ADVENT: History
The United Kingdom Referendum
"If this isn't a wake-up call to the rest of Europe, then they aren't just ignorant, they are willfully refusing to see the direction the world is going."
- Political Analyst Lisa Gollop
News articles written several days after the results of the UK Referendum
The conclusion of the UK Referendum marks a historic ending to a historic event. After several months of heated debate, discussion, campaigning and protesting, the United Kingdom has formally chosen to leave the European Union and join ADVENT as a full member state. The results showed overwhelming support for joining ADVENT, with 82% voting to join, and only 18% voting to remain in the European Union. Voter turnout broke records as just over 85% of the population turned out to vote, making this one of the most participated election events in history.
There were several major contributing factors to this record turnout, and ultimate decision. There have been demands for months by private citizens and members of both Tory and Labor parties for more involvement in the war against the aliens, either through military support or cooperation with ADVENT. All major political party leadership have mostly avoided these calls to action, and remained tight-lipped about their own stance on ADVENT, while refusing to back certain members who insisted more be done.
Labor Party Leader Caroline Duncan made headlines when she made the following statements: "ADVENT is a complex subject for everyone involved. It's not as simple a matter of 'joining' them or not. ADVENT is more than an alliance to fight against the aliens; it is a world power in its own right. What people have failed to understand is that joining ADVENT would mean major changes in their own lives. The freedoms which citizens enjoy now, the rights of assembly, protest, critique, would be reduced under ADVENT. While I can recognize that ADVENT has made commendable strides in healthcare, drug legalization, and minority rights, this does not offset their harsh criminal justice system, extensive militarization of law enforcement, and suppression of the media. Britain can contribute to the fight should it become necessary, but I would prefer it not be under an authority such as ADVENT."
This was largely condemned in the realm of public opinion, and the Labor party quickly released a statement saying "The views and opinions of Mrs. Duncan do not necessarily reflect the goals and views of the Labor party." Party Leader Duncan never issued a retraction, but since then never commented on ADVENT, even through the Referendum campaign.
British media itself likely contributed to the overall resentment towards Parliament over their inaction, as much of it was negatively slanted against ADVENT, in particular focusing on their crackdown of media and a focus on their criminal justice system. ADVENT, in response to their allegations, has publicly refuted, confirmed, or clarified them through social media and through appointed representatives as guests on programs. ADVENT has also turned over evidence during this period proving criminal activity within some large media networks, though it was never disclosed how they had acquired this evidence in the first place. This ultimately led to a rise of public sentiment against media corporations, and turning to foreign sources for updates on the war and ADVENT itself.
The announcement of a Referendum by Prime Minister Bennett was a move that caught Parliament and most everyone else off guard. The Prime Minister had previously made several public statements in support of the war effort, and had made it a priority to insist on greater involvement from the European Union, as well as British military forces. However, the reluctance of Parliament to allow major actions to be taken tied his hands.
There were and continue to be accusations of collusion between Bennett and ADVENT Chancellor Saudia Vyandar, as shortly after a meeting between the two, a referendum was announced. Political analysts almost universally believe that collusion is limited, and it was far more likely that the Prime Minister had been preparing this for some time, and used the meeting to inform her of his intentions and to give ADVENT time to prepare for the possibility.
Throughout the campaigns of the Referendum, ADVENT has notably refrained from giving support or commenting at all. When asked the reason for their silence, ADVENT Minister of Public Relations Kyong Suk-Chul said this: "We are, of course, watching the results of the Referendum very closely. We do not want to interfere or comment on this internal affair until it is voted upon. Should the results be in favor, we will be ready to work with Prime Minister Bennett to discuss the next stages. If not, we remain open and willing to having the support of the United Kingdom in our war against the aliens."
Despite these words, few can deny that ADVENT is subtly involved in the outcome, as they have been featured prominently in campaign materials supporting joining ADVENT. Through the work of Prime Minister Bennett, who has led the campaign, he has made sure to paint a picture of a Britain within ADVENT.
His campaign materials have included public ADVENT reports on the stamping out of criminal activity and corruption, military action against the aliens, a focus on the Peacekeepers and their tools and methods, as well as conducting interviews with citizens from France and Germany on life within ADVENT. His campaign was exceptionally well-coordinated and targeted various demographics and criticisms with extreme accuracy.
