ADVENT: History
The Seoul Massacre
"If the intent was to give Humanity a clear and unprecedented enemy, this certainly accomplished it."
- Laura Christiaens, Commander of the ADVENT Military
ADVENT After-Action Report 3003
Subject: Seoul Casualties
Author: Chief ADVENT Coroner Jason Gilibrand
In what has undoubtedly been one of the darkest days of ADVENT, and my own personal career, I can safely say that I have come to the unofficial conclusion that this attack did not have a goal outside causing as much terror and panic within ADVENT as possible. I have spoken with Peacekeepers, soldiers, officers, and civilians, and every single one of them is either afraid or furious. Usually a mixture of both.
If there is some greater tactical advantage to this that I simply cannot see, then I leave it to the military strategists. I will sum up this situation as best I can by providing a general overview of the buildings which were attacked, the deceased and abducted, and their means of death. Speculation seems pointless as it is clear alien meddling, so I will not go into this area.
Overview – Locations: All the buildings were high-end hotels [Names are not disclosed by request of ADVENT Military Command], and these specific ones had been converted to house civilians who had fled the south due to the threat of alien invasion. While they are not military buildings, each one had no fewer than fifty security and peacekeeping personnel, as well as security systems personally installed.
Rooms were fairly large, with two to three beds, working bathrooms, as well as having a view over various parts of Seoul. All occupants were issued ID cards to enter and leave the building, there was heavy civilian traffic at all times of the day and night, and the hotels were on the route of regular ADVENT patrols.
All of the attacked buildings were filled to capacity, the numbers are the following:
Hotel 1 [Redacted]: 3,509 Civilians, 60 ADVENT Personnel
Hotel 2 [Redacted]: 3,122 Civilians, 50 ADVENT Personnel
Hotel 3 [Redacted]: 3,411 Civilians, 55 ADVENT Personnel
Overview – Civilians: As stated earlier, the vast majority of occupants had come from southern Korea, specifically due to the danger of an alien attack. They were settled at these hotels until further notice, and all of them have been used as transfer points to newer settlements in North Korea. Furthermore, many of the occupants also had some connection to ADVENT military personnel – usually a spouse, child, or other family member.
At the moment, the casualties are as follows:
Deceased: 7,022
Additional Breakdown: 3,002 Women; 2,018 Children, 2,002 Men
Additional Notes: Women were usually accompanied by children, men were usually alone or accompanying other family members. Approximately zero had no connection to ADVENT whatsoever. Patterns of killing can be further broken down by location (See further down), but specific targeting appears to be random.
Abducted: 3,020
Additional Breakdown: 1,502 Women, 1,008 Children, 510 Men
Additional Notes: Abductions seem completely random and odd. Hotel 3 alone had over half of the recorded abducted, but sometimes there were entire floors that were abducted for no reason. No obvious pattern or criteria, but considering that the number is odd, and the number of abductees from each location is different, there has to be some internal criteria for this.
Causes of Death: I will break this down by location, as the causes of death differed severely from each other, which indicates that this was a small operation or had very few actual actors who carried it out. I would almost call it personalized, but I feel it questionable to ascribe this word to killing.
Hotel 1 – The following causes of death were the most common:
Cuts or lacerations – usually through vital organs or veins. The neck, heart, lungs, and brain were all common targets, and very few wounds were on non-critical organs or areas. I will note that not all of these are quick deaths, even though they would be called by some as 'clean'. Trust me when I say bleeding out is unlikely to be a pleasant experience.
Hand to Hand Trauma – This is more commonly explained as snapped necks, broken spines, and broken bones. This became more prevalent on the lower floors, which indicates that the individual(s) in question were perhaps becoming…bored? A morbid thought, but it would make some sense.
Decapitations/Dismemberment – The most common were clean decapitations, which do appear to have come from a physical blade, as none of the wounds were cauterized. The fact that this weapon was durable and sharp enough to cut through bone is a point of note and a concern. Dismemberment at the elbows was another prominent spot, where the victims usually died from blood loss. A point of interest is that the majority of children killed here were found decapitated.
