Hello and Welcome back to the world of XCOM!

I am back (finally), and with a nice long chapter to boot. I do hope you all had a great Christmas break. I know I did.

First of I do want to apologize for the wait. I know it's been a few months, but mental health is a finicky think like that. I hope another break is not needed before the end of this arc, but again, I can not promise anything.

Honestly, writing my new story "The Lost Generation", did help me immensely. Both in making sure my skills did not dull, but also in getting back to a point where I could sit down and write out a new chapter that I felt was worthy of this story.

As always big thank you to Xabiar for being my beta. I know it's been a tough ride so far, and I do tend to not be the quickest, but I do appreciate everything you do to help. Please check out their stuff. They are a much better writer than me and deserve the credit.

I do hope you all enjoy

Stay frosty.

Cheers

Alex Lee


Wednesday, September 8th, 2024

700 Hours 02 Minutes 15 Seconds

"Drew?! Drew can you hear me?!"

I awoke with a start, to Lock's face mere inches from my own.

Something, that while a tad bit nerve-racking due to her yelling directly in my somewhat new and still fairly sensitive ears, is not the worst thing to see first thing in the morning.

"I'm up, I'm up," I mumbled, waving my hand wildly in front of my face in a vain attempt to move her away. "Jesus, woman. No need to yell."

"Speak for yourself!" She growled. "You almost gave me a bloody heart attack!"

Letting out a long groan in response, I went about sitting up slowly from my bed with all the elegance of a drowsy elephant.

It was about this moment that my sleep ailed brain caught up to where I actually was.

"Huh," I muttered, taking in the crash mats, mirrors, and destroyed punching bag. "This…Is not my room."

To say Lock looked slightly pissed at my assessment would be an understatement.

"No. Fucking. Shit." She barked, poking me rather hard in the chest with each word. "Now would you care to explain to me what the fuck this is all about!?"

"Um... Well..."

The rest of the words seemed to die almost instantly in my throat as I caught my reflection in one of the unbroken mirrors.

I was a god damn mess.

My usually clean body was heavily streaked with dirt and blood. Bits of foam from the bag I annihilated the night before clung to patches of sweat all over my chest and hair. My hands in particular looked like they had been through a god damn meat grinder, given how scabbed over and red as they were.

If this was what Lock had walked in on, then it was no wonder she had panicked a little. I looked like one of the dead bodies on a shitty crime drama.

"Jesus Christ," I coughed, taking in the sheer amount of damage I had incurred upon myself the previous night. "Did I wrestle a bear in my sleep?"

A small sigh escaped Lock as she saw my expression. "Seems like it. I thought you were dead when I first walked in..."

"I can see why." I muttered, flexing my hands experimentally. A small wave of pain washing through my arm as each digit moved.

"Drew..." My mind ground to a halt as she spoke my name. "What the hell happened?"

A deep groan escaped me as I silently resigned myself to her interrogation.

"Honestly?" I grimaced, wiping the stray sleep from my eye as I spoke. "I don't really know. I had a nightmare, and wanted to burn off some energy. Maybe tire myself so I could get some actual sleep. And well, this happened."

A quick gesture to what remained of the punching bag I had unleashed my fury on, was in my mind, enough for her to deduce the rest of the story.

Her silence spoke volumes as she examined the wreckage. As did the small frown that formed and creased deeper with each passing second.

Satisfied she knew enough to sate her curiosity, it was now time to get up and get on with my day.

The words she spoke when I made moves to try and stand however, stopped me dead in my tracks

"It was the tank wasn't it."

I grimaced. Both at her words, and the remaining effort it took to stand. Spearing her a quick nod in response before I stretched upwards.

It was quite likely she knew the answer already. But, it paid to be polite once in a while. Especially with your superiors.

"Alright," she nodded, turning on heel to face me. "Go to the med bay, and tell them it's a code orange. Authorization code LD eleven twenty. Once you're finished there, grab a shower, training garb and a meal. Once you have completed all those steps report to field seven for today's drills. Is that clear?"

