XCOM: The Unknown Menace

by Hobbes

This is my take on the story of the First Alien War (1999-2003), following the plot of UFO Defense. THE STORY IS COMPLETE - Warning: Some of the reviews contain major spoilers!

26. Defection

X-Com: The Unknown Menace

Chapter Twenty-Five –Defection

March 26th, 2001

Area 51, Nevada, US

Well, can you read my thoughts? Johnson was staring at Markovitch's face, resting on his left side with his head standing over one of his arms. They were both lying naked on his bed but she was on his back, shifting her gaze between him and the ceiling. After some seconds she noticed how he was looking at her and dropped her head to her right. "I know what you are thinking. You are thinking if I know what is going on your mind".

His eyes opened wide with amazement and she laughed at his reaction, knowing that she had hit the mark. "Don't worry Erwin, I'm just teasing you. Everyone who has looked at me today probably made doing that same question to themselves".

He looked the other way and slowly exhaled. "Yeah. Well sorry for staring but I guess the rest of us that don't have that skill will take some time to get accustomed to the idea". He stroked her cheek. "You're just being human". She replied before locking her fingers into his. "Curiosity isn't wrong but it will take time before you stop looking at us as if we were freaks. I've talked to some of the others who also checked high on psionics and we also don't know what to think or do about the whole situation".

"Yeah, I guess you're right". He decided to change the subject. "How did it go today at the lab?" She looked at her left arm and checked the electrodes implanted on her skin halfway between her wrist and her elbow. Feeling tempted to scratch on them; she tried to control the impulse knowing that she might start a rash on the spot. "I'm still uncomfortable about this things stuck in me. Dr. Young says they are needed to connect the psionics amplifier to my nerve system but I wished that there were no need for them.

He started to caress her arm but she moved it away. "Don't. They tickle. I prefer not to remember that I'm wearing them". Nodding, Johnson set his head down on the pillow. "Shall we get some sleep now?"

The tone on his voice made her preoccupied with him. She had sensed that something was wrong with him from ever since he had talked to Vaughn. First she had thought that it might had something to do with the discovery of her Psionic skills but noticing how he had been acting in the previous week, she wasn't sure anymore. There was something that he wasn't telling her and the mere thought of it was gnawing at her. It was as suddenly his confidence had been brought down. Or it could just be her nightmares that were troubling her and making her project her own loss of self-confidence into others.

She remembered the words of Dr. Young as she had started to train with the device that had been originally developed by the rescued scientist at New Mexico. "More than control, Psionics is a projection of your own self into the others. The more you are able to do so, the more successful you will be into forcing your will into others". She wondered if she wasn't doing it also with Johnson unconsciously, allowing her own fears to grow into him. After all, Dr. Young had also told them that the more they practiced the more proficient they would become into their use. Like riding a bicycle or performing any task, training was one of the essential aspects of them.

Feeling coldness growing inside of her, she closed her eyes and tried to control it but she failed. Images of a dark room, where something was lurking on the darkness, an irresistible attraction that also made her fearful invaded her. She felt completely naked inside, sending shivers down her spine, as if a million alien eyes were watching her in the shadows. Feeling her head going dizzy, the room slowly changed and the presence was suddenly closer, almost touching her body, as if she was inside a dark pool of a murky substance that took all the strength away from her. Almost jumping on the bed, she screamed loud. "No!"

Johnson recoiled from her in surprise. "Gosh! What's the matter? You don't want to sleep?" The presence and warmness of his body started to flow again through her senses, taking away the last residues of her vision. Moving closer to him, she replied. "Sorry it's just that….." She came at a loss of words. "I can't explain". Feeling that she was shaking he moved to closer to her and put the blankets on top of both. "You're freezing".

"Yeah and I feel that way also inside". Using his hand to lift her cheek he kissed her on the lips. "I'm here. Don't worry about the nightmares. They are only bad dreams". His words struck something inside her. "But that's the point Erwin. More and more I feel that they are real!"

"Hey, everybody has had nightmares with one or two aliens before. I had also my share of being chased by Chrysallids without any weapons. They are normal".

"But that it Erwin! With one or two aliens! Not with all of them!" Johnson got himself up until he was seated on the bed. "All of them? What do you mean?"

"Sometimes I fell a presence as if something is watching over me, controlling what I do or trying to. It scares the hell out of me because I remember when the alien back at New Mexico tried to mind control me. But at the same time it's less intense, as if it is far away". He started to look seriously at her. "Are you sure of what you're saying"

"Yes…no dammit! I keep thinking that I'm becoming paranoid, I'm afraid that I might be using these damn psionics to see aliens everywhere. Like that scientist back at New Mexico. He told me about this great alien presence while we're alone but I juts thought that he had gone wacko after spending all of those years imprisoned by the aliens".

"Why haven't you told me this before?"

Uncertainty started to grasp at her. "I don't know. I don't know how you would react or anyone else on this base if I told them of these dreams. I suspect that the base shrink must already think that I have a couple of screws lose inside my head". Surprisingly to her the vulnerability started to disappear as soon as the last words came out from her mouth.

Looking back at him, she noticed that he had gone into some deep thinking but, on contrary to what she expected, the matter seemed to be growing strength into him. "Sheila, what if I tell you that you might be right?" Her eyes opened wide with wonder. "What do you mean?"

"I can't explain and even if I could I probably couldn't tell you. Not right now at least. But what you said made sense to me. And I trust that what you are saying is right but don't discuss it with anyone else besides me at the moment, OK?"

The tips of her lips moved upward in a small grin as she felt overwhelmed with a feeling of comprehension and joy that came unexpected. "You really trust me on this?"

He moved closer to kiss her and replied. "As long as you trust that I love you".

March 28th, 2001

Manhattan, New York City, US

Officers Smith and Wallis of the New York Police Department had just pulled up their squad car into a deserted Wall Street whose sidewalks and tall buildings were only lit up by the streetlights. They had been assigned to the graveyard shift and they still had four hours left before they could pack things up and head back to their precinct. The patrol car cruised gently and slow down the main street of NY's financial district. Wallis, a policeman that looked barely out of high school, with a clean face and red hair was driving and trying to get focused on his job while Smith rode shotgun and yawned most of the time. The older officer had a large but trimmed mustache and his head was already starting to show signs of baldness.

"What's that?" Wallis called as he lowered the speed of the car and pointed towards a figure that was standing still away from them on the opposite side of the street. Smith didn't even barely bothered to watch. "Is he doing something illegal?"

"He's pointing something at the Stock Exchange building". Looking back at the rookie freshly graduated from the Academy, Smith decided that Wallis still needed to learn a lot of things about patrols, specially on how not to bother his partner with stupid things. "Pointing something?"

