Ethereals: Unit
Spectres
"Run!"
- Anonymous ADVENT Soldier
CODEX File ****
Subject: The Future of War
Location: Blacksite ***
Author: Engineer Fectorian
The evolution of warfare varies from species to species, but there is a general theme that I have noticed. Militaries evolve one of two ways: They get more efficient or they get bigger. Initially, almost every species goes through the latter route. Bigger armies. Bigger weapons. Andromedons develop spacecraft. Humans develop nuclear weapons. The Vitakara skipped warfare, but when they learned the necessity, they built the largest, most unnecessarily sized dreadnought in existence.
However, there is a point where the evolution stops getting bigger, and starts getting better. Weapons become more precise, more refined, sleeker. Aesthetics take a larger role. Efficiency is prioritized. The Human military industrial complex is especially interesting to read the history of. The sheer array of weapons at their disposal is fascinating, and that many of them work exceptionally well even compared to those only a few decades old.
The Sectoids are the embodiment of this, though it curiously is not for warfare. They, much like us, are focused on enhancing themselves. Their psionic potential, their genetics, they are almost exclusively focused on making what they have better than making it bigger. As a species, I have found that the Ethereals tend to vary on the spectrum, sometimes existing on both sides.
Numbers and size are important to the Battlemaster, yet he also prefers his tools to be effective. Myself and Revelean prefer to create and enhance what we are familiar with, yet neither of us will hold back when designing things of scale. Of course, the majority eschew technology and weaponry altogether and enhance their psionic abilities.
Yet when designing for a war in the future, and even what we face now, I cannot help but wonder if there are truly the only paths of evolution.
Experiments have validated that the future of warfare may in fact become smaller.
Nanotechnology is a highly misunderstood and feared subject. Fears of doomsday scenarios have even permeated an enlightened species such as ours, and what can psionics do to machines that cannot be seen? Of course, if our species did not handicap ourselves with our reliance on psionics, this would not be as difficult a question.
But I digress.
It begins with questions.
Why do we need armies?
Why do we need complicated machinery?
Why do we need weapons that can destroy stars?
Warfare is messy. It is brutal. It is, in a word, wasteful. Necessary perhaps, but wasteful. So what can be done to harness the waste that would be caused?
Inspiration for this answer can be looked to in nature. Parasites ironically were an inspiration. Viruses that infect species are also a topic of interest. What is relevant is that they affect their target, drain and damage it, and in turn fuel themselves or multiply. Why can this concept not be applied to warfare itself?
Because the tactic exists: Nanowarfare.
Plasma and physical projectiles cannot hit what they cannot see. One single nanite can infect a soldier and replicate; consuming the organic matter in its path and continue spreading to other soldiers in the area. By morning there will be nothing left of an enemy force but the silent ghosts and empty bases. Armies are helpless against an invisible, but lethal machine that only needs the slightest opening to begin feeding.
Nanites only need two things: Material and targets.
Both are easy to achieve.
With the creation of the Spectres, I firmly believe that the future of warfare is not in the superweapons, or the refinement of the Sectoids, but in the invisible might of the machines that are unseen by our eyes.
THREAT ANALYSIS: 110011011000
ANALYSIS COMPILER: FEDERATION MILITARY AUTOMATED SPECIALIST A'TERRA
RESTRICTION: ANDROMEDON MILITARY COMMAND
UNIT OF INTEREST: ETHEREAL NANOWEAPON ("SPECTRE")
SPECIES: NANOTECH (SUSPECTED ETHEREAL IN ORIGIN)
INFORMATION OF NOTE: HIGHLY LETHAL
INFORMATION OF NOTE: SELF-REPLICATING
INFORMATION OF NOTE: IDENTIFIED AS "SPECTRE"
INFORMATION OF NOTE: COLLECTIVE HAD NO PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF UNIT
INFORMATION OF NOTE: RESISTANCE TO PHYSICAL PROJECTILES AND WEAPONS
INFORMATION OF NOTE: VULNERABLE TO ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE
INFORMATION OF NOTE: SUSPECTED LOW NUMBER
INFORMATION OF NOTE: INQUIRIES INTO DEVELOPMENT OF SPECTRES WERE BLOCKED BY THE ETHEREAL COLLECTIVE
ADDITIONAL MANUAL COMMENT: The development and apparent mastery of nanotechnology by the Ethereals is an extremely concerning development. While the Ethereals experimenting with such concepts of warfare is not surprising, there was absolutely nothing to indicate that they had the knowledge to weaponize them to such an extent.