My body automatically responded with a nod and a stiff "Yes Ma'am!" before turning and heading straight for the training room doors.

"And Drew?" She called after me. "The next time this happens, feel free to knock on my door. Lord knows I don't sleep anyways."

I nodded numbly to her request, before continuing on my way out of the room, and towards the med bay.

Being a patient at XCOM is a very different experience from the normal army.

Unlike in normal medical tents, where the doctors can treat almost any injury, XCOM has teams of medical professionals assigned to specific injuries.

Burns, gunshots, broken bones, etc.

Each team is also specialized to the extreme, with machines specifically tailored to whatever treatment is best for the given injury, and medical professions who can recite full dictionaries of medical terms by heart.

As a result, the crews that run each area are incredibly efficient.

Identifying and repairing damage to the human body with such ease and confidence, it made me dizzy.

On top of that, apparently the code Lock had given me meant I became a priority one patient. Garnering myself the rush treatment, which while slightly more painful, meant that I was back up to full health, and being shoved out the door in under an hour.

A small bottle of pills, and a couple of freshly bandaged hands, being my only souvenir from the time spent there.

Roughly a half hour after that first stop, I was clean, fed, and making my way towards the training bay.

Or rather I would have been, if not for the sudden red lights and siren that sounded.

"All Squad Lockdown members. Report to hanger bay four. I repeat. All Squad Lockdown members. Report to hanger bay four."

Massaging my ears in discomfort, I turned and quickly began my trek to the hanger area.

Oddly enough, everyone else seemed unaffected by the noise that was being made.

Guards and scientists continued their usual pace, some even attempting to chat with one another along the way.

Clearly this was not some pressing matter that was needing to be attended to. So why the intercom message then?

"We will know soon enough" I muttered to no one, quickening my pace as I jogged.

Soon enough, I reached the massive blast doors of the hanger, and with them the mayhem that lay inside.

Technicians and crew members ran about left, right and center. Their pace suggested some level of concern, however none of them looked practically worried. Maybe this was a drill or something then. Whatever this was that is.

"Drew!"

The familiar voice of Bigsky caught me completely off guard as she practically appeared right beside me.

"Been a long while! How are you doing?!" She yelled over top of the hustle and bustle, grinning like a madwoman.

"Been doing ok," I shouted back. "And sorry to cut this short, but do you have any idea what is going on?"

"Oh. You mean the alarms and shit? Those are used to signal a mission launch." She glanced my way with a raised eyebrow. "Isn't that why you're here?"

"Crawford! Front and Enter!"

Now there was a voice I had not heard for a while.

Lock's command voice.

A very simple and quick reminder, that this was not the time for idle chit chat. Right now was the time for action.

Turning to face her, I was a tad bit surprised to find her in full mission gear.

"Lock?" I glanced back at Lisa as she made her way to the hanger bay. "What the hell is going on?"

A grim expression marred her face as she spoke. "Just as Lisa said. A mission must have come up. And apparently Command has chosen us for this one."

My eyes narrowed slightly as she spoke. Whatever mission had come up, the fact squad Lockdown had been selected must make it pretty dam important. Especially for them to be launched so quickly.

"Alright. I guess I'll just wait here for you then." I shrugged, taking a few steps back from the doors. "Good luck out there."

I paused in my movement, when I noticed her shake her head a few times.

"You're really something, Drew," she muttered, rolling her eyes as she fully turned on me. "What part of all Squad Lockdown members didn't you get?"

A smile broke out over my face as her words registered.

"Suit up?" I asked, hope spilling out into my voice as I waited for her orders.

"Suit up," she confirmed. "You have ten minutes before launch. Don't be late. Dismissed"

I was already running before she even finished her sentence.

Fifteen minutes later found me crammed into the loading bay of Lisa's skyranger, flying off to god knows where, to fight god knows what.

In true rookie fashion I was the last member to arrive. Though thankfully I remembered all my weapons and gear. So I only got half the ridiculing I thought I would.

