"YOU!" Ruby released a uncharacteristical hate filled hiss while Tygan stood still as if silently hoping for her not to notice him.
Bradford kept glancing between the two and when he was about to ask what was going on, the wind stirred as rose petals fluttered about. Huh, where did those come from? But he looked at Tygan to see Ruby up in his face and speaking so fast it appeared as if a chipmunk had discovered caffeine.
"WhatdidyoudotoPennyandwherearemyfriendsyoubigidiot?!Iswearifyou didanythingtothemI'lltakeawayallyoursciencethingys!"
Tygan took a step back from the verbal onslaught. He gave a look that pleaded for help and Bradford rolled his eyes. Just how many people did Richard piss off?
Meanwhile, as Ruby went on, she felt a hand wrap around her collar and dragged off of Tygan.
"Hey!" She threw her arms up in the air and struggled against the grip while still spewing a rapid tidal wave of words that no one understood save for her.
John held his free hand up to his forehead and let out a frustrated sigh. He already had to deal with the threat of being shot down daily as well as the antics of the Avenger's crew. Hopefully Ruby would calm down…
"Tygan, what's going on?"
"As you already know, I was a part of the invasion of Remnant and I assisted in several projects including the extraction of a data chip from one known as 'Penny'."
"You mean the chip that you took when you fled ADVENT?" Bradford asked. He felt Ruby stop struggling and a quick glance showed that she was staring intently at Tygan. He surmised that she may be related to the bot in some way.
"Yes and the one you're holding at bay attempted to stop the procedure, but was knocked out by one of the alien's Psi Operatives. I then pull the chip out with assistance from engineers as experienced personnel were too far away to get there in time. After hearing that there was a capable resistance movement, I stole the chip before the information was transferred and fled. I fear though that I may have been too late as I overheard there were plans to create a new type of MEC using data from Remnant."
"I have a feeling that you're not repeating this for my shake."
"Correct, Bradford."
"You can bring back Penny?"
Both Tygan and John looked at the Huntress in training who had a hope in her eyes. However, they knew it wasn't possible.
"In theory, yes, but we simply do not have the resources to build and the Commander has determined that it is not a venture worth pursuing," Tygan explained.
"Oh," Ruby said in a small voice before perking up," well I can help! After all I built my sweetheart, Crescent Rose, which I still can't find, and I think I can build something for Penny?"
Tygan kept a neutral expression while Bradford was trying to figure out how quickly she did a one-eighty degree personality turn.
"Crescent Rose, I assume it is your weapon?"
"Yep!"
"It was disassembled."
Ruby had a frozen smile like she couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"What?"
"And the parts sent to various facilities to be studied. I am sorry for your… loss. From what my friends told me it was quite a complex design able to shift between a sniper and a scythe which must have taken a lot of time."
The corner of Ruby's lips and eyebrows were twitching. Tygan smiled faintly.
"Then melted down for scrap."
Bradford released his grip and slowly moved away before Ruby let out a explosive,"WHAT?!"
"Well, I'll see her in a little bit to remove the chip, if there is one, and in the meantime you can show her around the ship John," Tygan said and walked away.
""NOOOOO!" Ruby yelled and slid down onto her legs."My baby, how could they?!"
"I think you're being dramatic Ruby, it's just a weap-"
She shot up faster than Usain Bolt and was in John's face shoving a finger into it.
"I built Cresent Rose with my own hands! It took forever to find the right materials, get the right portions, and get it working! It's not simply a weapon, it's my weapon!"
"Better than being melted down into a pile of green goo."
Ruby took a step back, both confused and horrified at what he was implying.
"Are you saying that…"
"A few weeks ago we raided a hidden facility that was doing something to people in capsules, melting them down. Despite our efforts at getting them out, all we could get was a vial before ADVENT swarmed the site. Though the damage done shut it down and set back the 'Avatar Project' which we discovered a week after. We're were on our way to another one to destroy it, but the local resistance managed to disable a supply convoy and we pounced on the opportunity. That was where Spartan 1-7 found you."
Ruby's growing fear skyrocketed. The girls… no. No, she couldn't think like that, they'll be out there! In the meantime, with her weapon gone she supposed a replacement was in order as much as she hated it.
"Uh, can I borrow some materials to build another weapon?"
"No, as previously mentioned we low on resources but we do have a motto, you kill it, you brought it. Besides, new recruits are given weapons, though I doubt you'll see combat because of your age."
"Well, I suppose that's fair, and what is XCOM?" Ruby asked.
John grinned," We are XCOM, or Extraterrestrial Combat. We first served as Earth's defenders against the aliens in the invasion. Things went well in the beginning before our funding got cut, but that didn't stop us. We fought on even when others surrendered dealing damage to the newly formed ADVENT Coalition. In the end, though, XCOM was outmatched, outgunned, and outnumbered and when they found our old base, they eliminated it along with most of the original membership. I and a few others managed to escape because Shen built a escape hatch. The Commander opted to stay behind to direct the defense and that was the last time I heard of him till nearly two months ago when some informants tipped us off. Since then we've been forced underground, but we're doing something.
