Ethereals: Dossier
Macula
"Victory is gained not through power or tools, but the correct application of each."
- Macula, Imperial Observer of the Division of Shadows
CODEX File ****
Subject: Correct Applications of Psionics
Location: NULL
Author: Macula, of the Ethereal Collective
The autopsy of the outcome of the war with the Synthesized is a brutal, but necessary step in preparing for the wars to come later. They arrived in their flagships and legions of abominations swarmed over our soldiers, but ultimately, they were inferior to the Empire. Yet we still lost, so the question then becomes why?
It was not that we were simply inadequate, or failed to investigate unnecessary paths of destructive technology as others would claim. Our soldiers killed the hordes by the millions, our ships were enough to destroy their fleets in battle. Our Imperators could resist and destroy the Director Flagships in single combat. We had the capability to win, but we did not.
The answer is that the Empire mismanaged itself. Such a threat had never been seen before, and though we had the ability, we did not successfully adapt to the threat until it was far too late. We made the mistake of treating the Synthesized as an enemy alien species when they were far older and more dangerous than any of the lesser species could hope to be.
We failed to learn their structure, their ways, their strategies. We believed that they could not continue attacking forever, but they kept coming and we could not replenish our numbers fast enough. In the aftermath, the suggestion that we were too stagnant and reliant on the Gift of psionics is incorrect at best, and insulting at worst.
The issue was not our power, but the way it was not used correctly. Our mindsets were not adapted to the full exploitation of this advantage. The need for ground campaigns was none when planets could be destroyed and razed. We did not need to waste time attacking the strongholds of the Synthesized when there were no Director Flagships to protect them.
Our application of the Gift against them was only physical, but we failed to exploit their minds as we would with other upstart species. The questionable assumption that a mind corrupted by machines is invulnerable to the Gift is what held us back until it was too late. It is difficult to control a corrupted mind, but not impossible. The utilization of telepathy simply needs to be changed.
Complex commands are not needed. There is no point for the corrupted, but simple commands, simple phrases; these are what doom armies. There was no need for sleeper agents within the Synthesized. There was only destruction required. Confusing complexity for effectiveness is dangerous, and while the Empire tried to develop more complex solutions, such as the Reapers and Imperators, they failed to realize that simple solutions could have worked just as well.
But it requires the expansion of our Gift to different planes; changing abilities we have mastered, and adapting them to the new threat. An army that is frozen in time is no threat to even one Ethereal. A corrupted alien cannot function if the living brain suddenly shuts off. These only require mere thoughts, and the energy to maintain them. Maelstroms of psionic energy are effective, but they are draining and unneeded in wars of attrition. Such powers should only be saved for the most dangerous.
If there was one area the Empire truly stumbled, it was our isolation. We were and are the apex species of the galaxy, yet we confined ourselves to the Empire alone, under the false assumption that the lesser aliens deserved to hold their own place in the galaxy. If we had assimilated them, perhaps the additional tools at our disposal would have allowed us to survive long enough to wipe the Synthesized from the galaxy.
It is foolish to pretend that others are our equal, and as our numbers have been reduced to an almost fatal degree, we cannot afford to make the same mistakes once more. We must not hesitate when bending them to our needs, our Gift is something few others have, and even those cannot defend themselves against us.
Those who do not assimilate to us will be forced, and the willing servants must be exalted to serve as our chosen species. Failure to fully commit to this will lead once more to our defeat. There can be no more half measures, now that we know what fate ultimately awaits all those unprepared.
Internal memo sent to Betos's internal leadership
GUIDELINES FOR TREATMENT OF ALIEN LEADERSHIP
DO NOT SHARE WITH SUBORDINATES UNTIL AUTHORIZATION IS GIVEN
OVERVIEW: We anticipated that our desertion and ultimate goals would attract both positive and negative attention. This was primarily expected from ADVENT and other African nations. We did not anticipate a similar response from the aliens themselves. However, it appears that the aliens have also been keeping track of us and appear interested in our goals.
As of this point, I have only made contact with one alien, self-identified as MACULA. As far as I can tell, this is his real name although it is quite possible the name is false. Initial and further conversations have provided useful information about the goals, plans, and motivations the aliens have for contacting us, as well as context about their own identified Collective.
Much of what they say should be taken with some degree of skepticism, but as of now, they have not proven hostile and Macula has already assisted in the removal of ADVENT spies currently observing the Sovereign African States, as well as the leadership. However, it must be stressed that ALL aliens are to be treated with EXTREME CAUTION as they are HIGHLY DANGEROUS.
INFORMATION ON MACULA: This is one of the prominent alien leaders, identified as an ETHEREAL. For those who are not aware, there have only been two identified Ethereals in the war, the BATTLEMASTER and a new one called CAELIOR. These are extremely dangerous beings that are experienced in the utilization of psionics, and it is generally assumed that all Ethereals are psions.
