Chapter 20: Operation Exponential Growth

Although there were few natural indicators of time inside the base, no light or noises emanating from outside, the corridors of the XCOM always fell eerily quiet as night fell. Despite a 24-hour watch to respond to alien sightings around the world most non-critical staff came off duty during the night. The research and engineering teams used the time to run experiments, computer models and computer aided manufacturing processes overnight.

The internal layout of XCOM is compartmentalised with base staff having access to the shared communal areas as well the specific departments relevant to their assigned duties. The exception was the security team, including Strike Team operatives, who had unrestricted access to all sections of the base, including the research wing.

"You're sure it's here?" Lieutenant Frances Dunois asked.

"Of course, where else would they be keeping it?" Captain Alicia Fisher responded as they entered the Genetics Lab, the personal playground of XCOMs resident mad scientist Dr Vahlen. The moment they entered the two operatives found themselves bathed in the dim orange light radiating from the stasis tanks that lined the far wall.

"And you're sure there are no cameras in here?" Dunois asked.

"You know there might still be" Fisher replied off handily. "Wouldn't that be exciting"

Although the security had unrestricted access to the lab itself such privileges did not extend to the secure cabinets holding a multi-coloured rainbow of flasks and containers.

The two operatives took a moment to admire the most prominent example inside the container, MELD, the alien substance which had accelerated human development of Cybernetic and Genetic enhancements that were far beyond anything humanity had ever devised on its own. To add to the uniqueness this particular sample, in place of the usual encrypted holographic lock, was secured by a physical key lock. In spite of using some of the most advanced cryptographic systems in existence there was always the possibility of such locks being hacked. Sometimes the best defence was the old-fashioned solution.

"So, what are we going to do now?" Fisher asked. "I could get a laser rifle but that risks putting this whole base into orbit"

"I suspected this might happen" Dunois interjected. Reaching into her back pocket she withdrew a curved set of tools and wordlessly set about working on the troublesome obstruction.

"And you just have those to hand, do you?" Fisher asked

"I used to contend with these kind locks back when I…" Dunois faltered. "When I lead a different life"

"We all have our histories" Fisher said.

"Did yours involve robbing the second largest bank in Paris using only a fountain pen and a trained Ferret?" Dunois asked with a tone suggesting that she was entirely serious.

Before Fisher could require her answer, the lock released with a metallic click. The cabinet swung open on its hinge, bathing the pair in the intensity of its bright orange glow. "Are you sure it's safe to handle?" Dunois questioned. "I tend to distrust things that glow on their own"

Fisher could only summon and exacerbated look at her companion. "Well it's a bit late to be asking now"

Reaching inside Fisher grasped the canister firmly in her hands and lifted it free of its supporting, carrying it with the utmost care to lay it out on the workbench in front of her. In spite of her care Fisher continued to operate under the assumption that about the device was ready to explode at any minute, which it may very well do. Only once she had daintily set it down on the laboratory bench did she allow herself to breathe again.

"Right" Fisher looked across at Dunois. "Let's do this"

Without hesitation Fisher reached down to pull off her olive drab top, revealing her flat muscled torso born from years of physical training. Dunois was quick to follow in her step.

"So how do you want to do this?" Fisher asked. "We each take turns or…?"

"How about you cup your hands and I'll pour some out for you" Dunois replied.

Fisher did as instructed while Dunois worked on opening the top of the canister. Lifting it gently Dunois poured it into her partners cupped hands despite losing some in the process. Fisher was quick to slather it to her chest before she could lose anymore. She felt a shiver cascade down her spine at the touch of the cold against her skin, slathering the stuff across her chest in a wet mess.

"Now do me" Dunois requested, mimicking her hands cup in front of her.

Fisher retrieved the canister and poured the solution into her partners hands. Dunois eagerly began spreading it across her chest as soon as she had an ample amount. The tinge of regret was instantaneous as she realised quite how cold it was. "Merde, that's cold"

Yet despite the unpleasantness she persisted. "You really think this will work, it'll make us bigger?" Dunois asked.

"If Traynors any indication it'll be a classic Grinch and we'll grow three sizes this day" Fisher continued massaging her own chest.

"Frankly, I'd be happy with just a size and half" Dunois continued until she felt she had an even application across her entire chest. "So how long does it take?"

"I'm not sure" Fisher admitted. "But considering she went up overnight I'd expect it to be pretty rapid"

"Sounds more like something out of Alice in Wonderland" Dunois replied. Despite Fishers assertions tense moments continued to pass with little to show for them but wet stains on her cargo pants and some very cold nipples. "You know, I can't help but feel like someone is taking the-"

"Good evening ladies"

Fisher and Dunois turned to see Dr Vahlen appear on the computer terminal across the laboratory. "I see you decided to go ahead with your plan"

"Dr Vahlen?" Dunois asked. "How did-"

"You're not really as subtle as you think" Vahlen took a sip of her coffee before laying the mug aside. "Needless to say, I'm afraid that what you have in that canister will not have the desired effect"

"What about Traynor and her-" Fisher tried to protest.

"I am afraid that Research Specialist Traynors ample assets are simply the product of genetics and the random hand of fates divine touch" Vahlen replied. "And a push up bra"

"I knew it!" Dunois asserted.

"So wait, did we just smear this stuff all over ourselves for no reason?" Fisher was the first to vocalise their shared concern. "Is it dangerous to have this on us?"

"Disregarding the potential health detriments of MELD application, I believe you'll find that particular substance to hold a remarkable similarity to the orange gelatine that was served in the canteen yesterday" Vahlen said with a growing smirk.

Dunois and Fisher peered down at their chests together.

"You've got to be kidding me" Fisher moaned.

"I'm afraid that there are worse things you should be concerned with" Vahlen clarified, glancing over at her screen beside her. "For instance, opening that containment chamber has triggered a security alert. The automated systems response is to dispatch S.H.I.V.s armed with ARC throwers to subdue the intruders"

"Seems a bit of an overreaction over some gelatine" Dunois bemoaned.

The soft whirr of engines could be heard advancing from down the corridor outside. The first sight as the robots emerged into the laboratory were of the sparking contacts of their charged ARC throwers.

Dunois offered a final attempt at self-preservation. "Don't tase me bro!"

XCOM Rule 20: No, the science team will not use MELD to make it/them bigger.