We've been making strides against ADVENT ever since. VIPs, allied or enemy, were extracted, important operations setback, facilities damaged heavily, and we're building a resistance to get the aliens off our planet. However, for the last hundred years they've been busy. When the news first said ADVENT had gone to war against another planet because of their actions, a lot of people brushed it off as nothing more than propaganda till they actually brought people over to colonize the world after completely wiping out the military and moving the survivors to who knows where. They're also not afraid of adopting their enemies' tech for their own use.
The aliens will also use the conquered species as soldiers and attempt to win hearts and minds."
"How can you win hearts and minds when they're inside you?"
"It's a tactic used to win the people you just beat over, showing you're not some heartless monster. However, some rebels speculate this is just a show for us, Earth's humans, since there's a lot of evidence to suggest that before us, the Elders, leaders of the alien forces, would just beat their foes into submission then absorb the entirety into their ranks, and move on. I honestly don't know why they're doing that though."
"Are they are doing the same to Remnant?" Ruby asked, fearful of what was happening to her home.
"As far as we know, yes."
Ruby sighed in relief.
"But."
Of course there was more! Why did she have to jinx it?!
"The aliens are showing a little more restraint. I don't know if it's because you're the first very human-like species we've came across or it's related to the Avatar project, but normally ADVENT goes in bombing everything before sending ground troops to clean up the mess. This time they're sending in the forces to lock down it down."
"They did shell us though!"
Bradford raised a eyebrow and said,"I wouldn't put it past them if they were lying about the events, but that isn't a concern as of now. The Commander has already deemed you too important of a asset to the alien operations and to us to just drop you off at a refugee camp so you'll be staying on the Avenger and as Central Officer I'm supposed to help get the noobies settled in. So, welcome to the Avenger," Bradford said the last line with practiced wording. How many times had he said that line?
"SO, when does the tour begin?"
"Now."
Bradford placed his hands behind his back and walked towards a door built into a raised square. Ruby eagerly trailed behind him, excited to see the tech they had.
"The Avenger is a converted alien supply barge. Shen and his daughter found it half buried in the ground and after a bit of fixing, they got it working again. We still needed a generator to get it flying though, but before we could Raymond Shen passed away,"John said saddly. The tone had it like that a old and great friend had died.
"But Shen's daughter, Lily, is no less capable. We also had Vahlen though she disappeared and Tygan replaced her as Science Head. Richard is one of the brightest minds on the planet so having him on our side is a great boon despite the distrust. His defections has also yielded some insight to what the aliens are doing, but we're still in the dark of their latest operations."
When they neared the door, it hissed open and upon entering it, Ruby was met with a regular corridor one might find on a ship. It was none too impressive, but she still had yet to explore the ship.
"We're about to enter the armory and hanger," Bradford said as they walked down the hall to another door which slid open to glorious rack upon rack of weapons. There was of course armor and other items, but weapons!
Ruby bounced with excitement. There were odd, boxy ones all colored and patterned strangely like a purple heart shaped one leaning against the wall. Then there were swords, just regular classic swords though she did saw a red bladed one.
Among the weapons were pineapple-shaped objects, cylinder ones, and vests of armor along with many other military items.
"Sharing the enthusiasm that our troops do?" Bradford smiled," Our troops love this place, aside from the rec and bar rooms, they visit this place daily. The armory contains all of XCOM's existing weapons, armor, and utilities unless they're being developed. I'm going through the list of categories so listen up."
Ruby reined in her excitement and stood at attention ready to soak in every detail, more or less about the weapons to which Bradford was going to abuse.
"First up is utilities," Bradford said and saw a slight dim in Ruby's posture," such items are useful in the field such as flashbangs. Flashbangs are extremely helpful as it disrupts a person's normal ability and against the alien's bullshit Psionics.
Frag grenades are your typical explosive ordnance. Pull the pin, toss it, and boom. Useful in a pitch, especially against armored units which shreds their armor while taking away cover. Vehicles and certain gas containers can make for improvise explosives. Though the enemy also does the same.
Medkits heal up any wounds, stabilize, cure, and keep a person going. Besides that, nothing else. Smoke grenades also provide some level of defense, but our troops despise it because it can't make or clean a mess making it mostly useless.
Gremlins are versatile, robotic companions exclusive to engineers and Specialists.
There's different ammo types and equipment as well, generated from any cores our operatives recover from the field. However, they're strictly for that person who first got it and rulebreakers suffer shit patrol for a week."
"What's a shit patrol?" Ruby asked.
"You have to clean the restrooms, both of them. Anyways, the next one is armor," Bradford continued," and it is a vital part of surviving the battle. While we have relaxed our rules on uniform, we still have a code. Yes, you can make your armor as colorful as you want, but make it too bright or add any ridiculous additions or change another person's armor without permission, especially if one makes a rookie's one to red, they have to deal with helping the engineers 'test' new armors, namely strapping a suit on and standing still while they fire blanks.
