ADVENT: History
ADVENT and Alien Integration
"This marks a first step in welcoming those of all species who will provide perspective, vigor, and influence to ADVENT, and enhance our reach beyond our species."
- AEGIS Chief Ambassador Kamar Dennis, announcing the AEGIS Urban Integration Initiative.
The integration of aliens into human society, initially starting in February 2017 and overseen by the AEGIS Division has been widely regarded by the public, media, and military figures as a positive development, and what ADVENT hopes to serve as a foundation for eventual positive foreign relations with alien governments and their citizens.
Many ADVENT citizens who live in locations where aliens are slowly being integrated largely seem to view their new neighbors from another world in a positive light, despite some individuals initially expressing reservations.
"I'm not gonna lie, I had doubts about this whole integration program. But once the alien moved in, I gotta say, it's really made me realize how similar we are to them," Says Brandon Cromwell of London, England, whose neighborhood in London has become one of the pilot locations for alien integration. "Sure, your neighbor may look like a Wampa or giant snake, but when you share the same street, things begin to normalize. I've been teaching Rania [a Borelian defector] to adapt to a more developed economy, and I would be lying if I said that my view of aliens, her kind at least, hasn't changed for the better."
Similar reports of such are not uncommon, notably in other pilot locations like Moscow, Springfield, Amsterdam, London, and Berlin.
When asked for comment on this recent trend, AEGIS Chief Ambassador Kamar Dennis had this to say on the matter in a public press conference:
"The increase in xenophilic acceptance among humanity is a sign of progress for ADVENT and its citizens. The integration of aliens into our way of life, in this situation especially, is inevitable. Although there will not always be a smooth transition, this demonstrates that our species is recognizing the benefit aliens can provide to Humanity and ADVENT as a whole. We are confident aliens will successfully adapt to Human norms and customs, and believe this will lead to positive relations one day between our species, once the conflict ends."
Another significant aspect of alien integration in ADVENT is education. Ever since the founding of AEGIS, select Vitakara (mostly Vitakarians and several Dath'Haram) have gone on ADVENT-based tours to schools and universities within various ADVENT countries across the world. Some former Collective officers have received training to become teachers who will specialize in the upcoming Division of Alien Education, to better educate ADVENT citizens on alien biology, psychology, and history.
This integration goes beyond formal organizations and programs. While no such instances currently exist, ADVENT has confirmed that interspecies marriage is legal under ADVENT law after a collection of activists and journalists raised the subject. They also confirmed that unions with alien partners were subject to the same laws and regulations Human couples in ADVENT follow. Social and political scientist Judy Hitch, along with others in her field of work, have openly supported this - a notable instance of universal praise compared to more numerous conflicts such individuals and groups wage against ADVENT - as she said in a recent co-op article in the New York Times:
"ADVENT taking the initiative on the idea of alien rights within human society is a surprising, but welcome sign that ADVENT is taking the idea of non-human citizen rights as a serious matter. Even before AEGIS was formed, that alien-human relationships and interaction was seemingly protected under the law is proof that ADVENT wishes to, for lack of a better term, nip racism in the bud from the start."
"Racism has, for centuries, been a problem across the world. Just look at the recent Peacekeeper strike on the 'Sapient Sunrise' group in Frankfort, Kentucky," She continued, referring to an ADVENT raid against several residences after ADVENT Intelligence was notified of suspicious activity. The raid found several unfinished explosive devices, alleged to have been intended for an AEGIS facility. Several members of the group were killed, with several more being taken into custody and interrogated before being convicted on terrorism charges.
"ADVENT has been sending a message with both its laws and AEGIS," Hitch continues.
"That unlike previous governments, they will not let ignorant hate and fear propagate, leading to abominable race crimes, disturbing relations, and heightening tensions. If all goes according to plan, hopefully, 'controversies' over alien rights will be quieted and solved before alien-human interaction becomes mainstream."
