Even without the prophetic vision, Fal-Mai felt like she would've known today would be a journey.
It was late in the night for the Avenger when they'd finally made it over to the Skirmisher base—though it was closer to the evening for this area judging by the setting sun. Fal-Mai was waiting at the top of the ramp with Mordenna and a somewhat sleepy Eliza. They had landed, and were just waiting for the arrival of the two faction leaders.
They didn't take too long—flanked by Reapers and Skirmishers respectively, Volk and Betos arrived at the bottom of the ramp. Eliza was the first one to take initiative, descending and shifting her posture to look more awake. "Volk, Betos, and those under them. I'd normally be happy to see the two of you together, but my own circumstances aren't the prettiest."
As Mordenna and Fal-Mai brought up Eliza in the rear, Volk shook his head. "Commander, I've told you this before—I'm more than happy to host you guys whenever, wherever. Something like a UFO won't stop that, and the Reapers are in agreement."
"As are the Skirmishers," Betos followed. "XCOM has assisted us many times in this war and with our goals. It is only fair that we repay the debt."
Eliza sighed. "I'm too tired to argue the point, so I'll concede for now. We can continue discussions in a more enclosed area, if the two of you would like."
"Hold on, you? Tired?" Volk crossed his arms. "What time on the Avenger is it right now?"
"One AM," Mordenna helpfully chipped in, much to Eliza's visible chagrin.
Volk scoffed. "Eliza, you should be in bed. Whoever's your partner for the moment, you need to be with them and getting some shuteye. What we've got can wait for tomorrow—or even better, we can discuss with the Chosen here, considering I need to talk to one of them and the other needs to know the full details of the mission. Either of them can relay the details in the morning."
"Volk," Eliza protested, "I'd rather be there for the initial debriefing—"
"Eliza," Fal-Mai said, walking over and kneeling to her level. "Please, let yourself rest. Don't run yourself into the ground—you need your strength for everything ahead of us. For us?"
Eliza looked at Fal-Mai with those beautiful, brilliant blue eyes, and Fal-Mai could feel herself starting to waver on her stance. Thankfully, Eliza sighed again, putting a hand on her hip. "... alright. But I'll be waking up early so we don't burn too much daylight. Fal-Mai, Mordenna, do as you need for tonight, but just clear the ramp to close at some point here soon. Bradford and I will be here in the morning to meet with everyone."
"Aye aye, cap'n." Mordenna sauntered forwards, regarding Volk. "So! To what do I owe the displeasure of seeing you today, Volk?"
Eliza rolled her eyes, pulling Fal-Mai into a hug. "Make sure he doesn't get into trouble," she whispered, low enough that only the Assassin would hear.
Fal-Mai hugged her back. "I make no promises. This is Mordenna we are talking about."
The Commander chuckled, pulling away from the hug. She looked like she wanted to do something more for a second, but then looked to their audience. Maybe not in front of all of them. "Take care, and good night, you all. I'll be back around morning."
The group nodded, and Eliza walked back into the Avenger. That left the two Chosen alone with the respective factions they had once hunted and been hunted by, to an extent. Mordenna seemed to already be making the most of it, judging by Volk's reply. "They can make you as tall and as purple as they want, Mordenna, but nothing ever seems to change with you."
"Hey, more things change, and all. Same with you—you can accept us and the Skirmishers all you like, but you've still got a face as lovely as half-burnt roadkill."
Some of the Reapers seemed to take offense, but Volk just laughed. "Alright, you smug bastard. Come along, we might as well include you in the briefing."
Betos nodded, looking to Fal-Mai. "Follow, Assassin. I also have your squadmates to introduce you to."
In a way, Fal-Mai felt bad for them. To work alongside the one who had likely killed their allies before... it was like that for XCOM, yes, but it seemed more personal here, especially since she was created specifically to hunt them. Nevertheless, Fal-Mai rose from her kneel and followed as the group made for the main Skirmisher camp. Her walk this time was almost as tense as the last one, but with no Commander to deflect the whispers.
Perhaps she had someone just as good, though. Mordenna lagged to the back and started walking beside Fal-Mai. "Honestly," he began, keeping his volume low, "If these guys have problems I wish they'd just resolve 'em with some good ol' fisticuffs. Nothing gets solved by standing off to the side and talking shit."
"They are right to be afraid of me," Fal-Mai muttered, remembering a time where she would say that with confidence. "How can I make amends when their blood stained my blade time and time again? I want to, and I have resolved to, but..." What if they didn't accept her? What if trying to deal with it only made the situation worse?
"Hey." Mordenna's hand sought for Fal-Mai's and he gave hers a squeeze. "They'll see the effort you're putting in. It's up to them to accept you, yeah, but at least by trying to make amends, you're putting yourself out there. Even if they reject you, better to try and be rejected and have it be a fact that you made the attempt. Letting things fester doesn't look good all around. I'm learning it too, don't worry."
Fal-Mai was still worried, but having her brother there to support her helped quite a bit. She squeezed his hand back, then let go of it. "Thank you, Mordenna. I feel troubled for leaning on you so much, but I know exactly what your response would be." She smiled. "You would tell me to stop worrying about it so much, and that you'd cut off your own right arm to replace mine if that was the only way about it."
"Huh! Honestly I don't think I would've thought to say that before, but it's definitely a thing I'd say now." Mordenna patted Fal-Mai's shoulder. "So yeah, definitely what I'd say, and you seem to get the gist, so I'll skip the assurance. Just know it's there."
