ADVENT: Dossier
Chief of Peacekeeper Operations Amalda Stein
"Stein is to criminals what the Commander was to terrorists. Maybe even more terrifying."
- Gerald Roth, Public Prosecutor General of Germany
Proclamation to the citizens of Germany following the multiple alien attacks following the Hamburg assault:
Citizens of Germany,
Due to the sudden and swift attacks on our nation's leaders, cities and people, a curfew has been ordered at the direction of Acting Prime Minister Ahren Habicht. This applies to all residents within the nation of Germany, foreign and natural. None are permitted to leave the country without explicit permission from the acting government.
Each citizen is encouraged to remain calm and fully comply with all military and police personnel who are encountered or issue directions. Failure to comply will result in swift and indeterminate arrest until the security of Germany can be fully ensured. Offenders will be swiftly caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
This curfew is in immediate effect and will be enforced indefinitely from this point forward.
- Feldjäger General Amalda Stein
Subject: Jonas Culbert
Occupation: Online conspiracy theorist (Really, this isn't going to change)
Video Title: Return of the Gestapo
"Well people, the Nazis are back in power! I really wish I was being facetious here, but after seeing the nutjob the puppet Chancellor has decided to put in charge of her little intimidation squad, I can come to no other conclusion. 'But Jonas?' you say, 'It's just one person. What could one person do?' A whole lot, that's what, and this is no ordinary woman we're talking about."
Brief pause. "Amalda Stein, a name most of you have probably never heard of and for good reason. The Germans have been very careful to keep her under control, since she was so ruthless she was almost kicked out of the German police, but 'fortunately' she simply resigned-and then moved to the Feldjäger."
Pause. "I think I'm saying that correctly. Another title you probably have heard rarely, if at all. The short explanation is that it's the military police of Germany, and if you recall, the ones who've turned Germany into a hell-hole ever since the false-flag attack in Germany after the alien attack. And guess who was the woman who orchestrated the complete stripping of German freedom? Yep, you guessed it: Mrs. Stein herself."
Subject holds up a piece of paper with illegible text. "I've been fortunate enough to acquire this from one of my sources. Behold and listen to an internal memo she sent out when they began enforcing the curfew. It's long and wordy, so I'll just skip to the good parts. As always, the full document will be on my website."
Subject begins reading from the paper. "The first directive was to find specific people identified by the police as potential agitators and threats, and simply arrest them. No publicity, no questions, no trial. Men show up at a house and take away an unsuspecting victim. These were people who were critical of both Habicht, and anyone not following the tune set by the German government."
"Number two: She ordered the dismantling and arrest of non-violent protesting organizations. Stuff that was unrelated to anything going on with the current problems. It was a power grab orchestrated by Habicht, plain and simple, with Stein as his attack dog. A shrewd plan that unfortunately worked. And anyone who resisted, well, Amalda simply started to either arrest or killed. There was a special protection granted by her during the curfew which gives patrolling soldiers pretty much unlimited authority. They could shoot someone in broad daylight and get away with it."
Subject pauses for breath. "So, viewers, I ask you: Does this sound like a woman who should be put in any sort of position of power? Of course the answer is no. But guess what, the esteemed Chancellor has put her in charge of the so-called 'Peacekeepers.'"
Subject chuckles. "A more inept name I have never heard in my life. The Peacekeepers under Stein won't work for the people, but will only work to force ADVENT's will upon the people. What happened in DC? That was just the beginning. First they will silence the voice of the people through intimidation, and when we true Americans refuse to bow down to the tyrants, they will kill us with the full backing of ADVENT."
Pause. "There is a revolution coming viewers, and a test of our commitment to the ideals of our Founding Fathers. When the Gestapo demand your loyalty in allegiance, what will you say? Will you comply? Or will you fight?"
End video
Analysis: Cross-checking official German documents with the one provided on Culbert's website, it appears to be a genuine, albeit altered, document. Culbert selectively picked out statements in it conforming to the narrative he has created, while excluding others. This is a serious matter and it is essential that we order a retraction immediately or shut down him once and for all.
I see little point in allowing him to continue his unfocused rants in such a time as this. Further Peacekeeper activity will only embolden him further, and eventually, someone is going to heed his words and start to fight back.
In addition, he must be thoroughly interrogated as to his sources, since it seems clear that someone in the German military did leak him the document at some point. No mole should exist in ADVENT, and certainly not one belonging to such a man as this. We cannot continue to ignore this man forever, no matter how little of a nuisance he appears now.
