XCOM: Units
MELD Operators
"An Operator is far less limited than a psion. They can only destroy and dominate. An Operator can shape and create."
- Dr. Raymond Shen
Internal note by Engineer Fectorian upon report detailing the first contact with a MELD Operator
If there is one impressive attribute about Humans that can be definitively pointed to, it is their developmental fearlessness when pressed into a corner. Historically Humans are largely cautious and hesitant before fully committing to radical ideas, yet once such ideas are popularized and mass-produced, they are adopted with an impressive speed.
Prior to the invasion, Human technological development was slower in certain areas, particularly that of artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and genetic modification. There were significant concerns about the future applications of this technology and how they could be abused, though as genetic modification was ironically among the most developed, there was a certain distaste and fear of genetic modification and alteration.
And like usual, when pressed, Humans quickly dropped their concerns and embraced what would enhance and protect them. Nanotechnology prior to the invasion was in the early stages of development, with the greatest concerns coming from theories and simulations. With the capabilities of nanotechnology within their grasp, it is notable that there does not appear to be any internal hesitation to utilizing it. This is most apparent with XCOM's usage of MELD, which has been adopted by ADVENT on a far larger scale.
However, it should be noted that XCOM has been hesitant to directly weaponize nanotechnology, possibly due to a fear of possible apocalyptic scenarios, though they have certainly used it in various ways almost from the very beginning. This appears to have significantly changed with the deployment of a previously unseen unit.
It was a soldier that had presumably undergone some type of extensive modification, and was now capable of manipulating MELD nanites. As of yet no body has been able to be recovered, so answers as to the internal workings of this unit are unknown. It appears to have unintentionally mimicked the Meat Puppets of Mosrimor, though in a much more primitive and crude way.
The capabilities appear largely the same, as the soldier was capable of manipulating the nanites to consume enemies and resources, as well as build simple structures and defenses. As of now I am unsure as to the full capabilities, strengths, and limitations of this unit, but considering its initial performance, it is likely a significant danger to Collective forces, as we cannot assume that there will be a Meat Puppet on hand to defend against it.
However, it does appear that like the Meat Puppet, this unit does have similar weaknesses due to being integrated so heavily with nanites. It is extremely vulnerable to electric attacks, and it is highly likely that all effective tactics against a Meat Puppet will also be effective against this newer unit. It remains to be seen if the Humans have something unique that cannot be replicated by the superior Meat Puppet.
What should be found concerning is the fact that XCOM has managed to successfully integrate nanites into a host on this scale, and use it in operations. If this is only the first iteration of the unit, I suspect that future iterations will only grow more dangerous. We should make it a priority to capture one of these units intact to determine how XCOM will continue to evolve these.
It is also likely that ADVENT will develop their own counterpart in the future. This is something that we should be prepared to counter on a large scale, and not only against specialized teams or defenses.
XCOM Project File 0901
Project Codename: "Pandora"
Project Type: Armor; Ground Support; Nanoweaponry/Nanotechnology
Unit Designation: "MELD Operator"
Authors: Head of XCOM Engineering Raymond Shen; Head of XCOM Research and Development, Dr. Moira Vahlen; the Commander of XCOM
Overview: XCOM has been working to develop additional means of utilizing the nanotechnology facilitated through MELD for some time. This has produced some of our most advanced technology and breakthroughs which have led to benefits that can be enjoyed by Humanity as a whole. ADVENT has continued to utilize MELD for both military and civilian purposes, but we can all agree that MELD has fundamentally altered our capabilities and expectations as to what is possible and can be created.
The project to create the MELD Operator was one of the most radical and ambitious which had been conceived. It was a highly invasive procedure where a subject would be fundamentally altered with MELD and would then be able to manipulate and control the MELD to shape it as they wished, be it for attack or defense.
Given our limited understanding of nanotechnology at the time, and the fact that MELD nanites were clearly designed more for genetic and enhancement work than pure creation and military usage, they have nonetheless had that potential, and it was something we began exploring when we had a stronger understanding of how MELD worked on a fundamental level.
As it turned out, the most difficult part of the project was not adapting the body for handling large quantities of MELD – as the substance already fuses exceptionally well to organic material – but how the MELD could be effectively managed and controlled in a way which would make it possible to be manipulated in a wide variety of ways.
Experiments began first to ensure that the MELD could be integrated as deeply as predicted, and when those tests were concluded successfully, development switched to the development of a device which would allow the Operator to control the MELD, as well as a specialized suit of armor to properly wield it. Both of these objectives were accomplished with the development of the Neural Regulator, and the Warden-class armor, respectively.