Hotel 2 – The following causes of death were the most common:
Psionic Scorching and Burns – The wounds that were found on many of the victims in this hotel matched observed damage from psionic abilities. Almost all the victims of this were found with their faces contorted in pain, or in other states of agony. As far as ways to die, this is perhaps one of the most painful.
Self-Inflicted – In keeping with the likely psionic abilities of the individual who carried this out, there appear to be a significant number who killed themselves, usually with kitchen utensils such as knives and cleaning chemicals. Very few of these forced suicides were well-executed, and the victims likely died in pain. Surprisingly little was done to make the suicides look genuine, and every single sign points to all the victims being under telepathic influence.
Telekinesis – Broken necks, bones snapped at odd angles, blunt trauma to the head and body, and crushed body parts and organs – all without evidence that they were physically touched, all point to death by telekinesis. Most of the non-lethal attacks appear to be in coordination with another attack, though I will also note that the majority of victims of lethal telekinetic attacks were found on the lower floors. An indication of the lack of challenge or to finish up quickly?
Hotel 3 – The following causes of death were the most common:
Firearms – Highly-powered magnetic weapons at minimum. The bodies who were shot were severely damaged, and headshots destroyed the head entirely. The level of marksmanship displayed is highly unusual. Most victims were killed with one shot, but each shot hit either a vital organ or was a headshot. Most died either instantly or very shortly afterwards.
Hand to Hand Trauma – Like some of the bodies in Hotel 1, some here displayed wounds which matched up with known physical attacks. Interestingly many of the victims here appeared to be fighting back to a degree, holding makeshift weapons or objects to defend themselves. A morbid case of the killer seeking a challenge, most likely.
Blunt and Random Instruments – The rest of the wounds for the occupants here can only be described as seemingly whatever the killer could get his hands on. Chairs, bug spray, tables, hangers, forks, each were used at least once against an occupant. The deaths are highly…creative…if such a word can be applied. Most victims of this likely did not die slowly, and there is evidence showing that many were left to die after sustaining mortal damage.
Identification: The bodies have so far all been able to be identified, as no explosives or destructive agents were used. Names have been cross-checked with lists provided by the hotels, and sent to ADVENT to distribute as they see fit. Bodies were identified via DNA and physical samples or facial recognition. Reconstruction of several bodies due to missing body parts was also required in some instances.
Conclusion and Recommendation: The good news is that we know who was lost, killed, and likely who was behind it. At the moment I cannot speculate on the perpetrators themselves, but if I had to make an assessment, there were three distinct individuals who attacked each location. They must have had help to disable security, but the majority of the operation was carried out by them.
However, this is not another day on the job. It is, at best, a traumatic experience for all personnel involved, especially with the high number of child victims. I strongly recommend that all personnel involved in this cleanup are offered psychiatric help. I would also recommend that images not be shared with the public. We know the details already; some images do not need to be seen to emphasize the point.
I would also treat the bodies as the families desire them. They will be held at the morgue until this point. I would recommend ADVENT not use their bodies as props, or the surviving family members as propaganda (They are likely suffering enough), and treat breaking the news to soldiers who have lost loved ones carefully.
Suicides will likely spike because of this. I am not a psychiatrist, but this is obvious. ADVENT needs to have a response in place before sharing any details with soldiers who are affected.
Transcript of the address by Chancellor Saudia Vyandar following the Seoul Massacre.
Citizens of ADVENT and those present today, welcome.
I wish I could say that I called this address to refute or deny the attack which has been reported on for several hours now. I am forced to say that I can confirm that three locations in Seoul have come under attack. As of now there are no known survivors, and a currently unknown number have been marked as missing. At this point we do not know if they have been abducted or have simply not been found yet.
ADVENT Peacekeepers have determined that nearly all of the victims were civilians, and those who are related or are close to many serving in our fight against the alien threat. The attackers did not discriminate in their slaughter. Men, women, and children were killed in their beds in a cowardly attack on our citizens.
ADVENT Intelligence and the Peacekeepers have confirmed that this was the result of alien perpetrators, though at this point cannot say for certain the goal of this operation. But I can offer initial possibilities. This was an act of terror, one designed to break our will and spirit to fight. The aliens seem to believe that we can be intimidated into surrender, or will break under their cowardly attacks in the night.
That will not happen.
