Here I stand, in the gym. Red standing next to me, the bought of us fixated on a single sight. That sight being Dart as she runs on a treadmill. While not an uncommon sight, with her running on that treadmill being a nearly daily occurrence, it's still a sight one will find hard to not look at. As she runs she easily outperforms anybody on the Avenger, her legs, if you stare for too long, seemingly start to merge together in a blur as she runs.
Felling a tap to my side I lean to my left, Reds voice filling my ears "You know, the fact she hasn't broken the treadmill, or her legs, amazes me."
Offering a nod I return to my original position, continuing my mesmerized state of being as I watch on. And as we watch, she speeds up, knowing that we are watching and wanting to show off. Not knowing what the fastest human recorded running speed is I can't really accurately say this, but she must be close to it, or she may have even surpassed it, I wouldn't put it past her.
A grunt from my right sounded itself, but ignoring it I turn to Red about to start a conversation, only for another grunt to be heard, this time much louder. Looking to my right, I follow the sound and angle my head down. Being greeted with the sight of Mat lying on a bench, lifting weights. Or rather, more accurately, attempting to hold the weights at bay so they would not crush him. Staring at him for a few moments I note his extremely reddened face, the excessive shaking of his arms, and the slowly descending weights.
After a few more moments an 'Oh' escapes me as I move closer, grab a hold of the weights, and lift them off of Mat. Who in turns deflates, his arms limply falling and touching the ground as his chest rapidly and heavily bobs up and down. Staring at him for a few moments, I place the weights on the handles above the bench, and turn to leave.
Only to be stopped as a weak, horse, and exhausted voice sounded from behind me "W-Stop…"
Freezing in place, I slowly turn my head around to see Mat staring at me from his lying position "Y-you….the, the moment my ar-"
But as luck would have it the rooms com system comes to life, cutting Mat off with all noise in the gym coming to a stop, all focusing on what would come from the coms.
"Purgatory to armory, I repeat, Purgatory to armory." The voice of one of the bridge officers filled the room, with all attention from the com system falling to me.
I jogged up to the door, making a quick exit and making my way to the armory. Before the door closed I heard the other inhabitants of the room give their goodbyes and wishes of luck for me, with Mat mentioning something about the bell saving me. Normally I would question him what that means , but being called to the armory encouraged me to hurry to said armory, with me nearly sprinting down the halls, narrowly avoiding crew and other Avenger personal along the way. Although most did stick closer to the walls, recognizing the heavy metallic thuds emanating from my running and giving me a, mostly, clear path.
Reaching the armory door, I swiftly enter, but find it empty. Empty besides one other person that is seemingly tinkering with something on my personal table. Common sense would dictate in a situation like this to detain the individual tinkering with ones equipment without their approval before a, presumably, mission. But seeing as said individual is quiet clearly Shen, something like that won't be necessary….hopefully.
Making my way up to my equipment, and subsequently Shen, once being close to her she spins around presses something in to my chest and turns back around to continue looking at my equipment. Grabbing whatever it is she pressed in to me to prevent it from falling, I look down at it. Cocking my head to the side in confusion, I observe the… object, in my arms. Grabbing the top of the seemingly crumbled up fabric I allow gravity to do its job and pull on the fabric, with it folding out to reveal a rather familiar sight. A body suit. The shape is similar to the body suit I always use, with the major difference being fur like patches covering the majority of the suit, as well from touch alone I can tell that it is quiet a bit thicker than the one I'm used to. That does arise the question of why I would need fur on my suit, as well how my armor will fit me on a suet that has different dimensions than the original one. Although looking at Shens work over her shoulder, I can see that the connections on my armor are different. Easing some of the uncertainty in me, although the dread of knowing that this new coupling system hasn't been properly tested yes is still there.
Before I can comment on that concern, Shen spins around to face me again an excited smile on her face "Common, get suited up! I'll help so we get the coupling system just right for the first time."
Moving to put the body suit on I glance at her "First?" I ask, not all that excited with the prospect.
"Came up with it a few days ago, should allow a bit more modularity and room to expand." She quickly responded.
"You did test it, right?" I ask, somewhat not actually wanting to know the answer to that question.
"Of course I did! Just not with you in it yet…In hindsight I probably should have just called you over to test it out." She pondered the events leading up to this moment as I quickly slipped in to the new under suit.
Looking down at myself, the under suit while skin tight like my original one, does not show any accurate outlining of my musculature as the fur like substance is completely hiding my frame. Moving my limbs I inspect the feeling of the suit changing and moving to follow me, finding no change from the original, the feeling being nearly identical to the original one, with one exception.
"So how is it?" Shen asks as she walks around me, inspecting the suit along the way, her expression much more serious now.
"Feels like the original one, although, I am going to overheat while simply standing still. This is excessive heat padding don't you think?" I ask Shen, the heat steadily growing around me.
"Good. You'll need it for the mission you're going on, so I'm happy with the results. Let's get your armor on so you can be on your way, seeing as your squad is waiting on you." She stated, grabbing the back piece of my torso armor, prompting me to take the front piece. Inspecting it only briefly, the two of us start attaching the armor. The process itself only taking slightly longer than if we were to be using the original body suit. Finishing putting on the armor I look down once more, with noticeable patterns of white covering the majority of my usual jet black armor.
With the excessive heat padding and the white patterns all over my armor, I suspect that this mission would be taking place in a rather cold area, with snow being a guarantee as well. Inspecting my backpack for all the essential items and extra equipment I always carry, I note the new insolation of my backpack, as well as the lack of excess ammunition I tend to carry. Seeing as Shen was the one to prepare the equipment, I choose not to ask.
Turning my head towards Shen as I put the backpack on I speak "Where am I getting sent to that requires such specialized gear?"
