The flight from the battlefield was tense and cramped. The rumbling of the engines was the only sound in the large troop bay. With two captives, X-com is returning to its roots of live-capture. Twenty years ago, that is what prevented their initial downfall. But now, with two aliens that surrendered rather than subdued, has changed the fields. Jackson had his shotgun pointed at the vipers, being safe. Despite their hands being bound and their jaws shut, they still are fearful. With Alpha and Beta in the transport, with captives too, the area is cramped and unsafe. Safety is hardly a concern in this line of work.
Jackson broke the silence: "I certainly hope the Commander has a plan for this. A hostage wouldn't work with ADVENT.." The squads were quiet to reply. Unsure or otherwise, they kept their ideas to themselves. Yenta and Kath are both squished together close to the door. Still in their armor but without their weapons. Kath is particularly fearful, given by the lack of color in her scales. Being told that Xcom is bloodthirsty killers, she can only expect death. Yenta is not optimistic but not expectant of death. The rocking of the ship hardly brings her any form of comfort. Being bound and her mouth tied shut, there's nothing she can say. Her psionic connection to the Elders was faltering anyway. This day finally ended her servitude to the Elders, even if unintentional. Kath had no desire to leave ADVENT, but every ounce of belief within her was stripped away when the Hunter shot at her. A lot of things are changing in their lives. Adaptation is key.
The humans and vipers, spark, and gear are all crammed inside of the small cargo bay. The tents, crates, and equipment take up a lot of space, and the Spark even more so. The humans got the seats, with the vipers being near. Grunts and discomfort noises only met any turbulence from the ship. The trip was awful, to say the least—greatly exceeded capacity, and with the Beta squad sitting on some crates and items. Hopefully, routine missions will begin again soon, and Alpha will finally be back at full strength. Light chatter filled the cabin as the ship flew along.
It felt like days before the craft finally descended and slowed. The Skyranger landed on the landing pad, with the landing gear groaning. The back door opened, causing the vipers to fall out, with some loose items of gear nearly. The squads disembarked with some difficulty, from the bulk of their equipment. Plenty of security and scientists met the teams- more soldiers took the vipers, accompanied by scientists and Tygan himself. The squads now have to head to debriefing. Jackson, Lewis, and Cunningham moved behind the escort of soldiers and scientists, down the stairs. Going to the bridge, the squads all stood at attention. Beta was next to Alpha in the room, as the escort vanished into the ship.
The Commander was standing there, looking at the holo-globe. Bradford is not present, likely concerned with the aliens onboard. The Commander turned and spoke. "At ease, men." The squads all returned to a relaxed state, showing signs of weariness. "As you all know, this is the plan I was forging a week ago. The Vipers falter in their faith to the Elders. Even Lazarus showed signs of rebellion. If we can cause a schism in their ranks, it can be our victory."
Jackson spoke up. "Sir, what do you plan to do with our captives? Surely not recruit them, right?"
The Commander chuckled and crossed his arms. "And if I plan to do just that?"
The squads changed from seriousness to complete shock. Are they recruiting aliens? Has he gone mad?
Lewis added: "But sir, the aliens only wish for our demise. How could we trust them?"
"Because, Travis Lewis, I know a rebel when I see one. The Vipers are different from the other species. Their loyalty lies with their kind, not the Elders. When Lazarus saw his kind being attacked by the Hunter, he instantly turned. Tell me that is not rebellion?"
Lewis did not have an answer for that. Beta was a bit more accepting of the idea.
Riley spoke his part: "Commander, they have those… chips, right? Like the one you had?"
"Yes, Riley. They just got here. I do need some time to work it out. I cannot rebuild a soldier from birth in one day."
In the deeper parts of the ship, Commander had designed a small bunk. It was much more secure than the soldiers' housing, as this is intended to contain the vipers. There are six large beds and furniture. A worn-out, blue sofa lies in the middle of the room, with a small table—a similar layout to what the soldiers have. The Commander indeed has a plan for this. The Vipers were escorted inside, with Tygan, Bradford, and plenty of soldiers. The Vipers were released from their bonds and had their mouths untied.
Bradford does not like the idea of this. He has the very beings that killed his soldiers on his ship. Bradford trusts the Commander, but this is a stretch. "You are not at home here, snakes. The only reason you are alive is by the Commander alone."
Yenta nodded softly, trying to keep her head in union with her shoulders. Kath did the same.