XCOM Profile 1427
Authorization Level: Internal Council
Subject: Amalda Stein
Current Occupation: Chief of Peacekeeper Operations, Formerly Feldjäger General of the German Army
Threat Level: Minimal
Assessment Author: Shaojie Zhang, Director of XCOM Intelligence
Approved By: The Commander of XCOM, Central Officer Ariel Jackson
SECTION 1: Physical Characteristics
Hair color: Graying (Formerly brown, short cut)
Eye color: Green
Skin color: White
Height: 5' 11"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Scars or markings: None visibly observed.
Physical Condition: Despite being aged for a soldier, she remains in excellent physical condition reflective of her years of military service. However, due to her age, she would be weaker than the average XCOM soldier. Her mental faculties have respectively only improved.
Nation of Birth: Germany
SECTION 2: Assessment
Amalda Stein is an extremist, and I do not necessarily mean that in a negative way. However, it is important to realize that we are not discussing a typical representative of law enforcement of any type. Stein possesses a fanatical and extreme approach to law enforcement that would be considered extreme even in authoritarian regions like China, or even North Korea.
In some respects, she is similar to you, Commander. Her approach, while being viewed as radical, have produced exceptional results that are atypical even in the Feldjäger. Stein possesses a demonstrable and self-proclaimed hatred of any and all criminal elements that is taken to extreme lengths.
In essence, while she will only punish according to the laws set, she has insinuated multiple times that she does not see criminals as fully human, or at least not deserving of human rights. This is speculation, but reinforced by her time both within the German police, and the Feldjäger. There are multiple accounts of protocol being ignored when dealing with suspects, and a much higher incarceration rate.
There were allegations brought against her station (Of which she was the Chief) about mistreatment of prisoners and captives, though they were never proven. In fact, her station exceeded the regulation standard, but further research into both her past and the woman herself reveal a different kind of mistreatment that simple conditions would not be enough to show.
Amalda appeared to know that her positions would not be popular, nor tolerated within the system, so she used it against them. An account of a convicted murderer from her station paints an extremely grim picture. If the account is to be believed, Stein dehumanized them in every possible way; sleep deprivation, minimal food and water, no accommodations and regular solitary confinement for days.
Should anyone attempt to seek recompense, they were punished severely. Any and all deviation from the rules set resulted in extended sentences, more solitary confinement, several days without food, but never violence. Stein knew that would be noticed, and, in my estimation, did not believe it necessary to ensure complete obedience.
After several years it appears that Stein's prison acquired the reputation as one of the worst places you could be sent, a fact that Stein appears proud of. Criminals being tried would often cooperate more, or even take longer sentences to avoid being sent to her. To be fair, the German Police knew something was up, though there was no way they were able to conclusively prove it. Stein was very careful in running her operation, and slowly phased in officers who held similar outlooks and views to her own. She did her job exceptionally well, should only the data be looked at, but she was becoming too widely known so they gave Stein a lucrative offer to resign, and take a position in the Feldjäger, the German military police, instead.
It was not technically an ultimatum, but she took it as one and accepted, much to their relief I presume. However, before continuing further, it is important to make one point clear: Amalda Stein is fair. She holds all those who work with her to high standards, and despises all forms of corruption, and will to go to dangerous but legal lengths to stamp it out. If anything, she treats convicted or dirty cops even worse than ordinary people because they are a disgrace to the uniform she proudly wears.
Stein proved to be a perfect fit for the Feldjäger, because she held the military to the same standard as her officers, if not more so. She has no concern or fear about arresting people of a higher authority than her, and in fact, appears to enjoy orchestrating their downfall. It led to her getting the attention of then-Defense Minister Habicht, and beyond that, she soon advanced to the rank of General.
Her obsession and fixation on the law made her one of the most efficient in the Feldjäger's history, and since she had absolutely no qualms about using force to enforce the law, it made her indispensable after we initiated the Hades Contingency in Germany, as she was largely the architect of the crackdown.
How she acquired this deep hatred of criminals and fanatical focus on law and order is something I am not qualified to answer, nor can I reasonably speculate. There were no instances in her childhood where she had a negative experience, and her parents were not involved in the military or law enforcement to begin with.
The next question is: Why would Saudia would choose someone like that to lead the Peacekeepers?