"To ease integration and interaction, ADVENT's Integration Service Handlers have been selected and trained to help their clients integrate into normal human life. Clients will learn over time how to properly acclimate to Human society, and the subtle differences between our societies,"she continued, before elaborating.
"But they won't just learn from their handlers, or classes; they will learn from the community they live in. It is the community's responsibility, not just ADVENT's to make them feel comfortable and able to interact with us. At the end of the day, it will be up to the people to take responsibility for welcoming and teaching their new friends. This step speaks to both Humans and aliens in ADVENT; to the Humans, it makes a clear statement that we as a whole are taking this issue seriously; we will treat these aliens like us, and they are here to stay, whether you like it or not. They are people too, and we will see them and treat them as such.
"And to the aliens who are joining us, it shows them that there is another option besides the Collective. A better option than the Collective. One which does not see them simply as tools for their own means, but as valued citizens. They will be shown the side of humanity that their leaders have blinded them from; the compassionate side, the kind side, the human side. They will see what humanity has to offer, and in turn, perhaps convince more that there is another option. There is a choice. There is a better way of life. There is more to this galaxy than the Ethereals."
On a final note, the ADVENT military has also publicly stated their view on further integration into ADVENT. In response to news that several alien defectors would be working with ADVENT High Command to help train troops in anti-alien combat and intelligence matters, Commander Laura Christaens made this statement:
"We are currently fighting a war that will determine the future of our race and species as a whole. This supposed 'controversy' over aliens in our military does not exist. As of now they only have an advisory role, and have been thoroughly screened by ADVENT Intelligence through psionic and conventional methods. Besides, you only need to look to XCOM and see how they have leveraged their alien assets. We do not care where you come from, so long as your loyalty to ADVENT and the ideals of Humanity are true. We have accepted this fact, and soon enough the world will join us, whether they approve or not."
- ANN News Article, 'ADVENT Alien Integration' published February 27, 2017
Local Codex Entry, Sanctuary
It is interesting that the humans, such a young race, have already outdone the Empire in one major regard - alien relations.
Although the Empire made many mistakes that led to our eventual downfall, arguably the greatest of them all was the shunning, and in some cases, the outright annihilation of alien races. Even though my brother and I protested against such callous dismissal or removal, by the time we realized our error during the war with the Synthesized, it was too late.
And yet today, after all that has happened, many of our kind still believe we are superior and eschew their usage unless absolutely necessary. I would expect Humanity to do the same towards those who have brought ruin to their world. Many have already been expressing sentiments against our kind, and aliens as a whole, though ADVENT is nonetheless starting to start build relations with aliens at the lowest levels - in the absence of a government, they instead are building their own for alien allies.
It would make sense to attempt to normalize some relations with aliens, to make their population more accepting towards others. Humanity has shown great acts of compassion to both itself and others, yet shows cruelty of equal or even greater proportions. It is hypocrisy at worst, and a fascinating moral implication at best. Here, they have chosen to give them new opportunities in life, a chance to be better. Or perhaps they consider them more useful this way. A fascinating choice nonetheless.
A better effort than what we have done for them, I suppose.
What confuses me the most, however, is the almost seamless integration the AEGIS division has enjoyed. Across ADVENT, Humans are slowly becoming more accepting of their new neighbors. They have been given dedicated resources to show them their new homes, to help them adjust to their new lives among a different species. Yet at the same time, these same communities are fearful of the overbearing Collective threat. Many of these humans have lost loved ones to these people.
So why the increasing acceptance?
It cannot be simply ADVENT itself. Its anti-xenophobic propoganda, a measure worthy of praise, cannot be it, nor can it be the punishments subjected onto those who commit violent acts towards them. It must be something else. But what?
It could be the 'human condition' some of my participants have brought up. Part of the hypocrisy I mentioned earlier. The drive to care for others...or is it from lessons learned from past times? Perhaps they - or at least ADVENT - does not wish to repeat the mistakes of the past; their racism and slavery. If it is that, then I must commend ADVENT and its policies as a whole, as their acceptance has made them better than us in such a way.
