As Jade squad finished gearing up two days later, they waited by the skyranger before embarking on their mission. Greene was the last one to arrive, as he had to confirm that he was going to get a sixth member. He entered the hangar and was surprised to find Kelly standing with his team alongside her squad's gunner. She nodded to him in greeting.
"You'll be heading out with Longshot for this op. Take good care of her." Greene nodded at her request as the team boarded the skyranger. Before Greene could join them, however, Kelly grabbed his arm and leaned closer.
"I know you like to push everyone away, but everyone has a breaking point." She gestured away from them. "And out there... you can get someone killed if you crack. Wars may not be won with feelings, but even the toughest soldiers need someone they can rely on." She released his arm and gave a stoic nod to the rest of Jade squad. Greene shook his head as he took his seat by the hatch. He could only guess why Kelly was so adamant about him opening up. He wondered if it had anything to do with his past before the invasion. As far as Greene knew, Bradford and Kelly were the only ones who knew about his family. Those two were also the only ones to have the full story of how he survived before Bradford recruited him into XCOM.
Nathaniel Greene's father, Edward Greene, died when he was five years old, having been a corporal in the US Army. His mother, Katelyn Greene, became neglectful and almost abusive in her grief, eventually going too far one day when she was reported by one of their neighbors. He was nine years old when law enforcement arrived and arrested her. Greene was placed in the custody of his father's cousin, Colt Ryner. Ryner had enlisted together with Greene's father and became close friends in the infantry long before he was born. As soon as he turned seventeen, Greene enlisted in the US Marine Corps and rapidly gained a team leader position. He consistently proved his competence time and time again, receiving a meritorious promotion to sergeant at twenty-two. Greene still remembered the events that took place twenty long years prior. He shuddered at the memories, telling himself that he would not let it happen again. It became impossible for him to socialize.
Greene settled in for the long flight. Wraith squad had received a tip from one of the Resistance cells of a high-value engineer being moved to an Advent facility for interrogation. Jade squad was chosen to hit the convoy before it could reach the facility and extract the engineer. Luckily, with the Resistance cell causing a diversion, the bulk of Advent's security forces would be sent to reinforce that sector. Greene looked over his squad. They were reinforced by one of Menace squad's fighters, their gunner, known as Longshot. Greene didn't know her well, just that she had a habit of accurately engaging targets from long distances.
"So how's it going Longshot? Is this your first time with Jade?" She nodded at Clayman.
"Yes. Do you think this operation will go to plan?" The question was straightforward. Clayman shared a glance with Turner before he opened his mouth to speak. Greene beat him to the response as he inspected his weapon.
"No plan survives first contact with the enemy." Longshot pursed her lips, clearly not liking the emotionless response. Clayman coughed awkwardly.
"We have the Resistance making a mess of things and drawing a lot of attention to themselves. While Advent's focused on searching for them, we'll have the element of surprise." Turner nodded in agreement.
"We've also got Shen's new gremlin thing. I have to admit that I'm curious what it does." Greene placed a hand on his pack where the small drone was located. He had received the machine the day before, performing some exercises using his new wristpad. He moved his hand back to his weapon and leaned back in the seat. He tuned out the others as he looked at the ceiling in thought. As much as he tried not to think about the invasion, sometimes he couldn't help it.
He rarely spoke about his experiences that night, but even still, his reputation was already established. A pair found him wandering in the desert shortly after the invasion began. Greene had collapsed after a week out in the desert, having run out of water two days before. He couldn't remember who found him that night, just that one of them was a dark woman wearing a poncho and scarf. She sat him up and placed a canteen to his lips. He remembered just how good the cool water tasted on his tongue. His dry throat was soothed by the liquid that might as well have been nectar from the gods. She checked him for wounds and motioned for a large man behind her to come forward when she noticed how deep his burn was. Greene heard her talking in a far-off voice before the man picked up the wounded warrior and began to walk. They walked for what felt like an eternity, with Greene fighting off the urge to sleep.
