Chapter 12: Arriving on Titan

"Just remember to keep them training Abrams, I don't want them slacking off just because I'm off base." Tyler relayed through his datapad on a direct call to his second in command. The commander was currently on the bridge of the AMS Fleeting Wrath a cruiser of the ADVENT's 2nd Orbital Fleet commanded by Admiral Juvia. Tyler along with his guards of Cinder Fall, Jaune Arc, Pyrrha Nikos, and Blake Belladonna was traveling to ADVENT's tournament on Titan with Shal and her pack. Juvia had offered them a ride which Tyler was grateful for since it meant he and his unit wouldn't have to make the journey in a cramped transport shuttle. Now Tyler was just finishing up the last call to his second in command before the ship warped to Titan.

"I understand sir, will focus on training the new recruits and teamwork while you're gone," Abrams reported before the two said goodbye and canceled the call. After putting his PDA into a holster at his hip Tyler looked up at the Fleeting Wrath's bridge which was a buzz of activity. The bridge crew itself was a mix of various races with the majority being seconds. His guard was near the hatch door along the wall leaning back and looking out the viewport at the glittering stars of space. Shal and her pack were in the hanger of the ship mentally preparing themselves for the tournament.

"Commander, we will be entering warp shortly" came the broadcasted voice of Juvia as she floated over to Tyler who was standing near the platform the ship's captain usually stood on. Tyler nodded and watched as Juvia instructed her crew to go to warp. The ships psionic cores began to churn and soon a large purple portal appeared before the ship before the ship entered and the view became a swirling vortex of purple and blue light.

Turning to Tyler Juvia indicated with a jerk of her head toward the door. "Commander could have a word with you alone in my quarters?" Tyler nodded and began to follow the floating figure of the Admiral while also waving off Cinder who had begun to step forward to follow.

"I'll be fine Cinder, stay here and enjoy the view or head down and see how Shal's pack is doing in the hanger." He instructed causing Cinder to narrow her eyes in what Tyler thought was weariness at Juvia before she nodded to him allowing him to follow Juvia out the door and down a series of corridors.

"I couldn't help notice that you called Ms. Fall by her first name, something I should know about your secretary?" Juvia asked with a hint of teasing but also another emotion that Tyler couldn't quite place.

"Captain Fall works daily with me toward a wide range of different aspects of the 77th. I have always asked her to refer to me by my first name in private and she agreed only on the condition that I refer to her by the first name that is not formal occasions." Tyler relayed and saw Juvia nod her head as the two approached a metal door with two muton guards that Tyler could only assume was Juvia's quarters.

As the two walked closer the pair of muton straightened up and saluted their Admiral as she walked by but still spoke to them "The Commander and I have some private matters to discuss and are not be disturbed until we arrive near titan." The two buttons nodded in understanding but still cast Tyler a questioning glance with a hint of jealousy at the human getting time alone with the female Admiral alone in her quarters. Tyler himself was oblivious to these looks as he was busy taking in the room before him.

Juvia's quarters where three rooms separated by a pair of automatic doors. The first room was a conjoined kitchen and living room lavishly furnished in a pleasant and regal manner that while fancy didn't come across as over the top. Two doors lead to what Tyler gathered were likely a bedroom and attached bathroom along with a private office. Juvia made her way over to a pair of couches in the living room and set herself down in one before motioning to the other for Tyler to take a seat. As he sat down Tyler looked at the rooms primary attraction which was a large fish tank situated in a wall that held a verity of earth species of fish.

"I've always been fascinated with the large variety of organisms contained in Earth's oceans. I've collected some of the more colorful ones over the years as a bit of a hobby." Juvia explained seeing were Tyler's gaze led. "Now, however, there are a few things I wish to talk about such as this" Juvia said before holding up a data pad Tyler recognized as her own personal one. On the screen was a familiar message that Tyler knew he had sent her a week or two ago containing all the medical information's Hissa had on Soleirus's medical examination and treatment.

"I thought that since you two are family you would want to know any developments. While I haven't looked over the list of gene-modifications myself because of privacy I have been assured by Hissa that in four days Soleirus will be cured of your species tissue degeneration and likely be the physically strongest and most fit Ethereal in your species." Tyler relayed watching as the Ethereal seemed to vibrate in excitement.

"Yes, I am of course, extremely excited about this procedure, but I was more referring to the cure for my species ailment. As Soleirus likely told you a cure for the disease is one of the greatest discoveries in recent history. Our elders have been telling us that they have been searching for a cure for centuries and yet your viper doctor finds one after a simple examination!" Juvia was practically growling by the end, her form trembling and her psionic energy coming off her in waves.