The Ethereals have created what can be classified as a superweapon without any hesitation. Footage recovered by scouring the Human Internet and intercepted videos from ADVENT show the utter devastation these weapons left behind that ADVENT had almost no answer to. Their standing army was completely useless against a nanoweapon, which is to be expected in such a scenario.
These nanoweapons appear to replicate by 'splitting' themselves, or throwing millions of nanites at a target and those nanites begin the process of replication, using the body of their target as a central 'shape' and once they have replicated to an acceptable number, they maintain that shape and continue to attack other identified enemies. This process of replication is an exponential effect, one that cannot be stopped without drastic measures.
Let there be no uncertain terms here.
This nanoweapon poses a DIRECT THREAT to the Andromedon Federation.
I must highlight the absolute danger of such a weapon, effective as it can be. All nanotech relies on basic programs as their memory simply is not capable of handling more due to their size. In theory, they are unable to be hacked, but nonetheless there are always vulnerabilities. One simple alteration could allow the nanites to continue replication without end, or be turned against us, or worse become unpredictable.
I do not know the redundant systems within these nanoweapons, because the schematics have been requested and denied. I must insist that the Federation DEMAND the Ethereal Collective turn over every piece of information related to this weapon to reassure us that these concerns are met. Their word is not good enough, not when it comes to superweapons.
Furthermore, the utilization of these Spectres on the Humans is, to borrow a phrase from their species, "Playing with Fire". At no point have the Humans shown any restraint in their actions against us, justified or not. Using this kind of technology against them will not only terrify them, but it WILL inspire the creation of nanoweapons of their own, and they will not hesitate to use them if their history against us has proven anything.
They detonated nuclear weapons to stop this. They will not take this attack lightly.
Furthermore, I will reiterate that this weapon existing poses a direct threat to us. The questionable usage of this nanoweapon might not be for the humans, but for us as well. The Ethereals may feel like they need to remind us they are more advanced, and this can very easily be seen as a warning. If that is the case, it is insulting and the Federation should not tolerate it.
We are aware of Ethereals working with the Sectoids on projects. It is entirely possible that this was created in conjunction with them, and the GHC might possibly have access to this weapon. The Federation must not only demand schematics, but the entire history of the development of this nanoweapon. I cannot overstate how dangerous this weapon is, for it has the potential to change how war is waged.
In the event of continued stonewalling by the Collective, I propose the immediate research and development of anti-nanite weaponry and defenses which include EMP hardening, weapons, and suit additions. If the Collective objects, inform them that it is in preparation for the Humans developing nanoweapons of their own.
This is not an issue that I, nor I suspect, the rest of the Federation Military will back down on. This war does not exist in a vacuum anymore. The Collective must realize that if they wish our continued support, they need to inform us of projects with this level of destructive capability.
There is no negotiation here. If the Federation does not demand substantial action, I will ensure that Unions Apear, Jamoiar, and Zacarrim, as well as their allies solve this issue themselves. Ignore this matter at your own risk, inaction is no longer tolerable Chief Overseer.
END REPORT
SUBMIT REPORT
XCOM Disassembly ETH02
Machine Type: Nanotech
Unit Identity: "Spectre"
Codename: Parva Mortem
Alien Disassembly Overseer: Head of XCOM Engineering Dr. Raymond Shen
Audio Notes of Dr. Raymond Shen
"This…development by the Collective is quite possibly the most disturbing and dangerous of them all. It is fortunate that their susceptibility to EMP weapons was overlooked, else we might not be able to even begin to try and assess how this thing works, much less how to apply it to our own projects."
"What the Collective has done here by deploying such a weapon is what I consider to be borderline irresponsible, as it appears to be capable of full replication with very few restrictions. As expected, the means by which it replicates are brutal and horrifying, causing a prolonged period of suffering for the victim before enough damage is done to kill the target."