"Yeah, just look". Smith turned his face to the figure as they approached him. It seemed more to be one of the homeless, with a blanket placed over his head. Probably he was just on a drunken stupor and the thing was nothing more than a bottle of booze. "You mean that fella there? Don't they teach you out on the Academy to distinguish between real criminals from homeless?" The patronizing tone made Wallis furious but he kept it to himself and drove away from the figure.

As they kept driving he took a look at the rear mirror and what he saw made him hit the breaks, sending Smith's face crashing down the glove compartment. Getting back on his seat he rubbed the side of his head that was hurting and demanded. "What was that about you idiot?!"

"There's a violet light in the middle of the street behind us!" That's it. Smith decided that the kid needed one hell of a lecture from the Captain. Still keeping his eyes on the mirror he suddenly warned. "There's a large thing standing on the middle of the street!" Smith also decided that he had been paying too much attention to the briefing that had been made the month before about the UFOs. "Wallis, are you just stupid or are have you been drinking from the same bottle as the bum?"

"Just look!" The sound of his voice made Smith wonder what was going on. Turning his body, his vision came upon the middle of Wall Street. But instead of being deserted like it usually was at this time of the night he found a large thing on the middle of it of a dark color. "What is that!?" Looking closely he saw that it occupied all of the road and that it was hovering five foot above the ground. From the distance it looked saucer shaped but he couldn't make any more features on it.

Suddenly a noise started to be heard, coming from the direction of the saucer and sounding like a nest of angry bees. Smith reached for the radio but discovered that it wasn't working. At the same time Wallis shouted while turning several times the keys on the ignition: "The car is dead. It won't start!"

The pitch of the sound increased until Smith and Wallis had to put his hands to his ears. His eardrums seemed as if they were about to rupture when finally a blue light beam emerged from the craft and hit the closest building. The high pitch noise stopped all of the sudden but it was quickly replaced by the crack of lightning that was coming from the object. Swirling through the air, the rays of electricity divided themselves and hit all of the area surrounding the craft, exploding traffic lights and lamp poles and carving blackened lines on the fronts of the buildings. One of the lightning beams suddenly hit the back of the police car and both officers immediately ducked and closed their eyes.

A few seconds later, as they opened them back again they found that the thing was gone. But it had left its mark since Wall Street was now completely covered with darkness. Wallis and Smith looked at one another but before anyone said anything the radio went active, filled with request calls.

March 30th, 2001

Virginia, US

"And on today's news, President Vaughn is scheduled to attend to a joint session of Congress tomorrow regarding the recent incident on NY's Stock Exchange that led to its total incapacitation. A Treasury Department spokesman has stated today that the collapse of the transaction equipment and records that occurred on strange circumstances two nights ago 'cannot be attributed to a single computer failure because of the safeguards built into the system'. Later on, the Pentagon has admitted that it had tracked a craft of unknown origin over Manhattan, as the initial reports of witnesses on the area claimed but it was premature to link it to the incident. However the cause, its effects are already starting to affect the economy: a record number of bankruptcy suits have been filed into courts according to today's edition of the Wall Street Journal. The paper, whose computer system has also suffered a severe malfunction, cites inside sources from a number of companies such as…"

Williams slowly breathed and decided not to pay any more attention to his car radio. He switched it off and tried to think of something else but the whole matter had been on his mind from ever since yesterday. It all pointed that the aliens were the responsible for the whole case but he was off the case now. And he couldn't know more about the situation than by what was being leaked into the press, since the people he knew to be investigating the matter would simply not pick up the phone or refuse to comment the situation with them.

Keeping his eyes on the freeway, he checked his watch and saw that he would get late for dinner again. The rush hour was already gone and with it most of the commuter traffic that left Washington into the suburbs around. This part of the highway had three lanes and he was on the right one waiting for his exit to appear. The Sun had already set and there was a light rain that was covering the road.

The car behind him flickered its high beams to signal that it would pass him but he barely took notice since there was more than enough space on the highway who was now clear of vehicles. As the other car pulled alongside him he decided at its direction to check the driver out of curiosity.

The black sedan moved slowly until he saw the passenger's window. Looking from the corner of his eyes, Williams noticed that it was open, which struck him as bizarre because of the rain that was falling. Turning his head, he saw a man dressed in a black suit, white shirt and tie also black that seemed to be looking back at him although with the dark glasses he was wearing he couldn't tell. That was even more strange since it was already night but as he looked again his heart stopped as he noticed the muzzle of a gun coming out from other car's window.

March 31st, 2001

Swiss government facility outside Geneve, Switzerland

The meeting of the Council of Funding Nations had already started the worst way possible. Instead of the fourteen nations that had been present on the last reunion, now the chair reserved for the Italian representative was empty. Contacted by the Secretary-General the night before, the response of Italy's Prime Minister had been that they had decided to leave X-Com.

The news had thrown the capitals of the other European nations in turmoil as the governments that were still a part of X-Com were trying to deal with the new crisis. From what Illyuschenko had heard and from the detection of the Battleships over Europe a couple of weeks ago, it seemed that Italy had just joined the alien's side. There was already a lot of talk by the UK, France, Germany and Spain to consider taking measures against Italy for their treason but no one was sure of what to do. The European Union had also been put at stake by what had just happened. The EU was also starting to suffer the effects of the Stock Market crash on NY provoked by the loss of all the transaction data. Everyone was already cringing from its side effects and although there was no direct proof of it yet, the overfly made in that night by the UFO of New York could well mean that the aliens had something to do with the matter. But if Italy also decided to leave the EU or if the other nations applied any pressure on the country, it would most likely accentuate the economic and financial crisis that was starting to be felt all over the world.

Although Illyuschenko was worried, he also didn't try to pay to it much attention. The contributions from each individual country to X-Com would surely drop, but the most of his finance was coming from other means so he would just have to increase the number of laser weapons available to the black market. And while they couldn't overfly Italy's airspace anymore, the Firestorms allowed that any UFO that tried to land there would be shot down well before it reached Italy's borders.

He felt the hand of Colonel Robinson touching him and he turned his head towards him as they both moved back inside after the recess. "What's the matter?"

The X-Com's intelligence officer's gaze flickered for a second to the assembly of councilmen in front of them before replying. "The US is now the next speaker on the list". Illyuschenko shrugged his shoulders. "They will probably just prove more of their evidence regarding the NY incident. There was nothing that we could have done".