As I speak, the alien base in Sacramento has been reduced to dust. The aliens are aware they are failing to match us in combat, and feel they must resort to such barbarism. But we will adapt, and we will overcome this horror. Let this serve as a reminder as to what the true face of the Ethereal Collective is.
It is not honor, it is not mercy, it is not fairness. It is the ugly face of terrorism and slaughter. This is another example of their true goals. Not assimilation, not peace, but pure and unadulterated conquest. We, and the species under the Ethereals, are seen as little more than pawns to fulfill their agendas. This attack can be laid directly at the feet of the Imperator himself, and the Battlemaster who shows his true face today.
There can be no peace with the Ethereal Collective. Those who say otherwise delude themselves and others, and will simply lead to more needless deaths. The aliens have been taking our people for months, and we can only speculate as to what happens. To those who believe that the aliens have our best interests in mind, or are only interested in a war against ADVENT, and no others, ask yourself where the ones they have captured are?
It is important to know who our true enemy is, and who deserves the blame for this atrocity. The anger and hate many feel must be directed at those deserving. That is the Ethereal Collective. It is against the Battlemaster. It is against the Imperator. It is against Isomnum. It is against the aliens who occupy our cities and leech off our lands. It is not the aliens in ADVENT custody or defectors.
There will be, and has been, retaliation for this atrocity, but it will be delivered against the deserving. And I promise you, justice will be delivered.
[End transcript]
Transcript of the transmission sent by the Battlemaster of the Ethereal Collective. The Battlemaster is wearing his traditional armor, though is weaponless in the video with a solid purple background.
I am the Battlemaster of the Ethereal Collective.
While I am aware that few will believe what I have to say, I will do so nonetheless. While ADVENT is our enemy, and one we will continue to fight until our victory, there are lines I do not cross, nor will have my forces cross. Those include the unprovoked and unnecessary attacks on civilians and children.
The Ethereal Collective was not behind the attacks in Seoul. Nor were such operations approved by the Zararch, Andromedon Federation, Greater Hive Commanders, or the Aui'Vitakar. I cannot say that this did not come from alien hands, but those are not those of the Collective. Both myself and the Zararch are working to determine the ones who are truly behind this attack.
I can offer you nothing which would be considered proof, but ask yourself what we have to gain from such an attack. Ask yourselves what goals were in mind in such an operation. It is not to needlessly murder civilians, but it is about creating division between Humans and aliens. I have no love for the traitors to our cause, but I do not wish them treated as lesser because of the actions of others.
Consider carefully your actions, for you may be playing directly into the hands of those who orchestrated this.
In the shared interest of finding those responsible, upon their capture and after the Collective has extracted everything useful, I will turn them over to ADVENT to do with as you wish. They mean nothing to us, and should be punished for their crimes. There will be no retaliation for the attack on Sacramento.
Be warned: A second attack will elicit a similarly lethal response.
Recorded conversation between Runi'dalian'intha and Runi'colliar'borelia in the alien-controlled city of Sacramento.
Part of data package sent to all nearby Collective bases during ADVENT attack.
[Dalian]: "Do you ever wonder why we're here?"
[Colliar]: "We were assigned here. That is why we are here."
[D]: sigh "I know that, but why are we here? Just to suffer in this cold? Why are we needed on Earth at all?"
[C]: "It is not cold. And because the Humans are enemies of the Ethereals-"
[D]: "Humans who also have an Elder fighting for them."
[C]: "…an admittedly unexpected development, I agree."
[D]: "I'm just not sure I fully believe the reason why we're here at all. I mean, they didn't tell us about this Aegis."
[C]: "If the Elders withheld information, I am sure it was for a good reason."
[D]: "Really. Like what?"
[C]: "…I never said that I thought of one."
[D]: "So you've wondered too!"
[C]: "…No…"
[D]: "Extremely convincing. Borelians don't ever admit they are wrong, do they?"
[C]: "I fail to see where I am wrong. Nor what your point is. At best I have insinuated that our reasons for occupying Earth are more complex than originally intended."
[D]: "I mean, I can't really blame them for fighting. Not after all those people were killed. Do you think the Battlemaster really authorized that?"
[C]: "No. That I do not believe."
