Another meeting was organised at the laboratories. Vahlen's workplace was mostly quiet. Everyone had a task to do and could not afford any distractions. Henry was baffled. He thought that the officers were the most hardworking, but clearly, Vahlen proved him wrong. Her staff had no time or chatter. Every word uttered was for the job. Vahlen chose the most invested scientists on purpose; they were the only ones who seemed willing to sacrifice their basic needs for their research. Whether it was exploitative on Vahlen's part was another question. Either way, Henry admired the hard work.
A few distinct staff members caught his eye. Janitors were cleaning the autopsy room, wiping the operation table of olive green blood. It was unsettling just how different the aliens were. It was also unsettling how similar they were. The similarities between the alien species and humans fascinated the scientists since it was valuable information in researching the origin of all life. Unfortunately, the sentiment was not shared by the troops.
To the soldiers, it almost felt as if they were killing alternate versions of themselves. It was easier to kill when they felt no remorse for the enemy. The aliens were the aggressors. Humanity had been put in a frenzy to defend itself against the foreign invader. It was xenophobia at its peak. Nobody hesitated to pull the trigger. The aliens deserved it, according to them. If that was not enough, the fear of death would have quickly swayed one to shoot. The aliens showed no mercy to their enemies. Why should the troops not do so too? All empathy for the aliens were dropped. Even if they looked humanoid and had emotions, connections and motivations, nobody cared.
As time went by, humanity started to understand the aliens better, despite all the unknowns. The aliens' technology had only one purpose; war. According to Vahlen, the aliens themselves seemed altered for combat. That begged the question: what were they like outside of combat? Maybe one day, a man could share a drink with a Sectoid, forgetting the old days of the war. Sectoids showed to be social among themselves. As crazy it sounded, the possibility loomed. Every soldier had to think before shooting. If not for the circumstances, they were quick to squeeze the trigger. After slaying their enemy, the soldiers were used to seeing blood, red blood. The olive green blood only reminded them of just how different the beings they were killing, were to them. Did it matter if they had olive blood? Did it matter that they were alien, to begin with? Did they deserve to be treated like humans? Nobody cared.
The Science Teams held the key to the outcome of the invasion. They had their duty to humanity and could not focus on finding ways to mend relations between humanity and the invaders. At some point, even their fascination grew into disgust as they kept on learning more about the aliens. The fact that the invaders' technology employed cellular components freaked everyone out. The aliens were using living cells for their complex machinery. The same things eyes, ears, noses and brains were made of were inside the alien devices. The Thin Men had respirators that were made out of the very thing humans used to breathe. Their clothes were not made out of textiles, but rather flesh that had been coloured and treated to resemble fabric. It was a horror show.
Dr Shen stepped into the Laboratories, not wasting a single second to head over to Vahlen's desk. Henry snapped out of thought as he observed the man walking towards him. As soon as he arrived, Vahlen used her personal device to call Bradford since he was the only one missing. He opted to stay seated in his chair in Mission Control since he sprang his ankle. It was no issue since he could be informed of what was to be discussed, in written form.
"Fantastic, that's everyone. Shall I begin?" Vahlen asked and received a unanimous nod from Henry and Shen.
"Let's begin by talking about the alien scout ships. About the Scouts, or rather Light Scouts, I have been able to recover their sensor equipment. I can confirm that they are composed of cells that receive various forms of stimuli. They can capture images, smells, sounds, gauge the air composition, temperature and much more. All of these cells send their signals to a 'computer'. Alien computers are composed of brain cells that retain data. How the aliens interface with them, I do not know. Perhaps Meld might give us an answer after we've truly understood its capabilities."
Vahlen paused to drink some water. Henry decided to fill the silence with a comment.
"So, I guess the aliens can't match our computers?"
"Not quite. Well, I would not put it that way, Commander," she responded and took another gulp of water. "What you said is true; the aliens do not possess the means to match our non-cellular based machines. Our computers are composed of metal wires, silicon, etc. They do not seem to know how to use all these materials as we do. It is said that our supercomputers are nothing compared to the human brain! This is where the aliens have the advantage over us. They do not try to create computers out of whatever raw materials they can find. Instead, they make computers by going directly to the most performant source available to them. Their computers are much better because they match what our brains could do since they are both made of the same thing."
Vahlen cleared her throat to get back on the initial subject.
