Warning – Mature content ahead… don't like, then don't read!

(Vance)

I must've fallen asleep, because when I looked at the time it was late evening. I was wide awake, and full of energy, so going back to sleep wasn't an option. What to do, what to do… I guess I could have a wander around this underground city, I mean, it's not like I've got anything better to do.

The way the Hard-Light projectors, projected the moon, it just looked and felt so realistic, all of it, the gentle warm breeze, the light shining down, it even mimicked real weather patterns. I found what appeared to be a park, and went and sat on the grass, a thing I would do when I was human, and couldn't sleep. Just to think about random things, if nothing else.

I thought I was alone, until I heard slithering. I looked around, to see a Viper patrol. They didn't seem to notice me but if they did, they didn't say anything. I flicked my tongue out, and tasted the air, still never going to get used to that. But if you're wondering, the air was sweet.

This isn't how I thought my life would end up being, part snake, part human. I'll need to train my powers, I want to use and control them. I want to, in a way, pull XCOM and ADVENT into one. Why? Well, I see good things about ADVENT, and bad things, same goes for XCOM, the old world and the new one.

I got up, and headed back to my quarters, I wasn't tired, just bored of sitting. Too my luck, there were some books on a shelf, so at least I'm not going to be totally bored.

(About an hour later)

I was finally tired, so I went to sleep, it's weird, how reading tires you out.

(Matriarch – Late Morning)

I finished putting my armour on, and went to wake the Hierarch. To my surprise, he was already up, and, to some amusement, trying to use some of his powers.

"Good morning Hierarch" I said, getting his attention.

"Good morning Matriarch" He replied.

"Please, follow me" I said, slithering up the ramps.

The Hierarch followed closely, we stopped at floor ten.

"In here" I said, opening the door.

The room was a private training hall, it had the weapons our Hierarch would be required to use, and plenty of room for his training needs.

(Vance)

I walked over to the weapon rack, and examined the equipment that was available to me. Their was a weapon that looked like a ballista and a musket had a child.

"What's this?" I asked the Matriarch, curious.

"It's called a Bolt Caster. It fires a steel bolt, which can penetrate at least four inches of armour, or, at least this model can" She explained.

"Hmmm, if you could make different tipped projectiles, it would be invaluable to me" I said, picking it up.

"What do you mean?" The Matriarch asked.

"I mean, explosive projectiles" I replied, walking over to the firing range.

I brought the weapon to my shoulder, and armed it, causing the two bows to pop up. I looked through the sights, which were on the side of the weapon, and fired.

The sheer amount of recoil, almost knocked me over, and the bolt, went straight through the target, and into the wall.

"This thing's got some kick to it" I said, rubbing my shoulder.

"Yes, but you should get used to it…" The Matriarch said, slithering over to a bunch of dummies that seemed to be heated.

She was about to say something, when a Neonate, with a bit of colour showing through, burst in, she appeared to be panting.

"What is the…" The Matriarch started.

"Let us hear what she has to say" I said.

"I thank you Hierarch… XCOM has taken Val'larin captive… we were opening a new ADVENT clinic, when they struck… I was the only survivor" The Neonate said.

I saw the Matriarch's eyes widen.

"Who is Val'larin?" I asked.

"She's the one who can take my place… and the one I hoped would become your permanent mate" The Matriarch said, looking away at that last part.

I began thinking about that, when a thought came to my mind.

"Neonate, may you turn around for a minute" I asked.

"O… Okay" She said, nervous.

"I won't hurt you I promise… but you are the only survivor… I'm curious as to why" I said, going up, and examining her armour.

Sure enough I found a small spike imbedded in her back.

"Ouch!" She muttered, when I pulled it out.

There was a flashing light on the tip of the spike. I dropped it, and crushed it under foot.

"What was that?" The Matriarch asked.

"It was a tracking beacon… tell all the guards to be on alert… we may have company in the next few days" I said. "But for now, I wish to continue training"

Seriously, that is such a cliché trick.

"As you wish… Ne'vira, go and clean yourself up" The Matriarch said.

"Yes mother" Ne'vira replied, leaving.

The Matriarch showed me how to properly spit poison, it was difficult trying to use my Poison poison and Cryo poison, without getting them confused, and spitting the wrong one. The Matriarch had a good laugh at my mistakes… and I guess I did as well. By the end of the day, I'd mastered my physical abilities. Mostly. While I can't bind anyone with my tail, but I can use my strength and flexibility to strangle and break necks with ease, I used dummies, but I can use my tongue like other Vipers.