Have we failed as a species, if we could never accomplish such a simple thing?
Excerpt from an ANN Live Interview between AEGIS Integrational Agent Jason Berri and Dath'Haram co-worker and resident defector Runi'anala'dathyasith
Reporter Jake Friedman: I'd like to thank both of you for coming to this interview today. It's a pleasure to meet the both of you. So, to start, how exactly did you two meet?
Jason Berri: Well, to put it briefly, I was assigned to her to help integrate her into human society. Seeing as how me and my family have worked in various US foreign policy institutions for many years, I was an ideal candidate.
JF: So, Anala, what were your first impressions on our species as a whole?
Anala: Well, the difference between what we knew about you while working for the Collective, and living with humans now has really made a difference. We were only given basic information on your kind, and you were painted as 'unruly upstarts' that required the Elder's help. Looking back, I can now see those views were very...inaccurate.
JB: If I may interject, Anala, and Dath'Haram in general, serving the Collective military, usually work as medics or support staff.
JF: Is this true?
A: Yes. Our views lead us to hold less...violent positions on a battlefield. That clarification may help humans view my kind better.
JF: So how has working with humans and interacting with them on a daily basis affected you?
A: It's honestly quite great! Due to my medical knowledge as a field doctor, I have been placed in a hospital to help doctors work on and research pain treatment.
JF: Have you had any negative encounters with humans?
A: Unfortunately, yes. Though I cannot blame some humans for what they say and how they act towards me. I have come to accept the fact that the Collective has caused much harm and pain to Humanity, and I took a part in it. I have never killed or hurt someone in my life, but the knowledge that my race, and other Vitakara as a whole, have been tricked and manipulated into doing such horrible things towards innocents...my view of the Elders has changed, let's say that.
JF: So, moving on, Anala, what do you find most different about humans, compared to your species?
A: Without a doubt, your psychology and view of war would disturb many Vitakara.
JF: But you fought in several Collective campaigns, no?
A: [Sighs] No. Not exactly. I served as a medic, in a support role, but unlike humans, my kind specifically do not join wars to fight. We join to...mitigate the damage as best we can. A war that is swiftly ended is a desirable outcome. Dath'Haram like me joined this war to limit the bloodshed. Looking back, I can see the...contradiction...in that. But I suppose doing things like this are the best way I can fix that.
JF: That's quite honorable. Now, what were you saying about psychological differences between our species?
A: Yes, that. Among our species, Borelians are considered to have the best aptitude for war. They are one of the few races who fought in civil wars before eventually unifying. Your World Wars, and this one I suppose, have caused so much death and destruction that it would traumatize many Vitakara. To use a human term...we do not have the 'guts' to fight that much, or that intensely. Even a mad Oyariah or Borelian would not commit something along the lines of one of your genocides.
JF: [Nods] I see. So you're confused as to how humans can be so violent, yet so peaceful at the same time?
A: Yes. Dath'Haram, for instance, since forming our modern civilization four thousand years ago, have never had an act of violence inflicted on one another. Besides the Nulorian.
Anala growls slightly at the mention of the organization.
JF: [Expression of shock] Really? This is true? Not one act of violence over four thousand years?
A: [Shrugs] We prefer diplomacy, what can I say? And unlike yours, our democracy has functioned quite well. We have a 100 percent turnout rate and no money involved. So there's that.
[She smirks]
But I suppose my species is not all perfect.
[She shakes her head]
Pacifism has gotten us far, but compared to you, we are...weak. We have no standing military to protect ourselves, besides the Hunters. You can fight psionic attacks and win - we cannot. If we ever faced a true war like this, we would likely surrender within a week. We...it shames me to say this, but for all the great works or art, technology, science, and culture we have created, we are not very brave.
