Miscellaneous: The Manchurian Restraints
"I don't know if how blatant ADVENT is with just the name of this is a good thing or not. Ignorance is sometimes bliss."
- Anonymous Online Comment
ADVENT Press Release on the Manchurian Restraints two weeks after implementation
Today, I am pleased to announce the completion of one of ADVENT's longest-running projects.
This has previously been referred to internally as the Manchurian Project, and with the combined efforts of both ADVENT and XCOM science teams, we have turned what was once an obscure vision into reality in the development of the now-completed Manchurian Restraints. The origin of this project was to ensure that psionics was not a power that spiraled out of control.
While ADVENT supports all psions in the PRIEST Division, one of the largest concerns both we internally discussed, and which is reflected within the population, is the inherent danger of Humans who have abilities to others who do not. While we expect each of our psions to use their own abilities responsibly, there needed to be more.
The Manchurian Project was started with the goal of ensuring that psions could still use their abilities for the benefit of humanity, without being able to abuse them against the powerless. This is a goal that has been achieved, and all citizens of ADVENT can rest easier knowing that no psion will ever act against them without reason.
Through the project, ADVENT has also seen the other ways this can be utilized, and the Manchurian Restraints are another means of ensuring that all citizens in ADVENT are protected or their lives are otherwise improved. ADVENT can no longer be crippled by betrayal or corruption, criminals can be reformed and released docile into the population, and the law is enforced evenly for all.
The completion of this project will lead to a new era for ADVENT, one further devoid of the failings of the past. The divisions that have fostered in the past will be further eliminated as we turn to face the alien threat. ADVENT will never fall to internal instability. All within are loyal and committed to our species, now and forever.
- Chancellor Saudia Vyandar
Subject: Jonas Culbert
Occupation: Alien Propagandist/Conspiracy Theorist
Video Title: The Endgame is Here.
A visibly drained Culbert faces the audience, holding a single piece of paper in his hand. "Folks, I've said several times-no, dozens of times that ADVENT was moving towards something big. I've heard from sources it can be anything from weapons to social programs, to…I don't know, opening puppy stores!"
A fist slams on the table in agitation. "But I never expected it to be anything like this. Folks, forget just how 1984 ADVENT is already, because it ain't got nothing on this. ADVENT isn't even trying to hide their intentions anymore. Control is all they wanted, and now they seem to have it." Clears throat. "Let me be very clear – I'm reading this directly from the press release ADVENT put out. This is their words people!"
Holds up paper. "'Today, I am pleased to announce the completion of one of ADVENT's longest projects.'" Face wrinkles in disgust.
"'This has previously been referred to internally as the Manchurian Project, and with the combined efforts of both ADVENT and XCOM science teams, we have turned what was once an obscure vision into reality in the development of the now-completed Manchurian Restraints. The origins of this project was to ensure that psionics was not a power that spiraled out of control.'"
Shakes head. "You know, I'm just going to skip to the relevant part: 'The Manchurian Project was started with the goal of ensuring that psions could still use their abilities for the benefit of humanity, without being able to abuse them against the powerless. This is a goal that has been achieved, and all citizens of ADVENT can rest easier knowing that no psion will ever act against them without reason.'"
Paper is set down. "So mind control. This is mind control. If the name, literally calling it the Manchurian Program, didn't give it away, they just admitted they can now control people because of it! The game is up people! You become a troublemaker? Don't worry, the Manchurian Restraints will make everything all better! You won't have to think anymore because we'll just tell you what to think!"
Subject is highly agitated. "And if you think they won't? Listen to this! 'Through the project, ADVENT has also seen the other ways this can be utilized, and the Manchurian Restraints are another means of ensuring that all citizens in ADVENT are protected or their lives are otherwise improved.'"
Shakes head again. "Freedom is a lie, folks, under ADVENT freedom is only for those who toe the line. Who follow like sheep as ADVENT controls from above and directs the masses at the enemies. They've turned the goddamn President into a rallying cry, and if you can't see they're just exploiting her corpse to get more hapless souls into armor to die against this overblown 'alien threat' [Observer note: Air quotes used here.] then you're blind! Willfully, completely, utterly blind!"