Tension eased even as the air in the Skirmisher camp remained the same, Fal-Mai continued onwards, chest lighter than before. They had made their way to the main building, where some of Betos's guard split off. Volk's remained, and they all funneled into the building. Even with her improved confidence, Fal-Mai did her best not to make eye contact with the guards at the door.
They entered the main room, which already had maps spread out and notes dotting the surface of them. Betos took her place at the table and Volk followed to stand behind her. One of the Skirmishers took post next to the door, while the other two came up to the table. The Reapers mostly stuck to the walls of the room, leaving the two Chosen to approach the table.
Once they were all gathered, Betos began. "Soldiers, there is a mission upcoming that requires our attention." Betos pressed a button on the table, and an image flicked onto the screen behind her, depicting a worn-out ADVENT facility. There were signs of life inside—forms beyond the windows and a few of the lights on. "Our scouts have recently located an ADVENT lab beginning to see use. Normally, our first course of action would be to reach out to them and offer aid, as it seems it is a group unaffiliated with ADVENT. This would be so if not for two things. One, what minimal forces they had laid down enough fire to waylay the scouts, and they have no broadcasting equipment to contact them with. A speed bump, if not for the second matter..."
Betos grabbed a photograph out from underneath one of the maps, pressing it onto the table in view. "Tenz brought their scavenged photography equipment, and procured this photo. Based on an ID from XCOM, this VIP is Doctor Moira Vahlen."
Looking at the photo, Vahlen looked similar to the vision Fal-Mai had of her. Brown, heavily braided hair, like she'd never stopped to cut it. Pale skin, blue eyes, and in the photo she looked exhausted. Fal-Mai was convinced, though it seemed Mordenna had questions. "—I'm not gonna ask how someone you've got has the type of camera that would produce this photo, because there's inevitably a way. Still, you've run the ID by the Commander to make sure this is her?"
Betos rested a hand on the table, leaning on it. "She already seemed to know we were about to contact her with news of Vahlen, so we will say yes."
"I'd figured, but wanted to make sure." Mordenna's eye ran over the map in front of them. "How far is this? What's the security like? Any signs of materials moving in or out, or aliens?"
"It is a day's journey at ideal marching pace," Betos replied, finger tracing a line from the Skirmisher camp to the location of the lab. "Their forces do not seem professionally trained, but the weaponry they are using is not to be dismissed. I'm unsure how they managed this, but they seem to be using magnetic and plasma weapons."
Volk raised an eyebrow. "Don't those things blow up in your hands if you try to use them while you're not on that Network?"
"Essentially," Mordenna replied. "The reason behind that is an identification chip that has a direct launch line to the internal heat sink. If you press the trigger, it tries to run a Network ID check if you're within range of it. If you don't pass the ID check, or if it can't find the Network, it completely destabilizes the heatsink. Without that, a shitty weapon gets even worse, and critical failure follows."
The male-looking Skirmisher at the table blinked a few times. "Wow," he concluded. "You know a lot about how that works!"
"Designed the measure," he said, sighing. "Were I any more 'conservatively minded' I would've just made the things jam, but Odin asked for a failsafe and he got one."
"We are getting sidetracked," Betos gently reminded. "My point was that they have someone on location who seems to know enough of the technology to disable or work around such a measure, likely Dr. Vahlen herself. Your mission is to go in and secure Vahlen with as little casualties as possible—I judge her and her forces to be too uneasy for another direct approach, so bringing her to Eliza and explaining the situation is our second best course with their lack of communication equipment. Caution must be advised on approach, and with such firepower, you will need a medic." Betos tapped a name on the map, which Fal-Mai couldn't quite see. "Samhien will be requested in the morning to depart with you all."
"Oh, hey!" The Skirmisher grinned. "Been a while since I've seen him around the base. Looking forward to it."
Betos nodded. "You will have more chances to see him, I assure you." Betos looked to Fal-Mai. "Assassin—and Hunter—I would like to introduce you to Cherub."
"Cherub?" Mordenna crossed his arms, appraising the Skirmisher. "Doesn't sound like a typical Skirmisher name, at least from what I've heard."
"I wasn't exactly given the chance to get one," Cherub stated with a smile on his face. "A squad that General Betos sent liberated me and a few of my siblings right from the tube! The two human operatives were the ones to name me."
Mordenna grinned, looking to Fal-Mai. "Wow, Fals, I think he's younger than you are."
Fal-Mai huffed, turning her attention to Cherub. His purely cheerful disposition reminded her of Sammy in a way, and pleasantly at that. She smiled. "It is good to meet you, Cherub. My name is Fal-Mai Neylor."
Cherub stepped forward, offering his hand. As Fal-Mai took it, he went on. "Good to meet you, Fal-Mai! I've heard a lot about you." His smile got a hint of nervousness. "Not all of it good. Not most of it good. But I'd like to make a judgement based on actually knowing the person."
The reasonable, but still painful fact that Fal-Mai's reputation around here was still negative was comforted by Cherub's disposition. "Your view is refreshing, and I hope to do the same."
"Good to see cooperation is already being fostered," Betos replied. She regarded Volk. "Volk. We will require a stealth operative, of enough skill to scout such a location."
In response, Volk looked to the Reapers positioned around the room. Nobody spoke up. Rolling his eyes, he turned his attention back to Betos. "I'll talk it over with the wolves and see who wants to go. If I have any say in it, I'm sending Dragunova, but you know she's likely going to want Mox along."
"And such can be easily handled. As for our sixth member—"
The door opened, and many of the people in the room looked over, including Fal-Mai. Ducking underneath the doorway, with two protesting guards behind her, was Celosia. She walked into the room, coming up to the table like she was invited. "A pleasant evening to you all," she began. "But I will not mince words. I have heard that your mission concerns Vahlen. I will be attending."