As she hands me my helmet she responds "Central will tell you everything inside the hanger. Trust me, you're going to be thankful for the new under suit." And with that she turns to leave, waving goodbye as she leaves to continue her duty as head engineer.
Looking down at my helmet I find no change has been made to it on a surface level. Light scaring and scratched off paint still present on it. The damage it sustained having been deemed not sufficient enough to require repairs, or a new layer of paint. Dragging my thumb over the skull on it as I walk to the hanger, I turn it around and place it on my head. The sensation of it locking in place being a all to familiar one to me. Moving my head around a bit, I test my motor function, with there being no change. The cold sensation on my face quickly fading to warmth, a layer of isolation has been added to the inside of my helmet as well as it would seem. Stopping at the door separating the armory and hanger I look down one last time. My current equipment would most likely keep me quiet comfortable even if I were exposed to temperatures one could find on the Earths poles.
Opening the door I walk in to the hanger, the Skyranger sitting quietly on its ramp, waiting for its cargo. Looking down I see Central turn to look at me, as our gaze meet he gives me a nod as he walks towards the rest of my squad, and as I look at said squad I stop in my tracks, my body tensing up. A sudden urge to turn around and leave to room slowly growing in me.
Shaking my head I start making my way to the five Reapers standing next to each other. Their equipment much like my own having been adapted for winterized combat. But to my knowledge the Avenger only holds two Reapers, meaning that three must not actually be under X-com. This did not help ease my nerves in the slightest.
Hearing my approach the Reapers turn to look at me. The one who's back was turned to me looks over their shoulder before facing me. Standing closer now I recognize the stature of one of the Reapers. Their head angles up to look at me, there green lenses boring in to my own for a few moments before there hand moves to their mask. Removing it, with it hanging off of their neck, the face of a male greets me. Short brown hair, blue eyes, a '5 o'clock shadow', and most noticeably a large scar going from his right cheek to his left forehead.
As he looks at me a grin spreads across his features, one that slowly crawls its way on to my face as well. Lowering his right arm he extends his hand in my direction, with me taking it and shaking it. My body growing more relaxed with the knowledge of him being one of the Reapers I'll be following.
"Purgatory my boy, you look cozy." He voiced in his smooth tone.
"I don't seem to be the only one." I respond, retracting my hand back to my weapon.
"No, I suppose you're not. Same tactic as always?"
"As long as you watch my back, and the mission doesn't completely fall apart." With my response, a smirk forms on his lips as he taps the side of my arm a few time before pushing me to stand next to him as the other Reapers form up in a line as well.
As the chatter the Reapers had before stopped Central takes a step forward indicating the beginning of the mission briefing.
"Now that all are present I'll begin. Intel we have recently recovered indicates the presence of an ADVENT facility in Siberia. Said facility is conducting advancements on the Avatar project from our knowledge. You're job ,ladies and gentleman, will be to assault this facility, eliminate any and all hostiles present, recover what intel you can and ensure complete destruction of the base so it may not be retaken by ADVENT." Central states as his eyes glide over all the soldiers present before him, before continuing.
"The facility itself is located in the middle of an abandoned Russian military base. We do not precisely know the location of the facility, as they are using one of the bases structures to house it, but it seems that they wish to keep this base concealed. Adding to this is the lack of any anti air guns in the area, this will allow us to drop you of nearly on top of the base where you will meet up with a second group waiting on you to assist in taking out all guards. The second group consists of Reapers as well and has been instructed to follow your orders. On that note, Stalker, you will be taking command of this operation. I trust there are no complaints?" Central asked us, and the only response he got was Stalker responding in affirmation from besides me.
Nodding, he continues "Good. I wish to make it clear that the primary objective of this mission is to destroy the facility. Collecting data from the facility itself is only to be done if possible, and Stalker will be the judge of that possibility." Central states as he then locks eyes with me, this statement having obvious intent and target.
"If data collection is possible, that responsibility falls to Purgatory. On your way to the Skyranger all of you will take an X4 charge, Purgatory, I'm sure you've already noted the missing ammunition in your backpack. You will use that space for additional X4 charges. You are to leave no remains of this facility. That is all, Stalker, chose a 2iC and you may be on your way." Central said as he turned around and started walking out of the hanger.
Raising my hands I remove my helmet, taking a rather large breath. The cool air filling my lungs. As it stands there is no need for me to wear it at the moment. Turning to look to my right I see Stalker looking straight at me, a smirk on his face once more.
"Getting stuffy now are we 2iC?" he asked, putting emphasis on the 2iC.
"I'm not used to this level of heat padding, as well our surroundings are not cold at all." I respond, not bothering to mention his rather quick choice of 2iC as I move to collect the additional X4 charges.
"Hold up. Anybody even alright with that?" a feminine voice rose up, resulting in Stalker and me turning to face the source, finding the remaining Reapers turning as well.
The voice itself seemed familiar to me, but I could not attach a face to the voice, mostly because the Reapers face was hidden behind her mask. The Reaper holding the complaint is standing furthest back from us, with three Reapers between her and the two of us. Locking gazes I try to attach a face to it from memory, but receiving no match.
While I was attempting this Stalker crossed his arms and spoke up "Seems to me you're the only one actually against it. Mind telling me why?"
Removing her mask she places one hand on her hip, her face finally allowing me to make the connection with thy her voice is familiar "You expect me to listen to whatever orders he gives?" she voiced, disbelief in her voice.
Stalker turned his head and looked at me, returning his gaze to the complaining Reaper moments later "Yes? That's the point of making him my 2iC right? Unless I severely misunderstand what a 2iC is supposed to do."