For the first time, Tyler was exposed to a truly powerful Ethereal's psionic ability and it was everything he had imagined. First, his hairs stood up on the back of his neck, a pressure built up around him seemingly wanting to squeeze him from all sides like a vice, and an unexplainable sense of foreboding came over his mind. Managing to deal with these symptoms Tyler pushed on "Yes, we believe the elder very well may have found this solution as well but held also throw it away as a solution because one losing the vast majority of their psionic ability."

"THAT WASN'T THEIR DECISION TO MAKE!" Juvia practically screamed, her psionics throwing some of the furniture away and levitating many of the objects around the room. Seeing what she was doing Juvia took a deep breath and relaxed allowing the items to slowly lower and place themselves back onto the ground. "Sorry Commander but you have to understand that although the Elders are our leaders they should not have made such a decision without consulting us. The disease affects every single one of us Ethereals and we are seeing more and more of us come to its touch. The cure you are proposing would save lives and many Ethereals would take such a solution even if it meant losing much of their psionics. I will propose the solution to a few trusted members on the Ethereal council and urge them to investigate the matter themselves. If the Elder's won't give us the cure than we shall do it ourselves. I will avoid mentioning your involvement, so you may avoid repercussions from the Elder's."

Tyler nodded "Thank you, Admiral".

"No thank you, Commander, this is a monumental boon for my people and my own family. Should you ever need my help my fleet will lend their aid" The Ethereal relayed.

With that, the two spent the next hour talking about many different topics such as the upcoming tournament, life on earth, fleet activity in the Sol system, and fleet to ground combat procedure before Tyler excused himself to join his allies in the hanger.

: Five Hours Later:

If one person were to describe Titan, it would be a fortress the largest of Saturn's moons was surrounded by a fleet of ADVENT ships ranging from transports to large battleships and even a carrier or two. A large space station was in gyro synchronous orbit that was used by ships as a docking station. The station was then connected by an orbital elevator to the planet via a large installation at its base protected by an energy shield. The installation was also where the Tournament was taking place which explained why the docking station was bustling with activity.

After the AMS Fleeting Wrath docked with the station Tyler and his contingent departed via the hanger doors. The docking area was a vast cavern that stretched for miles and ran the circumference of the station. Tyler could see ten other docking stations occupied by other ships before the curve of the stations prevented him from seeing any more. The area was a flurry of activity with large amounts of support personnel moving supplies to and from the various docked ships or doing maintenance all the while people like him were disembarking their respective ships to either enjoy some R&R or like him were moving to the tournament area.

Tyler gave a nod to Cinder and her squad who flanked him to both his right and left, Ark and Nikos in front, Belladonna and Fall behind him with Shal and her pack arrayed around them forming a circular barrier between his guard and any potential threat. Shal was in the lead and led them to a large central area with several platforms that Tyler realized were the elevators to the surface.

As the group made their way to an elevator Tyler noticed that his group were drawing a lot of attention. Firstly, many would scoff or glare at Shal and her pack likely identifying them as the infamous Outcast pack. Secondly, their looks would change to confusion when they saw the four black armored troopers in their formation with custom armor and without helmets showing their unaltered faces to the masses. Tyler had noticed that they were some of the few humans he had seen on the station so far with the few other troopers he had seen being in full armor and on guard duty. The last universal expression their faces would show surprise when they noticed him at the center of the formation, his iconic red and gold armor letting them easily Identify him as the newest rank Commander. From here reactions varied widely based on the individual and species. Sectoids were rather ambivalent toward him since they respected his rank and reputation but were still unsure of his character. Viper's we're generally positive saluting his group as they went by to which Tyler would return with a thankful nod or salute. Muton's, on the other hand, were mostly negative after all he had disgraced a muton officer after the Vietnam fiasco and he knew that Commander Burga had been vocally derogatory about his promotion to Commander. Other races such as the Andromedon and Archon looked down on them but frankly, they did that to everyone not of their race while the occasional Codex and rare Specter would only glance curiously at them before continuing with whatever task they were doing.

As his group boarded a platform and the doors closed Tyler felt a slight falling sensation before the windows showed they were moving down the elevator at a speed that was beyond terminal velocity, it was a testament to ADVENT technology that he didn't feel much of a difference or need restraints of some kind. After a five-minute elevator ride of watching the ground get closer and closer, they eventually came to a stop, only feeling the slightest of deacceleration before the doors opened to a large chamber that looked to be a large reception area that reminded Tyler of descriptions of old earth airports.