[D]: "Neither do I, honestly. He never seemed like that type of person. But if not him, then who?"
[C]: "I suspect you will tell me."
[D]: "The Zar'Chon, obviously. This is totally a Zararch operation. Trust me, I know an agent. They are trained to do stuff like this. You met the Zar'Chon? Scary man, trust me, he would be perfectly fine with killing a bunch of civilians."
[C]: "But why?"
[D]: "How should I know. But if I had to put money on this, it would be him."
[C]: "It is disturbing that you are adopting Human customs like this. How did you learn about…gambling?"
[D]: "One of the Humans taught it to me before I was moved out of LA. I was bad at it though. Lost a lot of things to him."
[C]: "You gave him things? You were his guard!"
[D]: "I lost! What was I supposed to do? I don't cheat!"
[C]: "You are an idiot."
[D]: "It was fun though. I like these card games Humans have."
[C]: "I don't suppose this Human is still around?"
[D]: "No, I think he managed to escape. Strange, I didn't think he could do that. Seemed like an improvised explosive to break free. Don't know where he could have gotten the components…"
[C]: "…"
[D]: "Oh."
[C]: "You are an idiot."
[D]: "In retrospect…hey, what's that?"
Explosion echoes in the distance, shaking the ground.
[C]: "That is a nuclear weapon!"
Second round of explosions hit, noticeably much closer.
[D]: "It appears we are on this planet to get blown up by a nuclear bomb. Of course it would be that."
[C]: "I hate this planet so much."
Third wave of explosions hits, and feed is ended. Unknown if either participant survived.
ADVENT Military After-Action Report 2600
Operation: Blinding Vengeance
Author: Commander Laura Christiaens
Recipients: Chancellor Saudia Vyandar, Chief of Lancer Operations Helion Weekes, Chief Diplomat Firdaus Hassan, Director of ADVENT Intelligence Elizabeth Falka, XCOM Central Officer Ariel Jackson
At the command of Chancellor Vyandar upon the confirmation of aliens behind the attack in Seoul, a retaliatory strike was authorized using extreme force against a known stronghold of the Ethereal Collective. All measures were authorized to see this completed, and at this point the city of Sacramento no longer stands.
This attack was designed to send a message to the Collective that such attacks on our citizens would not be tolerated, and to demonstrate the capabilities of our ballistic missile systems and coordination between launches. The operation was put together within six hours, and was successfully completed with no casualties.
This consisted of several phases:
PHASE 1: This consisted to the launching of a low-yield nuclear weapon to disable any electronic devices and systems. Their AA defenses were unknown, but likely not able to resist the EMP from the nuclear device. This was accomplished successfully, and the city was disabled. During this time local artillery were moved towards attack positions, and began attacking the city with high-explosive, white phosphorous, and gas shells. This successfully weakened their structural integrity, ruined defenses, and caused chaos in the alien ranks. Artillery naval craft were also moved into position.
PHASE 2: This consisted of first missiles fired from multiple locations, including naval and land. These were initially conventional warheads designed for structural damage. Airstrikes immediately followed, with the intended purpose of surgical removal of certain buildings and structures. Shelling continued, as did missile strikes.
PHASE 3: This consisted of carpet bombings by all local bomber forces, with payloads dropped over a five minute period. With the elimination of anti-air defenses, this was a safe maneuver. The amount of ordinance dropped was in waves. Conventional bombs at first, then a wave of white phosphorus-laced bombs, and finally bombs filled with chlorine trifluoride, to ensure that anything left in the city would burn to the ground.
Upon the last bomb dropped, all ADVENT forces retreated, and I have confirmation that the alien base which once occupied Sacramento has been reduced to nothing. While it is unfortunate that the city had to be destroyed, it was necessary to send a message to the Collective and complete a full barrage operation, which has not been conducted in this war until now.
Thanks to this operation we know that the aliens are still vulnerable to EMP weapons to an extent, and we can, if necessary, destroy their bases in a short amount of time. The most recent reports also note that the chemical fires are still raging in the city, and there is a possibility of it spreading beyond it. However, it is likely it will burn out before then.
I would highly suggest we refrain from further action at this time. Let us see how the Collective responds first.