Armor System: The armor developed exclusively for the MELD Operators varies from the Titan armor utilized by our standard forces. It has far more in common with the Archangel armor in that it requires a physical connection to the user, as it connects to the Neural Regular of the Operator, which allows the Operator to utilize the vast reserves of MELD which are stored within the suit.
Unlike the Titan armor, the Warden-class armor was designed with a more streamlined and sleek approach. Due to the inherent durability of the Operators, speed and mobility was prioritized over pure damage absorption. However, the armor itself retains the Titan armor capabilities of self-repair, and in cases of extreme enemy fire, the Operator can have the suit create overlays of MELD armor, further increasing the durability.
There are MELD dispensers throughout the armor, which can all be remotely utilized by the Operator, though the primary ones are built into the wrists and gauntlets. This can be used merely for dispensing the nanites, or it can also forge melee weapons which the Operator can use to defend themselves in close-quarters combat.
The Warden armor also holds vast reserves of MELD, which are stored in a series of flexible tanks which are strewn throughout the body. Four run through the legs, eight are stored in the back of the armor, and two run along the arms. It should be noted that the nanites within the suit will only be able to be remotely controlled by the first Operator using the suit. Other operatives will be unable to control the nanites unless there is a full system reset and fresh nanites are inserted into the suit.
The internal monitoring systems of the Warden armor are also capable to being controlled by the Operator itself, in which the Operator could withhold nanite repair of systems and utilize the dedicated nanites elsewhere. While Operators are not encouraged to tamper with the systems unless absolutely necessary, it should be noted that this is an option available to them.
Neural Regulator: Before we proceed further, it should be noted that like essential individuals to XCOM, as well as those who could potentially pose a significant risk to themselves and others should they become a threat, MELD Operators will undergo significant Manchurian conditioning to prevent a potential rogue operator. The danger of an individual with access to OIN and NoIN-class nanites cannot be overstated, and in many cases could prove to be more dangerous than a rogue psion. We will insist on such restrictions should ADVENT develop an interest in similar programs.
Returning to the unit in question, the most essential component of the MELD Operator is the Neural Regulator. Acting as a brain augment, the Regulator is the component responsible for allowing the Operator to control and manipulate the nanites within their body and armor. There were no fewer than six possible designs for how to reliably and safely integrate an augment of this importance reliably into a subject. The final design resembles a skullcap which is placed 'over' the brain which allowed us to access every major section of the brain and program appropriately. This design is a major reason why the final result is as versatile as it is.
While the Regulator is not able to fully predict and translate what the brain is saying, it can do so with a high amount of accuracy as well as react quickly to the Operator choosing pre-determined templates. As it can operate at close to the speed of thought, it gives the illusion that the Regulator can allow the Operator to create anything, which is largely due to a significant amount of hours being devoted to the creation of templates and programs which takes broken phrases and thoughts and translates them into tangible results.
The majority of the time the Operator will not be consciously aware that the Regulator is interpreting their smaller-scale commands, and unless the usage is highly unique or exotic, they will likely be unaware of this limitation. Larger structures or projects are all stored on the memory of the Regulator itself, which the Operator has to consciously select and concentrate on.
Future iterations of the Regulator will make more free-form creation even easier, and considering the lines of research concerning JULIAN, as well as the assistance of the Andromedons, it is entirely possible that future iterations will have a limited machine intelligence to further assist in interpreting the commands of Operators and more accurately translating them.
It is also worth noting the possible adaptions and alterations which can be developed using the Regulator as a base, particularly as a means to further mitigate telepathic attacks without shutting down the body entirely or even preserving the full capabilities of the individual in question while the Regulator handles the telepathic attack. We are actively investigating this potential application.
Nanite Skin: One of the more radical capabilities of the Operator procedure is that of complete personalization. The skin of the subject was replaced and supplemented by specially-modified MELD nanites which can be completely controlled by the Operator in question. Obviously, this has significant implications for the intelligence capabilities of the Operators, such as the ability to change the skin tone, eye color, and add or remove bodily markings such as scars, wrinkles, tattoos, and more.
However, one thing to consider is that these are the only aspects which can be changed. The overall facial and bodily structure of the Operator will be unaffected, and currently at this time, it is unlikely to be easily modified. MELD Operators are incapable of perfectly being able to mimic someone else, even if they can modify their skin and eyes. Hair removal is required for this procedure, though it will grow back. Currently it cannot be changed or modified, though can be dyed or styled through more conventional methods.