"If we return to the Light Scouts, their scanners are capable of a lot, Commander. We have decided to rename these ships to Light Scouts since they seem to not be the aliens' main scouting vessel. If we look at the data provided by the International Space Station, the aliens have more of the new heavy ship that I have designated as Scouts than Light Scouts. Now that the aliens have understood our atmospheric conditions, they will no doubt try to deploy their stronger ships from now on. Speaking of the stronger ships, the Scout is a more armoured and better-armed version of the Light Scout. It is composed of a semi-circular forward compartment carrying the crew and devices to interface with the ship's functions. We believe it is also where the cockpit is since the circuitries from the ship's systems gather in that one spot. The ship's power source is located in the circular bay at the rear of the vessel. The scanner equipment on the Scout is located throughout the hull of the ship compared to the Light Scout where they are in the 'wings'. The hull has a network of sensors that can be seen by the glowing 'eyes' on the ship. These glowing patches are composed of all the cells that can capture stimuli. The ship is also capable of going faster than the Light Scout since it has better thrusters. I'm planning on pursuing our research on the alien sensor equipment when I'll be able to extract data from them. I'm also hoping that eventually, we can recover as much intact alien machinery so that we can analyse them in the same fashion."
Vahlen took another chance to drink from her water bottle, ready to change to another topic on her list. She probably focused on hydrating herself more. During the time she spent in the labs, she had not gotten up to get a drink. When she did, she got some coffee. It was not the best option to maintain her water intake. Dr Erena must have been the one who encouraged her to change her habits. She was also the one who convinced Henry to focus more on his sleep schedule and Bradford on his sprung ankle.
"I have taken the time to examine the new species known as the "Floater". As frightening and vicious as this species is on the battlefield, it is hard not to feel some sympathy for them on the dissection table. The specimens were subjected to extensive biomedical modifications, some of which were undoubtedly quite painful and intrusive. The combination of living tissue and mechanical components gives the creature the look of a cruel, half-finished experiment. The aliens managed to modify Meld to create prosthetic arms that are linked to the nervous system. This indicates that the Floaters used to have fleshy arms before they were amputated. The subject's internal organs were replaced with a mechanical life support system. They also have a rather conventional pair of twin back-mounted jets that work via combustion of an organic-based fuel. Their flight system is very different and simple compared to the Seeker's or the alien ships. The Floater is similar to us since it has a mouth that is used for sustenance and for breathing. It does not seem to be able to breathe in our atmosphere. It is capable of taking in small doses of oxygen, but nothing to the same extent as humans. What I find really fascinating are the brain implants that I have found in each Floater. I have also looked into the other aliens and found that they too have an implant."
Vahlen paused to take out a tray of implants she put on a nearby counter.
"That explains how they can communicate," Shen reacted.
"Precisely. We believe that these implants serve as communication devices that also aid our opponents in combat. Every species seems to have a different implant so my teams will have to spend more time looking into it."
Vahlen put the tray back into storage and took out small transparent alien canisters filed with a green liquid.
"Some Floaters were equipped with these canisters. Some of them contain what we believe to be food. It is rich in nutrients and contains small doses of oxygen. We believe that all the pipes serve to transport the liquid into the Floaters' bodies. There are also small amounts of the alien preservative agent that we see the aliens mixing into the abduction webs used to preserve bodies. We believe that the Floaters use it on themselves to preserve the organic circuitry within them. This substance appears everywhere in the aliens' machinery and it may be the key to keeping the cellular components alive and not rot. Speaking of the abductions, we have found that some Floaters have a wrist-mounted launcher that fires a liquified version of the abduction webs."
Vahlen looked around to see if there were any questions.
"Dr Vahlen, you've mentioned many times how the alien abduction webs are composed of a preservative agent and some brain-deactivating component," Henry said. "Is it possible for us to use this material for our uses? Something that can help in the medical field, maybe?" he asked.
"I have thought of that, Commander. That possibility is promising. As we know, the bodies wrapped in the abduction web are still alive in a vegetative state. The person who was there ceases to exist since their brain was completely wiped of all functions. The only things that remain are the involuntary movements such as breathing and pumping blood. The preservative fluid can be used to prevent cells from dying and can also contain nutrients and oxygen so that it may contribute to our body's needs. All we have to do is gather enough preservative liquid to create some sort of stasis tank to house our gravely wounded soldiers. I believe we can do this by gathering more canisters from abduction teams, alien vessels or even extract the desired components from abduction webs. To do so, we will need specialised equipment."