Every time he began to nod off, the man gave a harsh jab into his side and muttered some harsh words. The woman would occasionally bring that canteen to his lips and help him drink it slowly. Eventually, they arrived in what appeared to be a small village that was as-of-yet untouched by the invaders. The man set Greene down against a house and for the first and last time since the invasion, Greene actually felt alive. Another woman arrived and talked animatedly with his saviors as dawn slowly crept in. She then knelt by his side and applied some kind of ointment onto his severe burn. Greene stayed in that village for three days. That was when a group of five entered the town late at night. They grabbed him and two others, bringing them to a sizeable camp where they passed him an old beat-up AK-47. From that point on, he joined them on their raids against the Aliens. It had only been eight months before someone noticed his skills in combat.
Early one morning while Greene was on watch, a new man entered their campsite with a proposition. Greene would join him in establishing a global Resistance network and in exchange, he would get revenge against the Aliens in ways he never thought possible. Greene accepted the offer and after Bradford gave his group some supplies, the two left the campsite that same morning. On the journey back, Greene learned that Bradford was the second in command of a highly classified black operations force funded by sixteen council nations. The task force was codenamed XCOM and was originally activated to hunt down and eliminate extensive criminal organizations outside of public awareness. They quietly operated behind the scenes, completely avoiding the geopolitical boundaries at the height of the Cold War. Very few knew about XCOM, and of those who did know, even fewer knew of their true purpose. Alien contact had been established as early as 1962, and the XCOM task force was activated to counter the grave threat. Greene didn't believe Bradford initially. The last thing he expected was that his government covered up an Alien invasion for over five decades before everything went to hell.
Needless to say, Greene believed him now. He checked the time, they still had an hour before they arrived at the AO. He made the decision and closed his eyes. Greene awoke forty-five minutes later when Kaizer beside him tapped his shoulder.
"Rebriefing's in five, we're almost there." Greene nodded, checking his gear for the third time since they left the Avenger. When he finished, Greene observed the others. Turner was holding onto his shotgun and quietly staring at the ground. Clayman was making sure his medkit was organized to his liking. Kaizer went back to observing each of his grenades individually before inserting them into the launcher. Fox was cleaning the lens on his sniper rifle's scope, making sure his optic was clear before they hit the ground. Longshot checked her chamber for obstructions before loading in her rounds. She looked up and locked eyes with Greene for a moment before returning to her firearm.
"Alright team, Wraith squad has provided us some valuable intel on a prisoner transfer. You are to close in on the target's vehicle and extract them safely from the freeway. Wraith was also kind enough to arrange for a distraction, courtesy of the Resistance. Move fast, don't take unnecessary chances, and come back home alive. Good luck Jade squad." Bradford cut the line as the skyranger began slowing down.
"We have just reached the dropzone, ground team. I'll see you soon." The skyranger came to a halt as Greene stood. The hatch opened and the ropes dropped before Greene leaped out into the dark sky.
"Let's move, Jade!" The team quickly established a perimeter around their LZ. They were close to the freeway, but still needed to move fast if they wanted to successfully ambush the Advent convoy.
"The convoy is half a klick East. Get mobile now!" Turner took point with Greene right behind him as the team ran through the undergrowth. Alien flora looked out of place when compared to Earth's natural vegetation. The glowing violet plants and other foreign plant life spread out of control due to having no predators. Greene ignored the strange purple vine snaking along the ground as he ran. He retained positive control of his weapon just like he'd been trained. His mission was more important than the Alien wildlife. Turner halted the squad before they could exit the treeline. Greene stepped up beside him.
"Convoy isn't here yet. Any movement on the road?" Turner shook his head.
"Just the occasional civvie or law enforcement cruiser." Greene jerked his head to their sharpshooter. Marshal immediately split off from the group and climbed up a large hill that gave him excellent vision over the AO.