There's also nanovests that provide some extra protections. Since it prevents a operative from suffering injuries and holes they have taken to call it… the Hole Protection," John rolled his eyes at how creative the troops can be when it came to sexual innuendos," and then there's the E.X.O. suit that adds another heavy weapon. Grenadiers and Rangers love it since it not only adds armor, but allows them to carry more without taking away that punch. Finally the Spider armor which adds a grapple. Sharpshooters love the hell out of it.
Then finally, weapons," the Central Officer saw Ruby smile brightly," which there are a few. We used to have just basic ballistic firearms. Worked fine against regular ADVENT till they started deploying heavier, more hard hitting units about a month back. Since then we've utilized magnetic projectiles mostly scavenged from dead troopers."
"Oh, like this one?" Ruby pulled out the rifle she had obtained earlier and showed it to him.
"Yes, the weapons they have use a organic sig and after Tygan and Shen cracked it, we've started to remove that to allow another soldier to use it when the previous owner is incapacitated. We give the rifles to rookies, Specialists, or Rangers, the last being able to use both a blade for melee and a shotgun.
Heavy cannons and grenade launchers are the primary tools used by Generators. Snipers and pistols are given to the Sharpshooters.
Psi Operatives have a pick of any except for Gremlins and launchers. Now we move on to the hanger," Bradford said as he walked into the hanger. Ruby returned the rifle to her back.
"Question! Two actually, how come Rangers are the only ones able to use swords and what's a Psi Operative?"
"Rangers are both our scout and assault class so they need to take down targets silently and quickly. The rest are equipped with a knife for the close range encounter, but we strongly advise not charging blindly into battle unless you want to face a MEC's kinetic strike. Psi Operative use Psionic energy for a variety of uses. Going into that topic would require a lecture, but in short they use their minds."
"They use their minds?" Ruby scratched her head in confusion. Did Bradford mean they were super smart?
"Confusing topic, I know, but Tygan can properly explain it to you. Anyways, this is the hanger," Bradford held out a arm to show the section storing the Skyranger that was now resting. A tattered flag featuring a diamond with a crossed X and three stars hung proudly above it.
People milled about, idly chatting or tapping away on console scattered throughout the room. There was also loud music playing nearby.
"We're no strangers to love!"
"What's playing?" Ruby asked as Bradford put a hand to his forehead.
"You've been Rick Rolled!" Someone yelled and a wave of groans and chuckles followed.
"Ruby, did Firebrand give you a walkie talkie?"
"I knew it! She said it was… Shit vobis I think? But I knew all along it was a walkie talkie!"
"Firebrand has just stooped to a new low. Do you have any idea what that means?"
"No."
"It translates to shit you say. Firebrand does this all the time to gullible rookies and embresses them while they stroll around our ship. I'm going to talk to her as soon as this is over, but I'll have it now."
Ruby nodded and pulled out the radio giving it to John. He then proceeded flip a switch shutting off the music. He resumed the tour shortly after.
"The hanger is where the Skyranger is stored and when something pops up, Firebrand is the one to transport them to the AO, or Area of Operation, to begin the op. She's one of the best pilots on Earth, despite her quirks, and is deeply respected among the troops because of her oddities. This is also where we stored most of our supplies and if anyone is caught stealing rations, they have to help Firebrand maintain the Skyranger for a month. She has a high standard for cleanness and not meeting that results in her pranking you for a week. Harmless things though and helps keep morale up surprisingly.
Now we head to the Command."
Bradford led Ruby back through the armory and up a flight of stairs into yet another room. She let out a small gasp upon seeing a hologram of what she presumed to be Earth rotating in the middle. Around it were various panels, devices, and people checking them. Some were munching on snacks while they worked and others were exchanging gossip.
"This is the Command Center, the nerve of all Operations, situations, etc erica. We keep a eye on what ADVENT is doing and I think now is a good time of any to introduce you to them."
Before he could explain though, the room was suddenly filled in a crimson light and a loud, annoying blare interrupted work.
"Warning, unauthorized presence detected," a female voice said stoically.
"Hang on, execute Omega Protocol."
The light in the room returned to normal and everyone returned to their work.
"Ugh, I keep forgetting to do that when new recruits pop in, but that was the resident A.I., but onto ADVENT. They're a global government and controls almost everything. Media, industry, and military. However, there are people who refuse to believe in them and are fighting for our world."
"So, the ADVENT are the bad guys!"
"Yes, and as you might know they've begun invading other worlds. The first one involved a tribal blue skinned race. Any resistance was crushed, their survivors forced elsewhere, and the world claimed by the aliens as well as us. Unfortunately most people thought what the Prop Heads spewed out was true. That was fifty years ago. Now they have control of at least a dozen planets and have used the population for numerous means be it labor, research, or military. Many times it's some tribal or medieval era species and people see it as beneficial to them when they're 'uplifted'," Bradford made air quotes putting emphasis on the last word," and most recently, your planet. Granted, ADVENT is receiving some flak for harming minors, but nothing serious."
"And people just believe them?!"
