UFO Assault: Raider II

The Citadel, Situation Room

"Where did it crash?" The Commander asked, re-watching the footage of the Ravens shooting another UFO out of the sky. Bradford had taken the initiative and ordered four Ravens once the UFO had been detected and by the time the Commander had arrived, they'd shot it down and were heading back.

"We determined the crash site is in the interior of Florida," Bradford answered, pulling the map of the United States up on the holotable. "We're working to get satellite coverage and a general area now."

"A raider," Van Doorn noted, as he watched the footage. "Then we should expect a tough fight."

"Agreed," the Commander nodded, turning towards the holotable and resting his hands on it. "The aliens are probably going to continue deploying more advanced units the further we progress in this war."

"I do wonder," Van Doorn pondered, also turning to the holotable. "What exactly the purpose of these UFO's are? I know what we've designated them, but I find it unlikely that the aliens would completely follow our assumptions."

"From the wrecks we've recovered, I'd say the majority are for reconnaissance," Bradford commented, pointing at the holographic UFO recreation. "Most scanners are unable to detect them and they are often at extremely high altitudes. Their low crew count and heavily computerized interiors also suggest primarily non-combat directives."

The corners of the Commander's lips turned up. "If these are the non-combative aircraft, I do wonder what their combative UFOs are."

"Not good?" Bradford suggested with a sarcastic grimness.

"No," the Commander agreed. "Which is something that we need to anticipate. Our aircraft need to be upgraded. Armor and weapons. The aliens are going to start deploying UFO's to counter our fighters eventually and we need to be ready."

"Laser weaponry should be used," Van Doorn stated. "We have the technology."

"Yes," the Commander nodded, gazing at the blue lights, deep in thought. "I'll be speaking to Shen about this soon. In the meantime, have we got the green light on our airbases?"

Van Doorn nodded. "We have. We can station some of our Ravens in NATO's Indian base."

Bradford frowned. "I wasn't aware NATO had an Indian base."

"It's not large," Van Doorn answered with a shrug. "And no one was supposed to know about it. It was to be used only if the surrounding regions got out of control. It's isolated enough that very few should notice our fighters leaving or arriving."

The Commander nodded. "Excellent. Germany has also agreed to allow us to use one of their airbases. Israel as well. Within a few weeks we should have air support over Europe, Africa and now at least part of Asia."

"That's going to cut into our funds," Bradford warned. "Especially since each additional Raven will have to be upgraded when Shen develops newer technology."

"I know," the Commander said. "But this is an investment we have to take. We have a limited window before the aliens up their air game. I'd prefer we retain air superiority."

Bradford nodded and looked down at his tablet, tapping on it. "Understood, Commander. I'd also suggest we continue bolstering our ground forces."

"We have a healthy supply," the Commander noted. "Especially since we recently acquired a few more soldiers recently," he grimaced. "And I think we need to screen our candidates better."

Van Doorn looked over, concerned. "Why?"

The Commander sighed. "Bradford, when you approved the latest batch, did you look at a certain Shun Anwei?"

Bradford nodded, head tilted. "Yes, the MSS agent."

"You approved a Chinese spy," the Commander stated. "I'm not sure we should allow this."

Bradford frowned. "She was one of the most qualified on the list. I didn't see a reason to reject her."

Van Doorn pursed his lips. "I do. With the Chinese not exactly…happy… with us right now, I can see concerns about allowing an agent of the Ministry of State Security into the Citadel." He looked over at the Commander. "That is your concern, correct?"

"Correct," the Commander confirmed. "I have no doubt she is qualified. But…like Van Doorn said, with China somewhat antagonistic towards us, we can't dismiss the idea that she's gathering information."

"For what?" Bradford questioned. "China is part of the Council. They can request anything from us, or they could just talk with Herman if they want information about what goes on here. Besides, all communications are strictly monitored, incoming and outgoing."

"The point is that we can no longer accept everyone," the Commander said. "Not until relations stabilize a bit more."

"While I understand the sentiment," Van Doorn pointed out. "We already have several Chinese soldiers here. I don't think adding one more will make much of a difference."

"Not to mention we have quite a few Israeli operatives here as well," Bradford added. "You think they are more trustworthy?"

"Of course," the Commander stated without hesitation. "Israel is an actual ally. Furthermore, Zhang assures me of their loyalty."

"Well, they did follow the Hades Contingency," Bradford muttered. "I suppose that would remove most doubts."

The Commander ignored that as he thought. "Well, I'm going to assign some type of surveillance on her, at least at first. If she proves herself, I will drop it."

"She's a spy," Bradford recalled. "I'm pretty sure she's going to notice."