"I do not know if it was intended to be a weapon of terror or simply another tool in the vast arsenal of alien weapons, but it has the effect as one. It is not just what it does, but the implication of what it can do. Soldiers will run from this on sight, and for this I cannot blame them."
"We have very little to work with here, as the EMP reduced these Spectres to dust and what appears to be some kind of larger processor. I doubt we will be able to extract anything useful in a reasonable amount of time, but there is little harm in attempting."
Report:
Overview: The Spectre, as intercepted Collective signals have revealed, is a nanoweapon. There is no other conclusion. Very initial speculation was possibly that of an insect swarm, a changing state of matter, and other inane theories that no serious scientist would ever subscribe to. Even a cursory glance will make even the most scientifically illiterate being suspect nanotechnology.
With this established, there are several interesting things about this weapon that deserve recognition. The first is that the Collective did not appear to know of the existence of these units before their deployment in Washington D.C. This in all likelihood indicates that this is an Ethereal creation, likely one of Fectorian's as I know of no other Ethereal who would have the capability and interest in such a weapon.
How the Collective will react to this is unknown, but if their concerns about nanotech are similar to our own, I suspect issues will be raised. The second point of note is that the Spectre is in fact more complex than a series of nanites that resemble a shape. There does appear to be a reason they maintain a humanoid shape, although it is more design than anything else.
The nanites, contrary to what was originally suspected, are in fact directed by a local computer within the form of the Spectre itself. This appears to have been constructed by the nanites, but it retains the core programming and has direct control of the nanites themselves. This was the central processor that was recovered in piles of nanite dust. What is also interesting is that it can be in any part of the Spectre form, and can change if it detects danger. It can reside in the chest, arm, hand, and head. It can also have nanites harden around it to offer more protection.
Hardware Analysis:
There are two main components: The Central Processor, and the nanites themselves.
The nanites appear to be a slightly modified variation of MELD nanites, although with the biological component almost removed entirely to make room for disassembly capabilities. The nanites in fact are less complex than MELD, which makes some degree of sense as they are intended only for destruction and replication.
The Central processor is a small sphere that we were unable to extract any information out of. However, from the hardware we could make out some functionality. It does indeed appear to control the nanites within its form, which are slaved to its signals and it has a basic machine intelligence. This allows it to receive basic orders, store targets, contains an IFF system, and most importantly, has the capability to alter the directives of nanites it controls.
This presents a potential design flaw, or quite possibly a security measure. Even if this central unit was destroyed, the nanites it was slaved to would still operate on their programming. It would not stop them as it is merely controlling them, not powering them. This is speculation, as we have not seen this in the field. It is possible that there is a contingency that destroys nanites when the central processor is destroyed to prevent endless replication.
But we do not know. Not for sure.
Software Analysis: Without a working nanite or central processor, this will unfortunately be speculation. However, it appears that the central processor has fairly sophisticated software and a machine intelligence that can adapt to situations, is precise enough to ignore potential targets and focus on specific ones, and otherwise act more intelligently than would be possible for nanites on their own.
The greatest capability is in the directing of the nanites themselves. It appears that when it orders the nanites to attack a target, specific ones are given a goal to replicate. Some work to form a central processor, which is for all intents and purposes, a clone of the first Spectre, containing the same programming and instructions as before, while the rest of the nanites replicate themselves and when the central processor is complete, slave themselves to the new Spectres.
I suspect Spectres also can simply replicate their nanites without creating a new Spectre, it would be odd if it could not.
Capabilities: Seemingly unstoppable replication. This is the greatest danger, and that it exploits the fact that none of our forces are capable of stopping it conventionally. Gauss slugs pass right through it, as do swords and melee weapons, and often just end up as fuel for more nanites. There is no way to really stop a Spectre with the tools a soldier normally has.
It is honestly better to just run and deny it fuel. The Spectre is a disease that if left unchecked, will kill anything around it. It is a weapon of mass destruction, far more dangerous than a nuclear weapon and is only as indiscriminate as its programmer.
May God help us if these are deployed in mass numbers.
Countermeasures: Very few.
1. EMP Weapons: As the sacrifice of President Treduant proved, it is that these Spectres are vulnerable to EMPs. By extension, smaller and more practical ones are an obvious solution. The WHEEE cannon is also likely to work against an intact Spectre. Immediate research and development into this must begin.