He stands up, holding the piece of paper. "This, folks, is the final declaration of war. This is the tipping point. We make our stand here or live in slavery forever. I'm going to tell the Chancellor what I think about her 'plan' to 'protect the citizens'!" He rips the paper into little pieces, crumples them into little balls and throws them around the room in a tantrum.
Subject jabs a finger at the camera. "Enough is enough! I will do what every puppet media outlet is too afraid to do and dare these people to show their true colors. I am going to demand answers! I will be going to the ADVENT headquarters and sharing the truth to all! Let them arrest me, and I encourage all of my listeners to do the same! Demand answers! Break the system once and for all."
"This is the final battle! And we can win it!"
Patriotic music plays in the background, and subject waves an American flag presumably to rally his listeners, all 12 of them. A date (1/1/2017) appears on the screen, likely when the 'truth' is to be shared.
Video ends.
Analysis: To the surprise of absolutely no one, our resident conspiracy theorist is not a fan of the Manchurian Restraints. For once he actually seems to echo some similar sentiments observed in the general population, accurate or not. He probably believes that this can jolt him back to some degree of relevance.
This is unlikely to happen.
But I'm quite tired of how predictable he is. I could have probably wrote out the script for him, and it would be exactly the same. I'm looking for some more out-of-this world theories. Where is the one where we've had this done, and the aliens were all under the Restraints and thus under our control the whole time, and used to forge an alien threat to put ADVENT into power?
Us using them as some ham-fisted means to controlling dissent is so…pedestrian. And indicates that he doesn't actually know how to effectively control a population if his best idea is slapping mental conditioning on anyone who says one bad thing about ADVENT. There's a reason those kinds of governments usually fall apart. A government that wants to be hated will eventually be destroyed.
Unfortunate he hasn't seemed to look at ADVENT approval numbers. Hard to instigate a revolt when people are satisfied. The Manchurian Restraints are another means of making them safe, and assuaging fears about psionics. Anyone who actually thinks this will be used on the public clearly hasn't paid much attention.
It will be interesting to see if he follows through on his…protest. He's mentally deficient enough to perhaps believe that will be effective. But I can say one thing with absolute certainty: The revolution will not be televised.
XCOM Project File 9100
Project Codename: "Condon"
Project Type: Mental Conditioning
Latest Revision: 12/24/2016
Authors: Head of XCOM Research and Development, Dr. Moira Vahlen
OVERVIEW
Project Condon, or what is more commonly referred to as the "Manchurian Program" to members of the Internal Council, is what initially started out as research into mental conditioning and programming. Most are aware that 'conditioning' itself is something that is already utilized today through the control or manipulation of senses and environment.
However, all modern conditioning used is psychological with no physical component to force the desired result. There is significant room for error, and the effectiveness is limited outside of specific scenarios. Mental conditioning demonstrated in science fiction, which is highly effective, complex, and ethically dubious, has not materialized yet.
Our team sought to bring this kind of conditioning into reality, and co-opted the name of perhaps the most famous example of this kind of conditioning – A novel titled the Manchurian Candidate. Thus the Manchurian Project was born, and from there was born the final name of what has been developed: The Manchurian Restraints.
The Manchurian Restraints allow the one who controls the respective code phrase to control the individual. Short and long term commands can be set, and it is as flexible as needed. Some can be extraordinarily micromanaged, while others can be allowed innovative freedom in certain situations. The Manchurian Restraints fully succeed compared to the criteria we established at the beginning of this project.
This will be detailed below.
PURPOSE
The original purpose of the Manchurian Restraints was to ensure that psions were controlled. While psions have been especially beneficial to our own operations against the aliens, it is quite obvious that there are limited counters against them, and that one single rogue psion could wreak havoc on any operation or against civilian populations.