I was worn out after the day, and went back to my quarters, where a meal was waiting for me. It was standard, except no non-meat products, instead organs, I guess that's how they get vitamins and minerals. I decided to try and eat how I've seen the Matriarch ate, eating things whole, or in two bites. It wasn't as unpleasant as I expected it to be. I mean it wasn't comfortable, but, I'm sure I'll get used to it.

I know that I'm trying to hold off mating for as long as possible, but, unfortunately, it is inevitable… I still don't know how it came to this… my own mother betraying me like this… I would love to see her dead at this point. To see her six feet under… pushing up daisies I be the phrase is. I browsed the shelves, and found a book which peaked my interest. It was Viper history, at least, before they joined ADVENT.

(Matriarch – That exact moment)

I think I know how to be able to get him to mate… he won't do it just like that… you have to know him, or at least spoken to him for a day or two… I'm getting desperate… not for my own sexual desire, though I would like to satisfy that… no, Dr. Diad said she'll be able to make more males, should he be fertile… we need them desperately! And I would like to find out soon! As for my own 'desires'… I haven't mated since our King was killed, which was over two years ago… and this works out for me and my species… I satisfy myself, and figure out if he's fertile. The trickiest part would be convincing him that more males would be the best idea. He's adamant that no other human will end up in his position. I hate to do this to him, but the species survival comes first. Should I really get him to do this, he's only been here a few days… no! I have to…

I looked at the different clothing I had available to me… none of it really suited what I had in mind. But, in the end, it won't matter what I wear. I'm curious as to how he'll act, in this situation.

(Vance)

Intriguing… they joined ADVENT to survive… their star began collapsing in on itself, with devastating effects on their home world. Sudden temperature rise, major fires, orbit change… they faced extinction, and chose survival, but it wasn't a choice they made lightly, they aren't happy about ADVENT's behaviour towards other species.

There was a knocking at the door.

"Come in" I said, wondering who it could be.

To some surprise, it was the Matriarch, wearing a dress that allowed me to get a good look at her figure. I turned my head slightly.

"Matriarch, I was not expecting you" I said, politely.

She was also wearing a smirk that just screamed her wanting something… and that something made me extremely nervous.

"Good evening, Hierarch… I do hope I'm not interrupting anything" She replied, in a very formal way, which was unusual of her around me.

"Nothing important" I said, placing the book back on the shelf.

"Good" She said, slithering ever closer.

I quickly put it all together, and it made me extremely uncomfortable, but in a strangely pleasurable way.

She must've picked up on this. "Do you like" She said, indicating the dress. It was white, with rubies embedded in it, in certain places, such as around the neck, and around the bottom.

"It complements your eyes" I said, gesturing towards the rubies.

Her eyes shone with something I've never seen before in her… then again, this side of the Matriarch is about as alien as the Vipers used to be, to me. "But I doubt you're here to play dress up" I added.

She smirked. "You'd be correct, Vance" Okay, that's new.

"And what would I call you, my dear?" I asked, playing along

"Mshar'Saraine, but Mshar will do fine" Mshar replied, she was right in front of me now.

I flicked my tongue out, and tasted something new… I think… it's arousal… it's definitely arousal.

"This should be interesting" Mshar said, pushing me to the bed.

I now know what it was I saw in her eyes… Lust! She wants this… she's taking advantage of my attempts to understand me.

"You won't need this…" She said, removing the white under suit, I'd removed my armour earlier.

"And you won't need this!" I said, unbuckling her dress, something else coming into play.

A new instinct, but isn't quite able to take effect because of the human in me. I'm curious, I wonder if they're like a human, in terms of sensitive spots. I rubbed a thumb over one of her breasts, and I saw her freeze up and shiver slightly from pleasure.

"But I bet you're more sensitive elsewhere" I said, fully removing her dress.

Her nipples were black, like her under scales, and it wasn't hard to find her vagina, it was practically dripping with anticipation, but the tissue around it was more of a grey than a black.

However, my own needs were beginning to show.

"So much attention on me… and none on yourself" Mshar said, gentle rubbing my erect member.

I grunted at it. It was an overwhelming sensation. But, I did notice her tail come close to me, and a little black nub exposed. I wonder…

I gentle grabbed it, and Mshar completely froze.

"Gotcha" I said, as gentle massaged it.

As I continued to massage it, I felt her wet slit, and this made her moan, I rubbed the little nub that was at the top of the opening, making her moan even more, before I carefully put two fingers inside her.