"Perhaps," the Commander admitted. "But I trust Zhang to do this professionally. He should find it especially interesting since he despises the MSS."

"And if she notices something?" Bradford asked. "I'm not sure how well she'll take that."

"If she does, I'll tell her the truth," the Commander shrugged. "She should know exactly why she's a security risk. If she doesn't then that will immediately raise suspicion."

"That it will." Van Doorn agreed.

"Yes," the Commander stated. "With Zhang watching her, I feel very confident she won't try anything and if she does…" he paused. "I'll give her to Vahlen."

Bradford shuddered. He'd spoken with Vahlen several times and some of the ideas she had about the application of the MELD substance had…disturbed him. The Commander had asked for specifics before he planned on speaking to her, but Bradford had said Vahlen wanted to show him herself.

Although he had mentioned spiders, which the Commander was surprised at.

"Speaking of which," Bradford cleared his throat. "The first of the, ah, test subjects have arrived and are being moved to the experimentation cells."

"Excellent," the Commander smiled. Vahlen would be pleased with this. It had taken some work, but they'd managed to get one prisoner off death row from multiple prisons across the United States. As far as anyone was concerned, these men were dead. Germany had also provided several as well as a gesture of cooperation. All combined to ten test subjects. He figured that would be enough for Vahlen to work with.

"I hope you know what you're doing," Van Doorn said, looking at the Commander grimly. "We're treading on very thin ground here. The Council would shut us down if they knew what we were conducting."

The Commander shrugged. That had ceased to become a concern a long time ago, not to mention 'shutting them down' was unlikely and would essentially doom the world. "We have no choice here. Would you prefer we experiment on our own soldiers?"

"No," Van Doorn admitted. "But I'm not sure this is any more right."

"Or natural," Bradford added. "Some of Vahlen's ideas are…concerning."

"I'll decide that for myself," the Commander stated. "Besides, that's what the test subjects are for. We find out what works and what doesn't. We take what works and use it. Simple as that."

Bradford sighed. "I truly hope it works out that way." He glanced over at the holotable. "In the meantime, we have a location."

The Commander nodded. "I'll assemble a squad. Van Doorn?"

"Yes."

"Get Herman up here," the Commander finally said after some hesitation. "Let him see how a combat op is run."

Van Doorn nodded. "Will do, Commander."

The Citadel, Barracks

Patricia sank into a chair, sweat beading her face as she took a long drink of water. It was odd, but she didn't feel utterly exhausted even after a three-hour workout. Tired, yes, but not wiped out. She didn't know if that should concern her or not, but it was a distraction from the ever-worsening headaches.

Of course Vahlen hadn't updated her. Which either meant she'd not figured anything out, or what was affecting her was serious enough to consult the Commander first. And wouldn't that just be her luck; to be the first person to be affected by some alien contagion.

She scowled, trying to wrap her head around what it could possibly be. Alright, do this logically: It probably wasn't a contagion or disease since there had been others on the Dreadnaught assault. Unless it was gender-targeted? No, Abby had also been with her and she wasn't affected as far as she knew.

Furthermore, it seemed like an odd disease if all it did was make her have headaches, see symbols and have some hallucinatory precognition. Not to mention she'd not seen any method of transmission. There hadn't been any strange gasses or liquids she'd come into contact with. Of course it was possible that it was odor and colorless, but again, why would she have been the only one affected?

She nodded. Right. So this probably wasn't a disease, which did come as something of a relief. But then…what was it? Those power conduits were what started everything; for some reason, they'd shown the symbols and when the symbols started, the buzzing and headaches had followed.

Hmm…Vahlen's idea that an alien had been communicating with her was extremely disconcerting, yet it did make some sense. Who else had the ability to do that? But how-and why-would the aliens be using power conduits as methods of communication? And how did they communicate in the first place?

The sectoids could probably utilize some form of telepathy, but they might not be the only alien species to do so. She suspected it was tied to psionics in some way, since they'd used it for mental manipulation in combat several times. So…was she contacted through psionics?

Oh…oh no. She groaned as a new idea struck her. Perhaps the reason that the power conduits had started this is that she had inadvertently tapped into some sort of psionic network. That would explain the progression of the symbols and meanings as they'd fought through the Dreadnaught.

Surprise. The alien had been surprised that she had accessed the network and had instinctively sent the message. Or maybe the alien hadn't expected anything. Either one would explain it.

Interest. The alien must have figured out she wasn't one of them and was curious as to who. Or perhaps interested in how an unauthorized being entered the network. Again, both explanations would seem to work.

Disappointment. That confused her. Perhaps it was supposed to discourage her from entering the network again? Or it was disappointment in whoever allowed this flaw in the network. Yet she got the impression that the symbol had been directed at her. It didn't make sense.