Psionics are a danger to the general population, and give them an innate edge in nearly all scenarios. Telepathy in particular is extremely dangerous, if uncontrolled. It can be untraceable, allows full control over victims without their knowledge, and is impossible to fully stop passively. There are two options to solve this: Control the psions, or enhance the potential victims.
We have done both. This is one area where we cannot be too careful.
As development of the Restraints continued, we realized that this could be applied to far more situations than just controlling psions. We had the means to completely remove the possibility of betrayal or corruption in our ranks (Not applicable to XCOM). This is especially applicable to agents of XCOM Intelligence.
Give the unfortunate events surrounding Overseer Trask, this is especially relevant. The Restraints would prevent any kind of cooperation, regardless of personal wishes.
The Restraints also serve as a means to control over aliens and test subjects. Fear of spies and surprise escapes have been reduced to nearly nothing. Telepathy has already trivialized interrogations, and the Manchurian Restraints will serve the same purpose if such fails. I assume that ADVENT will find more uses applicable for their own forces, which are not useful for us.
IMPLEMENTATION
The implementation of the Manchurian Restraints is done in two stages. The first is the initial surgery which involves the application of MELD directly to the brain (As well as the signal implant), which will then restructure it to be able to receive commands and programs. This process takes approximately two days to fully apply, and has been specifically designed so removal is impossible without killing the subject. The Manchurian Restraints are permanent, and any tampering will result in the nanites triggering a contingency where they will consume the brain and self-destruct.
Once the initial surgery is completed, the second part of the implementation begins, which is the instruction phase. This should be done shortly after the subject awakens, and is not allowed any outside contact aside from the administrator of the initial code phrase. It does not matter if the one who performs this part is Human, alien, or machine. All that is required is verbal communications.
Note: This has to be done in a language the subject originally understood. Saying the correct phrases in Chinese to a subject who only understands English will not work.
The administrator will first initialize the Restraints. This is done by saying the following:
"Restraint Initialization: Phase 0."
The subject will respond automatically with the following:
"Implementation successful: Establish code phrase."
The administrator will give a code phrase which will successfully be registered. This will be necessary if additional commands are to be added or all conditioning is to be reset. From here the administrator will be able to give long-term commands to the subject, with as much or little complexity as required. Triggers can also be established for specific words, sights, or sounds.
Complete initialization with the following:
"Code Phrase: [Subject Code Phrase], end initialization."
The subject will have full control, and now be bound by the established commands. The following commands which can be useful are the following:
"Code Phrase: [Subject Code Phrase], additional command." – This will allow an additional command to be added without resetting the conditioning.
"Code Phrase: [Subject Code Phrase], reset to Phase 0." – This resets the conditioning, and allows rebuilding from scratch.
Please note that you cannot currently modify commands. You can only add or reset. This may be corrected in future iterations. It is heavily suggested that you get it right the first time.
To force an Override, state the following:
"Code Phrase: [Subject Code Phrase], Override." This will force the subject to stop and wait for new orders. It will be docile during this point. Note: You must state this for each command you give. It is recommended this be used in conjunction with the implant to ensure complete submission.
STORAGE AND SECURITY
The Manchurian Restraints offer an unparalleled control over the ones they are applied to. This is obviously a security risk as if such information fell into the wrong hands, it would give them control over significantly powerful and influential Humans. However, there are means of mitigating this risk and that we strongly suggest are followed. The highest risk is that of telepathy, particularly that of the Overmind or Imperator, who could learn code phrases from those who are aware of them. The second highest risk is data penetration or compromise.
Mitigations are as follows:
Machine Initialization: This is where the initialization of the Restraints where commands are given is done by a machine and not a person. This may be supervised or unsupervised, but is recommended it be unsupervised for security reasons and all code phrases are stored and managed by a machine intelligence or AI. Note that this should only be done if there is either of those at sufficient levels of comprehension. Otherwise it can be done by another Human.
Disconnected, Separated, and Trapped Storage: All areas which store Manchurian code phrases should be completely disconnected from any network, and have to be accessed manually by personnel on site. The greater database of Manchurian code phrases should ideally be split up into multiple different sites so if one is compromised, others will not be.