"Maybe, but I've sent you the reports of what Johnson told me about their meeting. They could also push for more control of X-Com and in the current situation their request will distract this meeting from more pressing matters". Illyuschenko's head nodded in reluctance. "I know. The Avenger project has already suffered too much criticism but it has to go on no matter what the cost. Is everything set with the Odyssey?"

"Dr. Mantell is personally overseeing the preparations back at Florida. I pray that this should work". Illyuschenko looked at him. "I did not imagine you to rely on praying". Robinson's blank face almost seemed as if he was smiling but, after a second he turned his attention to the start of the meeting.

After the formal introductory steps were taken for the reunion of the Council to restart, the US councilman asked for the word and Bomaka conceded it. As he lift himself from his seat and asked for the data that he had brought to be shown, Illyuschenko rotated his chair backwards to see what the big fuss was all about. The electronic screen behind them flashed and resolved into a satellite picture.

The image showed an airfield, with twin runways parallel one to another, the black concrete standing against the lighter terrain. The US councilman started to speak: "This is a picture taken by our reconnaissance satellites of the Trang Hao airbase in China. Following the discovery of the alien base made on New Mexico and the failure of X-Com to previously notify my government about the finding, we started to make surveillance runs of the countries known to be associated with the aliens. And we found this".

One of the areas on the picture enlarged itself until it came to an image about its real size. It was one of the medium scout types used by the aliens, resting in the tarmac of the airbase. And close to it two figures seemed to be engaged in conversation. Looking closer Illyuschenko didn't know if to feel marveled at the resolution of the satellite or to be worried. A human pilot wearing a helmet could be seen, but the other figure was a Sectoid, its bulging head clearly making it distinguishable. After some seconds the image was removed and replace by another one, of a Supply Ship parked on the runway.

Illyuschenko moved closer to Robinson and spoke in a whisper. "The base we suspected". Robinson nodded. "I'm more worried about that pilot there".

"Apparently China has decided to allow the aliens access to their bases". The American councilman started. "We find this extremely disturbing. God only knows what they might be doing over there, but we are concerned more about this". The view of the airbase now settled himself upon a Large Scout. The picture had been taken this time from a more oblique position, revealing one of the sides of the craft instead of only proving a view from the top. In one of its arms it displayed Chinese characters and one another a red star in the center of a red rectangle, all defined in gold.

"This is a threat gentlemen. Our radar tracks of the UFO in New York that we suspect was responsible for the Stock Market Exchange seems to have never left Earth's atmosphere. If that's so, then its most likely point of origin is from this airbase". A drop of murmurs went through the room. Illyuschenko asked to speak and Bomaka nodded to himself, trying to control the noise.

"Mr. Councilman, you have no proof of that. You are just guessing!" The American replied. "Really Commander? In that case can X-Com show us their own evidence? Have you detected the craft on your own radars? If so, why didn't you acted?" Illyuschenko growled, wishing that the hyperwave detector at Area 51 had gone operational sooner. "No. We had no warning also".

"Are you sure of that Commander? And please tell me how you also missed spotting that alien base, when China was one of the most likely candidates to house such a facility. Or is it that you just decide to spy on the countries present on this Council?"

Robinson got from his chair to prevent Illyuschenko's sure outburst. "Mr. Councilman, we had suspicions of its existence but we hadn't been able to effectively pin it. If we had had access to your satellites…:"

He lifted one finger. "Ah yes, access. Even if you had access with them, what would have you done, Colonel, to act upon this information? Let me tell you: nothing!"

Restraining himself, Illyuschenko looked at Bomaka who understood the request and tried to defuse the situation. "Mr. Councilman, X-Com's performance will never be one hundred percent satisfactory to everyone. They would have detected this later for sure…"

"Mr. Secretary-General, from what I've seen for my own eyes and for what I've read on the records of all the sessions, X-Com's performance can quite falter, can't it? I concede that they have achieved some victories but it seems to me that they are only able to react to the aliens and not develop a strategy to force the aliens instead to react to us". Bomaka nodded, thinking that the other man had stopped his tirade. "Your protest is recorded, Mr. Councilman".

"Yes, well the US wishes to make a final announcement, in the light of all of this. Our monthly review of the X-Com project this month has shown it to be highly unsatisfactory. And if the rumors about Italy turn out to be truth, the defection of that country only reinforces our position on this matter. X-Com should be able to protect us against these subversion threats but, instead there are a number of factors that plague it with chronic instability. Furthermore, it has clearly decided to stick to a wrong strategy, one that now has allowed for the global economy to be greatly hurt and which goes against the US's interests. China's access to alien technology shouldn't be taken lightly".

"What is your point?" Singh, the Indian ambassador had rose from his chair, tired of the US rumbling. "We are all being affected by this, not only the US so please move on". The other man paused for a moment and smiled. "I was just getting there. According to President's Vaughn decision, the US will abandon the X-Com project from today and pursue a different strategy regarding the alien situation, one who also deals with the countries that are supporting the aliens on Earth.

This message is also being relayed to your governments through our ambassadors spread out through the world. My country wishes also to make clear that we are not in any sort of negotiations with the Sectoid Hierarchy at the moment nor are we planning to in the future. Finally we are inviting all the nations here on this council and a number of selected others to join us on this effort to effectively deal with the menace".

The room stood in silence for a second as the gravity of his words set upon all the men and women present. It then erupted in a full discussion as some delegates shouted out accusations at the US councilman while others kept quiet, watching them and reflecting on what had just been said. Illyuschenko also got up from his chair and started to move towards the councilman but Bomaka and Robinson stopped him on his way.

"There is no point in that" Robinson voice was cold. "We have more important things to attend to before any attempt to solve this confusion". Bomaka and Illyuschenko both looked at Robinson who explained. "We need to know where Colonel Johnson stands in the middle of all of this".

Illyuschenko looked at him. "X-Com is about to fall apart, in case you haven't noticed. Why is that the most important thing right now?"

"The Ufopedia research data and the facilities back at Nevada. If the US regains possession of those we are as good as dead but if we maintain them the other countries will think twice before following them".

The Pentagon, Washington D.C., US

Johnson had chosen to wear his old US uniform so that his presence in the Pentagon would pass unnoticed. He had pinned of the military decorations that had been attributed to him over a decade long of conflicts: the Silver Star won in Iraq, the Distinguished Service Cross of Panama and his Purple Hearts, issued after injuries taken in Bosnia while on X-Com's service. But he had removed his former unit patch from his left shoulder and had it replaced by the one depicting a Wolverine worn by the members of First Company, X-Com's North America Command.