"When you have the cure to cancer and a end to hunger, a lot of people are willing to do or listen to anything. I wish things were much simpler, but that's the way it is. Science is up next."
The two went on into another section of the Avenger and Ruby saw a large, cylinder device emitting a green glow. More panels and devices were situated around the lab with objects one might find in a research facility or hospital like test tubes, microscopes, crystals, blood, and corpses. Ok, perhaps this was more like a morgue-lab hybrid.
Tygan was also disassembling a giant, white robot. It looked like the little brother of a Paladin RWBY fought before the aliens showed up. However, there were differences such as its three fingers and parallelogram-like head.
Tygan was also wearing a facemask to protect him from the sparks that flew as he sliced through the metal. Two others were assisting him. A white man with black hair and a mustache combined with cold blue eyes. The other was a tannish male and graying brown hair.
"Edward, Isaac, your presence is no longer required. However, Isaac, take what we disassembled so far to Shen and have her send a report when she's able to," Tygan said as he flipped his mask over his bald head.
The both of them nodded and walked away. Bradford then began his introduction for the lab.
"This is Research Division. Our scientists aren't many, but we've been making do and since most used to work for ADVENT, they've been able to pool together their knowledge to reverse-engineer the tech we took. Nothing much of interest if you are not looking to be a part of staff here."
"Ah, Bradford, Ruby," Tygan said from behind the robot," I am done here and ready to see if Ruby has a chip."
"Um, why would there be a chip in my head?" Ruby asked.
"The aliens have implanted chips into a person's head for various uses. For the Commander, it was to run tactical simulations or war games. For me, it was meant to keep me under control and that went for just about any civilian. For the ADVENT soldier, though, it is to receive and give out orders via a Psionic link. We have extracted chips from alien cadavers, but their function is still unknown as we have yet to break the cipher they use to encrypt any data stored. The most recent one, the one from Remnant, was meant to act as a mind control and to receive information. After Edward performed a field surgery which was dangerous in of itself, the link was severed, but there was significant blood loss leading to hypovolemic shock and a coma. However, the subject received medical treatment almost immediately and should be able to awake within the week."
"Can I see her? She maybe someone I know!"
"After I remove your own chip, should you have one."
Ruby glanced nervously between Bradford and Tygan. She still didn't trust the doctor after what he did.
"Perhaps seeing your friend that would ease your mind," Tygan said apparently noticing her unease. With that, he grabbed a tablet from a nearby table and poked at it. Shortly after, a click was heard.
Tygan then headed to a rectangular wedge in the very back and Ruby followed him. He grabbed ahold of the handle, opening it and to her delight and horror was Penny's head still in stuck in her final moments. Her head rested on a shelf below Tygan's chin along with many other items.
"The aliens were specifically after the strategic data stored inside her, not personality. I recovered what I could, but Shen's damage report found the body irreparable. The chips are safe and any information on them could be used to rebuild Penny, if we get the resources necessary."
Next thing Bradford knew there was more rose petals flying about. The first time he could have excused it, but now it was inside and considering Ruby's last name was Rose he wouldn't find it hard to believe every time she seemingly teleported like now the petals appeared.
And Ruby, instead of being up in Tygan's face, had fixed her arms firmly around him rapidly saying thank you.
"Please get off," Richard said.
John once again had to pry her off by latching onto her collar and pulling the hyper-active child off.
"Hey! Let go!"
"Do you promise not to stop teleporting all over the place?"
"I don't teleport! I use my Semblance!"
"Your what now?"
"Semblance, you know-" Ruby then facepalmed," I'm on a alien planet. I don't teleport, I'm just really, really fast!"
"Like a chipmunk on caffeine."
"Yeah, like a chipmunk on caffeine."
"And how would you know what a chipmunk is?" Tygan asked, raising a eyebrow.
"Those little, adorable animals with puffy cheeks like this," Ruby puffed up her cheeks in a attempt to imitate one.
"I think Earth and Remnant may have more in common than what we thought, but we are wasting time so let us remove Ruby's chip," Tygan said as he closed the door and walked over to a table near the robot.
"Uh, this isn't going to hurt is it?" Ruby asked as Tygan pulled out a drawer and began grabbing a few items such as a pill bottle and a oval-shaped device similar to the one he used on Penny.
"It will sting, but the painkillers will reduce it greatly. Still, Bradford, I do require you to hold her head to prevent sudden movement," Tygan then muttered," if only there was a actual surgeon onboard."
"You sure about this Richard? I mean, she is technically a extraterrestrial and the meds could have a harmful effect," Bradford said, concerned evident in his voice.
"I assure you John, Remnant's human population has a one hundred percent genetic similarity which eliminates certain risk factors. The only way I can see if harm come to her is if she is allergic to mass produced painkillers which is almost zero because of ADVENT's tech."
"Alright, how do you want me to do it?"
"Once she sits on the table, hold her temple firmly while I make the incisions."
Ruby was anxious about this as she climbed up onto the table and Tygan gave her a black pill. He briefly ran over how to take it which was nothing more than swallowing it without water or food so she threw it into her mouth and gulped it down. It didn't have a taste of any kind, but she could feel the pill go down her throat.