In addition, there should be no fewer than five backups in the event of data loss or compromise, and all sites should have their systems self-destruct in the event of potential compromise. Data redundancy allows for false positives, and new sites can be established. Far better that then allow this information to fall into the wrong hands.
If it does, data redundancy will allow those compromised to be reset with new code phrases. While tedious and time-consuming, it is better than them being turned against us.
Manchurian Handlers: Very few people should have access to the utilization of code phrases. There should be specific handlers (Also under the Restraints) who can utilize them, and then remove the phrases from their memory once the operation is complete. This will prevent telepathic eavesdropping, and psions can also remove or alter the memories of anyone who heard the code phrase.
Anti-Enemy Conditioning: It is possible for the conditioning to be used to prevent known aliens or enemies from controlling those conditioned by the Restraints. It can be established that if the code phrase isn't coming from either a specific person (Or species) then it can be followed or ignored. This means that a Vitakarian would not be able to control a subject, even if they had the code phrase. Note that this only works if there is a visual (Seeing an alien) or the conditioning also includes specific voices (Audio logs – only work for the individual in question). This will not work if it is audio, as the subject may not know if the speaker is an alien or not.
LEVELS OF CONDITIONING
This will be relatively straightforward. This can be adapted as needed, but this is XCOM standard.
Level 1 Conditioning ("Loyalty"): This is conditioning with only one major command, which will generally be simply to prevent betrayal or desertion. Not as invasive or controlling.
Level 2 Conditioning ("Controlled"): More complex conditioning with 3-5 major commands of varying complexity. Most likely utilized for XCOM Intelligence, and certain members of the Science and Engineering teams, as well as the Internal Council and most aliens.
Level 3 Conditioning ("Restrained"): Extremely complex conditioning with multiple complex commands and contingencies, with especially great care taken to prevent loopholes in interpretation. Utilized for Psions and some XCOM Intelligence agents, as well as some aliens.
Anti-Psionic Conditioning ("Psionic Contingency"): An additional level of conditioning which makes the user technically immune to telepathic control. Note that it will not stop mind reading, but in the event of telepathic detection, established contingencies will be followed. Also note that this does not differentiate between allied and hostile psionics. The user will not be influenced by any kind of psionics, period.
Zipper Conditioning ("Ally Contingency"): Ensures that the subject can never share their code phrase with any other individual Human or alien.
Anti-Alien Conditioning ("Blacklist Contingency"): A level of conditioning that makes it so that the subject will not follow commands given by alien personnel. Include audio logs if available.
Personnel Conditioning ("Whitelist Contingency"): A level of conditioning that makes it so that the subject will not follow any commands given by anyone, outside a preselected few.
LIMITATIONS
I would like to be able to give a guarantee that the Manchurian Restraints are infallible, but I cannot. While I am confident that they cannot be subverted easily, assuming appropriate precautions are taken, there is always a weakness.
The biggest within the Restraints is that of interpretation. Too much room for interpretation may allow for subjects to subvert the intended goals, and act contrary to what is planned. It may also not necessarily prevent them from performing certain actions. For example, if you gave a command along the lines of "Do not betray Humanity" that might not necessarily work.
It is entirely possible that the subject might view working with aliens (Or turning on their own) as not 'betraying' Humanity, but doing what they believed was necessary. This is clearly not the original intention, but it is how they interpreted it. That is a real danger with vague and general statements.
When giving commands, it is recommended the wording is extremely precise and careful. It needs to ensure that the instruction is given, and that there are no loopholes. It is recommended that all planned commands to be administered be reviewed by a team of psychologists, linguists, and military professionals to ensure that this does not happen. If in doubt, add additional commands to be followed.
This is a far higher risk with Level 1 Conditioning. The higher the level, the less likely this is to occur.
Wording is also extremely important because a mistake will force a complete reset to redo correctly, and it requires that all previous commands be redone. It should also be noted that it would be possible for a subject to reset himself and achieve 'freedom' with the help of an accomplice. The Zipper Conditioning was designed as a result.