[She looks at the camera directly. It zooms in on her face.]
This is one of the reasons I decided to give this interview. I cannot speak for the Andromedons, Sectoids, or Mutons, but I certainly can speak for my own race. I want all listening to this to know that the Vitakara outside of this system do not know what is going on here on your planet. We live within a prison of lies and deception, not so different from your 'police states'. But instead of one man, the Ethereals and their Zararch rule. People disappear constantly, and no one asks questions. My kind go about their day, shamelessly living their lives without knowing the awful crimes being done unto your people. You do not deserve this. No living being does. Keep fighting. Keep trying. You are not the only ones at stake here.
JF: Well, that was certainly an empowering speech. Give it up for our Dath'Haram, folks!
[She smiles and waves as the studio claps]
JF: Now, If you two do not mind, can we discuss your relationship?
[JB and A look at one another.]
KB: Yes.
JF: Excellent. So, how exactly did you two become a couple?
JB: Well, it was simply just a worker-worker relationship, than a simple friendship, and, well...after a dinner together and a very awkward conversation, we decided to see how it would work out.
[A warm smile grows on his face.]
JF: [Blushes] So, your relationship is legal under ADVENT standards, right? How does this affect your job?
JB: To answer your first question, Yes it is. ADVENT law states that any consensual relationship between any sapient creatures is allowed. All we had to do was speak to my supervisor, then their supervisor, undergo some security questioning, then fill out a civil union form. To answer your second question, I still perform my duties as normal; teaching her about human customs, life, things like that.
JF: Wow. That's really something. So, Anala, what is it like being in a relationship with a human?
A: Well, it is somewhat similar and different to that of two Dath'Haram. Emotions and interaction play a key role. We both care about and for one another, and work together to accomplish that goal. Of course, there's no Bladedancing involved…[she chuckles, holding onto JB's hand] Humans are not as...athletic as Dath'haram. But we both care and love for one another. In fact…
[She reaches over and kisses KB on the cheek, and KB does so vice versa. JF opens his mouth, then grins and claps several times.]
JF: Well folks, if you were looking for proof of true love, I don't know what else to tell ya! Congratulations, you two. I think I speak for both myself and all of ADVENT when we wish you well in your relationship!
Diary Excerpt of Runi'natama'hala, AEGIS Coordinated Living Candidate, currently staying in Louisville
I have yet to grow accustomed to human traditions. Why must there be so many of them! It is unsettling whenever a Human stares at me for too long. And when I try to shake people's hands, my talons seem to scare them. I know I cannot blame them, since the idea of real 'aliens' is new to them, but, as I said, it is unsettling.
I must say that Earth cities, this one at least, are beautiful. When I am not at work or home, I enjoy going to these 'parks'. So many trees! My assistant James has been teaching me how to use the 'smartphone'. An odd term, as it does not adapt as fast as machines on Vitakar. But, it is useful. It is no tablet, and it is too small, but it works.
Speaking of humans, I have been quite surprised at the volume of their various 'businesses'. There are many who do not trust me, and I cannot blame them. I have killed several with my coils in their nation-state 'Japan'. But moving on, one thing I simply cannot fathom is their concept of 'homelessness'.
Thanks to this 'money' (I have earned some myself at my job) I've been able to support myself independently. However, I am not so lucky as the people called 'homeless'- there are some of these poor humans living on the side of the streets, or in alleyways; it's only a few, but it really gets to me. They look so horrible - I cannot help but give them money from my pocket whenever I get the chance. And yet countless others simply walk by and do nothing to help them.
James tells me that now that ADVENT is running this, they have been doing more to help them. Although that is a reassuring thought, I cannot help but wonder. What if ADVENT had not been created? Would these people still be left like this? Back in the nests, such a state of living would be considered criminal.