As he walked inside General Thompson's office, the four-star general was on his feet and he saluted him. Returning the salute, Thompson then heartily took his hand on a shake and asked him to take off his service cap and sit down in two comfortable sofas in one corner of the room. As they did, an aide came by and offered them cigars, which Johnson politely refused. Thompson took out one and before he cut the end and lit it up he commented. "I know these things are terrible for you but in certain occasions you simply can't dispense them, if you don't mind".

Johnson signaled him to move forward and lit it up. "Please General". The higher officer took a number of deep breaths from it and looked at the cigar afterwards with satisfaction. Johnson waited for a moment, before speaking. "General, if I might ask, why have I been asked to come here? President Vaughn's request only mentioned something of an award, although it didn't specify which and I'm not sure…."

"Relax Johnson". He put down the cigar on a crystal ashtray. "President Vaughn asked me to present his apologies but he wasn't able to come here because of an unexpected business for him to attend as urgently as possible.

But as for the reason for you being here, let's just say that he thinks that there might have been some difficulties lately between you and him. He wishes to clear all things up so that you can keep on doing the terrific job you have performed until now, defending our country of the aliens".

Nodding his head, Johnson replied. "I see. Well it's my wish also that things could be better between my force and the US leadership".

Thompson extended a hand making him stop. "They will, don't worry". Reaching for his uniform's inside pocket he dug out a white envelope. "Let's stop talking and go to what brought you here shall we?" Pointing it out at him, Johnson reached and grabbed it.

Examining it, he saw that it was locked and had the presidential seal on its face. Looking back at Thompson, the General nodded to him with an exuberant face. "Open it up. You've damn earned it".

Finding an open space along the seam of the envelope, he put his index finger and flipped it open, breaking the seal. Looking inside, he saw a paper and some insignia on the bottom. He fished both of them out and looked at the pins: they were brigadier general's stars, gleaming in silver and five-pointed. Johnson looked back at Thompson who simply told him to read the paper.

Scanning through his contents, the document was is promotion as a brigadier general, in recognition of his efforts in the current conflict and of his leadership capabilities. It also appointed him a combat command, consisting of the 11th Air Assault Division, US Army. Johnson became surprised, as he had never heard of that unit but the bigger shock when was when he saw the home base of the division: Area 51, Nevada. The paper ended with Vaughn's signature.

Looking back at the paper on his right hand and the insignia on his left, he didn't know what to do. Thompson got up and extended his hand to him, saying: "Congratulations General".

Johnson didn't reach for his hand. He merely stood there still seated and asked: "I'm not understanding the meaning of all of this, sir". Thompson feigned a reaction of surprise but he quickly covered it. "Of course you aren't. Well it's President Vaughn's way of welcoming you back to us". A dreadful feeling come over Johnson's mind. "What do you mean sir? I'm still on X-Com".

Thompson smiled. "Not anymore general. Our councilman by now must have already announced the decision on X-Com's Council: as of today, the US is no longer a participant in X-Com. We now will fight the aliens on our own".

Blinking his eyes, Johnson couldn't believe the words that he had just heard. "Excuse me General? He can't just do that".

"Well, he did and to tell you the truth I had my reservations against X-Com right from the beginning. But as you recall, I strongly supported your nomination for it, knowing that you would do a great job. And now we want you to continue that work, only this time we are placing you a bigger responsibility". He winked at Johnson. "The word is that the President might afterwards create a new combat command, with forces taken from all the services to deal with the alien situation. In that case we will sure need a competent general to lead it, which probably means that you will be one of the youngest two-star general ever. But don't worry about that for now, because first we want you to raise and train a full division to fight the aliens and their allies using the latest technology and tactics". That last part made Johnson decide his mind. "Latest technology and tactics?"

"Why yes. You have years of experience on how to use the laser and plasma weapons to their best. We need someone that can fully understand how to use the weapons stored at Area 51 and Pollock".

Putting the envelope down on the table in front of him, Johnson got up. "I'm sorry general but please tell the President that I will have to refuse his offer. And please tell him also that I won't surrender either Area 51 or Pollock back to US control". Thompson's mood quickly turned from cordiality to one more of concern. "General, I will ignore that. This is a request but also an order".

"My position remains. Area 51 and Pollock belong to the UN, not the US and I follow orders from Commander Illyuschenko now. If my country decides to leave X-Com then I will regret that decision but I won't join it on your folly".

"Johnson, you can't do that. Those bases are ours and this is not an offer. The President, your Commander in Chief is giving you a direct order. Don't be a fool and follow it". Thompson's tone had gone more threatening. "His orders have no effect over me. And even if they did I most likely would have to refuse them somewhere in the future. I will not fight any other human beings on this war. That is pure madness and God knows where it might lead us to".

He started to turn to leave but Thompson's voice made him stop. "You're not going anywhere Colonel". Making a hand sign, a quartet of armored military police entered the room. "Take the Colonel into custody".

Johnson looked at the men then back at Thompson. "You can't do this. You have no jurisdiction over me under military law!" One of the MPs drew his sidearm and armed it. Seizing the opposition he decided that it would be foolish to try anything. Even if he managed to pass through this group there would be more security outside.

Conceding defeat, he didn't offer any resistance as they approached and cuffed him. "Now we have Colonel. And I'm sorry to say but I will doubt if the court martial will pay any attention to your arguments. After all, these are times of wars and they usually are not condescend with deserters and officers who neglect their responsibilities and the chain of command". Pushing him, they brought him out of Thompson's office, who reached for a phone.

Area 51, Nevada, US

"What is going on?" Markovitch's head was still fuzzy from being awake early on the morning and from a swing that a Muton had given to her helmet the day before. Her platoon was supposed to be free of duty for today but Patterson had ordered her presence in the Colonel's office.

Also moving down the corridor, Captain Jerrel had a scruffy appearance with his beard grown. The man hadn't had time to shave and the jumpsuit he was wearing was all rumpled. "I dunno. Isn't the Colonel supposed to be in Washington? Why are we meeting at his office?"

Seeing that he was in dark the same as her, she shook her head and opened the door. Majors' Patterson and Prescott were already inside, standing together with Captain Cruz, who had just been recently promoted to command Fourth Platoon. "Major, what is going on?" She demanded.

"Sit all Captain. Colonel Jackson has ordered me to assemble all of you here for an announcement".

"Jackson? What does he want? And where is the Colonel?" Her tone seemed to be annoying Patterson. "I don't know. But the Colonel Jackson said that it concerns him". Markovitch gave him a look of bewilderment but she decided to sit down in one of the chairs. Patterson then turned on the communications screen on Johnson's desk, who flicked on with the sign of X-Com. After some seconds Jackson appeared on the screen.