As soon as my ass hit the seat, we were off the ground.

"Mission Briefing incoming!" Lock shouted from her seat, prompting everyone to turn their attention to the rear hatch of our craft.

There a small holographic screen flickered to life, and with it a series of pictures and maps.

A small window popped up next to the images not a second later. The digital image of a middle aged gentleman, clad in a green collared shirt flickering to life in the small window.

Shaved head indicates military

Visual identity confirmed. Central Officer John Bradford. Rank, Acting Junior Commander. Call sign, Central.

"Good Afternoon. You are currently being deployed to Germany."

The distinct American accent of his voice was quite noticeable, even despite his voice being patched directly into my communications ear pace.

"At roughly twenty two hundred last night, an alien assault force consisting of primarily Mutons, Mechtoids, and Seekers, destroyed the water filtration plants, and main power plants for the city of Frankfurt."

"As a result, the city is being fully evacuated. There were roughly three hundred thousand citizens still there, and while most of them have been successfully transported to Berlin, the main transport hub is at risk of being attacked. Your mission is to defend the hub until all the buses have been loaded and launched. After which, the German military, and our XCOM Aerial assets will take over defense duty."

"Wait. Is that it?"

I spoke before even realizing it, which prompted several heads to turn and look my way. Central's included.

"You have questions, Private Crawford?" He gestured to me specifically.

Mission perambulates questionable. Defence of civilian transports deemed low risk. Squad Lockdown's presence not needed. Secondary objective probable. Defence of important item or cargo on buses.

"Yes," I hesitantly responded. "Is there any cargo or items we should be trying to ensure the safety of as well?"

Though the camera link was fairly small, it was easy to see the slight look of surprise that flashed across his face as my question no doubt reached him.

"There is. Though the nature of the item in question is currently classified for your ranking," he stated firmly. "The precious cargo has been loaded onto bus number four. Its defence is to be your top priority."

At least three of my new squad members glanced my way warily. Questions would no doubt be asked the moment this briefing was over.

"That is all the available information we have at the moment," he quickly finished. "Alien activity is low in the area right now, but that could change at any time. Stay frosty out there. Central out."

The cabin was silent, save for the deep rumble of the massive engines that were currently sitting mere metered away from us.

"OK, what the fuck what that...?!"

Holly White. Call sign, Closure. Roughly five feet, eight inches of pure unrestrained attitude. It was only fitting that she was the one to call me out on my question.

Thankfully Shane took control of the situation almost immediately. Silencing her before she even had a chance to continue.

"I think what she means to say, is geezer Drew, that there's some real sweet intuition you gots there."

A small chuckle escaped me as I was forced to endure the terrible southern accent he was attempting. Though I made a point of catching his eye and giving him a small nods in thanks as he laughed alongside everyone else.

This was not the time to worry about unnecessary things. Plus there would be plenty of time to answer Holly's questions, after we all came back alive form the mission that is.

"Now," he continued. "We all heard the briefing. This is a defensive operation. Potentially Seekers and Mechtoids in the area, so keep that in mind when prepping your gear. Prioritize long range weaponry. We want to take the enemy out before they get to close."

"Closure." Lock's voice easily priced the flurry of motion that erupted, as everyone scrambled to prep their own shit. "Both Drew and I are going to set up kill zones, and I need someone to run cover for him. Think you can handle that?"

A sly smile and a cocked shotgun was her immediate reply. "Better question. You think he can handle me?"

Lock simply rolled her eyes in response, before turning towards me and tapping her ear piece.

"Holly will keep you safe. She's a bit reckless, but on the plus side you will never have to worry about anything getting to close for comfort."

Lock's voice came in loud and clear on my end, but no one else seemed to show any indication they heard her.

As if sensing my confusion she spoke up again.

"This is a single line comm, so feel free to speak your mind. Only I can hear you right now."

"Roger that," I muttered. "I'm guessing rifles for this mission?"