A scoff escapes her "Wonderful idea. Yes, please do give the guy that hates Reapers authority over them."
At this a frown forms on my face, while Stalkers relaxed face turns colder, one of his eyebrows raised. As well the other three Reapers turned to look at, although I ignored them and kept my eyes locked with the Reaper that started this whole thing.
"Hates Reapers? Please do explain where you're getting that one from." Stalker said, his arms no longer crossed as he glares at the still unnamed Reaper.
"I already meet him once before. His little friends said as much themselves. He's got a problem with us, so why would I put my life in his hands?"
"Alright Valkyrie, I'll excuse this as you being new around here. So allow me to make this clear for your sake. You are to put your life in his hands, and he, if the need be, will command your life as he sees fit. He is qualified for this position, the rest of you aren't, even if he were to hate Reapers. Now get an X4 charge, sit in the Skyranger, and follow orders." Stalker announced, turning around and heading for the Skyranger.
Turning back to look at the Reapers, the four of them were looking at me in turn "Come, we have a job to do." I simply said, turning around and following Stalker, a shiver running down my spine as I turn my back to them.
"So you're just gonna ignore this whole event?" Valkyries voice called out from behind me.
Stopping in place I stay quiet for a few moments before speaking "Yes. It would be pointless for me to potentially escalate this situation even more, seeing as you and I remember that meeting very differently as it would seem."
Walking up to Stalker, with him standing next to the cluster of X4 charges, I give him a nod and turn around, kneeling down once my back is turned to him. With my back turned Stalker opens my backpack and starts putting the X4 charges in the empty space, leaving one X4 charge for the other four Reapers. Standing up, I glance at the approaching Reapers as I make my way to the Skyranger. Entering the troop hold first a sight leaves me as I stop in front of Firebrands cockpit door. Looking at the entrance I see the rest slowly making their way in, with Stalker sitting on the right side, three Reapers, including Valkyrie, sitting on the left with the last one seemingly standing. Turning around I bang on the door a few times as the lift starts taking us up, with a few seconds later the muffled response in form of a few bangs coming from inside the cockpit. Nodding to myself I go to sit down, finding my spot next to Stalker. With me seated, the standing Reaper looked down at me, looking up at him and meeting his gaze, we hold our gazes locked for a few moments after which he walks by me and finds his seat to my right. Glancing at the Reaper finding him doing the same, he gives me a nod and turns his attention to the floor.
"Listen up, for this mission our call sign is Assassin, with me being Assassin 1-1. Purgatory is Assassin 1-2, Jackle you're Assassin 1-3." The Reaper sitting across from me nods in understanding "Observer's Assassin 1-4" The Reaper sitting besides me, Observer, nods with a hum coming from him, indicating his understanding "Valkyrie, you're Assassin 1-5" the mentioned reaper responded with a 'Alright' as she reattached her face mask "And Ghost is Assassin 1-6." The named Reaper spoke up "Got it."
Looking at us a grin spread across Stalkers face as he pulled out something from his coat. The object being cylindrical, slightly longer than the length of his hand, and having a dark grey coloration. The object being easily recognized as a suppressor.
"Well than, they won't know we're there, so let's see how long we can keep it that way, eh?" Stalker stated as he attached the suppressor, the other Reapers producing the same object and attaching it to their weapons.
Turning to look at Stalker, I raise an eyebrow in question, with him locking eyes with me he spoke without hesitation "Shen."
Satisfied with the answer, I pull out my data pad and begin going through the information on it, specifically the information Shen gave me about that MEC. After a few minutes a realization dawned on me.
Turning my head to face Stalker, with him noticing and doing the same I spoke "I don't have a suppressor for my primary."
A smug grin spreading across his visage as his hand moved to my chest, it grasping the knife located on the left side of my chest and unsheathing it. Moving the knife and waving it for me to see he spoke "Right here is your silenced primary." he hummed, grabbing it by the blade he extended his hand closer to me.
Returning my knife to its resting place I shake my head as a sigh escapes me. Stealth tends to not be my strong point, my bulk being rather difficult to hid from sight, or even more difficult, moving without alerting nearby enemies. My armor and equipment produce a good amount of noise, especially if I'm walking on solid ground like city streets or inside of buildings. Slowing my movement down helps with the noise my armor makes, but there is only so much I can do for my boots as I walk.
The flight passed in silence, nobody talking as we prepare for our mission. As I inspect my handgun, having attached its suppressor as a precaution, the speaker came to life, with us looking at it.
"Approaching drop off location, ETA 1 minute. Get ready back there." Firebrand voiced, with the speaker shutting off after she was done talking.
Standing up I make a final check of my equipment, once done I place my helmet on and walk up to the still closed ramp. Looking over my shoulder I see Stalker already positioned behind myself, with him patting my shoulder indicating that he is ready. Nodding at him I glance at the lone GREMLIN floating to my right, this time being colored a light gray. The GREMLINS lenses blink a few times as I nod to it as well. Returning my attention to the ramp, I manage to do so just as it starts lowering, a light breeze entering the troop hold, with it carrying snowflakes inside with it. Blinking in quick succession I give my eyes time to adjust to the blinding amount of white that greets my sight. Looking at the rope I take a step forward and grab it. Slowing my descent and breaking through the top layer of snow on my landing. Crouching down I raise my rifle as the rest join me on the ground. Looking up I see Firebrand close the ramp, her voice entering my ears through the coms one last time before she speeds off.
"Happy hunting Assassin."
"Don't wonder too far, we won't be long." Stalker responded as he walked by me, with me standing up as he does.
The rest of the Reapers pass by me as well, and with their passing I move to follow. The snow reaching up to my knees as I move through it, carving a way for myself with every step as even more falls all around us, a slow and constant downfall of snow.