"Good morning all. I have important orders regarding the base. About an hour ago I received orders from National Command Authority, through the Secretary of Defense. According to Executive Order 72/02 the US has now left X-Com. The same order states that Colonel Johnson has been relieved of command of Area 51. It also places me over command of all the US military personnel and equipment that were assigned to X-Com. We are still to continue the fighting against the aliens and any Earth country allied with them but now we will be assigned to a newly created US combat unit".

The five officers looked at the screen in disbelief. Markovitch cut in immediately. "What? Where is Johnson?"

"Colonel Johnson has been placed into custody following charges of disobeying a direct, superior order. He is presently at Washington and behind transported to a military prison where he will remain until he's presented to a court martial". Markovitch wanted to ask what the hell was going on but Jackson started again to speak commands. "Major Patterson!" Following his training the other officer nearly jumped into attention. "Yes sir!"

"For now you will be the temporary commander of Area 51. My orders are as follows:

All radio and hyperwave communications with X-Com are to be ceased immediately. The base's research facilities and databanks containing the Ufopedia are now classified. You will deploy a security force to protect them and no one is even allowed to come near them without my personal permission. Access to the base armory and Elerium depot is also to be restricted to the security personnel. All aircraft is to be grounded and no flights with the outside are allowed. Finally, all non-US combat personnel and civilians are to be restrained to their quarters. Failure to comply with any of these orders will be considered an act of treason and the offenders are to be placed into custody. Do all of you understand and acknowledge this?"

The assembled officers complied but Markovitch affirmative was barely heard. "Good. Colonel Johnson made a mistake that he will regret for the rest of his life. Just play smart and follow your orders and pretty soon we will resume the fighting. Colonel Jackson". The five officers stood for a while looking at the blank monitor until they left the room without speaking a word.

Military Penitentiary, Maryland, US

The prison guards had for long put the lights out but Johnson hadn't even bothered to try to sleep. He was seated on the bed of his prison cell, a stone rectangle standing on the ground against one of the walls and covered which a mattress blankets. To his left a small grated window provided him with a glimpse of the outside but it would provide no escape. Its bars were of thick solid steel and his cell was located on the fifth floor, meaning that he would at least break his legs if he tried to jump to the patio below. The other contents of his cell were a toilet placed in a square of concrete in one of the corners and a sink right beside it.

Hearing the footsteps of one of the military guards passing by, he looked at the door to his right. It was also made of solid steel and it had two openings, one at the level of the eyes and another at the waist, but they were closed so he couldn't see the MP walking down the corridor.

Well, everything is really fucked-up now. Raising his legs, he put his head on the top of his knees and stood there thinking. I sure hope that Vaughn didn't manage to get his hands on Area 51. But why shouldn't he? I wonder if X-Com even still exists anymore now that we are out of it. At least it would be better if we had access to the secrets of X-Com: Sheila and the others could continue the fighting in even terms with the aliens. The memories of her came down on him and he grimaced. I guess that this is goodbye for both of us also. I'll be facing the firing squad or the gallows when they finish the trial. Either that or a life sentence in a federal penitentiary. Recollections of Mars and the information that only he and the other top X-Com commanders knew came to him. Maybe it doesn't matter, 'cause if we discovered is all right, there's hardly any hope of defeating the aliens besides going to Mars. I might be as well dead if we fail to defeat the aliens than to fall to their hands.

The despair threatened to overcome him and he got up from his position, trying to make out a way of all of this. He started pacing on the confines of his cell in a circle. On the outside corridor he heard the boots of the MPs taking yet another stroll. He tried to ignore them as he concentrated on his thinking. If X-Com really is dead than there's no point in maintaining the information I know all for myself. I need to tell the others about it, probably I could even reveal it to the Joint Chiefs and Vaughn so that they try to make the effort. Probably that's the only thing left for me to do although I doubt it will make any good since they all seem so determined in defeating the aliens here first on Earth.

Moving to the window he looked outside. The whole prison complex seemed deserted, with no guards moving outside. The patio and the twin fences in front of him were covered on white light but there was nothing else. Yeah right. Vaughn will just tell me to piss off and send me back to here. Looking above to the few stars on the sparsely clouded night sky he wondered if he could see Mars. He knew that it had a reddish glow and that it would spark an uneven light but after some seconds he quitted. Doesn't really matter. I should get some sleep instead of wondering.

April 1st, 2001

Geneve, Switzerland

A sense of gloom was present on the room where Bomaka, Robinson and Illyuschenko were meeting. The UN's Secretary General had just entered the division and he looked extremely tired. "What's the count?" Illyuschenko asked without a delay.

"Bad. Most of the Europeans are willing to back the US's position. The French government is calling for them to organize their own fighting but with the defection of Italy they have became deeply divided. The UK supports joining the US's war effort and Spain and Germany seem that they will just follow whomever is in charge. The rest of the other nations are more or less divided the same way. Some, as Brazil and Australia have stated their intentions of joining the US. Japan has given some indications that it will also remain on the fight but that they will pursue their own policy. India and Egypt are clearly hostile but I doubt if there's much that they can do by their own".

Illyuschenko nodded. "I've just talked to Larianov on the phone. My country is too weakened also to make any sort of independent effort. He is also very concerned about the new information brought about China and will support the US although he isn't happy about it".

Bomaka's showed defeat. "They have set the meeting for the afternoon, in no doubt because they will want to split the spoils between themselves first. X-Com is dead". Slamming his hands on his hips, Illyuschenko's face burned red with rage. "This can't be! There has to be something else we can do!" He looked at Robinson who simply spoke as in matter of fact. "I've been trying to get in contact with Area 51 for hours. They won't respond to any of my hails or from Mother One".

"I don't believe that Johnson is a part of this!" Robinson concurred but added. "Even if he isn't, I think it's clear to say by now that he has been removed of the general picture. Even if he's still in charge, I doubt that there's anything that he can. The same goes for the Ufopedia: if I had access to my personnel I could tell them to clean the system of the files but this blackout on communications prevents that we take that measure".

"Making us lose the only bargaining chip we had. In a few hours when the rest of the other countries know about the US' access to the research data they will all join since they can't afford to be left out of the information". Bomaka concluded. "Most likely they will all decide to split the research between all of them".

"The idiots will be just burying themselves. Dr. Chevereux told me that if the research team members and facilities stop to collaborate as closely as they have been that the current investigations will suffer major setbacks. And what about the factories at Complex YY-18? Even if Japan gains access of them they won't have either the materials or the Elerium to supply it".

Bomaka shrugged. "We can try to make a point of all of that tomorrow but frankly…". A knock on the door interrupted him.