This has led to more accusations that he is receiving covert help from ADVENT, and when it was revealed that he was a friend of the current Director of ADVENT Intelligence, Elizabeth Falka, it further spurred the theories that ADVENT was meddling in the Referendum despite their supposed neutrality. The response to this was the Prime Minister asking for definitive proof of collusion, which was never fully proven.
What finally proved to be the deciding factor in support of the Referendum was the sudden backing of the Royal Family, who unexpectedly announced their support for joining ADVENT. Prince Mason in particular was a staunch supporter of the move, telling citizens that "It is time that we as a country join the rest of the world in stepping towards the future and uniting our species as one in the face of the alien threat against our entire species. We have stayed in the back while others have died to ensure that we retain our own lives in comforts. What happens at the end, should ADVENT be victorious? We will not be remembered as those who cowered away while others fought our battles, but the ones who fought at the front for not just our great country, but for Humanity as a whole."
The announcement sent shockwaves throughout the UK, and appeared to solidify the outcome. It is notable that in the final weeks the Prime Minister revealed a full and complete plan for transitioning the country to ADVENT over a period of six months. As he noted: "Only a fool would propose something like this and not have a concrete plan to go through with it. We have the best experts working together to make the transition as smooth and painless as possible, which will be started on day one."
Following the results, he has appeared to make good on this promise as while there are celebrations in the streets, Parliament voted in unison to join ADVENT. Hours later ADVENT began sending over Peacekeepers, the ADVENT Army, to begin the arming and enhancement of military and law enforcement officials. The Prime Minister also ordered a full investigation and review into Parliament, which is currently ongoing as a joint operation between the Peacekeepers, ADVENT Intelligence, and the Oversight Division.
The investigation is suspected to take a minimum of one month, with any possible elections to be begun shortly after it is concluded. In the meantime ADVENT is already working to overhaul the relevant organizations, buildings, and companies in the United Kingdom. It will not be an easy process by all estimations, but from what has been demonstrated so far, ADVENT is fully committed to bringing the United Kingdom into the fold.
What is not certain is if there will be challenges along the way, as well as how citizens will truly respond to life within ADVENT.
What is certain is that this marks a definitive shift in Europe towards ADVENT, and what all experts say is the true end of the European Union.
Official statement of Chancellor Saudia Vyandar on the results of the United Kingdom Referendum
On behalf of ADVENT, we would like to formally recognize and congratulate the United Kingdom on listening to the will of the people and officially voting to join ADVENT and the conflict against the Ethereal Collective. It is past time that the rest of the world recognizes the necessity of unification in light of the threat against our species, and the decision by the citizens of the United Kingdom shows that the majority understand this truth, and thanks to the work of Prime Minister Bennett and his government, have seen it come to fruition.
While we have not publicly made statements on the status of the Referendum to respect the right of the people to make this decision without outside interference, we have been working to prepare for the integration of the United Kingdom into ADVENT, to ensure that the transition is as smooth and efficient as possible.
We are already in contact with the Prime Minister and have begun the process of restructuring the government and related organizations and bringing the country up to ADVENT standards. Over the coming months citizens will be informed of the changes and laws that are to be implemented. ADVENT will also begin work to ensure that the elected officials of the United Kingdom are capable of fulfilling their jobs to our standards, and this will be done through investigations to purge any lingering corruption.
Our own military forces are already working to bring the British Armed Forces up to the standards of our own soldiers, and they are planned to be deployed over the coming months, joining our soldiers across the military. British Intelligence services are also at this moment being integrated into ADVENT Intelligence and the Oversight Division, while law enforcement is being sufficiently educated, armed, and trained by our Peacekeeper forces.
Finally, ADVENT will assist in all negotiations with the European Union to reach an exit deal which benefits all parties and can be easily and quickly resolved in a satisfactory manner. All paperwork and required information has been gathered and submitted to the European Union, and we are currently awaiting their response to continue negotiations.
Finally, I simply wish to welcome all citizens of the United Kingdom into ADVENT. We are proud to have your assistance in forging a future for Humanity and defending our world against the alien threat.
- Chancellor Saudia Vyandar
Address by Prime Minister Bennett following the Referendum results.
"As Prime Minister of Great Britain I am pleased to announce that the people have spoken. We shall join ADVENT. For too long have we remained idle while our allies fought. For too long have we watched as old friends faced this menace to our species and done nothing. Decades ago the British Isles were beset by invaders; we stood on the cusp of ruin, the final bastion of freedom against a wave of darkness, yet in our darkest hour the United States did not abandon us."