We are actively investigating the potential of a MELD Operator specifically designed for espionage and not frontline combat.
The 'default' state for the Operator will be their original skin and eye color, though the Operator can set a new 'default' should they so desire.
If the Operator is in danger, they are able to harden their skin to withstand lethal attacks. This will turn their 'skin' grey and metallic, and render them far less vulnerable to physical attacks and far more dangerous if they engage in melee combat, as opponents would quite literally be getting hit with a metal fist. It should be noted that Operators can selectively harden portions of their body, and do not have to protect the entire platform all at once.
The nanites being so integrated into the skin also allows for almost immediate healing should they suffer damage. Superficial and ineffective injuries will be healed in minutes, assuming that penetration is possible at all.
Enhanced Bodily Capabilities: In addition to the skin, the entire body of the MELD Operator has been significantly enhanced beyond a baseline, or even extensively modified Human. The first improvement of note is the fact that all major organs have been laced with MELD which makes them more durable, more efficient, and capable of significant self-healing. Even a direct shot to the heart or lungs are no longer fatal, as such wounds can be healed in minutes in the unlikely event they are damaged.
The Neural Regulator is also connected directly to the nervous system of the Operator, which allows them a significant amount of control over what they can or cannot feel. They can adjust the pain threshold to what they desire, though they are advised not to shut it off completely unless absolutely necessary. It can also increase sensitivity if required, though how this may be useful is still to be determined.
The final major change of note is that the skeletal structure of the operative has been significantly enhanced, with MELD used to reinforce and cover all the bones, making them heavier, more durable, and almost impossible to break or damage. MELD nanites will also be capable of repairing them if they are even mildly damaged. The muscles have also been enhanced to support this new skeletal enhancement.
MELD Nanite Integration: Beyond the physical changes, there is the topic of the MELD which is intended to be used in the field. While an Operator has reserves of MELD that they can utilize if they wish, and are capable of replenishing their reserves through MELD Cubes (Of which every Operator has their belts filled with), their primary utilization will be through the Warden Armor.
These nanites will be specifically 'bonded' to the Operator in question, and this cannot be changed under any circumstances. Through this way the MELD is immune to being hacked or turned against the Operator or allies. By extension, this also applies to the Regulator and the Warden armor, which will be useless if attempted to be utilized by an individual who is not the Operator.
The Operator will use standard MELD nanites in the field, which will be capable of breaking down, building, healing, and killing enemies, allies, and components. MELD appears to be very effective on 'soft' or organic substances, and notably less effective on non-living substances. While it is a miniscule difference, the organic components of MELD also make it slightly more resistance to EMP than traditional nanites.
Please note that this does not mean they are immune. If affected by an EMP, they will cease working. They simply have a higher threshold, miniscule as it may be.
Capabilities: In theory, the capabilities of the MELD Operator are limitless. For the purposes of their deployment within XCOM, they should be able to do the following:
- Attack and consume aliens
- Reinforce allied forces, as well as heal/repair if required
- Construct basic structures and fortifications
- Defend against enemy nanoweapon usage
- Survive against high-risk enemies such as Ethereals, Spectres, and Muton Elites and defeat them
- Be capable of destroying an enemy fortification or base with limited or no support
MELD Operators have the potential to be as versatile and dangerous as psions if applied in the right situations. Due the capabilities of MELD replication, it is entirely plausible for one Operator to be able to destroy or mitigate an enemy force. It merely requires time and exponential growth. They are capable of consuming enemies (and fallen allies), raw materials, structures, vegetation, and nearly anything around them to complete their objectives.
They have unique roles in attack and defense scenarios. They are extremely valuable against high-value alien targets as they can likely match any non-telepath, as well as in defensive positions where they can repair fortifications, heal soldiers and repair equipment/machines/vehicles, and produce materials such as ammunition and even armor or weapons.
On the other hand, they are extremely useful in offensive operations, as they can create forward positions and dismantle enemy defenses while remaining relatively safe. Should their reserves be large enough, Operators could potentially be able to create trenches or wall off entire choke points to either trap or contain enemies in open ground or the more constrained cities.
While in theory an Operator is only limited by their imagination, the Regulator is not quite at that level yet, and what we will define as 'unique' creations will likely not be interpreted correctly at this point in time. However, all known melee weapons can be created, and we have gone to extensive lengths to ensure that the Operators will feel like they can do anything.