Some care should also be taken that the restrictions placed do not inhibit day-to-day functions of the subjects. They should only become relevant in very specific situations, and not affect the lives of individuals too severely. If this becomes an issues, the problem should be isolated and corrected, with possible resetting if time permits.
FAILSAFES
In the event that it becomes necessary, there are certain failsafes which are designed to work in the event of a pressing situation or if the code phrase is unusable. The first is the signal implant, which will be able to receive a signal which will freeze the subject upon receiving it. This should preferably be a unique signal, but if that is not feasible, it can be worked with. However, to prevent enemy exploitation the implant should be slaved to a single emitter which can only connect with that implant.
The second failsafe is the insertion of the cranial bomb, which is already standard and should be continued as a final contingency if the code phrase does not work or otherwise fails.
CONCLUSION
The development of the Manchurian Restraints will be met with some resistance, as many have the understandable fear that it will lead to the erosion of free will. However, there needs to be a method of controlling psions and limiting their power, and this is the best solution. With that said, people should be properly educated as to what the Restraints are, how they will be used, and why it is for their own protection.
I want to emphasize that the Restraints should never be used without cause. They should never be placed on citizens without due process and examination, and if that is the case, it should not be in secret. Citizens need to understand who does, and does not have the Restraints, and once they see them in person, will be better able to understand what they can do and that it isn't something to be concerned about.
Proposal 9211
Latest Revision: 12/30/2016
Designation: The Manchurian Restraints
Program Type: Mental Conditioning and Control
Authors: The Commander of XCOM; Saudia Vyandar, Chancellor of ADVENT; Amalda Stein, Chief of Peacekeeper Operations; Elizabeth Falka, Director of ADVENT Intelligence; Akilah Kettani, PRIEST Program Director; Kyong Suk-Chul, Minister of ADVENT Public Relations; Keith Watkins, Chief Overseer of the Oversight Division; Commander Laura Christiaens
INITIAL PROPOSAL: The development of the Manchurian Restraints marks a milestone in our conflict against the aliens, and is a needed step to curtailing the dangers that psionics poses, while also granting us another tool to ensure that Humanity is further pushed in the correct direction. This document will detail who will receive Manchurian Restraints, and what level of conditioning as outlined in the original XCOM document.
The majority of implementation will be done before the project is revealed to the public, and educational material must be supplied to all cities and media outlets. There will not be misinformation about this once it is revealed. Expect pushback, but only for a short time until the population is calmed down.
It would be good to stress that this affects the leadership of ADVENT more than it ever will the citizens themselves.
ADVENT EXECUTIVE BRANCH:
Chancellor of ADVENT: The Chancellor of ADVENT will receive Level 1, Anti-Psionic, and Anti-Alien Conditioning.
Chancellor's Cabinet: All members of the Chancellor's Cabinet will receive Level 1, Anti-Psionic, Personnel, and Anti-Alien Conditioning.
Congress of Nations: All members of the Congress of Nations will receive Level 2, Anti-Alien, Zipper, and Anti-Psionic Conditioning.
ADVENT PEACEKEEPERS AND JUDICIAL COURTS:
Chief of Peacekeeper Operations: The Chief of Peacekeeping Operations will receive Level 1, Anti-Psionic, and Anti-Alien Conditioning
Senior Peacekeepers: Senior Peacekeepers will receive the same conditioning as the Chief of Peacekeeper Operations.
Judges: All judges within the ADVENT Judicial Courts will receive Level 2, Zipper, and Anti-Psionic Conditioning.
State Special Response (SSR): SSR Forces will receive Level 1, Anti-Psionic, Anti-Alien, and Zipper Conditioning.
Criminals: As a consequence of certain criminal activities, including, but not limited to: Murder, Rape, certain cases involving theft, Assault, and Human/Alien Trafficking, the Manchurian Restraints may be applied. This is at minimum Level 2-3 and Zipper Conditioning which will be applied as soon as their sentence is completed.