Vahlen looked to Shen to see if he was up for another task. Shen only nodded, deep in thought.
"Vahlen have you found any stasis tanks within all alien ships?" Shen asked.
"No. Even if I did, it would be hard to get a functioning one. Is there anything you wish to do with one?"
"I would, but that's not why I asked. I had always been curious about the aliens, more precisely, how they can survive crash landings."
"What do you mean, Doctor?" Henry asked.
"Commander, I've heard you have some knowledge in science. Have you ever heard of it's not the fall that kills you . . ."
"It's the sudden stop at the end," Henry completed. "Yeah, I have."
"Well sometimes the fall alone can actually kill you, but it depends on the situation. You see the aliens must experience a terrible amount of gravitational force while entering that quickly in our atmosphere. Such forces can disrupt blood flow, cause seizures and some other things too. Astronauts and fighter pilots are trained to deal with such forces. Yet, the aliens don't seem to have any means to counter it. The fall alone should be enough to wreak havoc and then there is the crash landing."
"I see," Vahlen realised. "You are right. They must have a way to deal with such forces. This is only speculation, Shen, but I don't think that the aliens deal with it as perfectly as you might assume. Commander, you've always presumed that XCOM should respond to crash landings as fats as possible since the aliens would abandon ship as soon as they crash. From what I can observe, that's never what happens. They do abandon their ship, but they spend hours in their ship before doing so. During autopsies, I have realised that the aliens' blood is very rich in nutrients and that they all have some degree of tissue damage not caused by combat. I believe that the aliens spent the time before fighting, filling themselves up on nutrients and healing their wounds from the crash."
Shen looked surprised at the revelation.
"The aliens must have some stasis tanks in case of falls, but they aren't perfect from what I have seen," Vahlen concluded.
Shen rubbed his chin, deep in thought.
"I guess you want me to bring back something that could be a stasis tank for analysis?" Henry asked.
Shen only nodded.
"There is so much to learn," he commented.
Henry and Vahlen silently agreed.
"Shen, I've been wanting to ask this for a while. Why do the aliens always fight in close quarters?" Henry asked. "Even their aircraft resort to dogfighting."
"Simply because of their technology," Shen answered. "I have asked that myself. If we take humanity as an example, our military strategies and doctrines have always been determined by our technology. Why did Asian empires fight against the British wielding swords while they had flintlock rifles? Why did we dogfight during air combat in the second world war and now we no longer do? The British could supply their entire army with guns thanks to their technological advancements; industrialisation. During the second world war, there were no Sidewinder missiles. Technology has always determined our way of fighting."
"In the case of the aliens, what's happening?" Henry inquired.
"Well, they fight with plasma weapons. Plasma weapons are stronger at close range. Plasma bolts lose particles and heat the longer it remains out in the open. To make better use of plasma weapons, you have to diminish the time between the plasma being created and leaving the barrel, and it hitting its target. The simplest way to do so is to fight at close range."
Dr Shen observed the Commander as he formulated his thoughts.
"In conclusion Commander, we have the technological advantage when it comes to long-range," Shen stated.
Since the meeting was over, everyone stuck around to review their to-do lists. Shen had to work on expanding XCOM HQ's ability to manage satellites and the flux of data from all countries. He also had to build the Meld Station and the Cybernetics Lab in Engineering. The Genetics Lab had to be built near the Infirmary. When it would be completed, Vahlen could pursue her research. Mission Overview needed to be expanded since a large-scale mission could result in officers missing seats to monitor battles. The last thing XCOM wanted was soldiers without their guardian angels in Mission Control.
Shen and Vahlen were still working on ways to contain and interrogate the aliens. For now, they focused on their current tasks. Eventually, XCOM would have to research the aliens' main source of power; Elerium. According to Vahlen, the material had a large energy output judging from the aliens' technology. Harnessing it was key to developing better energy sources for XCOM. It would solve the biggest limitation in developing technology; power consumption.
Shen and the Commander left the laboratories with the briefing over. Just as Henry was about to split off, Shen addressed the Commander.
"Oh, Commander. Could you follow me to the hangar?" he asked. " I've got something to show you."
Henry followed Shen into the hallways. They reached the barracks where the soldiers saluted as their Commander passed by. Shen looked amused at how Henry was interrupted every few second by a soldier saluting.