I have explained to James that my race, and Vitakara overall do not use money as a way to get benefits or luxuries. We get housing, resources, jobs, and that's all that is needed for us. James seemed as shocked as I was when he said we had no money. He made some offhand comment about 'communism'. I'll have to look that one up later.
Anyway, it came as a shock to me when we visited a 'zoo'. We have something similar on Vitakar, just larger. Many of the animals were interesting, but nothing could compare to the 'Africa' exhibit, when I laid my eyes on what they call a 'king cobra'.
It looked almost exactly like our males, hood and all, just smaller. I was shocked! The similarities were absolutely uncanny! It even had the gall to hiss at me (though I sadly could not understand it), to which I hissed back. We engaged in what James called a 'snek on snek' battle before the little coward broke off to probably crush some poor mammal to death. I simply could not believe it! How was it that me and this 'cobra', separated by many light-years of space, were so similar? Even our names are similar! James tells me that it's a language thing, but it just seems so odd.
Another thing that's been on my mind has been human housing. Instead of the below-ground structures of the nests, humans prefer to live in these tall buildings called 'apartments'. James told me that AEGIS tried to get me a house to live in, but the 'house market was crap at the time'. Weird. I'm not complaining - I can respect it.
We have never really adopted tall structures. The Dath'Haram live in tall trees, so I suppose they are an exception. But unlike here, where the wind is an annoyance at most, on Vitakar, it is a monster to be feared. Because they don't face this, the humans just build as tall as they want! And I can see why. The view alone is worth it! Being able to see so much from one window is truly a treat. Sights like these are something worth treasuring, Unlike the sands of my home, there is more to this place than meets the eye. There is a beauty in it, something peaceful about it.
I realize now that I was lied to about this place. My sisters. Comrades. Family back home. All of them have been deceived. These are not ignorant aliens who need forced compliance, these are people just like us, living their lives with their friends and families. They were less developed than us in many ways, yes, but they do not deserve the pain and suffering that has been brought onto them.
Can the Elders really want this?
It was such a shock to me when Aegis, an Elder I had never heard of, graced me with his presence. Besides the Battlemaster and Sana herself, he was new. Why had they not informed us of such a powerful being before? He had decimated us back in Korea, and I threw down my arms like the rest of my comrades, looking for mercy from him. He graced us with such, and in time, we learned of the truth of our supposed freedom; one we had never known since they healed us from that dreadful plague.
I simply could not believe what he had told us at first. The disappearances, the experiments ...and Paradise. My word, I had never dreamed of or heard of such a place before. Such a horrid thing cannot, could not be the Elder's will. If Sana'Ligna was truly the hero we were told she was, why had she not done something? Why had the Battlemaster, the greatest warrior my kind has ever seen not done something?
Which brings me to this.
Who truly are the monsters here?
Is it them, who take desperate and violent acts to preserve themselves and everyone else?
Or is it us, who have disrupted their status quo and thrown them into turmoil?
It pains me to say that I believe that it is the latter.
And I must do whatever I can to fix it.
Author's Note: This file was not written by Xabiar (but edited and approved by him and his Editing Team), but by me, OfficialWeedTesterGuy, one of his Guest Authors. As a big fan of the series, I'm happy to contribute to his work. I will hopefully be doing more work for him in the future. Make sure to check me out on Fanfiction net and Archive of Our Own under OfficalWeedTesterGuy. Hope you enjoyed the file!
Xabiar's Note: He kind of already said it, but I'll add my own piece. This is going to be the first of some content and stories that are going to be written and published for the series, which as he mentioned, are reviewed and edited by myself and the Editing Team, and should be considered as canon as something like the Technical Addenda or Chronicles of Salvation. Not everything will be an XCOM file, and there is likely going to be an actual side-story being published in the future.
I don't intend to keep this exclusive. If anyone has an idea for an XCOM file or story they'd like to write in the universe, I'm more than happy to work together and get it done. I'm hoping that this will be the start of highlighting some of the writing talent my readers have, and there will be many more to come.