As Mordenna muttered "what a way to enter," Betos met Celosia's gaze. "Queen Celosia, is it? I would have much preferred you to announce your intended appearance ahead of time."
"You and I are strangers in the same land," Celosia rebutted. "I am not trespassing here any more than you are." She went back to looking over the group. "My name is Celosia, former Greater Queen of the Gourgeami. Vahlen concerns me and mine, and it was either I come along, or one of the other three—and I am restrained enough in my anger to not kill her as soon as I lay eyes on her. It is my right to see her brought to justice, and I would challenge any of you to stop me."
In the silence that followed, only one person was brave enough to break it. Cherub shrugged. "More help is always nice! And that solves our sixth. It's nice to meet you, Celosia. My name's Cherub."
Volk stared at Betos. "—are you just going to let that be the final word, or?"
Betos and Celosia exchanged a long gaze. By the end of it, Betos backed down, addressing Volk again. "It's not a matter of me letting it happen. It's more that I have no choice but to stand down. Though her methods leave something to be wanted, Celosia has been wronged by Dr. Vahlen. And it would be remiss of me to not let her pass her own judgement."
In what way that statement could've been pointed at Fal-Mai, she didn't know—but she went ahead and assumed the worst. Her gaze darted to the side. "... I find no objections."
Mordenna's mouth settled into a line as he looked to Betos. He had no words to offer, opting to stare her down. Betos moved on, either unaffected by or unnoticing of the Hunter's gaze. "Then our squad is largely settled. If need be, substitutions can be made from the Commander's soldiers. There will be a briefing in the morning to refresh details. Are there any questions?"
Nobody raised any, and Fal-Mai was not in the mood to ask. Betos pressed a button that turned off the display behind her. "Then this meeting is adjourned. Soldiers, you are free to go about the rest of your day."
Cherub was the first to make for the door, walking past Fal-Mai and giving her a friendly wave. Volk himself walked over to Mordenna. "Hey, punk." Said affectionately, to Fal-Mai's ears. "Liz carry on the message?"
"Yeah." Mordenna looked back to Fal-Mai. "I think I remember what your tent looks like—head over there. I'll be a minute."
Nodding, Volk left the room, his Reapers trailing after him. Celosia raised her head. "Would the two of you mind if I spoke to General Betos in private? Just have some matters to discuss."
Mordenna bobbed his head, patting Fal-Mai's shoulder in a gesture to follow him. "No problem, wanted to drag my sister off to the side anyway. In case I don't see you guys for the rest of the evening, have a good night."
As they walked out, Celosia and Betos called their goodnights after them, and when the door closed behind them, Fal-Mai could hear them entering conversation. She focused more on Mordenna, who was winding through the Skirmisher camp. He reached back and grabbed Fal-Mai's hand—and after that, she noticed that Skirmishers stopped looking in their direction. Thankful for his distraction cloak, she continued to follow.
He made his way past the edge of the camp, where the Reaper tents began a fair distance away. Once he confirmed there weren't people around, he stopped walking and turned to Fal-Mai. "Hey, Fals, put us under cloak. Might as well have some privacy and I can only do so much."
Complying, Fal-Mai threw her cloak over them both. "Is this in regards to more assurances?"
In response, Mordenna hugged her. "More like telling you not to be too hard on yourself. Can't really make a good effort to repent when you're busy using that energy to beat yourself up, yeah? And I wanted to get some comfort in before I went and talked to Volk. I know I can just refer you to Jax, but..."
She understood—it would be the same way for her. She wouldn't just want to send him off to their brother without first reassuring him, herself. Fal-Mai returned the hug. "I understand, Mordenna, and... thank you." She buried her face into his shoulder. "For everything. You are one of the best brothers I could ever ask for."
Patting her back, Mordenna gave her a squeeze. "I'm more than happy to be there for you, Fals. Never forget that Jax and I are swinging in your corner. Speaking of him, go give him a visit in the Avenger if he's awake—and if not, catch some shuteye yourself, ok?"
Fal-Mai parted from the hug. "Ok. Be careful with Volk."
Mordenna chuckled. "What's the old man gonna do, nag me to death? Things should be fine, Fals, and..." His face flickered to an uncertain hope. "I... I get the feeling he's gonna tell me about my past. I'd given up at some point ever getting it out of the Reapers, but... I wanna know. No so I can 'be who I was before' or whatever, but to learn from it and move on. Don't much like having such a huge hole in my memory."
While Fal-Mai couldn't claim to empathize, she could at least sympathize. "Then I hope the talk is fruitful, Mordenna. I will head back to Avenger."
Mordenna patted her shoulder. "Be safe. Love you."
Fal-Mai smiled, lifting her cloak and walking away. "I love you too."
The night was long and Fal-Mai hardly slept.
Jax had gone to bed once she had returned to the ship, and Fal-Mai didn't feel like waking him up just to seek comfort. The large majority of the ship had also fallen asleep, leaving Fal-Mai to return to her room. At one time she would have claimed the solitude never bothered her, but... she was learning lately that she felt far more than what she'd convinced herself before. She felt more now, too. She'd always thought of herself as relatively calm and emotionless, but...
As she walked out of the Avenger, fully geared up, she meditated on that. Emotionless was how Helena had wanted her. But, wasn't it a bit much to express her emotions all the time? She just felt like she would be annoying—and the last thing she wanted to do was annoy the people she cared about. Plus, it wouldn't do her much good to mope in front of the Skirmishers—they'd probably take her as trying to rally pity for herself. She didn't want them to think that. She could keep a lid on it, just a little bit maybe.