Moving in to the nearby forest we all find a tree to hind behind as we hold position.
Stalker whispering to the white void "Blaze."
The low hum of the wind filled our ears as we wait, and after a few moments a response came from the forests depth "Frost."
Moving away from the trees in to a small clearing we watch as six figures emerge from the forest, all clad in similar equipment as my squad mates. The six Reapers stand across from us as they inspect us, and we inspect them.
Two Reapers stepped forward, with Stalker and myself doing the same. Meeting in the middle Stalker extends his hand to the closer one, with her taking it and shaking it.
"Assassin 1-1 and 1-2 I take it?" She asked the two of us.
Receiving a nod as an answer she continued "I'm Raider 1-1 and this is Raider 1-2. We already scouted the outskirts of the base but didn't move in deeper. Now that you are here I give you command of my man. Orders Assassin?"
"Lead the way, once we get eyes on I'll give further orders." Stalker said as we started following the six newcomers.
Walking through the forest in silence, we reached the outskirts of the forest in roughly fifteen minutes. And beyond the forest the base can be seen. The base being fully covered in white, only glimpses of green from the building braking through there white prison. Crouching down next to a tree, with Stalker doing the same I take out my binoculars and start looking over the base. Raider 1-1 and 1-2 crouching down with us as well, with Stalker and the rest of the Reapers using there rifles scopes to observe the base.
The base is well hidden from sight, as the elements have covered every building in a thick layer of snow. The snow, not being maintained anymore by soldiers, now covers up any and all buildings from foundation to the tip of their roof. Leaving large snow mounds with only little protrusions to show what is inside of them. But the main factor is easily visible. The one thing that is confirming the presence of an ADVENT base, ADVENT guards. Troopers to be precise, eight of them standing between two snow mounds. One Officer, two Lancers, a Priest and four regular troopers as well.
After a few more moments of observing Stalker spoke "Alright, first things first. Go in and find the target building, we'll form our plan after we locate it. Purgatory and I will continue to monitor the guards and inform you of any movement they make." Having given his orders, Stalker motions for the rest to move out, with them doing so, separating in to two groups with one going to our right and the other to our left.
Continuing to observe the guards movement, I see Stalker glance at me from the corner of my vision.
And a few seconds later his voice reached my ears, a whisper in volume "You doing alright?"
Glancing at him for a moment, before returning my gaze to the guards, I answer "Haven't gotten shot in the back yet."
"Purgatory." Stalker said, his voice turning harsher, sturner, my attempt at humor failing miserably.
"I'll manage." I sigh.
"I know you'll manage, I'm asking if you're doing alright." He continued pressing on.
Staying silent for a few moments another sigh escapes me "I'll be fine as long as nothing excessively bad happens. But all in all, I'm not particularly alright." I respond, the later part of the sentence being closer to a whisper.
Shaking his head he pats me on my shoulder "Don't know what the Commander was thinking with this one."
"No point questioning it now. Let's just finish this as fast as we can, alright?"
"Yeah, I'll do my best." Stalker responded, lightly pushing me in the process.
As we watch the guards in silence my helmets com system starts receiving communication, with it Stalker turns to look at me. Giving him a nod I allow the communication through.
"Raider 1-1 reporting, do you copy Assassin?" the female voice came through the coms as a whisper.
"Assassin 1-2 copies."
"Three more groups of guards have been spotted, same composition as group Alpha. There all positioned on all entrances to the base, so we will have to eliminate one to get inside and properly scout ahead."
Glancing at Stalker, with him giving me a nod, I respond "Affirmative Raider 1-1. All troops return to Assassin 1-1's position." And through the coms the individual troops responded, slowly returning to their starting point, moving as to not be seen.
After a few minutes, with everybody back together, Stalker turned away from the guards and towards the awaiting Reapers.
"Alright, We'll have to take this group out first if we want to move in. Raider 1-1, your man and you don't posses silencers correct?"
"Negative." Came the response.
A few seconds of silence followed as Stalker glanced at the guards "Five silenced Reapers alongside Purgatory, and eight enemies….Purgatory, what do you think your chances are of taking three out in one go?" Stalker asked me, with the other Reapers turning to face me as well.
Turning my head to the guards I stay silent for some time, contemplating my options and chances "It's possible, but if possible I would prefer not taking such a risk. I have no guarantee that I can pull it off."
Stalker shakes his head as he looks at the Reapers "I don't see another option that doesn't involve alerting the other three or potentially more groups of enemies. Anybody got a different idea?"
And the only response that came is silence, indicating that the plan has been decided. And with that sinking in, a shiver runs down my spine.
"Alright, now we need a plan of attack to actually pull this off." Stalker whispered to himself.
Taping his shoulders to get his attention I start pointing out my potential plan "There close to that building, I could attempt to lure some away by making a little noise. It will separate the group and lead them in to range for me to eliminate as well." I elaborate as I point to a snow covered building, some ten meters away from the group.
Nodding his head Stalker motions for everybody to get prepared, with him tapping me on my shoulder, indicating that I am to move in to position as well.
Taking a deep breath I start moving along the edge of the forest, glancing behind me on occasion. Getting closer to my target building, I watch the guards for a little bit, with all of them not looking in this direction I dash out of the forest line and in to a blind spot, putting the building between myself and the guards. Throwing myself on to my stomach as a precaution I stay unmoving for some time until Stalker gives me the all clear to move up, which I promptly do. Keeping a low profile while making my way up to the building. The wind muffling the sound of my footsteps, allowing me to slowly make my way and position myself.
As I slightly lean against the snow mound I hear Stalkers voice come through my coms "I got eyes on you bud. Now on to the hard part, we'll pick targets after they separate. I'll inform you of their movements, so don't peak."