"Oh yah," she chuckled, watching me like a hawk as I placed my mag sweeper onto one of the hull mounted weapon racks, and clipped the guess rifle to my sling.

"Ammo cache is in the back left," she thumbed towards where Shane and Holly stood. Both of them currently loading up on grenades and ammo by the looks of it.

"Which sidearm did you grab?" she continued, methodically checking over her own gear as she spoke.

"The colt." I murmured, pulling it out and racking the side to ensure it was unloaded. "Should we grab grenades or anything?"

"Your call." She responded. Snapping the cylinder shut on her revolver before holstering it once more. "May be worth it, if a Mechtoid shows up."

I nodded in response before making my way over to the ammo cash and examining my options.

Frag grenades and magazines of every size filled each inch of the crate. While rockets and larger rounds for our two MEC'S lay off to the right hand side.

As quickly as possible, I loaded up on as much ammo as I could reasonably carry, before taking one last look at the explosives pile.

One particular device caught my eye. A claymore.

"Hey Lock." I asked quietly. "When you said kill zones, you meant a snipers nest on the roof, or something of the sorts right?"

"Pretty much," she responded almost instantly. "Why? You have another brilliant idea?"

"Maybe," I chuckled. "Think Closure would mind me setting a surprise for any guests that arrive?"

A small laugh sparked over the comms. "I think she would very much appreciate that, yes."

It took the sky ranger roughly twenty minutes after the end of our briefing to reach our destination.

Even more impressive however, was the fact that it took less than a second for shit to hit the fan once we did arrive.

"Ground forces spotted!" Bigsky's voice barked over the intercom as we all hurried back to our seats. "I'm going to try and land you on top of the building! Gotta evac quick after that though! All hands! Prepare for a hot landing!"

Enemies unknown. Numbers unknown. Objective: Secure a scouting location and provide inlet for further moment. Secondary objective, eliminate as many hostiles along the way as possible.

"Lock!" I barked over the comms as the ranger's doors opened. "Closure and I will try and secure a position to provide you with intel."

"Negative! She is definitely going to be needed in clearing out the building." Her eyes locked on me. "You're gonna have to run solo! Find a hide and tuck in tighter than a tick!"

Turning to face the rest of the team her calculated voice rang out over the comms. "Chip, Psycho, Closure! You're on clean up duty! Get this building secured and pest free. Ace and I will keep anymore from getting into the building! Got that?"

A corpus of responses following suit.

"Ten seconds to insertion!" Bigsky's voice rang out, accompanied by a loud screeching, as the hanger doors fully opening.

Ropes deployed from the top portion of the doors, and an instant later, the craft came to a complete halt.

I felt myself get thrown forwards by the G forces of the stop, only to get thrown right back as it tilted again.

"Mission is a go! Move it people!"

A hard shove on my back sent me tumbling forwards, and off the edge of the craft.

The world seemed to slow down as I tumbled into the open air in front of me. Flipping almost completely around, before spotting my landing not two feet below.

Extending my legs outwards, I landing and immediately rolled forwards to try and prevent any injury.

Lock landed completely upright beside me, not a second later.

"Don't forget! Your legs can take up about two stories worth of impact!" She yelled; waiting a single second before heading towards the service entrance on the roof. "Move it ladies!"

Two massive metal thuds echoed across the rooftop as Chip and Psycho's Mecs dropped from the ranger, followed closely by the rest of the squad.

Each member wasted no time in following Locks directions. Smashing down the service door with brutal efficacy, and entering the building one after the other.

I turned towards what I assumed was the front of the building, and began and quick jog towards the edge.

Building orientation dictates this to be the rear of the building. Assault most likely coming from front face. Relocation advised.

"Fuck." I muttered, quickly changing directions.

Near the edge of the roof there was a series of tall, white, stacks. AC units if I had to guess. I could only hope that they would provide a small amount of cover as I made my way up further.

A secondary service entrance sat not far from them,

Taking knee next to the white metal structure, I had a clear view of front entrance of the bus depot.