"It is disgraceful that we have waited so long to come to their aid against a foe far worse than any we have faced before, a foe that threatens not simply countries, but our entire species and everything we have worked to accomplish. Even now citizens of the Commonwealth live in terror within Australia and New Zealand, invaded as we sat by and did nothing."
"These invaders from the stars care nothing for human life, as they have shown time and time again, whether they be soldiers, women, or even children. They care not for our race or our nationality, nor even our religion. All they see is a species to be conquered, a world to be subjugated, test subjects for their experiments. To them we are all humans, we are all marked for conquest. Either now or later, it makes no difference. We must put aside our petty differences and unite as never before if we hope to survive this trial, this scourge that has visited us."
"As I stand here today in the House of Parliament I cannot help but hear the words of a predecessor, echoing from the past. Though the details may be changed from what they were before, the message still rings as sure and true as it did decades ago."
"We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering. You ask, what is our policy? I will say: It is to wage war, by sea, land, and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us; to wage war against a monstrous tyranny never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be."
"The enemy knows, they know that they must break our spirit if they wish to win the war. They fear what a united humanity could do, they have seen all hopes of a quick and easy victory dashed by but a fraction of our world's nations, and the sacrifices of many brave men and women, in a conflict that shall be remembered as the greatest of our history for decades to come."
"If we should succeed, all humanity may be free, and the life of the world may move forward into broad, sunlit uplands. But if we fail, then the whole world, including Europe, South America, and yes, Africa, including all that we have known and cared for, will sink into the abyss of a new Dark Age made more sinister, and perhaps more protracted, by the lights of perverted science."
"Even though parts of our Commonwealth and our allies, and many of the world's countries have fallen or may fall into the grip of the invader and all the odious apparatus of alien rule, we shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in Canada; we shall fight on the seas and oceans; we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, and in space. We shall defend our world, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender. This time, the old world shall come to the defense of the new, and hand in hand, with the rest of Humanity, we shall take our place among the stars such that no Human need ever fear them."
"Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, "This was their finest hour."
To the Battlemaster, Quisilia, and Sana'Ligna
The results of the United Kingdom Referendum have arrived, and as the Zararch speculated, it was overwhelmingly in favor joining ADVENT. While not an unexpected outcome, especially given recent events, ADVENT meddling, and general public sentiment shifting, this will have ramifications throughout the war and the geopolitical sphere.
However before I discuss what this means for us, it's worth going through what led to this situation in the first place, how it was achieved, and if we can prevent it in the future, because due to the success of the referendum, I am certain ADVENT will try something like this again.
The first thing to note is that anti-ADVENT sentiment does not work. The British media in particular failed to recognize this, with running multiple opinion, editorial, and public news stories, exposes, and critique of ADVENT for a fairly long period (Which has still not fully stopped). The problem is that ADVENT is no ordinary Human government, and these are not ordinary circumstances.
ADVENT had no issue with hitting back equally hard, and at times seemed to enjoy the debate, sending figures such as Stein and even the Chancellor to go on media programs. There were no punches pulled by ADVENT, and they were more than capable of defending their decisions. Sometimes the mistake was made to bring morality and abstract concepts into critique, which ADVENT quite easily and dismissively shot down with logic and facts.
ADVENT is admirable in a way. One can only critique their methods, not their results.
But there was far less coverage devoted to the alien war, which is noted as being a lot more important to the average citizen than ADVENT itself – who was also fighting this war, while the UK was seeming to sit out of it. This clearly did not sit right with the majority, and the media unwittingly sped the public closer to accepting this outcome.
The second piece of this puzzle is that the Prime Minister of the British Parliament is Killian Bennett, who is a former British special forces soldier, and has been notably vocal about the alien threat and his wish to do more to assist in the fight. Very anti-corruption and blunt, but intelligent enough to reach his position and hold onto it. He didn't have a high number of friends, leading to his ineffectiveness within his own party and government, but he emerged from it clean enough for ADVENT to do business with him.
Then we come to the most important part – ADVENT themselves taking notice. The meeting with Chancellor Vyandar and Bennett was without a doubt the catalyst, as days afterwards the Prime Minister announced the referendum. If this was planned all along, or if Saudia went to propose that to him is unknown, but we can take this as a sign that ADVENT is definitely interested in finding loopholes in governments that they can exploit.