Potential. Another confusing word. Potential for what? Unless…

She took a deep breath. There was one thing she needed to know: whether the network could be accessed by anyone or only psionic users.

Because if it was anyone she was probably worrying over nothing.

But if it was only accessible to people who were psionic…

She took another breath. How would that even be possible? But…she'd seen something differently on the unlock screens. She'd known exactly what buttons to press and in which order, as if by instinct. What if it was designed in such a way that only psionic individuals could unlock it…?

And that would explain the potential symbol. She had potential to become a psionic human. Something she hadn't thought was even possible.

She felt suddenly cold. Vahlen wasn't an idiot, she'd probably had suspicions judging by how quickly she'd left after taking the brain scans. And if she was psionic…she didn't know how people would react; how the Commander would react. He was a fair man, but he might very legitimately see her as a possible security risk or someone to detain until they studied her thoroughly.

And the headaches, buzzing and…apparent precognition and empathy…all connected to the mind in some way and since it seemed psionic individuals had the ability to exhibit telepathy, it would explain the odd sensations and random-

A finger tapped her shoulder and she started violently. She bit her tongue to prevent a startled yip, but her heart began racing rapidly as she looked up to see who it was.

Anius Creed stood behind her, his expression clearly not expecting that reaction. "Sorry. Thought you would have heard me coming up. Wasn't trying to startle you, promise."

Calming down some, she shook her head and opened her mouth to speak and gasped as a wave of emotion washed over her. Regret, sincerity, apology. Without question she knew she'd somehow tapped into Creed's emotions. Again.

He frowned. "Are you alright?"

"I…yes," she answered, not sounding remotely convincing, even to her. "You're fine. I was just…thinking."

He didn't look entirely at ease, but he relaxed some and walked over and sat by her. "Here," he gave her another water bottle and took her empty one. "I figured you could use it. Even if you were in one of your trances again."

"Thanks," she gratefully took it and after taking a sip, poured some of it on her face to cool it down.

"No problem," he answered. "So what did you figure out this time?"

"Sorry?" she asked, looking over at him in confusion.

He indicated her face. "When you zoned out. That only happens when you're trying to solve something."

Patricia sighed and looked away. "Yeah. I guess I do look zoned out."

"Completely," he agreed, with a small grin. "Which is probably why you didn't notice me coming. But you didn't answer my question."

She didn't really know how she'd explain it in a sensible way even if she wanted to tell him. He was a fairly smart man, he'd probably believe her for at least some of it. What she wasn't sure about was how he'd react to knowing she had somehow felt his emotions before. That would be…uncomfortable if the roles were reversed, even if it was something she couldn't control.

"After the Dreadnaught…" she began slowly. "Do you feel any…different? Changed?"

"In what way?" He asked, shifting to face her better. "I mean, we lost a lot of good people. People you know longer than I did. I guess it just made me more determined to wipe out the aliens."

"I was thinking more…physical changes," Patricia amended. "Or mental, for that matter."

He thought for a second. "No. I'm still the same person, at least physically. Maybe in a bit better condition, to be honest," he looked at her with concern. "Why do you ask?"

She shook her head. "Just curious. You were the only one other than Abby who survived and that was an odd ship. Just wondering if you were feeling any adverse effects."

"Uh huh," he said with a sarcastic nod. "You see, normally I'd be glad my superior took an interest in my health, but I do feel it's a little late since that mission was…hmm…a few weeks ago."

Her cheeks flushed at that. Not exactly the best excuse. "Sorry."

"No need for that," he raised a hand. "Patricia, you're a very bad liar. What's going on with you?"

She sighed, cursing his concern. "What do you mean? I'm fine."

His tone grew stern. "I don't think so. You've spent an unhealthy amount of time training and practicing. I can certainly appreciate it…but you hardly eat, you're not sleeping, or sleeping well at the very least. You seem constantly on edge and in some sort of discomfort…if you aren't going to tell me, at least go to Vahlen or that medic. Because you are not fine."

Patricia leaned her head back and closed her eyes, trying to think of a good response. Everything he'd said was true, but she didn't really want to talk about it. Her problems were her own and she never shared them. She was fairly sure he wouldn't be able to help even if she did talk, but it was doubtful he would let this drop.

"Fine," she finally admitted. "You're right."

"And…" he pressed. "That it?"

She opened her eyes and looked at him, he winced under her gaze. "Yes. That's it. Suffice to say that I'm well aware of my health and am taking the steps needed. You have no reason to be concerned. Drop it."

"Ok, ok," he placated. "Sorry, won't bring it up again."