Looking where my friendlies should be located, I nod. Placing my rifle on my back, I unsheathe my knife. The sidearm only to be used if absolutely necessary, seeing how close I am there is a chance of the shot being heard regardless. Taking another deep breath I clean out some of the snow that is covering the building until I reach the wall itself. The building being made from a thin layer of metal, an outpost from the looks of it. Bringing my knife to the wall, I tap it a few times, after which I get in a lunging position and wait.
And after a few seconds Stalkers voice greets me "Negative effect Purgatory. Hostiles haven't moved at all, try again."
Following orders I bring my knife closer to the wall once more, this time tapping it with a bit more force, the sound clearly louder. And by the sound of it, having succeeded in alerting the guards as the Officers distorted voice fills my ears.
Listening in on what the officer is saying, I radio Shadow "Officer's sending troops my way, got a visual?"
"Affirmative, Lancer and two troopers inbound." Stalker whispered to me as radio silence followed.
Listening in I start hearing footsteps through the wind, with them getting steadily closer and closer. Getting ready I prepare my knife. Seconds pass like minutes, and eventually in the deadly silence I see the first glimpse of one of the ADVENT troopers. Wasting no time I lunge forward, dashing by the closest trooper as I swing my knife at the same time. The knife slicing through the first troopers throat with ease, leaving him to fall to his knees and to instinctively grab his throat in a desperate attempt of self-preservation that still remains in him. Losing no momentum I thrust my knife forward from the side, the knife finding its way in to the side of the second troopers neck as well, with it moving up in to the head of the trooper. Ramming the still standing corps out of the way with my shoulder, ripping my knife out in h the process, I charge the Lancer as he raises his rife to fire at me. As I charge I see the bodies of ADVENT soldiers falling behind it as the Reapers fulfill their part of the plan. Lunging forward I manage to thrust my knife from left to right, impaling the Lancers right hand just as he lined up a shot on me, crippling his hand and not allowing him to fire his weapon. Not stopping my assault I thrust my left hand forward, grasping the Lancer by the neck and preventing him from alerting any close by ADVENT with a scream of pain. Pushing forward with all my weight I topple the Lancer over, landing on top of it in the snow. Digging my knee in to his stomach during the fall I knock any air that he had in his system out, releasing my hold on his through in the process to stabilize myself. Raising my knife above my head, I bring it down with great force. The knife piercing the Lancers helmet and entering his cranium, ending his life in an instant.
Glancing up my eyes widen as my left arm shots towards my sidearm. Grasping it and yanking it up I fire two shots in quick succession. The first shot missing entirely while the second one slices through the throat of the ADVENT trooper that was mere moments away from alerting the entire base of our presence with a shout. As the troopers corps falls to the ground I stay motionless as I listen to every sound that I could pick up. After a minute of only wind howling I allow an exhale to escape me as my left arm falls limply to my side, my head hanging in relief when no sound of enemy movements can be found.
Feeling a pressure on my right shoulder, I turn my head to be meet with Stalker crouching next to me. Giving him a nod I push myself off of the dead lancer, removing my blade from the corps in the process. Dragging my hand along the blade I clean it of most blood, returning it to its holster once done. Looking at the entrance I see the Reapers massing around it, with me moving closer as well.
Once there Stalker makes a quick head count before speaking "Alright, we scout the base now. Make sure to stay hidden and move slowly and thoroughly. Purgatory, all things considered, you'll be wait here while we scout up ahead. You're a bit to noticeable for a scouting mission."
Giving him a nod in understanding, the Reapers enter the bases permits. Looking around my attention goes to the ADVENT troopers scattering the ground, there corpses noticeable for anybody were they to move in this general direction. Moving closer I grab the officers and a troopers corps by their back armor and lift them up on to my shoulders. Looking towards the entrance for a moment, I start moving the corpses out of sight, laying them down near the snow covered wall that they once guarded. Hearing no updates from the scouting party I continue to move the corpses out of sight, laying them down in a line and placing their hands on their chests. Finishing up I look at the row of troopers, silently watching their bodies get covered up by snow.
Hearing a soft crunch of snow from behind me, my training kicks in as I swiftly turn around, my left hand already having grabbed by handgun. Looking down its sights I'm meet with the green goggles of a Reaper, the Reaper frozen in place as my barrel rest on their forehead. Staying quiet for a few seconds I slowly lower my handgun, the Reapers arms that they raised in a show of none hostility lowering as well as I see his chest bob up and down in a sigh of relief. Locking gazes with me, the Reaper hovers his finger over his mouth, before motioning for me to follow.
Doing so we enter the base, slowly making our way down the snow covered paths. The occasional ADVENT corps decorating the path as we move by. Rounding a corner I see a group of Reapers stacked up on a corner wall. Slowing my movement we join them as the Reapers glance at me, Stalker in front motioning for me to move up to him.
Crouching next to him, I peek the corner and see why nobody is moving past the corner. A few buildings down, two mutons stand guard at an entrance. Their heads sporadically moving around to inspect the surroundings, with me returning my head behind the corner before one of them spots me. Looking at Stalker he whispers to me "Quiet the predicament right?"
"What's the plan?" I whisper back, my head turning to look at the four Reapers behind us.
"We're waiting on Raider. There setting up claymores on two of the guard posts and will detonate them, that is when we move in to secure the Facility, starting with taking out the two gorillas our front."
"Third guard post?" I ask.
"Raider will intercept them. We will try to sneak in during the commotion and clear out the building. Once we do clear out the building, stealth or not, we're moving in to assist Raider."
Before I get to say anything our radios come alive "Raider 1-1 reporting. We're set over here, give the word."