Glancing about the area Tyler found an empty desk and made his way over to the Ethereal clerk with Shal and Cinder at his side while the others held back a little bit away. When Tyler stepped in front of the desk the young female Ethereal looked up from her work to address him "Welcome to Titan how can I assist y- oh Commander Harrington! I apologize I wasn't expecting you. Usually, there is an announcement when someone of your rank arrives." The Ethereal was obviously flustered by the mental sound of her voice and quick explanation.

Tyler waved her off "It's no problem I just arrived and didn't really broadcast my arrival. I'm here to check in and register my forces for the tournament as well as get the schedule."

"Of course, sir. Here is the list of events" she said as she used her psionic ability to pick up a green pamphlet and give it to Tyler who grabbed it from the air. She then used her psionics to pick up a datapad and float it in front of her "Very well and what forces of yours well you be registering and for what events?"

Tyler glanced at the event list on the pamphlet for a minute before responding "I would like to register Shal and her pack for the Hound Group competition. Other than that, I and my guard are going to be sitting in on some of the Grand Debates talks and the Inventors Expo" Tyler reported.

The Ethereal seemed to hesitate for a second before nodding and imputing the information before turning to Shal "Your pack name and unit Shal." The Ethereal relayed in a respectful tone obviously not having the same opinion of the white hound and her pack as many of the other aliens.

Shal walked forward before replying "We are the Dragon's Wolves Pack of the 77th HVG." There was obviously a large amount of pride in the new name Shal had chosen for her pack by the way she and her pack who were still in hearing range held their heads up proudly.

Shal glanced at Tyler gave her a nod in recognition of the new name before returning his attention to the clerk. "We will also need rooms next to each other along with our supplies from the AMS Fleeting Wrath to be brought down to us."

The clerk nodded before floating over three keys "Since your group is one of the last to arrive I only have three rooms that are next to each other large enough to fit your group. I apologize for the inconvenience."

Tyler shook his head "It's no problem we will manage" he said taking the three keys.

The clerk nodded "Thank you for understanding please go through the doors behind me and head to section 343C to find your room numbers. The Hound Group Competition will be held tomorrow at the end of the day, contestants are to be at the arena an hour before to prepare. The Grand Debate talks begin tomorrow morning at 7 AM and last until 3 PM Earth EST. The Inventors Expo begins at 11:30 AM and goes until 5 PM. Finally, the Hound Tournament is scheduled to being at 7 PM and last until 11 PM. The Dragon's Wolves Pack has their first match at 7:32 PM in arena 34A and if they progress they could find themselves in the semifinals which are televised in the main arena."

Tyler nodded and thanked the Ethereal but before he could leave the Ethereal spoke up again "Um Commander, if you wouldn't mind… Could you please sign my book?" The Ethereal asked holding out a familiar book with her psionics.

Tyler easily recognized the book as the one he published in his youth 'Tactics Imperfect: A study and analysis of species tactics under ADVENT'. "Oh, a fan are you?" he asked as he grabbed the book and pulled out a pen from his pants pocket and began to sign the inside cover.

The Ethereal vehemently nodded her head "Oh yes! Both my father and mother along with myself read it often and debate various aspects of the book. My parents seem to have issues with certain recommendations but we all agreed that the problems in the tactics utilized by the various species have significant flaws" the receptionist relayed excitedly.

Tyler nodded "Glad to hear your family are fans, what's your name?" he asked pausing in his writing.

"Raynius, Commander." The Ethereal replied eagerly.

Tyler nodded and began to finish signing the book "Well then, 'To my favorite and ever helpful receptionist Raynius. Thank you for the support and hope you're looking forward to the next book.'" Tyler said aloud revealing to the first person outside the 77th that he was writing another book before handing the book over to her and giving a friendly wave farewell as his group made their way through the doors.

Tyler's group made their way down the metal hallways toward their assigned rooms passing the occasional alien or two before finally after a couple minutes they arrived at the three doors they where assigned to. "Alright, sleeping assignments" Tyler spoke up before looking at his group as they walked through one of the doors to see the layout of the room. Immediately Tyler saw a problem the size of the room would limit the number of people to six humans, but the size of the hounds was double that of a human. In addition, the rooms only had two king size beds and two couches.

Assuming the other two rooms were mirror images of the room they were in Tyler began arranging his group. "Alright, we are going to go four to a room, two humans and two hounds for this room and the next. Since the Wolves have a tournament to fight in they get the beds while the humans take the couches."