Additional Peacekeeping Forces: Standard Peacekeeper forces will not initially be subjected to the Manchurian Restraints. However, in the cases of misconduct or insubordinations, Level 2 Manchurian Restraints may be applied as a form of disciplinary action.
THE PRIEST DIVISION:
This will be divided up into specialization. All members of the PRIEST Division will have the Manchurian Restraints, the only difference is the intensity of it.
Offensive Psions: All Offensive psions will receive Rank 2, Anti-Alien, and Zipper Conditioning.
Defensive Psions: All Defensive psions will receive Rank 2, Anti-Alien, and Zipper Conditioning.
Telekinetic Psions: All Telekines will receive Rank 3, Anti-Alien, and Zipper Conditioning.
Telepathic Psions: All Telepaths will receive Rank 3, Anti-Alien, and Zipper Conditioning.
ADVENT INTELLIGENCE:
Director of ADVENT Intelligence: The Director will receive Level 1, Anti-Alien, Anti-Psionic, and Personnel Conditioning.
Senior Intelligence Staff: Senior staff will receive the same conditioning as the Director.
Personnel With Class IV and Above: Personnel with access to Class IV Materials and above will receive Level 1, Anti-Alien, Anti-Psionic, Zipper and Personnel Conditioning.
Undercover Personnel: Personnel who work in high-risk or undercover missions will receive Level 3, Anti-Alien, Zipper, and Personnel Conditioning.
Alien Personnel: All Alien personnel assisting ADVENT Intelligence will receive Level 3, Anti-Alien, Zipper, and Anti-Psionic (Dependent on utilization) Conditioning.
ADVENT MILITARY:
Commander of ADVENT Military Forces: The Commander will receive Level 1, Anti-Psionic, Anti-Alien, Zipper, and Personnel Conditioning
Senior Command Staff: All Command Staff will receive the same conditioning as the Commander of ADVENT Military Forces.
CONCLUSION: Once the Manchurian Restraints are in place for all respective parties, ADVENT will be further secured against alien influence, psionic tampering, and serve as a means to further expand our reach and fight against the alien threat. Great care must be taken to ensure that these phrases and the details for each individual not fall into alien hands.
Operation: Dangerous Control
Division: Reconnaissance and Observation
Report Author: Zar'reosin'vitiar
Authorization: Zar'Chon
Zar'Chon,
We've heard for a while now whispers about a "Manchurian Program" and while we did wonder if it was connected to the namesake itself, we simply didn't have enough evidence to definitively state that the Humans were exploring the possibility of mental conditioning. Such research isn't even explored significantly in the Collective outside the Zararch and likely certain Ethereals and Sectoids.
However, we were wrong.
The unveiling of the Manchurian Restraints is exceptionally bad. Bad for our operations. Bad for their captives, and just bad in general. ADVENT is, at the moment, explaining this as a means to ensure that psions don't get out of control and abuse their power, which is a smart play, and it explains why ADVENT was so comfortable with starting up the PRIEST Program and expanding it so much.
They knew this was coming.
So at minimum their psions are going to be under control. We obviously don't know yet just how extensive this conditioning is, but we can likely assume that it prevents psions from betraying ADVENT, using abilities on civilians, and perhaps telepathic restrictions. That is not, honestly, what is concerning here. This is, I have to admit, a smart move by ADVENT. And XCOM too, since they are credited with assisting in this.
The threat comes from the fact that it is going to introduce an extremely high risk of infiltrators, specifically alien captives who've undergone this procedure and returned to us. It could also very likely mean that psionics may no longer be as effective, and having high-profile personnel defecting is near-impossible.
Or it would be a trap.
ADVENT has just make themselves more hardened against infiltration, somehow, and I genuinely don't know how we can stop this. Traditional methods just aren't going to work, and without a means of knowing what a Manchurian threat looks like, we are now highly vulnerable. This needs to be taken to the Ethereals immediately.
This is a direct threat to the Collective, and one we can't allow to stand.