Yenta bowed her head to him, and Kath did the same. "We will do as you say, human." Both of the Vipers listened to the long explanation from Tygan, regarding their psionic chips. The removal thereof would altogether remove all influence from the Elders. It acts much more like binding chains in their current state: a burden, and no more. After the boring explanation ended, the soldiers and Tygan proceeded to leave. Bradford stayed for a moment, with his arms crossed. "If you even think about escaping, I'll have you on my wall." The older man proceeded to leave, with the door slamming behind him, and the locks engaging. Kath and Yenta both gasped in relief and looked at each other. Yenta did something new to both of them. She moved forward and hugged Kath. The younger viper was shocked, but after some awkward seconds passed, she wrapped her arms around Yenta. Yenta and Kath shared the embarrassing moment for a few seconds before they broke the hug. Kath stammered for a second. "Just… warn me next time." Yenta nodded softly and moved away from Kath. The black and white viper sighed as she stayed there a moment. Her change is so drastic and violent. Yenta was building up to this, while Kath had zero intention for this.
Yenta slithered to one of the beds and looked around. The white nightstand and shelves. The blue lights hang from the ceiling; she has a feeling that she won't enjoy it when waking up. With a sigh, Yenta sat down on her bed. Kath chose the one next to her, and awkwardness filled the room. Prisoners, but pretty comfortable living standards. Yenta leaned forward and opened the drawers of the dresser next to her bed. They were revealing some old shirts and clothing. Yenta got up and scouted through the bundles of fabric. Finding a large, long sleeve shirt, she happily exchanged her armor for it. The strange logo of an old rock band upon her chest spun around and showed it to Kath while wearing it. "What do you think?"
Kath got interested and got up as well. "Where did you find that?" Yenta showed Kath the dressers and the clothes inside. The duo of vipers amused themselves by looking through the outfits. Kath exchanged her armor for a black shirt, which is also long sleeve. Since the Avenger is currently in the Arctic region, warmer clothes have been distributed to the crew, including the cold-blooded serpents. Fortunately, the snakes have a very proportional torso. Their arms are a little longer than humans, but the oversized shirts compensate for that.
In the upper deck of the ship, inside of the bar, is Jackson and Bradford. Jackson set down his shot glass and spoke.
"You know, John, this is a risky move, putting it lightly."
Bradford scoffed and downed his glass of liquor.
"I know. I trust the Commander, but this is new. Even for him."
"What does he plan to do?" Jackson asked, with genuine concern. Todd has done nothing like this before. Having to capture aliens, that surrendered. Back in the first war, they would force them into captivity. Never before have they had prisoners like this. With other soldiers around them, Bradford was careful not to reveal anything confidential.
"He has not told me his whole plan yet, but, by the sounds of it, you may be getting a new squad member soon." Bradford chuckled but trailed off. An alien squad member, in the most elite X-com squad?
"I hope he knows what he's doing. Because if not, we will all fall with him." He said, getting another refill on his drink. Bradford and Jackson share a couple more drinks before stopping. They'd better not get completely drunk, this early into the week. Getting destroyed by liquor is typically a weekend thing, not on a Tuesday.
The setting sun peeked over the horizon as the crew of the Avenger settled into their bunks. The night patrols continued as usual, with the perimeter being continuously scanned. Those who protect in the night are typically Gamma squad and any Reapers in the area. Rarely does anything happen on their watch, aside from the occasional wild beast. Even the vigilant Commander succumbs to sleep, usually. Tonight though, the Commander cannot force himself to rest.
The Commander groaned as he gave up trying to sleep, with the night veil upon the ship. The man got up out of his bed and threw a shirt on—the bland tan shirt upon his chest, now allowing him to leave his chamber's confines. Sleeping quarters typically lack privacy, but the Commander's quarters are very secluded.
The Commander left his room and went down the catwalk to the bridge. Hardly anybody is awake, aside from a guard or two on night watch. The Commander was not trying to sneak or anything, but he moved with great silence. His feet moved with excellent coordination. Every movement is a deliberate action. Some even think he never acts on a whim. Experience as a soldier and even more as a commander, has molded him into a very stoic being. Walking down the several flights of stairs was eventless. He doesn't even think the mice are awake. The Commander came to the Containment deck. Two guards stood outside of the room and stood at attention. Shifting from their casual stance to a serious posture, they saluted.
"Continue your watch."
Commander bluntly said as he split between them and opened the door. They did not dare resist his entry. The metallic door slid open, proceeding a click. What once was a bright red light changed into a little green hue. The Commander stepped into the room, with both vipers looking at him.