I felt her hand rub my erect member, and I grunted at it.

"Y-You are v-very d-d-different to o-our previous r-r-ruler" She managed to get out, between moans.

"This i-is how humans d-do it" I said, with a few grunts.

Suddenly she stopped, and I felt the lining of her vagina clamp down around my fingers, as she orgasmed.

"That… was… incredible!" She said, recovering from the orgasm.

"Don't tire out on me just yet… you started this… now you finish it" I said, looking into her eyes.

I felt her tail coil around my legs.

She leaned in close to my face. "As you wish" She whispered.

I felt her insert my erect member inside of her. She gasped, and I grunted, she was a bit tight. She started a slow rhythm, moving in a circular motion… and it felt way too good. Never thought I'd lose my virginity this way… then again, what are the chances you get made into an alien's king. She started bouncing up and down a bit, and I grabbed the end of her tail again, but this time, she didn't freeze up, she kept going. The look of ecstasy on her face was a real turn on for me. I started massaging the end of her tail again, and she started going faster.

She climaxed first, she hissed loudly when she did, and when her vagina's walls clamped around my member, that made me climax as well, with a combination of a loud grunt and a loud hiss. When she climaxed, I felt her grip on me tighten, then release suddenly, and when I finally climaxed, she rolled off of me, and onto the bed.

"For… one who's… never mated before… you knew how too… much better than we do" Mshar said, regaining her breath.

"It's just… [YAWN]… human instinct" I replied.

Both of us fell asleep.

(The next day)

I woke, and found the Matriarch coiled around me, I stroked her hood, and she woke up.

"Mmmmm Good morning Hierarch" She said, sleepily.

"Good morning Matriarch" I said, continuing to stroke her hood.

"I should leave you to get ready… today is going to be a busy day" The Matriarch said, going to clip her dress back on.

"Matriarch, use my bathroom to clean yourself up" I said, pointing to the mess around her lower regions.

"Thank you, Hierarch" She said, moving into the bathroom.

I waited for her to finish, and leave my quarters. I wonder why she did that last night.

(Matriarch)

'It's just… … human instinct'. What does that mean? It's our instinct to mate as well. Perhaps humans seek to please both partners? Humans are a very complicated species. I changed into my armour, when my morning meal arrived. When the server left, Ne'vira entered.

"Ne'vira, what are you doing here? Shouldn't be getting ready for today?" I asked.

"I came to ask you about our new Hierarch" Ne'vira said, as I was finishing my meal.

"About what?" I asked.

"Why is he so human?" She asked.

Her colour was beginning to show through even more. She's one of the Neonates left that were conceived naturally, and thus was not the standard orange and yellow colouring.

"He was created, using a human as the template, to be combined with the King's DNA" I explained.

"Surly the Elders would've found out! How did his creation remain a secret?" Ne'vira questioned.

"The Elders are not as smart as one is lead to believe" I replied, slithering out if my quarters.

We met the Hierarch, and continued up to the hanger.

"Hierarch, you remember Ne'vira…" I said, as we continued up.

He replied with a nod, as we stopped at the armoury.

"She'll be joining us today, as we head to the American East Coast" I said, as I picked up my own Bolt Caster.

"Why are we going so far from the Nest?" The Hierarch asked.

"Dr. Diad wishes to see us" I replied, as we left the armoury.

The Hierarch has changed dramatically from a few days ago, when he first arrived. Before, he would stay behind me, not cowering, but just from nervousness. Now he stays by my side.

"Why?" He said frowning, as we reached the hanger.

"Your guess is as good as mine" I sighed.

"And is there a reason we're armed, because I'm sure it's not to impale her" He joked.

"Increased resistance activity" I replied.

We boarded the craft, and it took off.

"Ne'vira, please, join us" The Hierarch spoke softly, as we entered the VIP room.

She followed, nervously, despite us being the only ones in the room.

"The Matriarch said that you were a human… no human would ever volunteer for this" Ne'vira said, coiling up on one of the chairs.

"True, I was human… but, I didn't volunteer…" A bitter look swept over the Hierarch's face. "My own mother forced me into this"

"You've had plenty of chances to escape…" I said, joining in on the conversation. "Why haven't you?"

"Two reasons. One. Where would I go? XCOM? I certainly couldn't go back to human civilisation. Two. I can understand why you got Dr. Diad to do what she did" He said, with a slight chuckle at the first reason.

"How can a human understand our position?" Ne'vira asked.

Ahhh… what I'd give to be a Neonate again.