Macula demonstrated his own abilities, which primarily consisted of 'freezing' the minds of everyone in the immediate vicinity; in essence, stopping the perception of time. It is highly likely most of you were unknowingly affected by this, and it demonstrates that there is no foreseeable way to prevent telepathic attacks on this scale.
Additional extrapolation further details his abilities. References made during initial conversations indicate that he has extensive telepathic abilities, which include the ability to read and control the minds of those around him. It is then impossible to deceive or lie to him. Under no circumstances are you to do this, as Macula would likely take offense.
Macula himself appears to hold conflicting views on us, and Humanity itself. Interactions appear to indicate that he views Humans (And potentially all alien species) as inferior to his own. With that said, he also appears to believe that Humans can be useful. This is not exactly flattering, but it does indicate that Macula can be reasonable even if he contends with his own biases.
However, no one aside from those authorized should speak to him. The same goes for his alien allies once they arrive.
GOALS OF ALIEN ALLIANCE: The most obvious reason that Macula approached us, and me in particular, is because they appear to need at least some of humanity on their side for them to consider their victory complete. To this end, Macula has stated that, should the Collective be victorious, we would be architects in reforming Human society in conjunction with their greater Collective.
He is a convincing speaker, but upon reflection, it is also wise to not treat this as absolute fact. Much work remains before this has a chance to even be realized. While Macula has not lied yet, neither has he worked with us long enough to develop any kind of trust. His assistance in removing ADVENT spies is welcome, but it would make sense to make a good first impression.
It is likely to conclude that the aliens want a friendly Human state, albeit one which answers to them. Humans would theoretically have autonomy over themselves, although we have little confirmation of this outside Macula's word. However, considering the deteriorating states of the leadership of the SAS, it is likely that this opportunity is not one we can afford to pass up.
Macula has no stated willingness to help the SAS, but us, and myself specifically. If we were to restructure the SAS to be more amenable, it is likely that Macula would assist with this. However, utilizing a telepath of that power does lead down a path ADVENT itself would likely follow in the future. We must consider all options before taking drastic steps like that.
INTEGRATION OF ALIENS AND EQUIPMENT: Macula has promised to give us alien technology, including schematics and physical equipment itself. Some will likely not be reproducible without alien materials, but these can likely be provided. It is then imperative that we determine the needed resources, and begin the construction or reformation of facilities to construct these without relying on alien resources.
The first priority is overhauling the weapons, armor, and equipment of our own soldiers. Once that is complete, and the future of the SAS is decided, we will then begin applying these advances to the SAS army and then the civilian population.
During this period, it is imperative that ADVENT not learn of our alliance with the aliens, or they may be prompted to attack. For this reason locations of alien forces will be kept strictly confidential and not revealed to the civilian population until we are sufficiently able to defend ourselves.
Until then, we should work to reform and expand the SAS. Continuing discussions with Macula should be a part of this process.
XCOM Profile 0081
Authorization Level: Internal Council
Subject: Macula
Threat Level: Artemis
Assessment Author: Aegis
Approved by: The Commander
SECTION 1: Physical Characteristics:
Hair: None (Ethereal)
Eye color: Solid Orange
Height: 9'2"
Weight: Unknown – Estimated 250 – 350 lbs.
Age: 700 – 900 Years (Exact age unknown – Not including cryogenic suspension)
Scars or markings: None
Physical condition: Macula is in exceptional physical condition, as he is an Ethereal, but is not enhanced beyond standard genetic modification. He also has no cybernetic enhancements.
SECTION 2: Assessment
Macula is one individual I do have some very tangible information on, as I interacted with him intermittently through the latter days of the Empire and throughout the war against the Synthesized. He was one of the most powerful and highest ranking members of the Division of Shadows. His specialty was that of an observer, who was often deployed to non-Imperial territories and unknown regions to gather information.
He, without fail, acquired the most accurate information on alien societies, governments, and militaries. If he judged they posed a problem, he would preemptively act and this usually resulted in the sudden assassination of leaders, civil war, or other conflicts between alien factions. The end result was always the original parties being severely reduced in power.
None of this was ever tied back to the Empire. I suspect that Macula utilized every tool at his disposal to make the actions have their intended effect. Perhaps he failed at times, and was forced to use his powers more openly. But the fact was that he was one of the most proactive guardians of the Empire, and in time, I believe he would have eventually vanished to become the new leader of the Division of Shadows.
During the war itself he was a pioneer of the research and development of anti-cybernetic psionic abilities. Specifically, disrupting minds that were supposedly immune to influence from psionics. The Empire did not give his research the resources it needed to be truly successful, believing their focus should be on other, more tangible means of defense.