She immediately felt bad after that. It wasn't his fault, he was just concerned about her and her response might have been a little harsh. But as long as it worked. "Apology accepted," she told him more softly, hoping that would defuse things a little.

Her wristband buzzed and she immediately stood and began moving to her locker. "Time to work," she muttered as she began donning her armor.

"What do you think it is?" Creed asked, leaning against the wall and crossing his arms.

"UFO perhaps?" She shrugged as she pulled on her gauntlets and tightened everything. "But it must be routine, otherwise they'd have informed me beforehand."

"Good luck," Creed told her as she pulled on her helmet and the HUD initialized. "Try to not die."

"I'll do my best," she promised, grasping her autolaser. "We'll talk later."

He nodded and she left the barracks and began walking towards the hanger. Moving at a brisk pace, she arrived at the hanger quickly. In a rare occurrence, she was the last to arrive since even the pilot was there. Fallen Sky, his call sign was. Seeing her enter, he immediately headed for the skyranger and the others saluted her as she approached.

She did a quick head count. Almost all of them were veterans and by now she could tell who was who judging by their armor. Some added marks or names commemorating missions or fallen soldiers. She kept her armor clear, but did have three black strips on her arm for the fallen of the Dreadnaught Assault.

Patricia recognized Sarah, Myra, Yousef and Friendly, the NATO soldier who'd come soon after Van Doorn. Wasn't his name, of course, but it what everyone ended up calling him; he didn't mind, in fact he'd been encouraging it. All the same to her. The last woman was different and not just because she was new.

She was outfitted as one of the Scouts, from her flash-bangs and laser SMG. But what really made her stand out was the German Shepherd at her feet. The dog was just sitting and looking up at her, tongue hanging out of its mouth. A black vest with pockets and unusually thick padding was strapped to the animal, indicating it was likely combat trained. Odd. Alright, she'd have to question the woman later, but since the dog was clearly coming along, she didn't see a reason to pause for questions.

"Load up!" She ordered motioning at the skyranger.

"Yes, Overseer!" They affirmed and followed her up into the skyranger which departed a few minutes later.

Skyranger, En route to UFO Crash Site

Patricia waited a few minutes before addressing the woman. Clasping her hands together she looked over at the dog. "I don't believe we've met before. Patricia Trask, Squad Overseer."

"A pleasure," the woman answered with a nod, her voice clearly had a middle-eastern accent. "Galia Loeb, Israeli Defense Force, Oketz Unit." She reached down and rubbed the dog on the head. "This is Aluma."

"A canine unit I assume?" Myra guessed, looking at the dog. "Haven't really encountered those before."

"Yep," Galia answered as Aluma nuzzled her leg. "We're usually used for tracking and drug busting. Aluma and I are a little more specialized. We're strictly used for combat, which is probably why I was deployed here."

"You really think that pup is going to take down a muton?" Friendly asked skeptically, eyeing the innocent looking dog.

Galia laughed. "No, probably not, but after seeing her rip apart armored men more times than I'd like to recall, I wouldn't discount her in a fight." Aluma suddenly got up and walked over to Patricia who extended her palm for her to sniff.

"She may look cute now," Galia continued, sounding smug. "But you might change your mind if you ever see her charging towards you."

"I'll try not to antagonize her," Patricia promised petting the dog on the head. "She seems like a smart girl."

"לבוא," Galia called and the dog immediately trotted back over. Well, it made sense she'd been trained in Hebrew and not English. "Aside from fighting, I think we'll be able to find the aliens a little quicker with her."

"She is right," Yousef agreed. "German Shepherds are exceptional trackers.

"I think that can be applied to all dogs," Myra muttered.

Galia snorted. "Trust me, it's harder to actually train the dog to find what you want. Most dogs just end up chasing a squirrel or something."

"I can vouch for that," Patricia commented fondly recalling the dog her family had when she'd been a girl. A golden retriever, he'd been one of the sweetest animals she'd ever encountered, but he really was the dumbest animal on the planet when it came to following directions.

"So you know what to expect?" Patricia asked her, moving to more practical matters.

"Certainly," Galia nodded as Aluma laid at her feet. "Israel has a mandatory training on killing the aliens. I presume most of the footage shared was from XCOM."

"How did they get it?" Sarah asked, confusion in her voice. "XCOM doesn't share with just anyone."

"Our alliance with XCOM, I assume," Galia shrugged. "I don't know the Prime Minister and can certainly not speak for him, but I wouldn't be surprised if he requested the footage for exactly this purpose."

Hmm. That was a good idea. Sharing the footage from the armor cams for instructional videos on how to effectively kill the aliens was an ideal use. Patricia couldn't imagine a situation where a military would refuse an offering like that. XCOM wasn't a secret anymore, and neither were the aliens…she should probably make a suggestion.