One day, I am confident that this will be completely true.
Optimal Deployment/Usage: This was covered above to an extent, but to reiterate, there is no non-optimal placement for a MELD Operator. They will almost certainly be useful in almost all scenarios although due to their limited numbers at this time, their deployment should likely be prioritized to only essential locations that must be held or taken. The direct targeting of dangerous aliens should also be considered an optimal usage of their capabilities.
All Operators should deploy fully equipped with reserve MELD Cubes, full reserves within the Warden armor, and always have access to areas with plentiful resources that can be stripped and utilized. Urban locations make optimal deployment conditions, while more open and barren locations are less beneficial to Operators as nanites can and will be destroyed and need to be somehow replenished.
However, once again, there are very limited scenarios where deploying an Operator would not be a good decision. The only ones which come to mind are enemy forces which are equipped specifically to handle an Operator – which is essentially those armed with EMP weaponry or gear. We should take care we are not lured into traps which exploit this weakness, because it is a near guarantee that the alien will use it if the Operators are even a fraction as dangerous as we predict.
ADVENT Supplementary Document NM079
Subject: XCOM MELD Operator Interview
Report Type: Interview (Audio Transcript) – Original audio included
Location: [REDACTED]
Date: 2/16/2017
Author(s): Dr. Lien Mercado
Participants: XCOM MELD Developer Allen Qualis; XCOM MELD Operator Zara Venator
Audio Transcript Begins
[Lien Mercado]: "Thank you for allowing me to conduct this interview, Dr. Qualis. I am aware that XCOM operates under strict security."
[Allen Qualis]: "Of course. ADVENT should be kept appraised of any significant progress we make. We expect our developments here to have an impact on how ADVENT will eventually develop their own interpretation of this technology."
[LM]: "I'm certain it will. Zara, good to finally meet you."
[Zara Venator]: "Likewise, doctor. Good to see your family is still doing what they do best."
[AQ]: "You know her…ah. EXALT."
[LM]: "I'm aware of her by reputation. We've never interacted before."
[AQ]: "I see. Carry on."
[LM]: "I've read the reports that you've provided to me on the project. Very radical and invasive. My first question to Zara would be how the procedure has noticeably impacted your body and increased or decreased certain functions?"
[ZV]: "Largely improvements across the board. I was already gene modded significantly, and all of that has been retained. However, everything does feel somewhat heavier than I'm used to. Not exactly slower, but I do feel more…dense…if that makes sense."
[AQ]: "The modifications to her body included the enhancement of the skeletal structure. This added a considerable amount of weight. Were she not modified, she would be significantly hampered."
[LM]: "But this has not impacted your performance significantly, Zara?"
[ZV]: "Not from what I can tell. Feeling denser doesn't mean I'm slow."
[LM]: "Has this been consistent with other Operators, Dr. Qualis?"
[AQ]: "To an extent. The original physique and body type of the Operator appear to play a role in this. Zara and several others have made this note before, while others have stated to not be noticing it. Females and males of smaller body types are more likely to experience this side effect. Combat performance has not been affected though, as Zara has confirmed."
[LM]: "Would this be due to the mass volume of the Operatives being less for those affected?"
[AQ]: "That is the most reasonable explanation. We are looking to confirm this with more Operators and develop a way to better handle these psychological adaptions."
[LM]: "Noted. Are there any other side effects that you feel worth addressing, Zara?"
[ZV]: "Cold. Not specifically cold cold, but…something like it. Not physical. Difficult to explain, and I think it might have to do with the skin being…well, gone. Just nanites. The nervous system compensating for something. I'm used to it now, but it took a while for me to figure out why I wasn't getting warmer."
[AQ]: "This is something we are looking to actively fix with future updates to the Neural Regulator. This is an unintended side effect, and one we are still unsure how to fully solve."
[LM]: "But this has also not affected your performance."
[ZV]: "Not in combat."
[LM]: "Aside from that?"
[ZV]: "It's an irritating distraction. Mostly when I'm actually thinking about it. Like now."
[LM]: "Noted. Dr. Qualis, the Neural Regulator appears to be what ties everything together for the Operator. Details were not provided to me; could you give me some more information on how it functions?"
[AQ]: "Details on the Regulator are classified, even to ADVENT I am afraid. The most I can do is give you a general overview on it's functions and capabilities."