The pair of vipers was hardly lazy. They never had the chance to develop that habit. Continually working and training was their life. Now that they have a moment to think, they kept moving. Both of the serpents had been experimenting with clothing. They were never given much aside from their armor. This was something entirely new to them. Mainly just exploring the kinds and designs of the old-world with some modern clothing mixed in. Moving from their bunks, they came closer to the Commander. He stood tall, but if they postured fully up, they would be taller. Yenta and Kath stared at the stoic human as he did not speak for a few seconds.
"I am sure you have heard of me, the Commander." The Vipers lost color in their scales, knowing him as the one who nearly toppled their forces two decades ago, and now evades a world trying to capture him. A legend, by his right. They did not speak.
"You'll both undergo an operation in the morning to remove your chips. From that point on- I hope you'll work with me. If it were up to Central, you'd be hanging on a wall."
The scales of the vipers had lost any form of life in them. Kath's black scales looked more grey while Yenta's yellow and orange looked pale and sickly. The words of the Commander were frightening. Being killed and used as a trophy is inhumane, to put it lightly. The serpents shifted nervously. Their tails were stiff as they stood before the Commander. Like peasants before a king.
"Anything to keep our heads with our shoulders," Kath replied, shocking Yenta. Yenta nodded, and the Commander returned the gesture. "Good. It would greatly benefit your health to cooperate. Have a good rest; you'll need it." He said as he spun in his heels and left the room. The guards were a little confused, but it was something that they could not question. The Commander always has a reason for what he does. The guards simply tossed each other a glance before returning to their watch. Even if they disagree, there is nothing they could do about it. The vipers received color back in their scales when he left. The threat of death, for now, stayed. Yenta huffed as she slithered back towards their beds. Resting back on the grey covers, she spoke.
"Needless to say… this will be difficult, Kath," Yenta said as she turned and looked at Kath. The younger viper nodded as she reclined on the ground. Making a seat out of her tail and resting there.
"You think so? I think it'll be easy switching sides to an organization that wants to hang us on a wall." Kath does not so believe in all of this. Forsaking the Elders is not an easy thing, but they were outcast either way. Going back is death assured, but a chance to live is here. To live and die as a free soul could be all they are offered—an eternity of servitude or a moment in freedom.
"Trust me, Kath. This is our only chance at surviving. This won't happen in one day." Kath shook her head at the reassurance. Indeed this will not work. How could they integrate into X-com, the renowned organization that fought the hordes of the Elders'? In any manner, this will not be easy.
The vipers decided to sleep instead of discussing the issue. Either they will adapt, or they will die. Yenta found little sleep that night. She felt the same as the night she lost her sister. Yenta considered what Jensa would have done. She always did look up to her for advice. The morning came swiftly.
The orange light of the rising sun peeked across the horizon and cascaded into the windows. The splitting beams of light awaking the crew. There was no operation or mission last night. The simple patrols in the night were the only activity- the vipers were already awake in their room. It is hard to find rest as a prisoner. The door slid open once again, and the entourage of humans returned—that darker-skinned human in a lab-coat with plenty of humans with him. The Commander and even Shen were present. Doctor Tygan spoke to them. "Are you ready for the operation?" The vipers did not talk but silently nodded to him. "Excellent. Let us proceed then."
The mass of humans brought the vipers across the ship. They entered the large lab-area. On the other side of the power source is a significant operating table. The table is the same place where the Commander received his operation. Unfortunately, it is the same place where aliens are cut open and studied. Some of the orange blood still stains the floor and table. The vipers were uneasy by this fact and lost some color in their scales. Tygan proceeded with his operation and had Yenta go first. The yellow and orange viper moved onto the operating table and laid on her stomach. She was strapped down while they administered the anesthetic. Yenta struggled only for a moment, as she did not know what was happening. It put Kath on edge, seeing her sister struggle like that. It was much more of a sharp twitch than resistance.
Doctor Tygan carefully removed the scales on her neck and sliced into her flesh. The pink underskin was easy to cut. No wonder they have scales. It took several minutes for him to produce a small, two-pronged chip. It is about two inches long and is rather slim. The doctor stitched the wound after administering some medicine to accelerate the healing process. The viper was lifted and placed upon a gurney, and Kath was next. She was not swift coming to the table, but she did nonetheless. Tygan repeated the process, removing the chip and closing the incision. Both vipers were returned to their quarters only one hour after leaving.