Ah! She gritted her teeth as several words appeared in her mind.

…En route…

…Florida…

…Laser fire…

Then disappeared just as quickly. Blinking, she wondered what that was. Not the right time to focus on that. She was growing more concerned she might have one of these episodes in combat. Focus. It'll be fine.

I'll be fine.

"This is the Commander to Pacer Team," the Commander informed. "You're heading to Florida for this mission. We've downed a Raider-class UFO and the surviving crew needs to be dealt with.

Florida. Patricia turned cold remembering the word appearing in her mind. It couldn't be a coincidence. How had she picked up on that?

"Understood," she answered, hiding all the concern she was feeling. "Do we have a crew count?"

"Negative," the Commander answered. "And we're still working to acquire a satellite over the general area. Though we do know it's crashed into one of the more isolated parts. Only a few farms around."

"So our cover will be limited." Myra stated.

"Likely," the Commander agreed grimly. "The good news is that the aliens will be equally exposed."

"Do we have any idea what to expect?" Sarah asked, fingering her laser SMG.

"We are anticipating Outsiders, drones and sectoids at the very least," the Commander answered. "Bradford says we're detecting an odd signature from the crash site. Be on guard, the aliens may start fielding more advanced units now."

"Understood," Patricia nodded. "We'll wipe them out."

"As expected, Overseer. Good luck. Citadel Command, out."

The line went dead. Patricia focused on the map of the area she'd been sent. They needed to know where the UFO was before making any battle strategies. "Galia, you think Aluma could find the aliens?"

She could easily imagine the woman smiling. "I guarantee it."

"Excellent." The lights dimmed and blinked to a solid red.

"This is Fallen Sky to Pacer Team," Fallen Sky stated. "We're approaching the crash area. I'm setting you just outside it. Prepare for landing."

Patricia stood and unhooked her autolaser flicking the safety off. "Form up!"

The rest of them complied and with a chorus of hisses and clicks, readied their laser weapons. Galia stood directly to her right and Aluma between them. The dog licked her lips as if she knew they were going hunting. German Shepherds were among the more intelligent breeds, so she wouldn't have been surprised if that was the case.

She felt the skyranger swing around, rapidly descending until they hit the ground with a thud. With a squeal, the ramp descended onto the short grass without a sound displaying the fields of grass and fences.

Patricia raised her autolaser. "Deploy!" She ordered and charged out into the hot Floridian sun, the rest of the squad behind her.

Florida

Patricia motioned Galia forward. "Let your dog lead the way. Everyone else, weapons at the ready."

Each of them nodded and formed a semi-circle around the ramp as the skyranger departed. Yousef and Friendly knelt to one knee while Patricia and Myra held their autolaser and rifle at the ready while Sarah stood between them. Galia reached into a pack on the dog's vest and pulled out a withered sectoid hand.

The severed appendage had clearly been dried and drained of blood but Patricia had no doubt it smelled. Clever, the UFOs usually had sectoids so this was an ideal way to catch the scent; more so than hoping the mutt picked it up from random sniffing.

Galia knelt by the Aluma and held the hand in front of her nose which the dog took a few sniffs off. "חפש והשמד, Aluma." She instructed softly, rubbing the dog's head with her free hand. "מצא אותם."

The dog lifted her nose into the air as Galia stood back up and placed the hand back into the backpack. "Give her a minute," she told Patricia. "It shouldn't be long."

While the dog worked on getting the scent, Patricia looked around. The area was open with large fields holding cows and horses that grazed and ran without a care in the world. A few lines of trees were here and there, but they were sparse and couldn't be relied on for significant cover.

What stood out to her were the scattered stables and houses. Not all of them could be abandoned, which meant there was a possibility of civilians. "Citadel Command, this is Squad Overseer Trask, this seems to be a lightly populated area and we might run into civilians. Any instructions?"

There was a pause. "No special instructions, Overseer Trask," the Commander answered. "Avoid contact if possible. In the event of civilian intervention, attempt to steer them away from the fighting. Do not risk your life for theirs and if they turn hostile, you are cleared to defend yourself."

Essentially the Thanatos Contingency, she supposed the only reason he wasn't specifically saying it was that he didn't think it was warranted for a few farmers and horse breeders. "Understood, Overseer Trask out." They resumed waiting.

"Would you do it?" Sarah asked after a few minutes. "Shoot a civilian?"

She said it as if it should be a moral dilemma or something. Perhaps it would have, had she not constantly been at war the past half-year. But her views had changed, if they had ever been different to begin with. "Sarah," she began wearily. "I'm wearing armor that looks like something out a movie. I'm carrying a weapon almost as tall as you and am fighting aliens and trying to save people's lives. If some idiot looks at me and decides that "yes, I'm going to attack this woman." Then I'd end their life without a second thought. I have neither the time, nor patience for idiots anymore. Armed idiots even less so."