Locking gaze with Stalker, the two of us turn to look the Reapers behind us, with them nodding at us. Standing up and moving away from the corner, with the Reapers moving in closer, I watch them for a few seconds before speaking to Raider "Raider 1-1, this is Assassin 1-2, go loud."
And the response to my order was the sound of several explosions detonating nearly simultaneously. With the noise Assassin quickly rounded the corner, weapons raised. And a few moments later they open fire on the distracted mutons. Five shots felling the two as their bodies crumble to the ground.
Moving past the Reapers, with them forming up behind me, I keep my handgun trained at the entrance as we move in closer. Stopping in front of it, I position myself so that it's in front of me as the Reapers stack up on the walls on ether side of the door. Grabbing my knife as well, I give Stalker the go ahead, with him throwing the door open. Silence fills the air as I stare down the empty hall, before I move inside the building with the others following after me. Approaching a door I move past it, continuing to look down the hallway until a Reaper moves next to me, with me returning to stack up at the door. Listening through the door the sound of footsteps can be heard. Stalker gives me a signal with me confirming as he signs the same to the Reapers behind him. After a few moments of the Reapers shifting position, the Reaper behind Stalker taps his shoulder as I give him the go ahead.
As Stalker throws the door open the Reaper behind him moves forward and throws a cylindrical object through the door. An ADVENT troopers voice can be heard for a split seconds a small bang echoes, with me dashing in to the room at the sound, the others following me inside.
Talking a split second to gather information I aim my gun at a sectoid that is turning around to face us. My round exiting the barrel and digging in to the sectoids skull before emerging on the other side, blowing the back of the sectoids head open. With the Reapers firing there shots at the troopers that are disoriented from the flashbang. Moving my sight I fire two more shots, taking out a trooper and finishing of an officer that took a shot in the gut.
Securing the room I look towards the back of it, four bodies clad in white coats lay on the ground, all four holding their heads in pain. Moving closer, my gun trained on them, with Stalker doing the same, the four regain their composure as they look at us from the ground.
"W-Wh-" the closest male tried to scream, but I quickly silenced him as I drop my knife and place my hand over his mouth.
The color draining from his skin as my helmet is mere centimeters away from his face. Glancing at the other three I hover my finger over the skeletal jaw my helmet possesses, with them locking up as one manages to slowly nod in understanding. Removing my hand from the males mouth I collect my knife and move away from them, with Stalker taking my place.
Exiting the room I find two Reapers standing outside, one watching the exit while one watches down the hall. Tapping the shoulder of the one watching the hall, he moves behind me as I take his position. A few minutes later I feel a hand on my shoulder as somebody crouches next to me.
"There should be a viper and a trooper guarding the head scientists on the top floor." Stalker whispers to me.
"He's separate from the rest?"
"His request, prefers to work alone…And is an ADVENT supporter from what I could gather."
Glancing at Stalker I stand up, with a minute later getting tapped on the shoulder, indicating that I can move up.
Slowly making our way down the hall, clearing out every room as we move on, we reach the stairs. Before we start heading up a shiver ran down my spine as I turn back to look at the Reapers. As I do I see Stalker throw his weapon up at the level of my head. My eyes widening I snap my head back, raising my handgun as a shot rang out from behind me. At the top of the staircase a yellow figure stand. The vipers hand instinctively grasping her abdomen as blood starts to leak out of it. Pulling the trigger several times in quick succession, three rounds hurl themselves towards the Viper. The first hitting her in the center of her chest, the second one going just below her throat with the last one entering her throat. The vipers body being thrown back from the kinetic energy impacting with her body. Continuing to aim at the top of the staircase, I slowly start making my way up to the top, with several footsteps following me. At the top we find the vipers corps, an orange pool of blood growing around her. Looking down the hall I see no more threats.
Felling a tap to my side I hear Stalkers voice "Concentrate, we'll talk later about what you owe me."
Stepping over the vipers corpse we move down the hall, at the end of which a single door is waiting on us, as two more to the side of it sit silently. Raising a closed fist, I start approaching the doors, gun trained on the center one. Approaching the closest door I see a siluet through the white tinted glass. Stopping dead in my advance I aim my gun at the figure. A few moments later the roar of a mag-rifle echoes out as five heated metal slugs rip through the door and impact with my chest. Stumbling back from the impacts I return fire, with five round from my own weapon shredding the door. My five rounds digging in to the gray body of an ADVENT trooper, sending him crashing back as orange spills out of the holes in the troopers armor.
At the same time, I drop my knife as I rest my hand on my chest, regaining breath from the impacts. As well feeling a burning sensation on my chest as the five rounds heated up my chest plate, transferring large amounts of heat to my skin, the body suit helping to keep the burns to a minimum.
"Purgatory!" I hear Stalker shout as he places his hand on my shoulder.
Shaking my head I grab my knife from the ground "I'm fine, secure the side rooms, I'll take the middle one."
Moving forward I reload my handgun, with the Reapers entering the side rooms I enter the middle one. Inside I find what looks like an office, with a person sitting in front of a console that is mounted on the wall, there back turned to me.
Training my weapon on them I speak "Raise your hands so I can see them, and turn around."
The man looks up at the screen above his console, before glancing back at me, shaking his head as he returns his head to the console "Tell me, what terrorist organization do you belong to?" his voice filled the room, old and gruff, tired as well by the sound of it. Fitting the appearance so far, that being grayed out hair and beard with bags under his brown eyes from the glance I could get.
"X-com. Now do as I said." I order the man.
"No, I don't think I will. Why would I follow whatever a terrorist is saying?" he continues to stare at the screen before him.
"Last warning, If you do not follow what I say I will use force."