She kept that in mind as she continued her walk into the base. She likely would've made a straight line for the main building again if she didn't hear rapidly approaching footsteps behind her. Fearing the worst, but remembering what she resolved to do, she turned while keeping her guard up.
Thankfully, she would recognize Samhien's blue armor anywhere. He was fully stocked and slowing down as he reached Fal-Mai. "Nightmaiden! I had almost thought I would never catch up with you."
Oh, her resolve was already wilting. Samhien was a ray of sunshine, but she still managed to temper her smile behind her facemask. "Apologies, Samhien. I did not intend to outrun you."
With his own helmet on, she couldn't judge his expression—but she got the strong feeling he was wearing a wide smile. "That's ok! I'm looking forward to working with you again, Fal-Mai. I always enjoy being with you."
Thinking of him being so genuinely kind to her, there was a little flutter in her stomach she was quick to chuckle out. "And I with you." She realized for a second that she didn't know where the meetup location was. "... would you happen to know where the Skirmishers gather in preparation of their missions?"
Samhien nodded, walking past her and gesturing to follow. "Absolutely! Follow me, Nightmaiden."
He guided her slightly in the direction of the meeting building, but then took a turn at another one. Past a sturdy tent or two, there was a shorter, but thicker building, looking like it was assembled from perhaps not the best materials, but competently so in execution. Samhien entered the building, and as Fal-Mai ducked in after him, she quickly identified it as an armory. There were lockers, most closed, a few open, and one wall with an assortment of Skirmisher-brand weapons. The appointed squad sans Celosia was there, and Eliza was in attendance as well. At her side was Bradford, and at his side was Volk. Betos stood off to the side, hands behind her back. "Samhien, Assassin. Once Celosia arrives, we will have everyone ready to mobilize."
Samhien nodded, walking over to the wall and grabbing a spare medkit. "Any updates since the message?"
"Just more activity from the lab," Volk filled in. "They seem a little shook up since the last time that Betos's men approached. Should be easy in, maybe a little tougher out if Vahlen's associates get nervous. With Fal-Mai we've got an easy in."
"Almost makes you wonder what we're here for," Elena muttered.
"No plan is foolproof," Eliza said. "I can't make one plan with no contingencies. That usually lands people in very hot water. While it may be true that they likely don't have anything that can look past Fal-Mai's shield, I'm not gambling on it. You guys are insurance. Hypothetically, Fal-Mai holding Vahlen up and telling her to call off her staff should make the exit easy. Hypothetically. In practice, humans are panicky. Shoot to disable if possible."
Mox nodded. "We will do our best to avoid unnecessary casualties. Should Samhien also provide aid to them?"
"At his discretion, but I'd say after Vahlen has been secured and has asked for them to stand down, yes."
The door opened, and Celosia entered. She was wearing outfitted Predator armor, and a Plasma Boltcaster was on her back. "My apologies for my tardiness, my fellows were worried for my safety."
Eliza smiled. "I can hardly blame them. Still, are you ready to go otherwise?" When she nodded, Eliza looked to the rest of the group. "Normally I'd be dropping you guys off somewhat closer with the Skyranger, but with the state of things right now... we need as many people on the Avenger as can be managed, and I don't want to risk Firebrand getting shot down on the way in if the worst potentially happens. You all will have to make the march."
"I'm no stranger to long marches," Elena said, getting up from her spot on the bench with Mox. Mox followed her. "You're talking to a Reaper, here. We're nomads."
"Glad to hear you're used to it, then. Do we have any other questions before we deploy the lot of you?" When there were no objections, Eliza clasped her hands in front of her. "Then be off. Mox and Cherub are your pathfinders, we'll be on comms. Betos will be your main contact, she can reach me if extensive guidance is needed. Good luck out there, Menace."
Menace nodded. Mox was the first towards the door. "If we make good pace, we can make it there sometime after sundown. Let us be off."
Fal-Mai allowed the rest of the squad to funnel towards the door. She looked over to Eliza, who gave her a warm, confident smile. Fal-Mai wanted to go over and kiss her—but that would be too much, right? Such a display might seem performative or over-the-top. She instead nodded, hoping Eliza could feel her smile behind her own face mask. Fal-Mai turned, trailing after the squad. They had a long walk ahead of them.
Indeed, not much was happening on the walk, though Fal-Mai was relishing the silence.
They were winding around bare trees in a cold forest, half-melted snow beneath their feet. Elena had insisted on taking point, leaving Fal-Mai to bring up the rear of the group, near Celosia. The overcast day didn't lend well to telling the time, leaving Fal-Mai to only guess how long had passed since they'd embarked on this journey.
Even as she was enjoying the silence, as Fal-Mai spared a look or two Celosia's way, she could tell that the Queen had something on her mind. Why wouldn't she? They were making for the facility that held her former captor—the captor of her lovers, as well. There was likely much to think about, for her. Drawing closer and lowering her voice, Fal-Mai supposed she could attempt to be there for her. "Queen Celosia. What troubles you?"
Celosia looked to her, blinking. She then turned her attention back to the path ahead. "Vahlen lies ahead. It's hard to imagine not being troubled at that. As much as I said that I would be the only Ruler not to kill her on sight... I'm very well tempted to do so anyhow. But I know that would not be the best resolution." She paused for a moment to traverse over a fallen log. "What would you do in my situation, Assassin?"
In her situation? The closest point of reference Fal-Mai had would be Helena. "—I would likely kill her," she sheepishly admitted. "But my frame of reference is different. To my understanding, Vahlen is ultimately doing what she does to drive off the Elders." She shook her head. "It still does not justify her actions."