Bradford then placed his hands on Ruby's head and he had a concerned look. Before she could ask why, a zapping sound came from behind her as the drug began to take effect. Her body started to go numb and woozy followed by a fingers moving her red-black hair about occasionally pressing against the back of her skull.
"Found it," Tygan said, pushing down on what felt like a oddly shaped bump.
A harsh sting followed causing Ruby's head to jerk slightly, but held in place by Bradford's tightening hands and then she felt cold steel slowly and carefully slice through skin then bone.
"Exactly like the last ones, preparing for final incision."
Something akin to a pair of tweezers worked their way into Ruby's brain and it felt horrible. There was little pain, but the feeling of having a foreign object invade her head made Ruby nauseous. Then she could feel the tweezers closed together on what she presumed to be the chip and pulled.
"Ouch!" Ruby cried as Tygan forcibly ripped it out.
"The operation went smoothly, I'm getting better at this," Tygan mused," and don't touch the wound unless you want to feel your brain. Now, I am going to have to dress the opening to ensure there's no infection."
"Oww, that really hurts," Ruby groaned.
"I had to pull out mine without the use of anaesthetic, or medicine that numbs the pain, and a mirror which left me with a gruesome scar. You're lucky that the wound will leave none."
Ruby's eyes widen while John released his grip and walked backwards.
Tygan had to get rid of his through pain and no guidance? He could be lying, but Dust, that would be horrific.
"And you also didn't get knocked out. Even the Commander was out for a time," Bradford crossed his arms.
"Hold still while I clean and patch the wound," Tygan ordered.
Ruby held as still as possible as a cool cream was pressed round the cut followed by a swath of thick cloth.
"Thanks," Ruby said.
"There were benefits in removing the device, namely preventing the aliens from tracing it once I properly shield it. Now John, you can finish up the tour."
"Of course, come on Ruby next up is engineering," he said as he began heading off towards a descending flight of stairs. Ruby, still affected by the painkillers, got up and stumbled after him.
When they arrived in the Engineering section, Ruby's excitement rose up again though not as much as being in the armory. In here, many gadgets hummed, beeped, and flickered while people checked them. She could smell grease, heat,... and sweat in the air.
There were also flying robot with four horizontal panels enveloped in a blue hue and two red 'eyes', They were a little larger than a person's head and they were assisting a raven haired, sleeveless woman working on one.
"This is Engineering, where all of XCOM's weapons, armor, and various other items are built. Experimental stuff and certain projects though is confined to the Proving Grounds to prevent accidents. Soldiers tend to gather here waiting for their 'presents' to get done once they donated their elerium cores. Lily heads this Division and don't waste her time unless you can a ear full. She views idle moments to only be nothing of use and never takes a break even when she's sick. Been that way ever since Ray died."
"Ray?"
"Her father. His death was hard on a lot of people, but she was the hardest and now Lily has a vendetta against the aliens."
"Oh," Ruby said. Lily was like her, except it was her mother, Summer Rose, that had died, but where was Lily's mother?"What happened to her mother then?"
"Don't know, she disappeared after ADVENT was formed and on one heard from her since. We've all assumed she died somewhere."
"Wow, that must be tough."
"Tough?" The woman working on one of the robots waved her wrench in the air,"It's not tough, it's a nightmare. Now can you quit talking about my parents and let me work?!"
"Sorry Lily, but anyways that's our Chief Engineer, Shen. Just like Science, there's nothing else here unless you want to be a engineer. We now head to the Advanced Warfare Center where our troops get patched up, Gene Mods, or for psychiatric evaluation and counseling to visit your other friend. Then we'll meet the Commander who is probably going through his stash of magazines. Come on."
Ruby tilted her head. What was wrong with reading magazines? Bradford said it in a such a tone that he made it sound like he hated it. Yet again she could never get why people had to dress fancy for parties.
Whatever the reason, she followed Bradford as he walked back up into the Science Division and up some stairs leading into a polished white medical area. The smell of blood, infection, gauze, and other hospital scents hugged the air thickly.
The pained moans and groans of the wounded haunted it as well while laughter broke through it. People had all sorts of emotions here.
Anger, sadness, grief, happiness, relief, and hope mingled as friends of the injured tried cheering them up or hung their heads. A few in white clothing tended to them as well.
"This is the AWC, and no one is here for Gene Mods or evaluation, surprisingly. Just here for their buds. Anyways, the bunny girl is under armed guard so it shouldn't be difficult to find her."
"Velvet!" Ruby cried in relief upon immediately spotting the rabbit Fanus. She had ignored Bradford in favor of looking for the person and was rewarded with Velvet in a olive green uniform like that of the other XCOM staff currently in medical care. Two heavily armed guards stood on either side, though they weren't paying attention. One was conversing with a female nurse while the other was furiously poking at a tablet.
However, Ruby's cry attracted the attention of the nearby personnel who shot weary looks.
"Calm down people, she's not under mind control," Bradford said, outstretching both of his hands," and Ruby, don't yell. Some are trying to sleep."