As luck would have it, nothing was there.

"Lock, I'm in position." I voiced over my comms. "No enemy units sighted."

"Roger that," she responded a second later. "Tuck in and await further instructions."

"Roger." I breathed, quickly taking out the claymore I had brought along, and rigging it to the service door.

It wouldn't prevent a full on assault, but it sure as hell would slow them down.

"Service door is secured. Awaiting orders." I radioed quickly, as I retook my position next to the AC stack.

Deep in the building below, I could hear the sounds of heavy combat. Screams and groans mixed together with, muffled explosions, and bursts of automatic fire.

Apparently more than a few enemies had gotten inside already. A lot more than a few.

"Need any help down there?" I radioed.

"Negative," came Lock's immediate response. "Stay up there and shoot anything that moves."

"Roger." I acknowledged, scanning the area in front of me for a moment.

Still nothing.

I sighed deeply.

In a way it made sense. Lock didn't want me in the line of fire just yet. She was trusting me with the easy task of making sure no one came to help whoever was already in the building. Thus ensuring I didn't fuck up in a no mistake situation.

Aka close quarters.

Still, it would have been nice to get my first piece of action. Or even fire my new rifle.

No sooner had the thought run across my mind, when my eyes refocused on some movement in the buildings across from us.

Two heavily armored aliens had smashed through the building, with a third mechanized alien in tow.

All three enemies instantly began to sprint towards the bus depot. Clearly responding to the distress call the one's inside must have sent. All three closing ground faster that I though was reasonably possible for creatures of their size

Red armor. Large physical size. Claw type weapons. Enemy identified as Muton Berserker. Claw weapon identified as Muton Blades. Very deadly up close, avoid at all costs. No ranged weaponry. Capable of taking down cover and small buildings. Large mechanized enemy identified as Mechtoid. Weapons identified as Plasma Mini Canons. Can only fire one while moving. Accuracy at current distance, and cover level, minimal. Engagement at current distance recommended. Current threat level, high.

"Three contacts spotted! Front entrance! Closing fast!" I all but yelled into the mic. "Opening fire now!"

"What typ..."

Locks voice faded into the backdrop as I re-centred my sights on the reinforcements.

All three were rushing blindly towards the front doors, which thankfully meant they had yet to notice me.

The read out in the scope listed the distance to be around four hundred meters. No wind adjustment needed. An easy shot if there ever was one.

Breathe in. Breathe out. Stay calm and focus.

The world around me slowed to a crawl as my cross hair lined up on the chest plate of the closest berserker. Narrowing in on where I knew his heart would be.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

Even as my finger tightened on the hair trigger, my mind was working overtime. Watching the form for any minute movement that would cause the shot to miss. Anything that could prevent a kill.

Poom

My mind knew it was a hit before I had even realigned the rifle.

A quick cycling of the bolt and I was back on target.

Both the other berserker, and the mechtoid had stopped. Curious as to why one of their comrades had stopped moving.

Their mistake.

Poom

The right most one fell almost instantly. A nickel sized hold punched right through his chest plate.

The mechtoid didn't even try to duck into cover. He simply turned. Accepting his fate not doubt.

Poom

One bolt cycle and later, and I watched it get knocked to the ground.

"Drew? Come in!"

Lock's voice finally pierced my thoughts as the final unit fell.

"I'm here Lock." I quickly mic'd.

"We heard shots outside. Was that you?"

"Roger. Three bogies down."

...

"Repeat last mic Drew. Its sounded like you said you downed three enemy units?"

"Can confirm. Three units down for the count."

...

"Excellent work. Seems the drinks are on Holly tonight."

I took a second but the words finally registered.

"Wait...You guys were betting on me?!"

"Oh shut up," she chuckled lightly, "and take the free booze."

A small smile crept on to my face as I re-sighted in my kills to ensure there was no movement.

That same smile washing off my face not a second later, as I now saw all three enemies still standing tall.

And two glowing Mechtoid guns now pointed directly at my portion of the building.