[ZV]: "Don't get made at him, Mercado, they're really tight-lipped about how this thing works. Lots of alien tech I'm guessing."
[LM]: "I'll take what I can get. Doctor, tell me what you can."
[AQ]: "The short version is that the Neural Regulator is the control center and means by which the Operator controls the nanites that are linked to them. Since the Regulator is currently the only major brain augment in existence, much of the design and functions are experimental. However, the current iteration allows the Operator to control all linked nanites, and certain bodily functions."
[ZV]: "Like the nerves. I can shut off pain receptors whenever I want."
[LM]: "A potential risk, even given the benefits."
[AQ]: "It certainly is, which is why we only recommend they utilize that function when there are no other choices."
[LM]: "And how, precisely, does that work? Do you just think of it and it happens? Does this also apply to nanite manipulation itself?"
[ZV]: "Doctor?"
[AQ]: "Go ahead. Your experience is not classified."
[ZV]: "Yes and no. It's somewhat strange. My eyes are augmented, so there are some HUD things that I can do which are more or less concentrating on something I see and voila, it happens. That's primarily for stuff like big schematics, and pain tolerance. Other things, believe it or not, it does appear to work by just thinking vaguely about it. That's how I could change my appearance if I wanted. I have to concentrate though, so it won't happen from a random thought."
[LM]: "Impressive. I'm sure I'll get a better idea when we get to the demonstrations. Doctor, I only have a few more questions that you may not be able to answer. The first is if this was based on any alien technology that has been recovered?"
[AQ]: "Like most of our advancements, it was derived from alien technology. I am sadly unable to specify which piece or pieces of alien technology it may have been derived from."
[LM]: "The Regulator, from what has been described, appears to have a significant amount of processing power. If there isn't already, is there the potential for it to house a primitive artificial intelligence should one ever be adopted?"
[ZV]: "Mercado, XCOM is radical, but they aren't going to stick an AI in our brains."
[AQ]: "In theory, Dr. Mercado, there exists that possibility. In practice though we have to actually develop a stable artificial intelligence, and more importantly, having a true artificial intelligence placed within the architecture of this device would be a disaster. A more limited machine intelligence would be more preferable."
[LM]: "Thank you for the clarification. Your foresight for future iterations is commendable."
[AQ]: "We have to be prepared for how best to evolve our technology, doctor. The Regulator could certainly have uses beyond nanite manipulation."
[LM]: "I think that wraps up my major questions for now. Let us continue to the demonstrations."
ADVENT Supplementary Document NM080
Subject: MELD Operator Scenario Testing
Report Type: Testing Report (Observed) – Test footage included
Location: [REDACTED]
Date: 2/16/2017
Author(s): Dr. Lien Mercado
Participants: XCOM MELD Developer Allen Qualis; XCOM MELD Operator Zara Venator
Overview: After the interview with Operator Venator and Dr. Qualis, we then proceeded along a highly controlled path throughout the XCOM facility until we arrived at a medium-sized testing area. This area was a climate-controlled room with steel walls (painted white) and concrete floors with draining systems built into them. Showerheads are also observed on the ceiling, which Dr. Qualis explained was for cleaning.
The space was large enough to be able to conduct a significant number of small-scale tests with a limited number of participants. All testing is recorded at multiple angles from cameras implanted in the ceiling and area itself. One section of the room is a one-way mirror that observers can view the experiments taking place through.
As I was observing, I had no input on the tests which were conducted, though it is apparent that XCOM intended them to serve as an example of what a MELD Operator could do. Questions were limited, and while a transcript cannot be given, the information given will be reflected in this report. There were four tests conducted in total, and they will each be described in a satisfactory amount of detail.
Test 1: Appearance Alteration
The first test was to demonstrate the physical appearance capabilities of the Operator due to their skin and all visible organs effectively replaced by nanites. This allows the Operator to have a significant amount of control over their personal appearance, although their body type or facial structure cannot be altered.
Operative Venator performed several complete transformations, the first transitioning to a brown skin type with brown eyes. The color looked highly authentic and it is unlikely observers would be able to notice it is artificial unless they touch her, as her 'skin' is unnaturally cold. She transitioned her skin color to black, with a green eye color.
This entire process took close to thirty seconds each time, and required noticeable amounts of concentration from Zara. It is unknown how quickly an Operator would be able to do this under pressure, and while it has been hinted that XCOM has answers to this, it was not disclosed to me at this time.