"Sorry," Ruby said in a small voice," I'm just glad one of my friends are fine."
"Not exactly," a woman said as she stepped to the right of Bradford," the field surgery performed by Richtofen was messy and bloody. It was pure luck that he didn't damage the occipital lobe or another important cranial part, but I am just glad I don't have another dead patient unlike many others."
"Ah, Ruby, this is the head medical officer Sherry, former Gene Clinic overseer," Bradford introduced the gray haired female.
"Left once I saw… things. I contacted the local resistance who tried pulling me out, but were unable to and likely XCOM was in the region at the time. I'm the oldest serving non-combatant nurse on the Avenger which is only three months. Still, I have a Bachelor's degree in nursing and a varied understanding of the human anatomy. Also, these idiots suffer more injuries because of their stupid shenanigans than out in the fighting."
"What were these things you saw?" Ruby asked. She regretted it when Bradford shot a look that told her that she shouldn't have done that, but Sherry went on anyway.
"Human and alien bodies," Sherry closed her eyes,"being liquified or mechanical implants. I assisted in quite a few experiments four months ago on Remnant, when the invasion first began. After that, I knew it was high time to get out," she then opened them.
"What are they doing on Remnant?" Ruby choked out.
"They retreated once they secured numerous 'specimens', but maintain a strong presence there and constantly launch operations to cause destruction and panic. As for experiment, nothing as horrific as on Earth. Mainly they performed tests and I helped out in providing information about physical attributes. We're well aware of your aura and I feared the Elders may have saw the potential applications. Now my fear has been realized when Jackal team faced your friend, Velvet. I'm sorry for your girlfriend."
"Thanks and she's not my girlfriend," Ruby protested.
"Well, she's a girl and she's your friend, is she not?"
It took a moment for Ruby to realize the joke.
"Oh, thanks for trying to cheer me up!"
"Don't thank me, after all, laughter is the best of medicine or so the old saying goes. Now, excuse me I have to make sure my underlings don't mess up-" She stopped and shot a glare past Ruby," CHARLES YOU FUCKING IDIOT! TED HAS A FLU! FLUS ARE VIRUSES NOT BACTERIA!"
Sherry stormed off rambling off about the differences between a virus and a bacterium at a poor, brown haired man who cowered before the medical officer's wrath.
"She's nice, but scary," Ruby said.
"Sherry's a good part of the team, keeps the crew on their toes and beats down any rulebreakers while still being nice when she's not mad earning her the nickname 'Mama Bear'. Anyways, let us go see your buddy," Bradford smiled and directed Ruby through the AWC to Velvet.
Upon arriving, Ruby saw the Fanus sleeping peacefully in bed, but hooked up to multiple machines and monitors of which she didn't understand. A breathing mask was also over her mouth becoming fogged with every breath. The two guards were also quick to snap to attention, speedily saluting Central. The woman was quick to leave, though.
"At ease, Ruby's just here to see a friend."
"So this is the Xeno that Spartan brought back. Doesn't look like much sir if you're sending this one into battle," The guard with the tablet said.
"Hey!"
"I gotta agree, she's a halfpint sir."
"I'm perfecting capable of whipping butt!"
"The Commander had already decided not to send her into battle and I told her that. We're just trying to settle this one in."
"I'm here ya know!"
"Alright sir, just keep the Xeno away from the armory and we'll be ok!"
"Well, she is kinda cute… I say we throw her at the aliens and see what happens."
Bradford and the guard that was talking with the girl both stared intensely at the tablet wielding one.
"Ted, we know you're a confirmed Xenophile looking for excuse to bed a alien, dead or alive," the guard said.
"Uhh, I have no clue what you're talking about…"
"I certainly hope you're not implying what I think," Bradford glared.
Ted looked at two soon to be angry men and a Xeno human girl looking confused. He should get out before she came to the realization of what they were talking about.
"I'll leave now."
"Yes you should, fucking animal," the guard growled.
"You're one too!" Ted grumbled as he walked away.
"Whaat?" Ruby was both dumbfounded and disgusted." Where did you find that guy?"
"As a resistance force we don't discriminate between recruits which has led us to some… unsavory types, but most are former law-bidding civs or honorable soldiers. They keep people like him under control and if anything comes to the surface about their activities the Commander takes swift action. Not sure what he does, but after the punishment they're so horrified there's no more rule breaking from them," Bradford explained," and no, he hasn't done… things to Velvet. We're keeping trusted eyes on her at all times."
"Well, I know I said this like a dozen times already, but thanks, again."
"Doing anything we can to hit ADVENT where it hurts even if that does mean taking a risk bringing and caring for both of you in the Avenger. Now, I'll give you a moment before we head off to meet the Commander."
Ruby nodded and stood near Velvet. While they weren't exactly friends, they did like each other, but Ruby would have one of the other girls here instead of bearing the burden of not knowing what happened to them. It was still nice though to see a familiar face.
"Maybe ya should try talking to her, heard it helps with the coma. Not sure how it works though," the guard said before the girl from earlier came back. He immediately started talking with her again, something about meeting in the bar later.