"Why do you even bother X-com soldier? Freedom? Hatred? Face it. The Elders are our best chance of survival . We were destroying ourselves before they came along, and organizations like yours still seem hell bend on destroying." The old man spoke, turning to partially look at me.
"We have no future with the Elders. They don't need humans, but they can make use of our bodies. Fighting to end the Elders, to prevent them from turning us in to mindless slaves, that's reason enough."
The old manse hand closed in to fists as he fully turned to face me "You fool! We can't beat them! All we can do is prove ourselves to them and ensure our survival!"
Lowering my gun I look at the old manse eyes "The Elders, they have no plans on keeping us safe. They only want what we can give, and once there is no more to give, they will abandon us to a slow and painful death."
Standing up the man turns to his console, hands on it with his head hanging low "They have done so much good for this planet. New technology, safety. The only reason they are making their troopers is the likes of you! You fools keep aggravating a monster you cannot face!"
Looking down at the ground for a moment, I return my gaze to the old man "I've seen their minds. I've seen their minds in turn when they have seen my mind. They tried to control me once before, and as they did I could understand something from them. They do not care for humanity. They never have and never will." With my words silence filled the room, as the old man put his right hand in his coats pocket.
"Insanity. I have seen the information. If they went to take your mind over they would have. No human can resist a direct Elder attack at their mind." The old man took a deep breath.
Quickly turning around, as he removed his hand from his pocket, I saw a silver object in his right hand. My training kicking in to effect, I raise my handgun and fire a single shot. The sudden change of behavior catching me off guard.
The shot rung out as the old manes body crashed backwards in to his console. The wall mounted screen cracking as the heated slug entered it, followed by it getting covered in crimson. As the old manes body hit the console, it slid down to sit on the floor. His head slumming to face the floor, revealing the gaping hole that the exiting round created.
My aim followed the body as it fell, continuing to aim the corps as I try to make sense of what just happened.
After a few more moments I lower my gun and slowly approach the body. Kneeling next to it I holster my knife and handgun. Hearing something to my right I look up to see Stalker standing at the door frame, watching the aftermath.
Returning my gaze to the body I open his right hand, revealing a small pocket knife in its clutches.
"What happened?" I hear Stalker ask as he moves closer to me.
"I…He acted, and I reacted." I said, standing up and looking at the cracked monitor.
"This will complicate data collection." I mumble.
As the two of us stand motionless in the room a voice comes through the coms "Assassin, this is the Commander, Raider requires assistance. Go."
My head snaps in Stalkers direction as he looks at me as well "Stay here and collect the data, 1-4 will stay to guard you." Stalker said as he ran out the door.
Looking at the door for a few moments I sigh, glancing at the old manes body I move to the nearby table and collect the sheath that covers it. Moving to the humans corps I crouch down and cover it with the white cloth. Staring at the stain of red at the head area that is slowly growing larger, I stand up and move to the console.
Looking at it I pull out my data pad. Regretfully I could not bring my GREMLIN along, seeing as he would have been quiet useful for this. The extreme cold would have resulted in malfunctions, and it would appear that Shen only had time to add heat padding to the Commanders GREMLIN. Working through the setback in silence, I pick up on the sound of gunfire outside. The sound of mag-rifles being the most numerous out of all the noise. After a few minutes the sound of combat stopped, and in time I form the connection and begin the data transfer.
Hearing footsteps approaching, I look at the door and hover my hand over my sidearm. A few seconds later a Reaper, 1-4 enters.
"Good, you didn't pull your gun on me this time. Come, Raider has an injured that could use you right about now." 1-4 said as he motioned for me to follow.
Making a last check that the data transfer is continuing, I follow the Reaper out. Entering the ground floor he leads me in to one of the rooms we cleared. Inside Stalker and Raider 1-1 are waiting at the door, while on a nearby table a Reaper lay on it, a crimson liquid slowly dripping down the tables side.
At my entrance 1-4 leaves with Raider 1-1 motioning to the injured Reaper "Took a shot to the stomach. Can you help her?"
Giving a nod I move closer to the injured Reaper. Standing above her I inspect her on a surface level. Consistent blood flow, but light. She's applying pressure to the wound so that helped. Skin is a normal pigment, so blood loss is at the smaller side. Looking at her face, I see her staring at me. Clearly uncomfortable. Understanding why, given where she is staring at, I remove my helmet and place it on a nearby table that Stalker moved closer while I was doing the surface level inspection. Taking of my backpack I remove my armored gauntlets and fetch a pair of gloves from the backpack.
Putting them on, I start to prepare everything I'll need, as well I glance at Raider 1-1 "Tell me, did the round exit the body, or is it still inside?" I ask her, not seeing the back of the Reaper, I chose to simply ask.
"There's no exit wound." She responds, as I hum in understanding.
Take an injection in hand I move to the Reapers side. Taking her arm in hand, I pull the cloth back and inject the substance inside.
"Don't worry, when you wake up you'll be ether heading home, or already there." I told the Reaper as I finish injecting the sedative.
Watching over her, I see the sedative taking affect as she falls asleep, turning to begin the rest of the procedure I head Raider 1-1 from behind me "That stuff works fast."
Continuing with my work I speak up "I'm a field medic of sorts. On the field every seconds counts, so I have been given very strong sedatives to use. As well, this is a situation needing precision, leave." I simply stated the end, giving no room to argue.
And after a few seconds I hear the door close behind me, leaving me in silence with my patient. The procedure itself, compared to some other one might have to do on the field, is quiet easy to do, and given the location as well, this should not take too long. But even so, caution is key for any operation. There is no rushing to be taken, for one wrong cut and I can potentially loss my patient. One slip up, no mater how miniscule, could have catastrophic results for the patient. So going slow and steady is truly the only proper option.