Tygan approached the Commander, removing his gloves and mask. "The operation was a success, sir. As to the effects, the removal of the chips will have yet to be seen." The Commander nodded, and Central added: "Are we sure about this? I understand you have a plan and all, sir, but this is… new." Bradford and the Commander go back a long time. He has always trusted the Commander, despite the ideas being outlandish sometimes. The Commander nodded with a form of a smirk. "Yes, Bradford. I know this will work. Maybe this will even help the public to wake up. Whatever we can use, we must use it. Even if it seems risky."
The soldiers of X-com have no choice but to obey the Commander. His decisions can be confusing, but it always works out. After all, they are fighting the entire world. They need whatever help they can get—even being allies with an enemy. If the vipers rebel to the Elders, then they can be a worthy ally. An enemy of my enemy is my friend. Alpha squad is particularly wary of the idea. With hundreds of kills beneath their belts, it will be strange not to kill an alien. The only fortunate thing that has happened with Alpha is that Michael Ferdinand has finally recovered from his wounds. The man has spent the last week recovering quickly in the infirmary. The medical pod helped his wounds. As the vipers rest in their room, Alpha squad, finally regrouped, is in their quarters. Jackson, Cunningham, Lewis, and Ferdinand. Ferdinand had been brought up to speed by his team.
"So. We have aliens on the ship now? I thought the whole point was not to have them here."
Lewis was swift to reply. "Why do I have to keep telling you this: just trust the Commander. If he thought there was even a chance of this failing- he would not have done it."
Cunningham nodded. "He's never led us astray before. If you disagree with him, you may just get booted."
Jackson chuckled before downing the rest of his drink. "At least it'd be quiet around here, without you all complaining all the time!"
Alpha squad kept to their bunks during the night. Either they were fearing that the vipers would escape their confinement or perhaps running into the strict Commander. The team has been through the thick and thin of this war. The best soldiers under the Commander are put into the most dangerous situations. The mission that no other could achieve, they are employed. Their skills are the greatest in the resistance, which has made them legendary among the human populace. A group of humans fighting the entire world order is remarkable. The squad still plans to open the alcohol, which they acquired at a resistance base, later this week. They had better not get drunk before then. Going into a battle, in that state, is certain death hence why the Commander does not tolerate it.
The sun peeked over the hills, cascading through the windows. The light found its way into the quarters of the Commander. He was already awake, sitting at the computer desk in the corner of the room. The blue screen had met his weary eyes hours prior. He seems to be awake before most. The Night-Watchers are ending their shift when he awakes. Some think that he just likes to greet them, while others say he never sleeps. A plethora of stories surrounds the Commander. Some rumors said that he is not fully human. That before the First War that he was created in a lab of sorts. Only the Commander knows, but he refuses to say anything. The only others that knew were his family, but he lost them in the War.
He leaned back in his seat after having typed a long document out. It may have been a report of his plans to Central, or perhaps to the resistance leaders. Either way, he was finished. With a sigh, he ran his fingers through his hair. The Commander spun in his chair once or twice, pondering on his plans. So many things to worry about with so many things that could go wrong. The covert operations he sends his men on, or the missions he orchestrates. The events when the Avenger has to flee from hostile ships or the random patrol that stumbles upon the ship. The entire world is trying to find him, and his men's lives are borne upon him, remaining hidden.
The Commander was knocked out of his trance when a knock came at his door. He ceased his spinning once he faced the door. He cleared his throat briefly and spoke: "Come in, Central." The door slid open, and the man walked through. Central chuckled softly as he came into the room. "How'd you know it was me?" The Commander took a sip from a bottle. "You are the only one who'd be awake right now, John." They both chuckled for a moment before John spoke up. "The crew is pretty worried, Charles. They are worried about your new- units." The Commander nodded, looking around for a split moment. "I know. I have a plan, John. You trust me, right?" He said, with his eyes burning into John's. The void that is his eyes, seeping into his. "I do, you've led us this far. I am sure you won't bring us down yet." John said, giving a soft chuckle.
"This is a lot different than before, John. Before, we had the world backing us. Now, the world is trying to kill us. When I was in their machine, I felt every move they had me do. I knew what happened. Sometimes, I felt myself with the aliens. A viper, strolling through the woods, or a muton providing manual labor." The Commander said, looking down.
"I know, Charles. This is not easy, and it won't be. I can only offer you my loyalty." He said, offering something of a smile.