"That it doesn't." Celosia sighed. "Believe you me, were I less composed, I would just want her dead. But... there's something else to be said. Something I need to bring up to my fellows. Capturing Vahlen comes first, however. Would you spare me some silence to keep my calm?"
Nodding, Fal-Mai went back to her watch. She'd grant Celosia her silence—she wanted to think over Vahlen, as well. She had been so unrepentantly angry in the vision Heidi had brought forth. So furious. It wouldn't do her any good to lose her composure like that. She didn't want to scare Cherub or Samhien, and didn't want to show the others that she couldn't control her emotions. Taking in a breath, Fal-Mai imagined herself as—
Emotionless? Oh, how far you've come.
Fal-Mai winced. No, not emotionless! Just calm. She wasn't trying to erase her feelings, there had to be a middleground. A constant state of calm is not a middleground. She could feel, right? And where has feeling gotten you before?
She was almost so lost to her conflict that she didn't notice Samhien looking back, slowing down so he'd fall beside her. She took in another steadying breath as he did. "Nightmaiden? Are you alright?"
"I am fine," she replied on instinct. "Nervous, perhaps, but fine."
His helmet hid his expression, but the mild doubt was clear. "... are you certain?"
He can tell you are lying. To yourself, most of all. This would not be a problem if you knew how to comport yourself whatsoever.
"I'm certain." Fal-Mai kept her eyes trained ahead, unable to look at Samhien. "I appreciate your concern." Even if she was lying, now wasn't the time. Not in front of the others.
Samhien was silent for a while, gazing at her. It was Cherub who looked back. "Hey, Samhien, doing ok back there?"
"Just a moment," he called back. When Cherub looked ahead, he reached out and gently touched Fal-Mai's arm. "It's ok," he muttered. "I... I know now may not be the time. But it is not a crime to feel."
Fal-Mai had no reply to that. Samhien eventually sped back up, keeping pace with Cherub. She had a mission to do. She could convene with those she loved after.
Thankfully, the facility wasn't far. The trees began to part and the squad began to stick to the trees—and beyond them, Fal-Mai could begin to spot their destination. Compared to the ADVENT facilities she was used to seeing, this one was rather decrepit. Bullet holes and plasma burns littered the siding, with some windows that had been replaced with sheets of metal, likely because they were broken. The inside was lit and looked like there might be some people about—but the only guard on the outside seemed to be one man in some poorly-fitted ADVENT armor, wielding an ADVENT mag rifle.
Glad she could focus on something else, she stalked towards the front, close to Elena. "I do not think we need any casualties on this mission," she began. "Their fortifications are sparse. I could simply enter in cloak and corner Vahlen."
"Good in theory, but in practice you'll need more backup than that." Elena checked her rifle. "I'll take the roof, you can follow if you'd like. Probably best to move us both under your cloak." She looked back towards the squad. "The rest of you should keep back, but be ready to rush in and aid us."
Fal-Mai could accept that. She inched closer to the Reaper. "I am ready to leave when you are."
"Then that time is now."
Nodding, Fal-Mai cast her cloak over them both. Elena paused for a second, but then made her way forwards, Fal-Mai following her. They covered the open ground between the woods and the facility, with Elena faltering slightly as they got close to the guard. But when he looked over and right through them, she continued forwards with confidence, up to one of the ladders on the outside of the facility. The two of them made their way up—and Fal-Mai already spotted an open hatch. Elena moved towards it, pausing to look in. As she did, she spoke up softly. "Your cloak cover sound?"
"Indeed."
"Easy insertion, then." Elena was silent for a moment. "... it's awfully soft. Didn't expect alien cloaking psionics to be so comfortable."
"My shroud is a soft thing, perhaps suited in that way to hiding me utterly." Though, there was one way it didn't hide her, and she quickly flicked on her communicator. "Commander, Betos, we are upon the facility, preparing to enter."
"Understood." That was Betos. Maybe Eliza was occupied. "Enter at your discretion, and keep casualties to a minimum."
"If at all." Fal-Mai looked to Elena. "Give the word."
"The word is now."
On that cue, they both dropped down to the floor below. Inside, a lot of the facility had been repurposed, but some of the tech was still in use—the second floor was being used as a living area, the first set up for research. A few people were milling about, working with the machines or samples in the lab below. In the living area, sitting on one of the beds and holding something Fal-Mai couldn't see at her distance, was Vahlen.
"Positive ID of the target," Elena radioed in. "Looking to isolate and engage."
Fal-Mai scanned the facility, looking for a room with only one way in. Thankfully, there was one on the same floor, with the door open as well. Rosetta appeared from her arm. "Sending drone to scan the room at eleven o'clock. I suggest we lure or drag Vahlen into that room if it is empty."
"Copy that, let's move into position."
Elena moved and Fal-Mai shadowed her. They drew closer to Vahlen as Rosetta jumped from Fal-Mai's shoulder, cloaked, and presumably skittered off towards the room. There was some mild, ignorable chatter down below—but otherwise, Vahlen was quiet and separated.
When she got within range, Vahlen began to mutter in German—which took Fal-Mai a second to get accustomed to. "You've forgotten, haven't you, Elizabeth? Not that I would blame you. There are far greater things to concern yourself with than finding an old colleague. You were always a brilliant woman—and it does not take a genius to tell I didn't help in the slightest in stopping the invasion. Better, then, to leave me."