"Some humans can understand somebody's position, without ever being put in that position" The Hierarch said, putting his hand to his chin, as if in deep thought. "But I learned from a young age, that the Elders were lying to us. I began noticing my mother's friends go into the clinics, never to be seen again… it would appear the same has been done to you"

"Why do you say that" She asked.

"The best way to control someone, is to create a clone… their brains are computers to you… you can program it to be whatever you want it to be, a killer, a peacemaker, anything… the Elders are trying to force you to become clones, to control you, to make you pawns in this game of chess" The Hierarch said.

Ne'vira was quite for the rest of the journey, which is unusual for her, she's normally quite a talkative one, a very curious Viper, perhaps more curious than any Neonate, but she also knows when to stop questioning. And this wasn't one of those times, she was most likely reflecting on what the Hierarch said.

(One hour later – ADVENT Blacksite – East Coast : USA)

As we stepped off of the transport, Dr. Diad was there to greet us, along with Major Draco, a human commander.

"Greetings, Matriarch" Dr. Diad said.

"Huh…" Draco snorted. "This is the Hierarch the Elders got so worked up about…" He looked the Hierarch up and down. "He's probably not even compatible"

"Watch your tongue!" I snapped. "Besides… only time will tell if he is compatible"

"Someone got up on the wrong side of the bed" Draco said.

"Now now, Major… let's at least be civil" Dr. Diad said, trying to diffuse the situation.

Draco just rolled his eyes.

"Dr. Diad, what was so important that you had to drag me and the Matriarch out here?" The Hierarch asked.

"Follow me" Dr. Diad said.

Me and the Hierarch followed her, into the same chambers that the Hierarch came from. On the walls were five stasis tubes, each had occupants. I could see a venomous look appear on the Hierarch's face when he saw the last two tubes. I went and had a look for myself, and could see why.

The last two occupants, are female.

"I THOUGHT YOU ONLY TOOK MALES!" The Hierarch yelled. "WHY DID YOU TAKE FEMALES!? THEY ARE OF NO IMPORTANCE TO THE VIPER RACES CONTINUED SURVIVAL!"

"Their DNA was like yours, easily spliced… I couldn't pass up an opportunity like that!" Dr. Diad replied, quickly.

But that didn't quite stop the Hierarch from grabbing her throat, and bringing her up to eye level. The ADVENT soldiers in the room raised their weapons, and I raised mine, at them. It had taken too long to get him, I wasn't about to lose him.

"I…[ACK]… I couldn't… [GASP]… just lose… [COUGH]… that potential" Dr. Diad said, gasping for air.

"Hierarch!" The Major yelled, pointing his weapon at me. "Let her go!"

He knew that the Hierarch would be at a loss, he couldn't rule the Vipers yet, he doesn't know enough about us, and with Val'larin captured, the Vipers would end up becoming the Elders pawns, just like the other races.

The Hierarch knew this as well, and must've assessed the situation, because he released Dr. Diad, and she landed with a loud thud. The Major helped her to her feet.

"So… [COUGH]… what do you want me too do with them?" Dr. Diad said.

The Hierarch looked defeated, a look I haven't seen. "How… [SIGHING]… how long would it take"

"Now I know how to do it… about six months each" Dr. Diad smirked, she'd gotten what she wanted.

She must've known what his reaction would've been, so she asked Major Draco to come down earlier, to force him into this position.

"Start with the females" He said.

"I've taken the liberty of arranging sleeping quarters for both you two, and any Vipers you may have brought with you" Dr. Diad, smiling uncontrollably.

"Thank you doctor" I said, before the Hierarch had a chance to say anything. "Show us where they are"

"Of course, right this way" She said, leading us out of the room.

We had only brought three Vipers with us, Ne'vira, and two standards. Dr. Diad showed us to our quarters.

(Malissa – One mile outside of Blacksite perimeter)

I hate recon duty… but at least Central's agreed to let me fight this time.

{Central to Recon one… what have you found?}

"Recon one to Central, got eyes on multiple high value targets…" I looked through my binoculars. "One human Major… the Viper Matriarch… a chief scientist… and one unknown" I said, confused at the last one.

{Come again. Did you say unknown?}

"Yes. It's part Viper… Viper King to be precise… but it looks oddly human. Requesting new orders"

There was a minute of silence.

{Copy that Recon one… head to the rendezvous point and await the team}

"Copy that… Recon one out"

I got up, and moved quietly through the forest, picking up my boots I left at the edge of the forest… it was Autumn, I didn't want to attract any unwanted attention.

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