I should not have to explain the extremely large potential this development has to alter espionage operations, which is likely the reason XCOM is hesitant to provide significant details as to the true capabilities of this feature, as it could very well be already being used in their own operations.
However, one thing to note is that some skin colors may appear odd with certain facial structures. There are specific traits that accompany different racial and ethnic populations, and an odd skin tone may draw some attention. A further potential complication is that MELD Operators may appear much cooler under thermal imaging than unaltered humans, revealing their true nature.
XCOM confirmed that they are aware of this, but offered no further comments.
There were no mimicry example tests conducted, due to the inability to completely restructure the face.
Test 2: Fabrication
The second test involved the Operator fabricating multiple objects with the nanites. To achieve this, Operator Venator wore what XCOM explained was the Warden-class armor, which was specifically designed to be worn by the MELD Operators, and appears to hold the majority of their accessible nanites and extends their capabilities tremendously.
Some scrap metal and electronics were placed within the testing area, and Operator Venator deployed her nanites in what resembled a golden-tinged cloud. Within fifteen minutes the majority of components were noticeably lessened, and casings of ammunition were being created before Operator Venator. At the conclusion she was responsible for creating over a dozen clips for ETC rifles. The conversion from one form to another seemed mostly conservative, with the initial and final masses being equal within my best estimates.
This test was repeated on a slightly larger scale, but instead of creating ammunition, she instead created a metal barricade that was large enough for her to stand behind, durable enough to withstand enemy fire (Confirmed with plasma discharges at it), and capable of comfortably protecting three armored soldiers.
Operator Venator confirmed that that design was one of the templates that was pre-programmed and not something she created purely on her own. The full construction took fifteen minutes, and XCOM has suggested that the speed of the creation of any fabricated substance, structure, or material, is directly proportional to the amount of nanites which the Operator has access to at any given time.
Test 3: Durability
This test was conducted without Operator Venator wearing the Warden armor, and focused solely on the durability of the enhanced Operator body. The most immediate thing which was apparent was the fact that Operators can harden their skin, which changes the color to a dark grey and noticeably machine-like appearance. Venator also informed me that this also enhances her close-combat capabilities.
Gauss, laser, and plasma weapons were tested against her with limited shots. All of these, aside from the laser, actively damaged the skin and showcased the healing capabilities of the enhanced body. The penetration, assuming there was any, from the gauss rounds was largely superficial and easily repaired. The corrosive properties of the plasma rounds were healed in minutes by the nanites.
It is assumed that these do consume nanites, and how the Operator replenishes them was not shared with me by XCOM, but it can be assumed that it is through replication, or insertion of some kind of canister or object which houses them. Given the usage of the Warden armor previously, it is likely the armor houses such tanks.
Test 4: Offensive Capabilities
The final test involved showcasing the offensive and surgical precision capabilities of the Operator. The first part involved Operator Venator being placed in the room with a Sectoid clone which would demonstrate how the nanites would break down the alien and then use it as a gestation equivalent to replicate, and then return to the Operator to do with as she wished.
This was completed in seven minutes, and again XCOM wanted to note that it would have been faster or slower depending on how many nanites were assigned to that specific task. Due to Operator Venator using all of her arsenal, it went by very fast and there was a larger number of nanites which returned to the suit. This was confirmed with MELD level reports generated from the suit from before and after the process.
The second part involved Operator Venator being placed in containment with a Human test subject which had been appropriately armed and armored (in this case, wearing standard ADVENT Trooper armor) and was instructed to defend himself. It was not a long fight, as the Warden armor was able to easily withstand the shots, and the deployment of nanites against him soon rendered him incapable of fighting back.
During this process as the body was being converted, it was also being executed to showcase the precise capabilities of the Operator, as only the organic body was being converted into more nanites, and the armor and weaponry was left untouched. XCOM did confirm that if Operator Venator had wanted to, it could consume the armor as well, but in the case of wanting to recover specific technology undamaged, this now provided an optimal way of doing it.
A personal examination of the equipment after the body was consumed confirmed that the armor itself appeared almost completely untouched, and the weaponry was in perfect working condition. The Operators appear to be a highly potent weapon to utilize against the aliens, and it should be expected that their full capabilities are not completely know to us yet, and likely will not be until they are deployed extensively in the field.
The overall developments made by XCOM in this field will prove extremely useful once ADVENT begins to devote additional resources to the potential of nanotechnology, both military and civilian. This document will be utilized as a reference for possible future documents within ADVENT handling or addressing nanotechnology.