As she spoke, Rosetta reported the room was empty, and Fal-Mai saw the object in Vahlen's hands. It was a photo in a battered frame. Vahlen was posed with three other individuals—an older man Fal-Mai didn't recognize, someone that distinctly looked like a younger Bradford, and... Eliza. Eliza didn't look too different physically; her hair was brown but with hints of white bangs, cut around her chin. Her uniform was still XCOM, but a different style, with medals displayed on her chest. The most different thing was her expression—this Eliza was cold. Her stare at the camera was empty, and despite being the center of the photo, she felt removed from the other three.
Elena didn't look at the photo for long. "Other room empty?"
Fal-Mai snapped out of her distraction. "Yes. I will lure her over—but if she does not take the bait, I will grab her."
Nodding, Elena stepped to the side. Fal-Mai sent the command to Rosetta, who appeared in the doorway. She tapped her legs on the ground a few times, just until Vahlen looked up and behind her. Vahlen blinked, as if not believing her eyes. She put the photo on the small table that was serving as a nightstand, getting up to get a better look at the drone. Rosetta scurried into the room proper, and Fal-Mai watched Vahlen closely. Vahlen looked heavily conflicted until she spoke to herself again. "White on blue? Not ADVENT colors in the slightest. Not quite XCOM either, but..."
Her curiosity won out, and Vahlen made her way towards the room. Elena and Fal-Mai stalked closely, Fal-Mai keeping her hands free just in case. Vahlen made it to the room, and Rosetta must've not been in immediate sight, as she hesitated and then walked in. Following, Fal-Mai made sure they both cleared the door before looking for the panel on the wall. The room looked like an office, probably for Vahlen, with a desk and documents strewn all over the place. Monitors were on the wall, showing various data. Fal-Mai hovered her hand over the pad, sending Rosetta a command to peek out from behind the desk to keep Vahlen distracted. "Dragunova, get ready."
Elena readied her rifle at Vahlen, keeping her finger out of the trigger. Rosetta poked her little head out from behind the desk, chirping. Vahlen gave a small chuckle. "What are you doing, little rabbit—?"
Fal-Mai slammed the pad, closing the door and lifting her cloak. Vahlen whipped around to see Elena's gun barrel pointed at her. "Don't scream," Elena ordered. "That'll be the last mistake you'll make."
Vahlen stammered, backing against her desk. Her eyes went to the XCOM logo on Fal-Mai's armor. "X-XCOM?"
Fal-Mai nodded. "Indeed. And you have much to answer for, Dr. Vahlen."
"Of... o-of course, I will—" Vahlen half-tripped, sending Rosetta scurrying back to Fal-Mai, resting on her shoulder. "You could have just approached—though I suppose if that was XCOM's forces a while ago, I understand why you would use such subterfuge getting here now..." The last part of Fal-Mai's sentence seemed to finally occur to her. "'Answer for?' If that is regarding my failure to assist XCOM in stopping the initial invasion, then I assure you, I will answer as much as the Commander would like. I don't think she shall forgive me, but I will give her my sincere apologies."
Fal-Mai narrowed her eyes, disgust rising. "I would not take you to so easily forget what you did to the alien rulers, but I suppose the axe so easily forgets what trees it has felled."
"The alien—?" Vahlen blinked. "You found them? I apologize—I had not meant to release them so early. A containment failure led to that, but I trust XCOM was able to dispose of them?"
"'Dispose of?'" Fal-Mai's anger grew, stepping towards Vahlen. "Those are people that you speak so carelessly of, Vahlen, and it is precisely what you've done to them that you must answer for."
Vahlen continued to back up, moving towards the wall. "Assassin, please, I—I had no other choice. They were my best option! My progress had been stalling and there was no way I could have mounted any resistance without them!"
Fal-Mai knew she should contain her emotions—in fact, the deja vu was beginning to mount. But knowing the trauma the rulers had faced, knowing what they had to deal with now? Her anger bubbled over as she marched forwards. "And yet when faced with them in their captivity, your first choice was to kidnap them and subject them to your cruel experiments?!"
"Please, Assassin!" The scientist pushed herself back, hitting one of her monitors and stopping. "Can you honestly have expected me to think there was any other way? We are at war!"
"War is no cause to make suffering worse!" Fal-Mai had to hold back every urge to pick Vahlen up by her throat and dangle her there. "You had every opportunity to turn back at any time! The rulers were—are people! Can you honestly expect me to believe they hadn't pleaded for their lives, not once?!"
"Do you suggest that I would have risked my life to find out, when every other experience I had said they would kill me without a second thought?"
"The fact of the matter is that you didn't try!" Fal-Mai jerked a thumb at herself. "I will not stand here and listen to such blind self-defense when I am here, living proof of the virtue of second chances! Do you think they chose to be in captivity as they were? Were you ignorant of every distressed cry and scream? I cannot imagine which is worse—either you were ignorant of their suffering when it was so obvious, or you knew and perpetuated it!"
"Fal-Mai!" Elena grabbed Fal-Mai's shoulder. "Keep it down! I'm sure you've got a right to be pissed but we still—"
"Vahlen?"
A muffled voice outside turned all of their heads. Elena was the first to respond, dragging Fal-Mai out of the way as she shouldered her gun. "Tell him XCOM is here," she hissed more than whispered. "Contrary to what Fal-Mai's saying, we're not here to bite your head off."
Shame burned Fal-Mai's face as Elena said that and she further backed up to give Vahlen room at the door. As Vahlen stepped forward, giving Fal-Mai a wide berth, her thoughts sprung back. You knew this would happen and yet you let your emotions get the better of you. Do you really think this is ideal? You are an Assassin first and foremost—your emotions have no place here. You have only made things worse with them.
