While Bianka and the rest of the orphans agreeing so quickly to allow me to adopt them was unexpected, it did have its benefits.

Namely, letting me focus on how I was going to interact with XCOM.

Now, I knew that XCOM had access to Alien Alloys, Elerium (why did we have to give that awesome element the bland name of Moscovium?), handheld laser and plasma weapons, and psionics. Those were common developments across both the original timeline and the new one Firaxis made in 2012. The thing that worried me, though, was that those were the only techs that were constant in both timelines. If this universe was the original, then they could have access to Molecular Control, Zrbite, Sonic and Gauss weapons, and Aqua Plastics. Potentially, they could also have access to the things from XCOM: Apocalypse, but unless they had easy access to Earth, that was unlikely.

On the other hand, if this timeline matched up with the Enemy Unknown timeline, then XCOM would have access to magnetic weapons, SPARKS, and the Avenger (instead of many avengers). Oh, and they would also have gene mods and MEC troopers. Can't forget those. While that was a lot less technology for me to acquire, all of those techs were ones I wanted.

So, then, how should I proceed?

Well, I suppose that sending a message indicating my willingness to negotiate would be a good start. After that, though, something else would need to be done.

Time to call on my aides.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Don't try to intimidate them," cautioned Kathi. "They're used to fighting overwhelming odds, so it won't work."

"Though, you could easily manipulate them, if you wanted," noted Synais.

Both Kathikon and myself stared at him.

"You have laser and ballistic weapons technology well beyond XCOM's level regardless of what universe this is, and similar level armor. Careful distribution of the tech could easily put them on your side."

"...good point," noted Kathi.

"From Miss 'Follow The Rules', I take that as a great compliment."

"Screw you, Synais."

"And now we're back to normal."

I sighed. I guess I was going to have to wing this.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

WARNING: UNKNOWN USER ATTEMTPING TO ACCESS XCOM COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

USER IDENTITY: CMDR FLAME

USER GRANTED PERMISSION TO COMMUNICATE, PATCHING USER INTO PRIVATE COMMUNICATIONS SUB-NETWORK

XXXXXXXXXXXX

CMDR FLAME: Greetings!

CMDR XXXXX: Hello. So, you wish to speak with XCOM?

FLAME: Yes. Thank you for the assistance in dealing with those criminals.

XXXXX: It was nothing. We were already going to raid that base. Our goals aligned entirely by chance.

FLAME: Fair enough. Still, I appreciate the assistance. Is it possible we could look into working together, perhaps as allies?"

XXXXX:...You are being very forward with your intentions.

FLAME: I prefer being blunt with people I respect.

XXXXX: I'll take that as a compliment. As for your offer... Maybe. Not everyone trusts you, Commander. At least some are worried that you will try to enslave us, as the Ethereals and Tasoths before you have attempted, and as the Micronoids are attempting right now.

FLAME:...I understand. Perhaps I could offer a gift?

XXXXX: Explain.

FLAME: My forces can make a nanite repair system, which allows me to fix damage on any of my machines in a matter of seconds, and it was relatively easy to adapt this to a human biology. I am willing to offer this to you, and I demand no recompense for it.

XXXXX: That is...surprisingly generous of you...I believe that is permissible...Though, I believe that we could arrange a larger agreement.

FLAME: Elaborate.

XXXXX: If you would be willing to offer up weapons and armor technology, I would be willing to offer you a gift from XCOM's arsenal. Any tech you offer, we shall make a return offer.

FLAME:...So, if I were to offer you the alloys that compromise my machines...

XXXXX: We will offer you the Ethereal Alloys and Aqua Plastics.

FLAME:...That is very generous of you.

XXXXX: You have proven yourself to be trustworthy. We do not wish to abuse this.

FLAME: Understandable... I am willing to offer you the alloys used to build my forces, laser and advanced ballistics technology, advanced torpedo technology, intelligence regarding my aerial forces, and, lastly, some of my energy generation technology. What are you willing to offer in exchange?

XXXXX:...We will offer the Ethereal Alloys, Aqua Plastics, Laser, Gauss, Plasma and Sonic Weapons technology, Elerium, Zrbite, and a Manta and Firestorm Fighter. Is that fair?

FLAME:...Completely...though, I do have one last request.

XXXXX: And that is.

FLAME: I recently adopted several orphans that I found in a vehicle that was trespassing on my territory. The vehicle in question set off the events that led to our alliance of convenience. As for how this concerns you...the children have stated that they possess psionic powers, and I can confirm the presence of those powers in at least one of them. I have heard rumors that your organization utilizes psychic powers. If so, may I request, for lack of a better word, a tutor?

XXXXX:...Very well. We will send you two of our specialists.

FLAME: Thank.

CMDR FLAME HAS TERMINATED THE COMMUNICATION

XXXX1: So, you sure this is a good idea, sir.

XXXX2: Yeah, we are giving him a lot of our aces.

XXXX3: And if he's not as trustworthy as he appears, we could be shooting ourselves in the feet.

XXXX4: Plus this guy could be a shape changing alien, like the faceless.

XXXXX: Your concerns are noted, but the decision stands. We should not antagonize a party that has only shown us respect. If he is an alien, well, we have been fighting aliens for long enough. Perhaps, finally, we can make peace with another civilization among the stars. If not, then we can examine the technology he offered us and discover its weaknesses, letting us level the playing field when the war begins.

XXXX1,XXXX2,XXXX3,XXX4: Understood, sir.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Huh. Wow, I didn't expect them to be that trusting. True, studying my stuff to see if it had weaknesses was expected, but XCOM preferring the pen over the sword, well, that's new.

Well, might as well start compiling my trade offer to them.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

AN: Next chapter will detail the trade and Flame's integration of XCOM tech. After that, plot relevant things will begin.

Read, Review, and Ask me any questions.

This is Flamea15k, signing off!