The answer, I believe, is that if there is anyone who will bring absolute order to ADVENT, no matter the price or human cost, it is Stein. She is not swayed by outside opinion or perception, but only the law of the land. Should that be broken, she will enforce it to the best of her ability. Optimistically, this is Saudia putting a check on herself as Stein would be more than willing to move against the Chancellor should he or she break the law.
On the opposite end, I could also foresee this as Saudia moving a political chess piece into position. Stein is predictable. Should Saudia encounter opposition to her agenda, she only needs to manipulate them into unintentionally breaking some obscure law (Or risk planting faulty evidence, though that is not advised due to Stein herself) and simply pointing Stein in their direction.
But playing games with Stein is extremely dangerous, and manipulating her ever more so. For better or worse, she is both perfect for the Peacekeepers, and one law change away from turning ADVENT into a literal police state.
Which may be exactly what Saudia wants. Tread carefully when dealing with her, Commander.
This document will be updated as more information is acquired.
Interview between Amalda Stein and Independent Journalist Jessica Wong:
Jessica Wong: "Chief Amalda Stein, thank you for taking the time to speak to me. Given that a large part of the world is undergoing a major reform of law enforcement, I'm glad you see the necessity in clarifying several aspects of the Peacekeepers."
Amalda Stein: "Of course. Having the public be informed is in all our best interests."
JW: I agree. So I am curious what the Chief of the Peacekeepers would define their role as. Traditionally law enforcement has served and protected the people, as well as provided a measure of security. Is your directive different?"
AS: "Yes and no. Traditional law enforcement has, as you said, been directed by the motto, 'To protect and serve' or some equivalent. It is a motto that I do not believe reflects the role of the Peacekeepers. The citizens being protected is a consequence, not a goal of an effective law enforcement agency. The Peacekeepers have two directives: Enforce the law and preserve the order."
JW: "Apologies if I am misunderstanding, but are you saying that law enforcement has no duty to the people?"
AS: "Yes and no. It is of course, a positive consequence, but in general…no, the Peacekeepers have no intrinsic duty to the people. They are to be protected through the following of the directives I have stated above. Consider the consequences of those: Would you not agree that the swift enforcement of laws would lead to a safer society, and thus, a means of protecting the people."
JW: "Perhaps from that point of view. Are you not concerned that this will put a barrier between regular citizens and the Peacekeepers?"
AS: "No, and I do not see that as inherently bad. An effective law enforcement organization cannot be tied to the people who they might arrest or prosecute tomorrow. The Peacekeepers are not friends of the citizens, but the ones who ensure they can live their lives free of strife."
JW: "I see. To be slightly more direct, Chief Stein, you are aware of the protest in DC?"
AS: "I was informed, correct."
JW: "Do you believe the response was overzealous?"
AS: "No, and I applaud the Peacekeepers for taking control of the situation so quickly."
JW: "People could have died."
AS: "You will have to be more specific. I doubt the Peacekeepers there were in life-threatening danger."
JW: "If you believe that, then why were the officers using electrified stun batons and rifles? If their lives were not in danger-"
AS: "They were attacked. They are then permitted to respond in a way that feels appropriate. I fail to see what the issue is."
JW: "Some of the people arrested are only guilty by association."
AS: "You do not know that. We have interrogated the suspects and they are all part of Antifa, which as you are certainly aware, is an anarchist group."
JW: "Yes, I am aware of Antifa, and I also know that some of the people there didn't attack the officers."
AS: "They are associated with an anarchist group that promotes violence against law enforcement. They are afforded no special protections simply because they do not participate. Would you consider a man who has hired a hitman innocent since he didn't physically pull the trigger?"
JW: "That is not necessarily a good analogy."
AS: "No, it is. If you are willing to wear the colors and stand with the criminals in question, then do not be surprised when there are consequences for your actions. If they were truly innocent people, they wouldn't have joined a criminal group."
JW: "Antifa isn't technically a criminal group."
AS: "That is going to change. Groups like that will no longer be tolerated in ADVENT."
JW: "You do understand that most of these people are simply over-idealistic kids? College students who want to make a difference."
AS: "And that should make them exempt from the consequences of their actions why?"
JW: "It would be reasonably concluded on a case-by-case basis, wouldn't you agree? It is not fair for them to be punished simply because of associating with the group."
AS: "No, it is completely fair. But you are right that the sentence itself would vary depending on their actions within it. I do not condone punishment for crimes not committed, only for the ones that are."