Vahlen went to open the door and Fal-Mai went into her cloak instinctually. How could she not with her heart hammering so hard? She could've very well made this mission exponentially harder on the rest of them—if not impossible. This was what happened when she showed emotion. This was what happened when she felt.
Beyond the door was a slightly scraggly scientist. He raised his eyebrows as he saw Elena, but Vahlen was quick to raise her hands. "It's—it's fine, Gordon. I was mildly surprised by them cornering me in my office, but the situation is better than it looks." She looked back to gesture at the two of them, and faltered slightly when she only saw Elena. Still, she went on. "XCOM is here, they've sent their agents, and apparently they have more in the area, I'm sure."
Elena nodded. "We've got agents in the woods on standby. Tell your people to stand down, we're friendly here."
Gordon looked to Vahlen, who nodded. "Ok... I'll let Ben down below know to stand down. Uh, what do the agents look like?"
"Three Skirmishers and a plant centaur," Elena answered, the last one causing the blood to drain from Vahlen's face.
Gordon himself looked hesitant. "Plant... centaur... and you guys are with XCOM?"
Elena looked to Vahlen. "Eliza O'Leary sent us."
That seemed to do the trick—despite her apparent fright at the notion of Celosia being close, Vahlen nodded to Gordon. "They are with XCOM. We've seen evidence of them working with the factions before. Go tell the others we are going to have visitors." He nodded, turning and walking out of sight of the doorframe. Vahlen let out a breath, looking back. "... where is the Assassin?"
"Probably in her cloak." Fal-Mai feared having to explain herself in her deteriorating state. Thankfully, Elena seemed keen to cover her. "I don't imagine your people would have been too pleased to see the Chosen Assassin looming behind you. She'll be around."
"Alright." Vahlen uneasily walked out of the door, motioning for Elena to follow. "Let's walk and discuss."
Elena followed, looking back for a second at the "empty" room. She didn't do so for too long—but as she left, she tapped the pad behind her, closing the door and leaving Fal-Mai alone.
With her solitude, Fal-Mai's knees gave out and she sank to the floor, doubling over with the force of holding her emotions in. Things would be so much simpler if she did not feel. She would be a better force for good if Helena had succeeded and she'd been truly emotionless. Even if she did not want to go so extreme, showing her emotions just made things harder. People didn't like it. It was a sign of weakness and nobody wanted to see the calm Assassin angry or upset. Her control slipped through her fingers and she bit her lip hard enough to draw blood, trying to keep everything inside.
"Fals?"
Mordenna came in over her earpiece, but she couldn't speak at a time like this. What would he know? How could he possibly understand? He'd never been made to feel no emotion whatsoever. Even worse—Helena had tried and failed. That was the kind of failure she was. No, she did not have to be perfect. But she could still be broken.
"Fals, please, I know you're there. You're in enough pain that Jax and I are feeling it."
And just look at what having emotions is doing to those around you! First you disrupt the mission, then your own brothers. You are a failure, through and through. As an Assassin. As a Chosen.
As a daughter.
Fal-Mai finally couldn't hold it back—she choked out a sob. It didn't matter how far she ran, it didn't matter who she associated with or who she surrounded herself with—Helena was always there, criticizing her every move. There would be no escape even from someone she had gotten away from, and the thought of it crushed her chest and she cried out silently. Fal-Mai, in that moment, genuinely wished to be emotionless—because at least then she wouldn't have to deal with the crushing despair of the realization.
Her brother's words and Rosetta's nudging was lost on her as she retreated inwards, leaning against the desk for support. She didn't know how long she stayed like that, curled in her cloak, trying desperately to kill the burning in her chest and the knots in her stomach. It was long enough that when the door opened, she jumped, joints aching from hugging herself.
Beyond the door, surrounded by the now-bright light of the other room, was Samhien. He looked around the room and Fal-Mai wound her cloak tighter. "... Nightmaiden? Are you still in here?"
Fal-Mai knew well that all he'd need to do was pick up on one of her useless emotions to sniff her out. She sucked in a breath, feeling like her lungs were collapsing as she did, drawing her knees up and pressing her forehead against them. She could not feel. She was never meant to feel. It would be better off if everyone else realized that, too.
Sammy reached back and tapped the panel, closing the door. He then took off his helmet, the soft concern on his face now clear. "Fal-Mai, please. Your brothers are worried, the Commander is worried... I am worried. I want to help."
What could he help with? He'd only make things worse. He is a Skirmisher. He does so because it is in his nature to ruin everything. You would be better off disposing of him. No, she couldn't. She'd never raise a hand towards him. Samhien had been the first to trust her, to show the want to connect with her, the one who tended to her when she lost her arm. He'd been there so many times for her, and had helped her so much. Maybe he could help now, but how? When looking at him made her chest burn more, just made her want to further cry?
That was enough. In the low light of the office, Samhien's eyes glimmered purple, and on the edge of Fal-Mai's hearing was the sound of a water droplet. His head tracked to the side of the desk, and he walked over. Crouching down, he looked... not quite at Fal-Mai, but she could tell he had her location. "Fal-Mai. Please. I know you must be in pain, but nobody can help if you hide yourself." A gentle vulnerability, one that she realized she'd never seen from Samhien, entered his expression. "It hurts me to see you hurt, especially in ways I can't just heal. I want you to be happy, less because it is my duty as a medic to see you well, and more because... because seeing you happy resonates with me. I smile with everything I have when I see you connecting with your brothers, or enjoying being with the Commander. I think of you being in pain, and it hurts me greatly. Please, Fal-Mai, let me help..."