"Longshot, Warhorse, Take up positions and get ready. Stiff and Brother, on me." Longshot set up a base of fire facing the South side of the road while Kaizer slung his rifle around his back and strategically placed two proximity mines along the side of the road. Once finished, he returned to decent cover and pulled out his grenade launcher. Greene and Turner went prone close to the road, waiting for the convoy to arrive as Clayman took a position between them and the heavy weapons specialists. Jade squad didn't have to wait long when a column of headlights lit up the freeway from the South.
"The target is here! Everyone get ready!" Turner yelled as he crawled further to a better position. The convoy was not really impressive by Greene's standards. It consisted of one Advent patrol car in front of two vans quickly moving North. The first mine detonated as soon as the Advent cruiser entered its range. The car was violently thrown to the side as the pair of vans swerved in surprise. The lead vehicle attempted to pull over, but the driver didn't realize that there was a second explosive. The mine exploded as soon as they came to a stop, but the heavier van was simply rocked before the second van pulled over as well. The patrol car's two occupants got out and took up positions using their car as cover. Greene could hear their Human voices as they cursed in shock and tried to figure out what was happening. Both vans opened up their doors and each released a squad of Advent soldiers to fight the insurgents.
"Engage! Engage!" Kaizer instantly fired off two grenades before Longshot opened up with her LMG. The withering barrage of explosives and bullets scattered the convoy's security escorts as Fox took a shot. One of the Humans screamed in pain and fell to the ground as the other shouted for assistance.
"Sniper! Sniper!" A trooper fired a short burst into the treeline to cover his allies before Greene let out a burst of his own. The trooper collapsed before his officer pointed at Jade squad's leader and barked an order in his foreign tongue. It was then that Greene noticed something was wrong. Turner further ahead was on the ground clutching his head in agony. There wasn't any blood on the ground from what the Staff Sergeant could see. He swiftly ran over while Longshot kept up the suppressing fire on the Advent forces and knelt by Turner.
"On your feet, Stiff! We need you!" Turner didn't respond but instead kept writhing on the ground. Greene briefly wondered what was wrong with Turner, but resolved to get his weapon back in the fight. As soon as he turned his back and opened fire, he heard Turner stop struggling and crouch behind him.
"Die you worm!" Turner grabbed Greene by the shoulders and threw him to the ground, taking his shotgun and placing it in front of his leader's face. Greene reacted with reflexes born out of years of experience, kicking Turner's legs out from under him and rolling back onto his feet.
"Kill that Sectoid!" He shouted while raising his rifle. He was searching for the telltale pink skin of a Sectoid. The nude Aliens were relatively frail and weak on their own, but their threat didn't come from their body. Sectoids had access to psionics, an otherworldly phenomenon that allowed them to fight with their mind. This Sectoid had taken control of Turner's mind and tried to kill Greene with him. There was a major distinction between the Sectoids that took part in the 2015 invasion and those that the Resistance was fighting. The original Sectoids were much smaller and less threatening. These new Sectoids were likely augmented with Human DNA, making them a good deal taller and physically stronger. While they were still weak when compared to Humans, they were still a priority target when encountered. Greene looked up when he heard an electrical discharge and saw an Advent lancer charging him.
Advent lancers were armed with electrified stun batons and sleeker armor than most other Advent soldiers. They were originally intended for riot control and civilian pacification, but they also saw use in prisoner transfers or safe house raids. They usually ended up aggressively charging hostile targets with their weapons, even if it meant that they were exposed to enemy fire. A sniper round went straight through the lancer's visor. Orange blood sprayed into the air as Greene rushed back to the others. He raised his rifle toward the Advent forces and ducked as a familiar green laser whined overhead. Firing blindly, he hoped to at least distract the Sectoid long enough for Kaizer to get a clear shot with his grenade launcher. A shotgun blast filled the air and Greene turned to face the source. Turner recovered and was trying to shoot him from too great a distance. It seemed like the mind-controlled victim realized that, as he started sprinting forward with no regard for his own personal safety. Longshot adjusted her aim and let off a long burst, hearing an inhuman scream as the officer fell to the ground. A shieldbearer activated his energy shield and exposed himself to ease up the pressure on the troopers nearby, but was quickly forced back into cover when another grenade impacted next to them. Turner rapidly closed the distance and Greene realized that Longshot was flanked. She wouldn't have time to react since she was busy suppressing the surviving troopers. Thinking quickly, he tackled her to the ground as another shotgun blast ripped into the rock where she had just been standing. Greene stood up to see the dead lancer get back up with a groan.