Shal looked like she was going to argue about not forcing their comrades to sleep on couches but was interrupted by Jaune "Sure after all they need all the rest they can get. We are just going to be following the Commander around all day" Jaune said with a smile and receiving nods from all the humans of the group before he turned to the room "Dibs on this room!"

"I'll join you!" Pyrrha announced quickly before walking to one of the couches.

Shal sighed before turning to her four packmates "Rakasa, Sarah you two take this room." The two hounds nodded before moving to the two beds while Tyler and the rest left the room and walked to the next room.

"Blake, Cinder you'll be in this one. I'll take the last." Tyler stated as he walked past the door and waited by the third and last one. Cinder and Blake nodded before moving into the room.

Shal seemed to think for a moment and glanced at Tyler and the door he was standing next to before addressing her two remaining packmates. "Hora, Ruby take this one," she said before focusing on Tyler "I'll stay the night with our Commander." Ruby and Hora both shot each other a look before nodding and making their way into the room.

Shal walked up to Tyler as he leaned against the wall next to the door which he had opened for her. "You sure you want to be by yourself with me in the same room? People may start jumping to conclusions." He asked as she neared him.

Shal gave him a teasing look "Oh and are you one of these 'others' Commander?" she asked with a playful tone.

Tyler smirked before replying "Very funny Shal, I'm not one to take advantage of these types of situations."

Shal chuckled "I know, and I trust you completely Tyler" she replied before trotting past him. "Though I'm a bit disappointed in you for getting a girl's hopes up." She teased while giving him a light swat in the thigh with her tail while she swayed into the room.

Tyler blinked in surprise for a couple seconds before shaking his head and making his way into the room. Tyler then saw to his dismay that this room was different than the others. Unlike the other two rooms, this one was obviously meant for a VIP with only a single bed and a couch along with a TV and attached kitchenette. Tyler saw Shal hesitating before speaking up "As with the others Shal you take the bed and I'll take the couch."

Shal shook her head "This is different Tyler you're a Commander it would be improper for you to give up your bed to a lower rank."

Tyler simply fixed Shal with a look "Shal don't make me give this as an order."

Shal simply stared at him for a second before confirming he was serious and sighing. "Fine, though I will tell the others I slept in your bed tomorrow."

Tyler groaned as he crashed into the couch "Goodnight Shal!" he called before trying to sleep and ignoring Shal's chuckling from the bed.

Aaaannnndddd Chapter! Well, we finally made it to the tournament and toward the end of one of the three arks of the story. Soon we will be in the second ark which will be the beginning of XCOM 2 and the events of the game. More specifically the War of the Chosen Ark. But before all of that Edith had another learning session for you all, Edith go ahead.

Edith: Thanks Vantage, Hello readers today we are going into the history and culture of the Mutons. Now firstly the Mutons were a tribal society before the Elders found them. The species were separated into hundreds of different tribes with their own tribal markings, territories, and practices. However, one thing they all had in common was their warlike mindsets. The tribes often fought with one another in a state of nearly constant war over resources. Now eventually this warlike tendency affected their own genetics making their hormones especially receptive to combat and adrenalin and prone to anger or rage. This had negative effects as the wars they fought worsened to the point of rending their planets already limited resources to nothing having them being used up to fuel their war efforts.

Eventually, as their species declined in numbers rapidly they were discovered by the Elders. Not wishing the species to die the Elders offered to take the remainder of the Mutons with them to act as their guards as they journeyed across the stars. The Mutons eager to save their species and enthralled by the allure of future battles and a promise by the elders to help with their battle rage agreed and the Mutons joined the Elders as a member species.

Now the Muton's are a lot less aggressive with exception to their females whose fluctuating hormones have been unresponsive to the Elders attempts to fix them. As such the females have to be usually isolated from the general populace and restrained with behavior collars and given sedatives to make them compliant unless in a combat scenario.

Vantage: If the females are always super aggressive to everything and prone to attack then how do the species propagate?

Edith: Well… um… when a male Muton becomes of age part of the ceremony is for them mate. S-so a female muton is brought in under heavy sedatives and restrained so the ceremony is completed and then brought to an isolation chamber. After a period of five months a muton is born and usually leaves the female exhausted allowing her to be transported back to whatever unit she came from and for the newborn to be taken and raised depending on the gender to be either a muton guard or fitted with a collar and put in a cell until she develops enough to be deployed as a Berserker.

Vantage: … That's like super fucked up.

Edith: Yes, it is unfortunate but that's all that we can do because of the female's aggression to propagate the species. On that note that's the end of today's lesson. I hope you all found it informative if not a little disturbing. Hope to see you all again next time!

Vantage: Well till next time remember to stay frosty and don't forget to review.