, you gotta know about that massacre in the US…"
"So that's him huh…"
Just about when Donnell was about to follow the doctor in the check-up room, someone entered the waiting hall. It was Dr. Vahlen, the Head of Research & Development, the veteran researcher who participated in the First Alien War, and led XCOM's research to reach today's advanced combat tactics and technology.
The whole hall's attention was now on the renowned scientist, recruits, and the medical doctors, not forgetting the guards. The veterans in the room, in unison, stood up and saluted her. All she did in reply was just a nod of the head and a small "Don't mind me".
She glanced at the recruits, and eventually turned her attention towards Donnell. Seeing Donnell, she called to the doctor that was to check Donnell. After a short talk with the doctor, Dr. Vahlen walked up to Donnell.
"Mr. Scarlett? I would like to test your aptitude personally. Come with me."
With no given chance nor reason to refuse, Donnell, without a change of expression, followed Dr. Vahlen to her own personal research lab, leaving a waiting hall full of recruits surprised.