Federal Penitentary, Maryland, US

Johnson had been trying to get some sleep for two hours but his anxiety and hopelessness wouldn't allow him. He was constantly thinking of his life, of what he had achieved and of the many things that he now wouldn't be able to. I wonder if Sheila and me actually managed to have children how they would turn out? That would be something to see actually, to hear a kid calling her mommy. He put that on the list of things that were now impossible even if the war would end.

Again he heard the sound of the MP' s thick boots as the soldier moved outside They had taken his clock away from him but he had determined that they passed every fifteen minutes. Maybe Vaughn told the commanding officer of this facility how important I am or either it's just normal proceedings. At least it distracts me from once in a while.

A different sound made him open his eyes, of something large and soft that had just hit the ground on the corridor while the rhymed clicking of the boots stopped. Raising himself from the bed in curiosity he approached the door but he couldn't hear anything more coming from the corridor. He wished that the door wasn't completely closed so that he could see so he pressed his ear against it.

Another sound of someone walking on the passageway was heard but only this time the noise was of something heavy and metallic making its way. He thought the sound was familiar as it approached the door. A short rasp on the door made him pull his head out from the contact of the metal. "Colonel!" A soft voice came from the other side. "Are you there?"

He immediately recognized the voice. "Hopkins!?"

"Please stand away from the door sir". He did and waited, watching as the area around the lock started to glow in red as something outside cut through the heavy steel. Working its way on a square around the lock the red turned into white, making him look the other side. As the trace of the white light finally joined the point from which it had started it came suddenly off. He started to approach the door but Hopkins's voice made him stop. "Please stand back sir. It's not done yet".

He saw then that the light had moved to the top right of the door, on the area that stood against the shoulder while a similar light appeared on the same side but at the bottom. After a few seconds they both stopped and the door suddenly opened with the sound of twisted metal.

As he looked Johnson saw the figure on a power suit entering the cell. It was still holding the plasma pistol that he had used to cut the heavy steel of the locks and had a stun launcher underslung on his left shoulder. Lifting the faceplate, Johnson saw the familiar face of Hopkins who seemed extremely pleased and was wearing a grin from ear to ear. "Colonel! We were in the neighborhood and heard that you needed a ride home!"

Johnson dropped his arms to his sides. "Hopkins, what are you doing here?! This is insane! You are assaulting a military installation! That's an act of war!" Another trooper on a power suit looked inside the cell and spoke. "Colonel, the motion scanner is picking more guards on the level below. He have to go now!"

"Crossett?" Johnson stood speechless as the other soldier complimented him. "What is going on here?" Looking outside the door, Hopkins spoke. "A bunch of us sir. We all heard about Vaughn's decision of how he put you on the brig for refusing to comply with his orders. But Captain Markovitch can explain it better to you. She's waiting for us to join with her on the Lightning". The reference to the prototype of X-Com newest advance craft made Johnson realized that explanations would have to be left for later. Following Hopkins he moved outside the cell. The figure of the guard was on the ground, motionless. Johnson stopped by it to check the status of the man but Hopkins rushed him forward to a staircase where Crossett was waiting. "They are all stunned. They will wake in a couple of hours with no idea of what happened to them and without any proof that we were responsible for your escape".

Johnson didn't make any comment as they joined Crossett by the staircase. "What's the plan for getting out of here?" Hopkins pointed upwards. "We get to the roof. The Lightning will pick us up there. We took out all of the guards in the watchtowers with the stun launchers. If we're quick no one will see us". As if in a response an alarm started to be heard inside the facility as they raced upwards. "Damn! They must have found the unconscious guards already. We need to hurry up!" All three men sprinted over the stairwell, with Crossett opening any locked doors with his plasma pistol or the sheer strength of his power suit.

When they finally reached the ceiling they found it empty of guards. Johnson looked around and upwards but there was also no sign of the escape craft. Hopkins raised his hand to an ear and afterwards spoke for the other two men. "Captain Markovitch is telling me that a couple of F-16s are racing towards their position. NORAD must have detected them. Too risky for them to land now". Reaching for the back of his suit, Hopkins took out a harness used for mountain climbing. Please put this on sir. We will have to use plan B". Johnson grabbed the safety belt and placed it on the floor. Placing both his legs on the openings for them, he pulled the belt upwards and locked it at his waist level.

"What is Plan B?" He asked knowing that probably it would be risky. "Me and Crossett are wearing flying suits. Just hook up the harness on my belt to my suit and I'll lift you to the craft". Shaking off the fear of taking such a flight he pressed himself against the metal of Hopkins's suit and found its belt full of locking places for the safety harnesses. "Just don't drop me Sarge or it will be a hell of a free fall!" Hopkins laughed and placed his plasma gun back to the holster. Placing his left arm to hold Johnson he then used his right hand to active the anti-gravity control on his chest.

A feeling of vertigo came by Johnson as the ceiling started to move away and in a few seconds he found himself looking at the whole prison facility from above. A number of guards were racing on the patio but no one seemed to be looking upwards. As they gained more altitude he turned his attention from the ground to the sky. He couldn't see anything in the middle of the darkness besides the stars, but suddenly a red beacon blinked above him and to the right.

Hopkins corrected their flight towards the direction of the beacon and, after some seconds, the fuselage of the Lightning started to be visible in the night sky. The craft had been developed as a fast transport capable of carrying a platoon of troops. It had the classic saucer shape of the UFOs but on its top it sported a plasma cannon that could be used either for aerial fighting or for ground fire support. The first prototype had been built at Area 51 and it had just finished the last development tests before operational deployment.

A square of light on the side of the craft suddenly appeared and Hopkins stabilized their vertical movement and directed their flying path towards it. As they approached the door of the Lightning Johnson saw human figures inside it wearing also flying suits. When they finally reached the entrance they moved their arms to grab him and Hopkins. With him killing off all suit motion, the soldiers pulled them inside, taking use of the weightless of the anti-gravity device.

As both of them cleared the entrance to allow for Crossett to board the craft, Johnson unhooked himself from Hopkins. A familiar voice made him lift his head and say to the figure that approached him: "Only you to come up with a stunt like this". Markovitch embraced him and he returned the gesture. "You were not getting away from me from that easy!" He laughed and looked around him. The interior of the Lightning was crowded with a dozen X-Com troopers all clad in power suits with their helmets off, who were smiling at him. "Thanks". He muttered to all of them, nodding to each one.

"Captain we need to go now or the F-16s will lock their weapons on us!" Clark's voice came from the pilot's console, which was located right next to the Elerium engine that occupied the center of the craft. The door had just been closed by one of the soldiers. "Get us out of here". Clark simply nodded to her and refocused his attention back at the console he was manning. Johnson unconsciously expected to feel the Lightning moving but instead he felt nothing due to the effects of the anti-gravity drive.