"Ah," Sarah answered quietly. "I see."

"Honestly, they would kind of have it coming," Friendly commented. "Stupidity has no place in war."

"Hear, hear," Myra muttered. "But I wouldn't shoot to kill. Maybe just take the legs off."

Patricia shrugged, how others dealt with that situation wasn't of interest to her. "As long as the threat is neutralized."

Aluma whined and nuzzled Galia's leg. "She's got it." Galia confirmed as the dog began trotting ahead, turning around for her master. "לאט, לאט." She chided the dog. "יַצִיב. עקוב אחריה." She pointed at Patricia

Patricia had no idea what she was saying, but Aluma calmed down and waited for them to move forward. "You can take point," Galia said, stepping back. "I've designated you as the leader. She'll lead you to the aliens."

Patricia nodded. "Keep your weapons up. This is an open area, but they might have decided to surprise us and take one of the houses." She looked down at Aluma and motioned forward. "Lead the way, girl."

Aluma yipped happily and lead them at a steady pace through the fields. The livestock avoided them for the most part as they hopped over fences and moved through tall grass. Smoke was in the air now and she could see it coming over a row of trees. They were just past one of the houses when the sensation of absolute terror washed over her and she instinctively swung her weapon around towards the house at a man aiming a rifle out his window.

The rest of the squad turned toward her and aimed their weapons at the man whose expression morphed from nervous to terrified. Instead of letting the emotion pass, she tried holding onto it, looking deeper. It was more than terror, she got an impression of nervousness and uncertainty. She lowered her weapon as she realized what had happened. This man was no threat to them.

Turned up the voice projector she addressed the man. "We are not here to hurt you. Take your family and lock yourselves in a secure room. Do not emerge until the fighting stops." She paused. "And don't point your weapon at us unless you intend to use it. You will not survive next time."

Without checking to see if he understood she turned away and resumed following Aluma.

"He's gone," Sarah breathed. "How did you know he was there?"

She paused, wondering if what had happened was done on purpose or not. "Lucky guess."

"Lucky for him," Myra muttered. "That almost got him killed."

They kept walking until Patricia spotted a gleaming silver thing in the distance. Immediately, she fell to one knee and raised a fist. The squad immediately followed suit. "Think I see it," she muttered. "Dead ahead."

"Yeah," Myra agreed, moving beside her. "With only a sheep pen between us for cover. The house is too close."

"We could move around, take the house." Friendly suggested. "We have enough space."

"That would take time," Patricia pointed out. "I'm not sure how much we have. Not to mention we'll be completely exposed if caught."

"But they will be too," Yousef added. "Unless they have a sniper, we'd be too far out of range."

"Or they might have taken the house," Patricia guessed. "It's the most tactically sound thing to do."

"Let me go up," Sarah asked. "I'll get you a better view."

Patricia thought about it. Of all of them, she was the one best suited for scouting, and not just because that was her specialization. "Fine. We'll begin moving around the side, out of the line of sight to the UFO."

"On it." She nodded and dashed off.

"This would be so much easier at night," Yousef muttered as they began moving.

They advanced at an agonizingly slow rate as they moved on the ground through the field. Sarah's voice came through as they were roughly a third towards the house. "Alright, got eyes on them."

"Put it on squadsight protocol," Patricia ordered as she stopped and a few seconds later, another screen superimposed itself over hers. What she saw didn't look good.

Fortunately, it didn't look like time was going to be a concern since the UFO was burned and warped seemingly beyond repair. Four drones flew above it, though their repairs didn't seem to be doing much. Unfortunately, it looked like the aliens had come to a similar conclusion.

"They're preparing," Patricia muttered. There were three of those mechanized sectoids with massive guns for arms standing in a semi-circle outside, protecting the UFO. Sectoids were scurrying around, chittering to each other. She saw no outsiders, but figured they were still in the UFO.

"The house appears to be empty," Sarah said. "It seems they value the UFO more."

"Good work," Patricia shut off the squadsight. "Stay there and keep us updated while we move. We're taking the house if they don't want it."

"Understood."

They kept moving slowly until they arrived at the far end of the house. Or more accurately, the side since the front door wasn't facing them and a swimming pool was in the back. A rather large swimming pool too.

"Can we cut in?" Myra asked, eyeing the walls.

"Better idea," Patricia answered, nodding toward a window. "We cut those."

Friendly aimed his weapon at the window and carefully and quietly cut it out with his laser rifle. Each of them went inside into a large bedroom. "Sarah, we're in. Any updates?"