A large door slid open and a large facility surrounded the two. A few pilots greeted the Commander and went back to their tasks. A small crowd of staff stationed at the hangar could be seen. They spent their free time looking at a small plane. Dr Shen walked towards them.
"Commander, you've always said how you would love getting your hands on some F-22 Raptors," Shen said.
"Don' tell me!" Henry exclaimed.
"No, sadly. I'll just clear that up," Shen said and let out a chuckle. "But, we do have something similar. The Spokesman and I had a chat. It took a lot of money, but he managed to get something for us."
Shen cleared his throat loudly around the pilots. They stepped aside to let the Commander and the Chief of ENgineering through.
"Is this what I think it is?" Henry murmured.
He stared at the aircraft. It was a fighter with diamond-shaped wings and a V tail at its back. It resembled the F-22, but Shen clearly said that it was not what was in front of him.
"Commander, this is the plane that lost. Although, some say that it was better. This is the YF-23," Shen revealed.
"One of only two in the world," Henry mumbled.
"Well, one of only three. The Council managed to get a third one. I also have an in-depth blueprint. We can manufacture as many of them as we want."
"So this what all that large sum of money was about," Henry realised.
"Yes, it is. At the moment, we're keeping this one in storage. I have asked the crew to bring it out to show you. We can work on replacing our F-17 Condor interceptors with the YF-23, but I want to suggest otherwise. I wish to implement some upgrades. Some of my engineers have proposed many upgrades and modifications we can make on our fighters to improve performance against alien craft. With some time and effort, we may be able to design a better fighter craft using the YF-23 as our base. It is your call, Commander."
"How is your staff holding up? I've been seeing the engineers and builder lately. They look swamped with work," Henry remarked.
"They are, Commander. We have so much to do. Of course, I have requested more staff, but we would need to allocate more space to house them. The quarters need to be expanded and so do the facilities that take care of their needs."
Henry exhaled loudly.
"I see what you mean. Shen, I think that your staff can stop working on the MEC suits. Pursue your work on the Meld Station. We all need it. If you can work on making advanced prostheses, it should aid our medical operations. Dr Vahlen can also continue on her research on genetics. Keep expanding Mission Control. I heard Vahlen is almost done with a viable means to interrogate aliens so keep pushing your teams on the Containment Facility. I doubt that we'll be capturing aliens anytime soon, but it's better we get it over with. For our new plane, work on developing your new interceptor craft. We are in dire need of better aircraft. We might as well throw in any upgrades we can before mass-producing YF-23s."
Shen nodded deeply.
"Your orders are clear, Commander!"
Henry went back to his quarters where he went to work at his desk. Now that all matters in the base were taken care of, Henry could focus on the outside world. The aliens were quiet. Space reconnaissance kept a close eye on alien movement. The aliens idled in space.
The Council did not have any matters at hand. For the time being, the nations were contempt. Henry had had enough of the Council meetings.
Although, Henry could not ignore the occasional odd reports. XCOM's new Reclamation Bureau worked day and night. They reported having lost a few XCOM assets. The Inner Assembly of the Council was on full alert. They were the ones administrating XCOM where the Commander did not; the Council alleviated some duties off of him. They also took care of the Reclamation Bureau.
Henry navigated his contacts and selected to make a call. He put on his coat and took a rigid posture on his chair. He fixed his peak cap on his head so that the angle conveyed no disorder in his way of dressing.
A blonde besuited man on the other end answered.
"Good afternoon, Commander. What seems to be the occasion?" the man asked.
"Councilman Solberg, good afternoon to you. I have been told you're the one to contact for Reclamation."
"That is my role, yes. What is it about?"
"It has come to my attention that some XCOM assets have been reported missing, presumed stolen by a third party. What's happening?" Henry demanded.
"Forgive me, Commander. Reclamation did not wish to burden you with such events. We have sent agents to retrace our lost assets. We believe that a third party is actively hindering our efforts! In fact, we have called a meeting for this. I have informed the rest of the Inner Assembly of the Council. The ambassadors will also be present. If you are concerned, we can have you take part in the Council meeting."
"I'll attend. This matter could spell disaster. It's best that we treat it as a proper meeting with the Council of Nations. Arrange a transport and a guard unit."
Henry hung up.
Something was happening in the shadows, not from the aliens, but on humanity's end.