She released him and grabbed his hand to conduct him to a couple of seats that had been left empty on purpose by the X-Com troopers for them. As they sat down he immediately started to ask questions. "What are all of you doing here? This is insane".

She started to explain. "Jackson called us yesterday, saying that you had been arrested and that we were back into US command. No one of the officers present was happy with the situation and we were all thinking about what to do, since we found the whole matter dirty and questionable, to say the least. And all of us trust you more than we would follow Vaughn's orders. We started talking between ourselves and we wanted to also talk with you but it was impossible since Jackson told us that you were locked away. So we decided to get into contact with Commander Illyuschenko, although Jackson had expressly forbid us".

He shook his head. "You are all going to be arrested for this you know? A case could be made for me disobeying Vaughn's orders but Jackson was your commanding officer inside X-Com's hierarchy".

She smiled to him. "We'll see about that. The General told us of what is going on at the Council. Basically if Vaughn gets access to the Ufopedia it's the death of X-Com. He also said that he was still our commanding officer until we made the decision of leaving or if X-Com was disbanded so Vaughn had no right to put you behind bars. So we decided to get things straight".

"Sheila, like I said, the whole matter is questionable. I made the decision of refusing Vaughn's orders to rejoin the US military because I felt that my place is with X-Com. I never expected Vaughn to do what he did but you should have learned from what happened to who he thinks is betraying him. You made the same error as I did and if X-Com gets disbanded getting me out of that prison will serve you no good".

"You're wrong Erwin. Vaughn hasn't gained access yet to Area 51. Patterson has put the base on alert and secured the data files. Jackson has no idea of this operation since the only persons who know about it are here onboard besides Patterson and Prescott and some of the scientific staff. X-Com can still survive if you believe on it and the men back at base will follow you. We already established contact with Hunt back at Pollock and he also says that a number of men there will join us". She made a stern look to him.

"Sheila, you're nuts! This action will just drive Vaughn furious. What do you think it will happen afterwards when he finds out about it? Jesus, I'm surprised that Illyuschenko even authorized this operation!" Her next words surprised him. "He hasn't". Looking at her with his eyes wide open he asked. "What?!"

"When we proposed it to Commander Illyuschenko he forbid us saying that we wouldn't authorize such a course of action. I told him to put up with it: we are sticking to X-Com but only if you are here to lead us. And if he didn't like it he could go screw himself". Puzzlement came through his eyes until he started laughing. "What's the funny", she asked.

"Well, I disobeyed Vaughn but all of you here made a mistake even worst. You acted against two direct orders. I'll be damned if I understand".

"Hey!" Her call made him look her directly on the eyes. "Get this straight Erwin: we are all here because we believe in this damn outfit and its mission. And we just saved your butt because we believe that you should be the one leading us, not Jackson who seems more willing to be following the orders of the damn idiot who is sitting at the White House at the moment!"

Her voice showed a touch of anger. "Now you can stay there and complain about our actions as much as you want. But without you knowing, we made all our decision after hearing of how you disobeyed Vaughn's orders. We all remembered what you told us when China defected: this isn't a time where each country should act upon its best interests and that includes the US. For all I care Vaughn might be selling us to the aliens this minute! That means that the only ones that we trust is you and the Commander".

Her words stung into him and nodded. "You're right, I'm sorry". Grabbing her hand and squeezing it he smiled. "Thanks. Thanks to all of you for doing this". Looking around he remembered something. "But how did you knew where I was?"

Digging inside one of the pockets sewn into her jumpsuit's ankle she produced a silver ball. "I used this. It's a mind probe used by the aliens to get basic information for abductees. We made a number of flyovers until I detected your presence on that facility".

"Glad you've been practicing". She squeezed his hand harder. "Yeah. What are we going to do now?" He got up and went to the pilot's stations. "Now it's up to me and Commander Illyuschenko to decide". Grabbing a radio headset, he placed it on his head and started talking to the microphone. Markovitch watched him talk until suddenly he turned to Clark. "Turn this craft the other way".

She got up from his seat and approached both men. "Colonel, NORAD will pick us up and call back those F-16s!" Clark argumented. "Get below radar level and away from any populated areas as much as you can. Do whatever you have to do to avoid detection. We've seen the UFOs do it before and they won't be expecting us to come back". Clark shook his head at Johnson's reply but went back to his job.

The order surprised Markovitch. "We're getting back?! For what?" He pointed to one pocket in her jumpsuit. "Get that thing ready. Area 51 just informed me than we need to make an extra pick-up".

The White House, Washington D.C., US

Vaughn and a number of Cabinet members and advisors were seated at the Oval Office, waiting for the video call from Nevada to be completed. It seemed to him that the whole situation had just gone out of control. When he had awaken he had been informed that Colonel Johnson had mysteriously evaded the federal penitentiary where he was being held into custody. NORAD had also tracked a UFO over the area but they had failed to intercept it or even determine from where it had came.

Thompson had called Colonel Jackson to know what was going on and from where the flight had originated using the hyperwave detector. But his reply a half hour later had been that he had lost contact with Area 51 and that a number of his Skyrangers were missing, together with the single Firestorm housed at the base. Vaughn would have fired the man on the spot if yet another call hadn't arrived from the American councilman in Geneve, saying that the other thirteen countries still remaining on the X-Com's Council seemed to be changing their minds about joining the US.

At that moment, May pointed out that it might be possible that members of X-Com loyal to Johnson had staged a prison break. At that moment he had ordered Thompson to deploy a full battalion of troops to take back control of the base. But when the notice from the incoming call reached him he smiled, realizing that the mutiny would soon be placed back under control. One way or the other.

As the screen flickered and Johnson's face appeared he turned his face immediately to show a deep concern but also resolution. "Colonel Johnson. I wonder if you and your men are aware of your actions. You are all about to spend your lives in prison in case you don't surrender immediately!"

Johnson just sighed. "Mr. President, like I told General Thompson before, we're out of the US hierarchy and now of your command. I'm talking to you only to inform you that I've informed the men and women assigned to this base of my decision not to surrender it back to the US while the alien war lasts. I've told them that they don't have to follow our own misguided leaders if they don't want to since it is possible for them to remain in X-Com".

Thompson spat back at him. "Colonel, you will address your superiors properly!" Johnson's eyes moved to one side then refocused back at Vaughn. "Is that General Thompson, sir? Please tell him that I respect his and your office but that I'm not obligated to follow your orders nor have I been even when President Winston was on charge. The X-Com Charter, among with a number of things clearly stated it to prevent any national interference with the force".