"Nope. Aliens are moving like normal. Though they seem to be getting antsy."

Too late for them. "Pacer Team, this is the Central. We have satellite coverage over the area. Sending feed."

Patricia smiled. "Much appreciated Central." The screen popped up and she knew exactly how she was going to attack. "Yousef, Galia, Friendly, move to the garage and prepare to attack from there. Myra and I will fight from the second story."

They all nodded in affirmation. Patricia and Myra charged up the wooden stairs and quietly worked their way over to the windows where they had a full view over the area. "This is going to be fun," Myra muttered. "Should we concentrate on one?"

Patricia looked over. "Could you get a headshot?"

"Possibly," Myra answered, eyeing one of the mechanized sectoids. "But I can't guarantee it."

"Understood." Patricia acknowledged, thinking. Best case they both got headshots and took down two of those things at once. Worst case they missed, but the most likely is that both aliens would take damage, but ultimately live. So, possibly get two kills but likely none or one guaranteed kill?

"Concentrate on the far one," she finally decided, figuring that would give Sarah the opportunity to join them. "Sarah, once you hear fighting, come join us. Carefully, of course."

"Will do, Overseer." She confirmed.

"Me and Yousef can target the one closest to us," Friendly told her. "Galia could harass the middle one."

"I could," Galia confirmed. "Though I'm not sure how much sustained fire I could take."

"We'll be ready to assist after we kill the first one," Patricia assured her. "Fire on my mark."

She took a deep breath, her heart rate slowing and entered an unusually tranquil frame of mind. Time seemed to slow as she suddenly became aware of each person around her and their current state.

Myra calm and focused, waiting to fire.

Yousef nervous, but keeping it under control.

Sarah waiting in anticipation for the fighting to start.

Friendly eagerly anticipating killing the aliens.

Galia tense, already imagining the plasma fire raining down on her.

What was wrong with her?

Patricia raised her rifle, still feeling in a trance and Myra followed suit, perfectly in sync. The instant her finger pulled on the trigger, spitting out red bursts, every soldier began moving, not even needing her signal. They knew when to fire.

The instant the laser hit the alien, the trance broke and the sounds of the world returned to her. The combined fire of Myra and Patricia utterly destroyed the mech which collapsed to the ground. A similar explosion happen to the right as Yousef and Friendly destroyed another one.

The aliens reacted instantly and the last remaining mech looked up and a blast shield deployed over it's face. Without bothering to look at Galia, it immediately targeted her. Green plasma burst from its cannons, splintering the walls and forcing her back.

"Sectoids mobilizing," Yousef warned. "We're focusing on them."

"Understood," Patricia gritted her teeth and peeked out. The mech was not focusing on Galia, giving her an opportunity to lay down a barrage of red laser fire. Most of the rounds hit, forcing the mech to take a step back, it's chest sparking.

Patricia grinned wickedly. Time to die. As another barrage from Myra landed, she prepared to deliver the killing blow.

Until the mech started shimmering, the alien suddenly cocooned in a transparent veil that looked like running water. Patricia watched in surprise as the laser fire dissipated in the shield as if it was nothing.

Currently invulnerable, the mech raised it's cannons and fired at her again. She ducked to the side as burning plasma fire rained around her. "Yousef! Friendly! Status?"

"Alive," Friendly answered, sounding strained. "We're pinning the sectoids for now. But I think one of them did something to the mech."

She scowled. A psionic shield of some kind. Now she remembered something similar had happened on the Dreadnaught. That thing was going to be invincible unless they killed the sectoid.

"Overseer, suppress it for a moment," Galia asked. "Aluma can deal with the sectoids."

Time for that dog to prove her worth. "Go for it!" She shouted, swinging her weapon out the window again firing at the mech. "Suppressive fire!" The mech looked up at her, seemingly unimpressed as laser fire rained around it.

"לִתְקוֹף!" She heard Galia shout and the dog took off.

Aluma charged around the mech and directly into the line of sectoids. With ferocious barks, the dog leapt at the closest sectoid, pinned it to the ground and ripped it's scrawny throat out. Without wasting time, she launched herself at the next one and proceeded to do the same.

The last two sectoids began scrambling back, firing randomly at the growling and snapping dog, teeth dripping with yellow blood. Galia was right, an angry German Shephard was terrifying to behold.

This gave Yousef and Friendly an opening and they sliced the remaining sectoids to pieces when their backs were turned. The shield on the mech dissipated and it quickly wilted under the combined fire of Patricia and Myra.

For some reason, the drones decided now was the time to attack and began flying over. All of them were quickly blasted out of the sky by Galia and Sarah. Then the battlefield was silent.