2. Chlorine Triflouride. Nothing more needs to be said. While I normally would be opposed to usage of this dangerous chemical, there is no more suitable chemical for killing these things.
Additional Alien Comments and Notations:
[Sala'pharan'vitiary, Vitakarian computer specialist and alien assistant to XCOM]: The implications of this development are terrifying. Nanotech had limited research conducted on it in the past, but it was eventually stopped when we saw the danger of widespread use. Research was eventually banned and no Vitakara opposed such extreme measures, as they saw the obvious dangers.
To see that the Ethereals have not only researched it, but developed it to this extent is horrifying not just for your species, but for the galaxy itself. One mistake and entire worlds are consumed by machines, and only one is needed to bring the death of billions. Nanites are dangerous because they are nearly invisible, they can lie dormant, and they can act without warning.
This attack is horrendous, and the technology abhorrent, and now that it is introduced, it cannot be ignored. You will feel justified in responding appropriately and perhaps develop something worse; perhaps a nanite virus that lies dormant in us until a signal is sent that kills off millions. And the Collective will only respond with something worse.
I know you wish vengeance for these atrocities, but for the good of all species in the galaxy, please consider an alternative to these nanite weapons. No good can come from them.
[A'Darrah, Andromedon Artificial Intelligence and Mechanical Specialist of the Federation Military]: Interesting.
Concerning.
If the Collective deployed this without so much as warning the Federation that they even had such a weapon, that is going to raise alarms in the entire Federation Military. Nanotechnology is an extensive threat. There are no Unions that specialize in nanotechnology, and I will provide some history as to why.
The reason is that researching, developing, and using nanotechnology was the easiest way to having a Union destroyed. Unions would cease feuds and temporarily unite if they learned of a Union researching nanotechnology. We have seen the effects of what it can do. Worlds were turned barren by nanite bombardment, entire Unions were infected and killed with one single signal.
It did not take long for the Unions to learn that nanotechnology was the ultimate threat. So after several centuries, no one dared to research it further, even in secret. One of the Federation's founding laws was the outlawing of weaponized nanotechnology. These standards were slightly relaxed, with the introduction of MELD by the Ethereals, but those were not considered 'true' nanites because they were not as effective or capable as actual robotic ones, and were primarily used for genetic modification.
Even still, no Union has dared even consider researching nanoweapons.
That the Collective has this kind of weapon will be seen as a major threat to the Federation, and if this was developed with the help of the Sectoids, or even somehow tied to them, it will quite possibly start a war. Even if it is not, it is going to heavily damage the trust some Unions have in the Collective. I do not think whoever deployed these thought through the implications of what that means.
Andromedons do not take superweapons lightly. This Spectre is absolutely considered such.
[Aegis]: It is unsurprising that this weapon was developed. It is obviously Fectorian's work, and knowing him, he is quite proud of this. I can also guarantee that neither he, nor the Battlemaster for that matter, even considered the implications of deploying such a weapon. Neither are experienced diplomats, nor are ones to let politics and relations interfere with their actions. While I am sure the Battlemaster did not intend to damage relations, I wonder how this will affect his response if the Andromedons truly do react badly.
However, I believe that your concerns about this suffering a programming or mechanical failure are unfounded. Fectorian is many things, but he is not sloppy. He would not design something with such capacity for destruction without a safeguard, that is simply not how he works. He does not make mistakes in his work; flaws exist of course, but every project is in a constant state of improvement in his eyes.
While the fears of this being a dangerous weapon are true, and should not be discounted, decrying it as irresponsible is reactionary and is akin to fear-mongering. Fectorian is well aware nanites are dangerous, and even Ethereals discouraged their development for fear of such a scenario. But in the end, nanites are tools which can be turned into weapons. That is what Fectorian has done.
Do not allow fear to cloud your minds when considering what to do next. Fectorian will not cease his usage of nanites and Humanity must react and learn accordingly. You have gotten this far by taking what we have and turning it against us, and refusing to do that now would be giving yourself a permanent disadvantage.
While Fectorian is radical in some areas, he is right that technology that we do not understand is not something to be feared, but a challenge to be eventually mastered.
Do not succumb to the fear of what might happen. Focus on what you can eventually do.