Smiling devilish at him, Vaughn spoke as if presenting a fact. "X-Com does not exist anymore Colonel". He saw Johnson closing his eyes before replying. "Commander Illyuschenko informed me minutes ago that the meeting of the Council is about to restart, without the presence of your envoy".

"You're lying! Without Area 51 they won't do anything. And you're about to lose your base!" Johnson turned to his side, to someone not visible before replying. "Major Prescott tells me that your troops are still two hours away from us. I would suggest if you call them back sir. It would be extremely difficult to explain images of American troops assaulting a UN base being played on the major networks".

"Oh really? And how would they know? Your phone lines have been cut or jammed and there's no way to inform the media. In fact the only way that you have to communicate with the outside is through that hyperwave detector of yours. And even if you did contact them, how would you bring them there? Area 51 is in the middle of a controlled access military zone and the Air Force has already established a no-flying zone over the area. Try to move any of your planes and they will be shot down! It's time to fold your hand Colonel"

"I haven't shown all my cards Mr. President". The image expanded and a man using glasses appeared beside Johnson. "Please meet Mr. Evan Blake of the New York Times. He's their field reporter on UFO matters and has quite made an infamous reputation out of himself investigating the subject. I've picked him up and explained the whole situation to him, something that he found very interesting and newsworthy. We also had time to contact a number of Congress members: they told me that they would follow the whole situation carefully".

Vaughn went up with rage. "You don't know with whom you are dealing Colonel!"

On the screen, Johnson's face turned into determination. "No. You're the one who doesn't understand what is going on. If any of your troops any trespass the perimeter of this base I have given orders for all of the research facilities and data to be immediately destroyed and for all military equipment and stores to be rendered useless. I expect that the men and women that have decided not to stay with us to be treated fairly without any charges to be pressed on them. Pollock is to return to US control but this base will only return to US possession when X-Com decides so and when all UN material is removed from it. We will continue to fight the aliens until their defeat but we won't involve ourselves into the US foreign policy".

"You have just sunk yourself into a hole so deep that you will never crawl back again from it, Colonel. That I swear to you".

"It might be sir, but me and the rest of the men and women who decided to follow me, we don't care. We are here to fight the aliens, using a unified strategy, not one that only serves one country, even if it's ours. If we win this war then we'll see what happens afterwards. But if we lose it….well in that case even you will be able to do nothing. Good afternoon sir. Area 51 out".

The image went blank and Vaughn stared at the monitor, the rest of his staff speechless. Finally Thompson approached him and asked. "What shall we do, Mr. President?"

Closing his eyes, Vaughn replied. "Call off the strike force. I want that place completely surrounded by land and air. It used to be the place where no one could get in now no one will be allowed out of it. We'll make them starve to death".

April 3rd, 2001

Area 51, Nevada, US

"Good morning". Blinking his eyes to adjust them to the overhead light, Williams saw Colonel Johnson standing by his bed, together with Davis. His head still fell fuzzy from the general anesthesia that they had applied to him before the operation. Trying to remember what had just happened in the last hours he raised his hand to his head. A thick bandage was covering the side of it. He also felt pain coming from his left shoulder if he tried to move it. "How…how did it go?"

"The doctors say that you will be fine. They have taken out the bullet that was lodged inside your arm and the second shot only grazed your skull. The loss of blood is what is worrying them the most at the moment but you're past danger now". Johnson moved closer to the bed. "Of course, now the only thing that remains to solve is what happened to you".

Feeling more awake now, Williams made an effort to try to remember. "I….I was driving home when a car came by my side and shot at me. I think I lost control of the wheel and must have hit the rails of the highway, I don't remember". Images flashed on his head but he couldn't make sense of them. "When I woke up I found myself covered with blood and still inside my car but it was rapidly filling with water. I managed to get out of it and swim to the shore of a river, I guess it was the Potomac. From there I dragged myself to a motel and checked a room, scrapping off the blood the best I could. The clerk looked at me in suspicion but I told him it was nothing and gave him an extra fifty to cover for any additional expenses. After that I finally managed to get in touch with Davis for a whole day, only to discover that his number here wasn't working".

Johnson looked at Davis at the end of the explanation, who rolled his eyes. "I know this sound crazy", Williams added, "but someone tried to kill me and missed, I guess. And I preferred not to go to the police since it would mean to the perpetrators that I survived".

Pointing back at Davis, Johnson made him stop. He looked behind in and saw that the infirmary was empty of any medical personnel. "He already told me a part of what both of you suspect when he informed me that you were gravely injured at the motel".

Looking in horror at Davis the other man nearly shrugged his shoulders. "It was the only way to convince the Colonel to make a detour after they rescued him from prison".

"Williams, we will discuss more of this later. Meanwhile there's something else that you should know that Davis has found out". The ex-FBI man nodded and spoke. "You're dead".

"Excuse me?" Williams thought that the other man was making some sort of a joke. "I've called the local police department: they have found your car on the bottom on the river. But yesterday they have also found a body ten miles down stream which they have identified as you!"

"That can't be right. I'm here ain't I?"

"Yes, but for all effects you are dead. Your wife has identified your body at the morgue. Apparently she had no doubt that it was you. According to the police report, the cause of your death was drowning. They concluded that you lost control of your car because of the rain and sank into the river. You drowned while trying to exit the vehicle".

"Jesus! My wife thinks I'm dead?" Davis nodded. "I've called her and she sounded a wreck. The service will be held later today. I was unsure of what it would be better to do so I gave her my condolences". Williams tried to get up on the bed but the pain coming from his shoulder and his dizziness made him falter. Quitting the effort, he dropped back to his pillow. "What is going on?"

With a blunt voice, Davis replied. "Someone made an effort to try to kill you. And at the same time they covered it up both the attempt and the failure. Most likely the same ones that were responsible for the support that General Smith was receiving here and for the base at New Mexico".

"And one might also ask if they hadn't anything to do with the recent affairs on the Council". Johnson added. "After what happened to me I even wonder if Vaughn hasn't anything to do with the matter".

"Vaughn….." Williams thought deeply for some seconds and looked around. "I take it that the Commander managed to keep X-Com away from him?"

Johnson nodded. "He did. The US is out but this base still belongs to X-Com and so do we. Of course we haven't decided yet what to do since we are surrounded on all sides by a security net but that's another matter. By the way, thanks for the idea of making another stop and picking up Blake. That reporter is a big pain since he's constantly asking me for an interview but it was a good idea to use him to threaten Vaughn".

"Yeah, but now we'll have to decide what we are going to do. Both with him and all the rest". Johnson nodded and started to move away. "That can way for a couple of days. For now get better, then we'll see".

André Galvão, 2002