Samhien's genuineness, his vulnerability got to Fal-Mai. As much as she hated her emotions, they were what led her to him... and lest she forget the love she had for her brothers, for Eliza? The burgeoning friendships she was beginning to forge with some of the soldiers? Her righteous anger that fuelled her crusade against the Elders, and her sadness and empathy that let her relate to those who had gone through what she had?
Tears ran down her cheeks, and her cloak shimmered off of her. The first words out of her mouth were strained past a throat trying to close around them. "I'm sorry."
In response, Samhien let his helmet roll out of his hands and he made his way into Fal-Mai's arms, hugging her. Fal-Mai squeezed him back, hiccupping. You make your bed with the enemy and show vulnerability to them! Just what kind of Chosen do you think you are?!
The answer to that was simple; she was her own Chosen. Not the Elders', not XCOM's, and perhaps not even Eliza's. It was her place to fight for what she believed, make friends with who she chose, and decide what perfection was and if she should measure herself to it.
Samhien was pressed against her front, his warmth seeping through her gloves. "Fal-Mai. I'm here. It is not a crime to feel. What Helena forced on you is no way to live." He eased his head against her neck. "Feeling is a blessed, beautiful thing. It's what drives us. To be angry, to be happy, to cry, to love. To feel with everything you have. It is why I'm with the Skirmishers, and it is why you are free. Please, do not hesitate to cry..."
Some part of Fal-Mai still resisted Samhien's invitation, but as she had him there, against her chest and hearing the ever-so-soft, rushing sound of his barely-there psionics... it was getting harder to steady her lip, to keep the tears at bay. She curled around him, hiccupping again and sobbing it out. She wanted to feel. She wanted to express what she felt. She didn't want moments where she could tell those she loved how she felt pass her by ever again. Fal-Mai gave another shuddering sob, clutching to Samhien like he was her lifeline. She would feel. She would feel.
Her sobs broke into wails, and she kept hugging Samhien as he ran his hand over her back. The small room that was Vahlen's office was her place of realization. Nothing would change overnight, she knew this—but Samhien was right. It was feeling that made the Skirmishers what they were. It was her feelings that separated her from the Elders and gave her freedom. Led her to loving her brothers. Led to loving Eliza.
Eventually, she cried herself out, face soaked with tears as she took careful, soft breaths. Samhien had never once let up his grip, still against her front and breathing calmly. Easing her embrace, she inhaled slowly, exhaled that out, and went to speak. "Th-thank you, Sammy."
Samhien adjusted to be more comfortable in her lap, patting her back. "Helping you means the world to me, Fal-Mai. Think nothing of it."
She shook her head at that. "I will not. I will think much of it—you did not have to seek me out as you have, did not have to go so far in comforting me. You mean much to me as well, Samhien."
Even though he was still leaning against her, she could feel his smile. "I'm very happy to hear that." He brought himself up, smile melting into concern. "Will you be alright, Fal-Mai? They do not require me outside, and we will be overnighting here to gather our strength and depart tomorrow with Vahlen in tow."
Fal-Mai looked towards the door. Undoubtedly, at least some of her crying had been heard on the outside. Her first feeling was shame, her second... indifference. If she was going to feel better about feeling, she supposed she needed to accept some apathy about how others felt about her expressing herself. She closed her eyes. "My... my emotions are still raw. Could I please ask for you to stay? You calm me, Samhien."
Samhien eased back against her, slotting perfectly against her body in a way only Eliza did before. "As long as you wish, my Nightmaiden."
Fal-Mai leaned her head against his, sighing out a contented breath. She would go home a different Chosen.
In the hum of the Void, the Overmind's signature was quiet.
There had been much to deal with once Esvensthia went rogue. The immediate chaos that had transpired at the meeting had been swiftly dealt with, but he knew what such a high-profile defection meant for confidence in the Collective. They had taken their best Avatar, and now the Overmind was left to pick up the pieces.
Speaking of pieces. Soft, hushed whispers resounded in the area, subdued in their speaking. He barely turned his attention to the newcomer. "Elder Odin. Report."
Odin was hesitant to speak. "—Network damage was extensive by Esvensthia's severance. Damage was mitigated by the separation process I had initiated, and considering the possibilities—"
"Report."
Odin paused. "... 87% of the Avatar files are gone."
Rage coursed in the Overmind's veins. "Repeat."
"We... we suffered a loss of 87% of the work they had contributed to the Avatar Project."
"How long. How long will it take to recover the work done."
"Th-the good news is," Odin went on, and the Overmind could hear his desperation to avoid stammering, "we still have the three other Avatars they had made, and reverse-engineering them with Almaria's expertise will provide us with what we—"
"Get it done," he hissed. "I feel this body failing me by the day, Odin. If I am feeling my mortality, the rest of you are on borrowed time. Gather whatever you need, this talent-forsaken planet be consigned to the Pit. We needed those Avatars ten years ago."
"Y-yes, Overmind." Elder Odin seemed to gather his words. "The tracking chip in the XCOM operative has had long enough to establish a secure link with the Network. We know their every move. Upon your command, I will launch the UFO immediately."
Finally some good news. The Overmind's rage simmered lower. "Find them. Take that Commander back. And make one more Avatar in the initial line."
"Yes, Overmind. The Empire Eternal."
The Overmind was silent in response, waiting for Odin to get the point and leave. To his credit, he got it fairly swiftly, the whispers in the area quieting to nothing. He pulled up the coordinates Odin authorized him, staring at the location of the Avenger in the face.
"I am coming for you," he muttered. "Do you hear me, Ascended? There will not be any of you left when I am done with this universe."