And about an hour later, I finish the procedure. The bullet removed, the bleeding kept to a minimum, and a living patient sleeping in front of me. Removing the gloves I throw them away and take in a deep breath. One last time I inspect the wound before cleaning up my equipment. Putting on the gauntlets and helmet, as well throwing my backpack on again. I exit the room, finding two Reapers guarding the door. With the sound of the door opening the two Reapers turn to face me.
"Bullet's removed and she's stable. Keep somebody inside to monitor her status. I have to see how the data transfer is doing." I inform the two Reapers, with them nodding at me, with one heading inside and the other heading for another room, as I move upstairs in to the head researchers office. Entering I pick up my data pad, seeing that the data transfer was done quiet some time ago.
Walking back down I see Stalker approaching me "Purgatory, follow me for a bit."
And so I do. As we exit the building I inform Stalker of the finished data transfer, but before he gets to respond to that I stop as I look at an interesting sight. That sight being a cleaned up space in front of what looks like a hanger, with the Skyranger landed in front of the hanger.
"I believe I need context to this situation?"
Stalker points up to a hole in the hangers wall "We saw something interesting inside, so we need you pry the hanger doors open. There frozen shut."
Shrugging my shoulders I walk up to the hanger doors. Getting a good grab on one of them I tug on it a few times, the doors creaking in complaint. Nodding to myself I take a deep breath, and pull at the door. The large doors start creaking even more, with me slightly sliding in the process. Grunting I dig my feet in to the ground, my arms beginning to steadily shake as I pull. After a few more moments Stalker ducks under my arms and positions himself in front of me, grabbing on to the door as well and helping pry it open. A shatter echoes in the air as the door moves forward. With it open slightly I stop pulling and grab on to the now open door for better grip, with Stalker doing the same. Stalker begins counting down, and at the same time we tug on the door. More shattering filling the air until whatever was holding the door gives in, with a loud cracking noise the door started sliding open. Resulting in Stalker stumbling back and falling over and myself catching my footing before I meet a similar fait.
Regaining my composure and helping Stalker up we move inside of the Hanger, some more Reapers entering with us. Looking inside the hanger we're meet with darkness as all the windows are covered in snow and ice. Only seeing siluets inside the darkness I reaching for my rifle, take it in hand and turning on the flashlight it has. Having illumination I start lighting up the area, and towards the back of the hanger Stalkers object of interest is found. Looking at it we slowly start approaching the object, or rather, vehicle.
Stopping only a few meters away from it I lean closer to Stalker "What is it exactly?"
In response Stalker walks up to the vehicle. Dragging his hand over the side of its elongated chasse, right above the….wheals? No not wheals, not made of rubber but rather metal. And surrounding said metal wheals is a strip of metal. On top of the vehicles flattened chasse a protrusion sits. The protrusion having, by the looks of it, a rather large gun of sorts sticking out. The entire vehicle being coated in a dark green color.
After a few seconds Stalker turns to face me "This, my friend, is a very well preserved BMP-3."
Moving closer as well I place my own hand on it "BMP-3? What does that stand for?"
"If I recall correctly, it literally means Infantry fighting vehicle – 3 in Russian."
"Боевая машина пехоты?" I ask Stalker.
He looks up at me in silence for a few seconds "Uhh….yeah, sure."
"I see." I said, inspecting the BMP-3.
"Wait a minute. Why the hell do you even know Russian?" Stalker asks me.
"I was taught." I responded simply and quickly.
Turning back to Stalker I ask him "So, what do we do with it?"
"Now, I have a chat with the Commander on what to do with it. While I do that, can you open the door fully? Oh, and open the second one as well." Stalker responded, with him calling for the Commander immediately.
Shaking my head I do what I'm told to. Opening the second door was easier than the first, Having more room to maneuver and less connecting them. After a few minutes Stalker walked out of the Hanger and approached me.
"Alright so, Shen heard of the BMP, so now not bringing back to the Avenger isn't even an option. That's the good news by the way. The bad news is that we get to figure out how to get it back."
Cocking my head to the side I speak "Well, the Skyranger hopefully. I severely doubt that whatever fuel source it used can be used after twenty or so years. Not to mention that every component is most definitely frozen solid by now."
"You know what the worst part to you saying that is? The fact that you meant that seriously." Stalker deadpanned.
"We're still on a mission. The time for jokes can come later, don't you agree?" I ask Stalker.
With a heavy sight he nods.
"Go inspect the hanger for anything useful. How much does a BMP weigh, if you so happen to know?"
As he moves towards the hanger he responds "Not sure, around twenty tons?"
"Given the lack of accurate data on this, let's estimate the weight at twenty-five tons. Better to overcompensate on something like this if we are to transport it via air."
"Sure, sure, whatever you say boss." Stalker said as he entered the hanger, with me standing outside of it pondering how to actually do this.
"Hey! I'm the one in charge here, why are you giving me orders?" Stalker shouted as he poked his head out of the hanger.
Not even bothering to look at him I respond "Did you find anything useful? No? Than why are you still here?"
And no response came, but I did catch Stalker mumble something as he went back inside of the hanger.
It took many hours for us to plan this out. In the end we found an excessive amount of chains inside while searching the other hangers. Resulting in us chaining the BMP to Firebrands underbelly via her landing gear. The added weight and drag ensured that the trip back to the Avenger will be a slow one, with us having to drop off Raider as well, resulting in an even slower trip back. The scientists for the time being are going to the Avenger, where further decisions on what to do with them will be done at a later date. As for now, all I can do is sit and wait to reach the Avenger, might as well continue reading about that MEC while I got the spare time….