"Shit." He mumbled before something landed in the dirt below him. He glanced down to see a grenade at his feet. Longshot cursed and covered her face as he took the live grenade and tossed it onto the road. He dove onto the ground with a yell just as the frag detonated. He glared at Turner, relieved when he noticed Clayman finally managing to restrain their breacher. He pulled Longshot to her feet and ordered her to resume shooting at the remaining infantry. He then noticed a pink hand from around the second van, as the Sectoid entered the battle and began charging a shot.
"Not on my watch," Greene grumbled as he emptied his first magazine into the Alien. The nude creature screamed as it fell. Jade leader took cover to avoid return fire as the walking corpse remained standing. He turned back to Clayman, who had released Turner. Jade three placed an uncertain hand on his head before remembering where he was.
"Two weapons back in the fight!" Clayman cheered when Longshot finished off the zombie. A momentary lull in the firefight ensued and Greene checked his watch. They had been engaged for just under three minutes.
"Jade squad be advised, hostile interceptors are on rapid approach. Advent response teams are en route from the North. Get that target and get out of there. Over." Jade one cursed under his breath.
"Stiff! Find and kill that last Sectoid! Brother, go with him! I've got the VIP!" Greene stepped out of cover and moved for the vehicles, thankful that their sturdy armor wasn't penetrated by any of their bullets. The shieldbearer rounded the corner directly in front of him when Clayman let off three rounds into its side. The shieldbearer's durable armor plating barely held as it grunted from the impacts, but Greene was able to finish it off with a couple of shots to the head. Greene approached the first van's rear and threw open its door to find the cuffed hostage taking shelter in the corner. He climbed on and roughly grabbed the man by his shoulder.
"Come on. We're getting you out of here." The man looked scared but understood Greene's words.
"Thank you." The two jumped out of the transport as Longshot tossed a blue flare onto the ground beside her.
"I see you Jade, I'm coming in for exfil. Over." Greene glanced back at the burning road and noticed their medic limping back to their LZ with Turner covering him.
"That bastard tried stunning me, but we got the Sectoid," Clayman said while gesturing at a dead lancer behind them. Their leader nodded.
"Good work team, let's get out of here."
"Jade squad, be advised. Advent response teams are right on top of you. You need to extract now! Over." As soon as Central finished speaking, sirens lit up the Northern road and an Advent dropship appeared over the trees ahead of them.
"Damn it. They're here. Everyone out now!" Kaizer shouted. The team took turns rising up into the skyranger since it only had four available ropes. Once Greene, Kaizer, and Turner were on board, Clayman slammed his fist on the door to the cockpit. Advent small arms peppered the skyranger's exterior while Firebrand picked up speed.
"Come in, Central. The VIP is onboard and Jade team is all accounted for. We're headin' home. Over." Greene moved to the cockpit to wait for Central's response.
"Lima Charlie, Firebrand. RTB at these coordinates. Over." Firebrand punched them in before responding incredulously.
"Say again, Central? That's nowhere near the Avenger."
"Shen repaired the Avenger's propulsion systems while you were gone. RTB at those coordinates. Central out." Greene returned to the blood tray and took a seat on the floor. It seemed like the Avenger was now able to fly. Greene looked at his team one last time before he began drifting off to sleep. He was too tired to care that XCOM and the Resistance network as a whole just became a whole lot stronger. Right now, all he wanted was rest.