"Stay ready," Patricia warned, scanning the area, autolaser raised. "We still have outsiders to deal with."

"Unless none decided to show up?" Sarah said hopefully.

Yousef snorted into his helmet. "If there is one thing that will show up with UFOs, it's an outsider."

"Agreed," Myra nodded, moving away from the window towards the door. "There's always-" She shouted in surprise as a crystalline hand burst through the wall, grabbed her by the armor and threw her towards the railing overlooking the main living room, showering plaster and drywall across the floor.

"Outsider inside!" Patricia shouted as she aimed her weapon at the outsider, trying not to hit Myra. "Converge!"

"Can't!" Yousef shouted. "We've got another one out here!"

The alien picked up a dazed Myra by her collar and with seemingly no effort, leapt towards the opposite wall on the ground and slammed her into it with a sickening crack. Patricia fired at it but it simply absorbed the blasts and lowered its hand to Myra's right arm and fired a beam from it's hand.

Myra screamed as the laser burned into her armor and flesh. The outsider reached down and tore the arm off, then threw the limb away. Firing several plasma bursts into her legs, he turned to face Patricia.

Fury filling her Patricia scowled and leapt off the railing to the lower floor, not even noticing the height. The objects around her trembled as she hit the ground, though if she noticed, not from the actual impact. The outsider seemed surprised by the move and took a step back.

Not quite quick enough as she unloaded her autolaser into the alien. It raised it's hand to discharge some of the energy, but she kept pumping more into it. More lasers joined hers as Sarah and Galia reached her. The combined power proved too much for the outsider and it shattered into a thousand pieces.

They heard a scream and Patricia looked back to see Friendly frantically running away as the last outsider approached, holding the corpse of Yousef in it's hand, a hole through his head. It immediately realized it was outnumbered and raised Yousef's corpse as a shield as it fired more plasma rounds from it's rifle.

"I'll draw it's fire!" She yelled, her voice sounding amplified, even to her. "Surround it!"

She winced as her fire grazed the body, but it couldn't be helped. This outsider had to die. It would happen sooner or later and the outsider seemed to realize this. Dropping the body, it began glowing orange.

Patricia's eye widened. "Get to cover!" She screamed, running behind a wall. "It's going to blow!"

A few seconds later a piercing shriek filled the air and then silence. Waiting a few seconds, Patricia peeked out to see the room filled with outsider shards, turned into deadly projectiles by the explosion. Luckily, it seemed no one was hurt from them.

Yousef's body was ruined but aside from that everyone was alive. Her eyes widened. "Sarah! Myra now!" Sarah dashed over to Myra who was miraculously still breathing as blood dripped out of the stump of her arm. It was fortunate the alien had simply decided putting her out of commission was enough and stopped short of killing her.

"Citadel Command we need an emergency evac now!" Patricia called. "We have a soldier in critical condition!"

"Acknowledged, Fallen Sky will be touching down within the minute."

Patricia looked at the woman who had somehow survived as Sarah sprayed her with the med-kit, which would keep her alive until she returned to the Citadel. But unfortunately, it seemed her time as a soldier was over.

Patricia hoped that she wouldn't end up going out like that. Better to die in battle than live as a cripple. She hoped the Commander would at least make sure she was comfortable. Actually, what he did didn't matter. She'd see to it herself.

It was the least she could do.

After-Action Report

Operation: White Sun

Personnel:

Pacer 1 (Squad Overseer): Specialist Patricia Trask

Status: Active

Kills: 3

Pacer 2: Specialist Myra Rodriguez

Status: Gravely Wounded (Potential Medical Discharge)

Kills: 1

Pacer 3: Specialist Glenn Friendlein

Status: Active

Kills: 2

Pacer 4: Specialist Yousef Li

Status: Deceased

Kills: 3

Pacer 5: Specialist Sarah Liber

Status: Active

Kills: 3

Pacer 6: Private Galia Loeb

Status: Active

Kills: 2

Pacer 6.5: "Aluma"

Status: Active

Kills: 2

Mission Director: The Commander

Pilot: Tristin Ward: Call sign – "Fallen Sky"

Artifacts Recovered:

-4x Sectoid Corpses (Moderate Damage)

-4x Drone Wrecks (Moderate Damage)

-3x Alien Sectoid Mechanized Units (Moderate Damage)

-44x Alien Weapon Fragments

-111x Alien Alloys (Stripped From UFO)

-2x MELD Canisters

A/N: Apologies for the massive delay in this chapter. There were a few technical issues between my beta and I. Good news is that problem shouldn't happen again and I've also essentially finished the next chapter which should (Actually) be out within the next couple of days. Hopefully that makes up for the delay.

-Xabiar