During the course of the campaign, I don't think anyone can actually say with any measure of truth that ADVENT was not completely helping Bennett. Officially they maintained neutrality, but Bennett suddenly had a practically unlimited campaign budget, a campaign team who no one had seen or known before then, who managed every aspect of the campaign, access to high-quality campaign materials, videos, documents, which were distributed on all social media platforms, physically sent to citizens, or handed out at campaign events.
There is also clear evidence of botting and astroturfing on social media, almost certainly from ADVENT Intelligence, which bumped pretty much everything related to the referendum to the top, if it was in favor of joining ADVENT. Conversely, any sort of media published on the opposition was downvoted or flagged to the point where it was essentially invisible.
Our own analysis of the British government shows that there is no possible way that Bennett could have paid for all of these materials on his own, let alone utilized the notably effective British intelligence services to such a global degree. Financial statements show this. Campaign materials also appeared to originally be imported from foreign (Primarily American, French, and German sources) countries, and shuffled through several proxy companies so Bennett's campaign could buy them 'domestically' to avoid any broken laws.
We should also note that it was exceptionally easy for 'regular citizens' to appear on campaign videos, usually from France or Germany, who explained what life in ADVENT was like and the positives of this. More thorough background checks show that these so-called 'citizens', while they do appear to be naturalized citizens, are not 'ordinary', and either have no background, or have a history in intelligence services. All fluent speakers of English.
What is potentially more damning is how fine-tuned the campaign was, as certain aspects of it were specifically targeted to certain demographics and groups. Men, women, children, veterans, military, law enforcement, Tories, Labor, right-leaning, left-leaning, activist, student; the sheer amount of sophistication cannot have been orchestrated by anyone other than ADVENT Intelligence, with access to the database of UK citizens.
You may be wondering now what the opposition to this was. To put it completely bluntly, there was essentially no unified opposition. It is almost certain that there are teams of ADVENT Intelligence agents who worked hard to dispute all points by the opposition, and then used their astroturfing and botting teams to push those comments to the top, directly influencing the narrative.
The beauty of ADVENT is that it is diverse enough that they can have Americans, Russians, Mexicans, and Koreans all make similar comments and disputes and it's difficult to reliably call them out because there really is no central group which does this any longer. One cannot simply point to Russia, North Korea, or Israel anymore as the source of pushing propaganda.
The result is that the opposition was silenced, isolated, and anyone who expressed a different or opposing opinion online was condemned to the bottom. Affiliated websites for the opposition campaign were mysteriously hacked by 'unknown groups', and people within the campaign themselves had their personal information leaked online, although it usually only included their email address and phone number. Family members were surprisingly not targeted; further evidence that this was another ADVENT Intel operation.
With all of this meddling, you can see why there was almost no chance that the United Kingdom would not vote to join ADVENT. In my personal opinion it is slightly amazing that the vote was as close as it ended up being. I have not mentioned the meeting the Chancellor had with Prince Mason either, as the support of the Royal Family, while unexpected and another boon for ADVENT, is ultimately unimportant. But it should highlight just how much ADVENT has worked to ensure the outcome of the referendum.
The question now is what happens next?
The United Kingdom is already being assimilated into ADVENT, and within weeks their own armed forces will be up to standard. A purge of their government has already begun, and once those ADVENT identifies as criminals have been dealt with, they will likely hold elections. In more general terms, this will mark the end of one of the last oppositional groups to ADVENT: The European Union.
With almost all major members gone, and with reliable intelligence that ADVENT is courting the few who are remaining, it would not be surprising to see the body formally dissolve before it is weakened further. It is unknown if this will lead more countries to join ADVENT, but the possibility is a high one, and we should expect it.
For future operations, should ADVENT attempt to manipulate a country into joining in this manner, we will need to be prepared to counter their online operations, and work on funneling resources into the opposition. It is far better that these nations be separate and against the Collective, as opposed to part of ADVENT.
The complete unification of Humanity must be prevented wherever possible.
ADVENT will not cease this goal. Nor will XCOM. There is a reason they so zealously pursue this ideal, and it is time we recognize the danger it poses, and do something about it. We will be watching for similar actions across the world, and act accordingly.
- Zar'Chon'ravarian'vitiary
A/N: Section with the Prime Minister was written by Thuzan117.