Even with limited resources, Macula managed to develop techniques that could stop entire altered armies in their tracks and neutralize them just as easily. His mastery over telepathy was solidified during this point as well, and once the Empire realized what he could do, he was moved to the front lines and he killed millions of cybernetic thralls, and taught as many as he could the correct ways to do so.
Unfortunately, his revelations were too late to change the tide of the war, and the Synthesized seemed to adapt. His techniques became less effective over time, and eventually stopped working entirely. Due to his involvement in the conflict, he had little time to research new ways of breaking the new cybernetics.
By the end he was rather displeased with how the Empire had conducted the war, and immediately joined the Imperator when invited. I suspect that it was easy to convince him of the need, and the lure of a 'second chance' to win against the Synthesized was likely just as appealing. Upon waking from suspension, Macula has either been observing the inner galactic species, or monitoring the various Collective species.
He maintains a personal army of his own, aliens that impress him or otherwise attract his attention. He keeps their inner functions secret from all Ethereals, with the possible exception of the Imperator, and I do not have much information about their capabilities. What you should understand is that Macula would likely be drawn to recruit only the best, and those with mindsets similar to his.
If he arrives on Earth, it will not be long before his army follows.
SECTION 3: Psychological Profile
Ultimately, Macula is similar to most Ethereals in the Empire psychologically. He is convinced that all other alien species are innately inferior to our own, and almost without fail looks down on them. No alien will ever be on the level of an Ethereal, but he does not believe that all of them are without worth.
The highest compliment Macula can give to an alien is respect, and that indicates that the recipient is almost on the same level as the lowest Ethereal. Many of his army likely fit this category, but the vast majority he simply looks upon with apathy. He does not hate aliens, but simply sees them as not being worth his attention. Oddly enough, he is respectful of Sargons, but this is almost certainly due to the fact that they were bred through Ethereal genetic tampering, and are 'purer' than standard aliens.
He is similar to Quisilia in several ways, largely that he gains his amusement from the manipulation of alien species, but he is far more subtle and insidious than Quisilia normally is. The show is most important for Quisilia; that is not the goal for Macula. The path is what Macula enjoys most. It is normally nothing complicated. Information, sabotage, suicide; these are all things Macula forces aliens to perform or carry out, but it is the chain of events that lead towards it that he focuses on.
He particularly enjoys warping the mindsets of those he comes in contact with, slowly shifting their perceptions and beliefs in seemingly natural ways. Nudges and hints, not all of them psionic either, as some of the alien species in the Galaxy were aware of what psionic tampering looked like. He used events, others, places, and words to manipulate his victims.
Gaslighting is one word Humans might describe this as, the repeated nudging and questioning of their very own personality and reality. Macula will modify this depending on the target of course, he particularly enjoys targeting naïve and emotionally vulnerable beings, and warping them into stoic sociopaths, which are likely then used by him in other ways.
I've observed this several times, and Macula is always proud of the fact that the results of his manipulations are almost never solely psionically influenced. His view on psionics itself is as a tool, one which has correct and incorrect applications. It is not something he always relies upon, but has no qualms about using it to its fullest potential if needed.
However, he often finds direct mind control 'unsatisfying', and far more enjoys the manipulation aspects of psychological reformation, even if they take longer. This is certainly dangerous, as tampering by Macula may not be as easily detected as other Ethereals. You likely understand this danger, as Humans have not had psionic abilities until recently, but have performed acts similar to Macula long before our arrival.
One final thing to mention is that Macula does not consider cybernetic enhancement as either needed or acceptable. As far as he is concerned, they lead to enemies like the Synthesized and reliance on them is just as bad as reliance upon psionics. He distrusts the Andromedons heavily as a result, although he rarely interacts with them directly.
SECTION 4: Concerns and Abilities
The manipulative aspects of his personality I have identified above, suffice to say that may be where the greatest threat poses. Psionically, he is a master telepath, not quite as powerful as Quisilia, but very close. His skill in telekinetics is also not to be underestimated as well. With that said, he dislikes direct combat and will likely take some efforts to avoid it.
In the case where he is directly threatened, he does carry some Shadow blades, which are little more than alloy daggers, and is by all accounts an expert at using them. But he will likely use psionics to defend himself, and one particularly dangerous application of telepathy is his ability to freeze the perception of time.
If this can be done before the enemy is even aware of his existence, it renders the fight over before it begins. Psions are also vulnerable to this, since they often need time to prepare their defenses. Cybernetics are also unlikely to be as…effective…as Macula is an expert at bypassing the normal difficulties they pose to psionic influence.
He does not wield any more than that, for that is all he believes he needs. Macula is exceptionally dangerous, Commander, and unfortunately, the ways to completely mitigate him are limited at best, and non-existent at worst. Let us hope he does not enter this war until Humanity has advanced further.