While she didn't know if it would help Velvet, it might help herself just like conversing with her passed mother.
"Hi Velvet, it's Ruby. I don't know if you can hear me since you're in la la land, but I just wanted tell you that you're safe. I'm not sure where the rest of you team is and I don't have much of a idea of what's going on, but there's some really awesome people helping me out. They're called XCOM, they have this really cool airship called the Avenger and flying robots and they're going to kick the bad guy's butts."
Bradford smiled saddly. If only that last part was true. Still, XCOM has been making progress… just that progress was paid in blood and memories.
"And I first met them out in a forest. There was Johnson, and some twitchy woman he kept calling Greenhorn. While they didn't promise to help find our friends, they said they would try and I really hope we do find them. I hope you have sweet dreams!"
"Geez, if I didn't know any better I would say you were fangirling. What would happen if a Xeno becomes a fan of XCOM? What do we call ourselves then? Xeno COM? XCOM? Wait, that last one is still the same. I give up!" The guard said and went back to the woman.
"Alright, we can go meet the Commander now. Will, any idea where he might be?" Bradford asked the guard.
"Oh, here he was not too long ago, said he would be in the Command trying to connect Denmother."
"Thanks, let's head on over and meet the person responsible for our stream of victories."
Bradford led Ruby out of the AWC as she pondered who this man was. Would he be like Ironwood? Easy-going and humorous yet cautious and tactical thinker? Or Ozpin? Calm, cool, and collected with a coffee mug never out of his reach?
She dreaded to think he could be like Goodwitch.
However, when they entered the Command Center again, she didn't see anyone noticeable. A few new faces, but nothing spectacular unless one counted a constant, smiling clone creeping her out.
"Shepard, perhaps you should allow one of the techs to help out," Bradford said as he walked towards a middle aged man with a red buzz cut. His back was turned to them as he arbitrary pressed buttons on a panel with a screen.
"I can figure this out John," he said.
"Well sir, it could take a while."
"I got this."
Bradford and Ruby let Shepard try to figure out the console, but after a couple of minutes, Central took a step and tapped a red button. Shortly after, the same symbol from the flag in the hanger fuzzed to life.
"Ok, reminder to shelf, press red button," Shepard muttered to himself," Thanks."
"You're welcome Commander, and the abductee that Spartan team picked up is here."
Shepard turned around and Ruby could see his blue eyes filled with both warmth and coldness. Scars adorned his face and a stripe of hair above his forehead had refused to grow. A smile was there as well.
"You must be Ruby that Johnson told me about, I am Commander Shepard, leader of XCOM and the resistance," he placed his hands behind his back.
"That I am, Ruby Rose!"
"Sorry about your world and being on a foreign world with no idea of what's going on."
"It's ok, but you can find my friends right?"
Shepard's smile disappeared.
"Yes and no. No as in we require intel to about their status. We don't have the resources to go on a wild goose chase, but we do have people inside ADVENT working to find missing people important to the resistance, one such person has considerable influence and could help us. Remember though, we're not doing this from the kindness in our hearts, but we are facing a common enemy."
Ruby understood, even if she didn't like the part where they weren't doing it out of kindness. Some people expected a reward because of it. This time though, they were doing it because they did have the same foe.
"Commander, Denmother is online!" One of the other people said.
"Put her on."
The screen changed from the symbol to a black haired woman wearing a beanie and in the background was a rundown village.
"Ah, so you're the Commander that has been keeping ADVENT quiet lately," she said, tilting her head slightly to the right.
"Yes, and you must be Denmother, founder of the New Mexico refugee camp Freedom Creek."
"It appears Brad told you of me, I'm honored he remembered."
"Don't forget that I helped you," Bradford pointed a finger accusingly at her.
The woman laughed and said,"well, things have gone well. ADVENT's been quiet and we've been able to get around easier. I think they're hiding hoping the big bad XCOM goes away."
"Well, enjoy it while it lasts."
"We plan to, our water purification system-"
The screen started to become statically and Denmother's voice was muffled causing concerned looks. Ruby assumed it could be a bad signal until one of the techs said,"Massive signal coming from the ADVENT Network Tower. It's global… sirs I think you want to see this!"
All eyes turned to the screen which had changed to a man in a black suit behind a podium and two caped soldiers stood behind him, hands crossed behind their backs. A flow of information was placed on the bottom of the screen detailing the latest news. The man wore black shades as well and was human yet he seemed off.
"Are those reptilian eyes?" Ruby thought when she peered through the shades.
"Fellow citizens," the man said," for the last one hundred years, the ADVENT coalition has worked tirelessly to repair the ravages and injustices of the old world. Under our stewardship, our people prosper and our world heals. The Elders, ever patient and rewarding, have given us so much."
The man's cheery tone was off putting. How could he talk about this when people were still suffering?!
Both Shepard and Bradford rolled their eyes at the lies he was telling.
Then the tone changed into a slowly rising, controlled anger.