JW: "Do you support the death penalty, Chief Stein?"
AS: "Yes, but not as a capital punishment."
JW: "I'm sorry?"
AS: "The death penalty is an appropriate punishment, but unfortunately is viewed as the worst possible punishment that can be inflicted on an individual. This is simply not true. There are worse fates than death, and the death penalty deprives the State of a potential resource."
JW: "A what?"
AS: "You understood correctly, Mrs. Wong. We are entering a stage both in the war and in our society where we simply cannot waste resources, and convicted criminals are a resource that is untapped. I see little point in ignoring it simply because of the mistaken assumption that these are people worthy of sympathy."
JW: "To be sure I understand you completely…you support using prisoners as something of a slave-labor force?"
AS: "If you want to use that term. I personally view it as…an overly manipulative word, but if you think about it, prisoners are already slaves to the state. They lost their rights as humans the moment they were convicted."
JW: "You are aware that prisoners do receive a wage-"
AS: "Something that we have eradicated. You will not get paid to go to prison, nor receive any other luxury. But returning to your point, yes, I support the use of the prisoner workforce. It is far better than simply letting them take up space and air doing nothing."
JW: "You would make no effort to institute some kind of prisoner reform? People can change."
AS: "People only change when circumstances force them to. Some people believe this can be done through therapy, empathy and similar emotions, but will that make lasting change? Perhaps. Perhaps not. But when people are deconstructed, pulled apart and broken through day after day of toil, solitude and simply living, they develop means to ensure it never happens again.
Fear. That is an emotion far stronger than empathy and understanding. The only way to truly create a reformed criminal to instill a primal fear of breaking the law. A terror of ever considering defying the Peacekeepers and ADVENT again. In the end, self-preservation overrides all else, and that is ultimately why I justified in taking a position that I am aware is controversial: Because it works."
JW: "And will you subject everyone who is convicted to this…fate? Will this apply to juveniles? Does circumstance mean nothing to you?"
AS: "No, it does not. Circumstance leads down a slippery road. There is only one constant I recognize: The law itself. The only information I need to know is what crime was committed, and the punishment as such. Everything else is irrelevant."
JW: "So following that logic, you would sentence kids and the mentally ill to death if they killed someone?"
AS: "In this hypothetical scenario, was this premeditated murder?"
JW: "Let's say yes."
AS: "Then yes. Without hesitation if that was what the law demanded."
JW: "Even if they were pressured into it by someone else? Even if they aren't in control of their own actions?"
AS: "Did they still murder someone?"
JW: "…Yes."
AS: "Then the law still applies. There can be no exceptions. However, in the case you propose, there would likely be additional investigations launched, especially in the case of a juvenile. And I will note that the death penalty is simply one of several punishments for murder. I suspect a good lawyer could either plead for a different sentence, especially in the case of undue influence. But it does not change the fact that a person is dead, does it?"
JW: "And you truly believe that is justice?"
AS: "I know it is, Mrs. Wong. You may not approve, but I know very well what I am doing, and what obstacles I face. Most people are misguided by sympathy, sad stories of misfortune and circumstance, and that leads to instability. It leads to complacency. I do not believe in small slaps on the wrist; I believe in justice and part of administering justice is punishment. Do you believe the death penalty is a deterrent to crime, Mrs. Wong?"
JW: "There are studies that show it is not."
AS: "In America at least, I believe it. But not because the death penalty is not an effective deterrent, but the method of execution, pardon the pun, is inherently flawed. Why should you have to fear the death penalty if it takes years or decades to actually carry out? Why worry when it can be endlessly appealed? So the consequence of crime must not simply be said, but seen.
There will no longer be trials that take months to resolve, or years for sentences to carry out. The Peacekeepers will bring efficiency to the ADVENT Justice system, in a way that is fair for all those involved. And with that the fear of breaking the law will be instilled not just in the convicted, but in the people. And as a result…crime will be slowly whittled down to nothing, and we will have a society that is safe and protected.
A happy consequence, as I mentioned earlier."
JW: "…This has certainly been enlightening, Chief Stein. Thank you for speaking so…candidly about this. I believe you have given enough information to give us your vision of the Peacekeepers and ADVENT."
AS: "A pleasure, Mrs. Wong. Do not hesitate to ask again if you have further questions."
JW: "Oh, don't worry. I certainly will."