"Sometimes I wonder what they did to me all those years ago. Molding me from a soldier to special forces, and finally to what I am—leading the most elite troops."
"At least somebody will be loyal." He said, lamenting back on his days as a soldier. Before he was a commander, he was a soldier, like those around him now. Of course, his time in the fray was different. His breed of a soldier no longer exists. He was bred to be the sharpest mind ever to lead. He was leaving the grandest of leaders behind in awe. His strategy was to top everybody's, no matter what situation he finds. From soldier to super-soldier, to Commander. Knowing what the foe does before they do it. His greatest gift of foresight. It is limited in many ways, but his edge on the battlefield is unmatched. Through his days of fighting terrorists, or the occasional war, he met many allies and many more foes. He experienced loyalty and betrayal. Dedication meant everything to him then, and it means everything to him now.
"Don't worry, Charles. We got your back." John said as he softly stood up and moved towards the door again. The orange rays of light peeking through the windows on his face. "Are we still going to train them today?" John asks, halfway out the door.
"Yes. Time is precious." The Commander said, spinning his seat back around and facing the computer. He pulled up a tab to Tygan and started to type a message.
Both of the vipers were awake within their room. Their habits from ADVENT are still holding on. The wake up at five in the morning held. They were nearly sharp before the Commander was. They had spoken about what may happen and what they should do. They thought about trying to escape but knew about the guards outside the room. The vents were far too small to climb in, and they couldn't just slither out. They were trapped. Kath was more willing to escape than Yenta was. The elder serpent had far more hope than her younger kin. As the hours had rolled by, they reclined at the large table in the middle. There are more chairs and beds than there are serpents. Does the Commander plan to bring more vipers in, or was this room simply repurposed? Whatever the case, the vipers had already eaten some of the food stowed in the small container. The MRE was far tastier than the rations provided by ADVENT. Both Yenta and Kath were silent at the old, scuffed wooden table. The serpents were awkwardly coiled around the seats, trying not to fall off.
Kath broke the silence and looked at Kath from across the table. "I have a feeling that we won't be the only defectors." Kath shook her head, thinking of that statement.
"Maybe… maybe. I don't think I could kill our kind." *She said, with her amber eyes meeting Yenta's emerald eyes. They shared a nod, with both of them knowing that they could not harm their kin. They know that they do not know their actions, but vipers do have a strange sense of loyalty to their kind. Lazarus, the child of the gods, rebelled too. Indeed a common viper would too?
"Whatever the case, let's just hope that they turn from the Elders." Hours prior, they had their operations, and they already see past the lies of the Elders. That chip indeed does its job. The vipers exchanged some small conversations before the door opened. The Commander stepped in, with the two guards behind them. He smiled softly and said: "Follow me, please." He instantly turned on his heel and left the room, with the guards making sure that the vipers followed him out. The trip to where they were going was uneventful. They came to the lower deck, where a small firing range was set up. This is also where Shen tests the weapons. The Commander stood at one of the booths, with several weapons on the table.
"If you are going to fight the Elders, or save more vipers, you need to have a good shot." He stepped to the side and showed the weapons. A gauss rifle and a magnetic rifle are set there. Some sectoid targets are set up at several ranges, with one even moving. He motioned to the weapons and said: "I have heard vipers are insanely accurate. Please, confirm my assumptions."
Yenta nervously slithered over to the weapons and grabbed the gauss rifle. She brought it to her shoulder and assumed a natural shooter's stance. Leaning forward and having the weapon firm on her shoulder. Her tail was positioned to keep her steady, which would be useful in a fight. She aimed at one of the farthest targets and lined the sight up. The cross in the middle meeting the form of the target- she pulled the trigger, and it exactly hit where she wanted it to hit. The magnetic round destroyed the wooden target, leaving a massive hole with black scorch around it. The Commander nodded with a chuckle. He motioned for Kath, and she moved to the mag-rifle. She lifted it, assuming the same stance. She chose the closest moving target and aimed at it. She led it correctly, and her burst of orange rounds struck it every time until the bullets were bored through it! The Commander chuckled as she set the rifle down. "Exactly as I thought." The taller man smiled again, looking at the guards with him. "Tell Bradford to set up the training center." The guards saluted and left him with the vipers.
"You are free to return to your room. Your training will begin soon. Welcome to X-com."
That took a while! Felt pretty good about this one. And as always: Stay safe! -Helix