"And yet among us there are those who refuse to acknowledge the truth! Who are determined to see all that of which we have achieved crumble!"
A beep alerted them to the Holo-globe and Ruby saw three, red dots descending upon the bottom of a continent that read New Mexico.
"Warning, multiple contacts on approach to Haven Alpha-Two."
"That must end. Even as I speak, ADVENT peackeepers are advancing to the outlying territories-"
"You got incoming ADVENT Denmother!" Bradford yelled as the image flickered back to her temporarily.
"Your signal's breaking up!"
"-to end this scourge once and for all!"
"THEY'RE RIGHT ON TOP OF YOU!"
Ruby didn't understand what was going on. End what scourge? They were just refugees?! Just what was happening?
"Losing you Avenger!"
The signal was then lost, going back to the man and back again.
"Raise them again!"
The man's voice changed to a comforting tone.
"We will ensure your continued safety and well-being throughout this crisis."
The screen finally stayed on Denmother albeit still staticy.
"GET YOUR PEOPLE OUT OF THERE!" Bradford yelled as Denmother looked away, gasping in shock. Not seconds after, the screen went yellow as the scene fell sideways.
Ruby took a step back in horror as she saw people running and screaming in panic. Gunfire rained down upon them as explosions shook the screen. It was like Amity Colosseum all over again except this time it was by people who had power.
"With your corporation, we will overcome these radical elements and usher in a new era of peace and prosperity, one freed from hate and lies."
The man's voice did nothing, but fuel Ruby's growing anger. How could they attack innocent people?!
As people ran, three black clad figures dropped onto the scene and rushed off, but gunfire made it clear. They weren't going to leave survivors or take prisoners.
"Where's my gun?" Shepard growled.
A/N: So this chapter was just really a introduction to the situation of what's going on though at the end things did heat up quickly. Also, Mass Effect's biggest badass is leading XCOM!
Sorry if he appears OOC, I haven't played Mass Effect, but I am well aware of his abilities and as seeing Firaxis has taken some inspiration from the ME series might as well throw him there. One last thing, he's the second main character. What, thought this was going to be solely about team RWBY? Too bad!
There's Crescent Rose as well. Don't worry, Ruby will be reunited with her baby. However, I did want to see if it can't be upgraded with alien alloys. Tygan also lied about it being melted down, little troll. Or maybe I am since I'm writing this…
As for Ted, he's a redshirt I'm planning on keeping in the background so don't worry. Plus he's the designated buttmonkey.
Also, a guest throw a hateful comment because I stated I'm Muslim. Ended up deleting it, but this is to the guest. I ask you, stop as you just making yourself look dumb. I understand, there's some radicals who are hateful, but don't become like them. After all, he who fights monsters should ensure that he does not become the monster. This also goes for anyone who is going to post such comments. Though if you use your own profile I'm gonna sic the report button on you! :D
This chapter is being updated sooner than later because of school. I have to focus on that first and get caught up so it might be a while before I update this again.
Now time for reviews!
Firem78910:
Let's hope rebuilding Penny works out then. Yep, she's coming back! Though I have some surprises from ADVENT in store to ensure the sword puppeteer doesn't roll all over them.
Rook435:
I am trying to mimic Halo's Johnson and I think I'm doing well! Thanks for your input! As for Cinder and co, that's going into story spoilers so I'll leave it at that.
Mr Fizz:
The aliens seem more like join us willingly or fight us and still join. However, because this is fanfiction there's some changes to their attitude. Going further might give you a idea of what I'm planning so I am dropping it here!
It would definitely be cool to see a Avatar vs Maiden fight considering how powerful they both are. However, Avatars tend to be on the Mental domination side while Maidens are more on the elemental side… then there's the fact there are more Avatars than Maidens…
As for the coma and brain damage thing, if I recall, the Commander did go into la la land for a bit. How long, I don't know, but after the whole operation we see they're in their quarters with a sheet and Bradford as well. Also, it was a field surgery(not sure if that exists) and was performed by Call of Duty's zombie origins Richtofen. Yep, the insane nazi doctor is in this story as a minor character and he still retains some of his insanity.
Avther:
Yea, seeing the final changed my plans and with a character reveal plus death(?), that adds so many new things I can toy around with! Though, what happened with Ruby… I still have to figure out how to implement that into the story as it might prove useful.
As for Grimm, I have no idea! \(0_0)/
luhar1997:
Thanks! Anyways, the aliens apparently offered the cure to cancer. It wouldn't be far fetched if they also offered some kind of life extending gene mod which Bradford and others got a hold of. It's also mentioned that the Commander still looked the same despite twenty years of being suspended in juice so I guess the aliens also put Shepard in something akin to cryo sleep. Not sure how it works as the game doesn't elaborate on that part.
As for Ruby hearing voices in her head, no it wasn't the Commander leading ADVENT(he did lead them indirectly through via unwanted simulations) and it's related to Psionics.
On that note, I'll be expanding it to make it similar to Aura and Semblance, but it will still have its own personality(hopefully). You'll see in the next chapter what I have in mind, but I am open to suggestions! Just PM them to me.