Miscellaneous
Psionics II
"Just when we think we know most of how psionics works, we'll learn something that shows us how much we have yet to learn about it."
- Dr. Moira Vahlen, Head of XCOM Research and Development
CODEX File ****
Subject: The Bringer and Psionic Impossibilities
Location: Blacksite ***
Author: Geneticist Revelean
Considering the recent events surrounding the Paradise Blacksite and the Creator's continued experiments, it appears prudent that we – as in the Ethereals – take a far more extensive look into the nature of the Bringer and how exactly his subjects and thralls function underneath him. While previously we had relied on the Creator to provide such information to us, it has become clear that she is compromised and unreliable, and as such I have begun conducting oversight over experiments in a remote location far from Paradise due to inherent concerns over the Bringer and safety present in Paradise.
SECTION 1: Paradise Station
There is something profoundly wrong with the station of Paradise as it exists. Having visited it and performed several detailed experiments on the station, the closest working theory I have developed is that the Psionosphere itself is weakened the further one descends into the station. How this has been achieved is unknown, but appears extremely gradual, growing more and more intense as one moves closer to the center.
Over sixty psionic subjects, including Sectoids, Humans, and a singular Zudjari, were brought into the station and their impressions were recorded. All of them without exception reported an odd feeling about the station, and the further they descended the more extreme the effect became, including, but not strictly limited to, the following:
- Hallucinations (Auditory and visual)
- Feelings of being watched
- Increased anxiety and nervousness
- Telepathic enhancement
- Conversations with an unknown entity
These conversations were extracted telepathically and I can confirm that they communicated with the entity which is the Bringer. Extrapolating this further, it is likely that this entity is responsible for the feelings of paranoia and being watched, which in turn makes psions in particular concerned if they are unable to block out the influence.
What is also quite curious is the fact that all subjects reported that they were able to utilize their psionic abilities with more effectiveness and ease. This was tested by having them perform actions on objects or individuals, and I can confirm that even the weaker Sectoid Vanguards were capable of mind controlling over a dozen Paradise thralls.
Unfortunately, all such subjects who interacted with a Paradise thrall were forced to be terminated after it was discovered that all thralls contain a telepathic memetic command which forces the invading individual to eventually succumb to the Bringer's influence. This will be elaborated on shortly, suffice to say that we unnecessarily lost multiple test subjects due to the Bringer's agents failing to inform us of this fact. Several hundred of their strongest warriors were terminated as punishment.
Regardless, the fact remains that the subjects displayed far more powerful and advanced abilities than they had been able to previously, which implies that the strength of the veil between the Psionosphere and reality is directly proportional to the strength of the psion. This has significant implications, and we have yet to determine if this veil can be weakened artificially or if it is a side effect of the Bringer itself and impossible to replicate.
The Creator and her thralls themselves have not confirmed this either, and will inform me should they reach definitive conclusions.
SECTION 2: Forced Psionic Connections
This section will focus on one of the most improbable elements of Paradise – the use of Psionics by non-psionic species. These include the Vitakara, Andromedons, and Mutons of all things. Such should not be possible, and extensive research has already been done by the Collective proving that such species cannot wield psionics. Artificial connections have always resulted in failure up until now.
However, the proof that exists stands as a testament to how we were wrong.
Performing several hundred autopsies on Caretakers and other enhanced non-psionic aliens (from their "Orders") has revealed several extremely enlightening facts about how these creatures work and how such power can be acquired despite it quite literally going against nature.
I will start with the generic Caretaker. One will note that these individuals seem to be decaying and would normally be examples of unhealthy individuals for their respective species. This is true regardless of alien, and the reason for this is that each and every one of them is forced to have a direct connection with the Bringer – which means the Psionosphere itself.
We are well aware of the fact that the Psionosphere is an extremely inhospitable place, and this link between the Caretaker and the Bringer (who has a disturbingly deep connection to the Psionosphere) allows the Caretaker to draw power from the Psionosphere itself using their bodies as conduits. This has the effect of ravaging their bodies and forcing rapid decay – even if the user never actually utilizes the power. Without this forced link between the Caretaker and the Bringer, a non-psion cannot use psionics. Even with it, their bodies will decay and fall apart within years.
It should be noted however that psionic species – Sectoids and Humans – are in notably better condition, though their continued exposure to the Psionosphere also has this degenerative effect. Further experiments on the Caretakers reveal that their pain tolerance is significantly increased, and they cannot be coerced into giving up any kind of information. This is likely the result of their connection to the Bringer – which also maintains the memetic command.
I will address this command now. It appears to be both a means of spreading the Bringer's influence to other species, and a defense for even the weakest of his thralls. A quite ingenious and clever trap, especially since experiments have shown that when the Bringer has control of a mind, it is under his grasp forever and impossible to fully remove. The only means of removal could be taking an individual to a place where the Psionosphere does not exist, such as the Dead World. This has not been confirmed yet.
This covers the Caretakers, but the more advanced specimens of the Bringer Orders are far different in comparison. They still maintain a connection to the Bringer, but unlike the Caretakers this connection appears to be completely telepathic in nature, not a forced link to act as a conduit, and these individuals appear to possess greater status and freedom in the Bringer's hierarchy.
There appears to be two ways these specific individuals are enhanced. The first is for psionic species to increase their psionic potential – something that we have achieved ourselves in various Ethereal iterations in the days of the Empire, but unlike the Empire, the Bringer has managed to learn how to apply these enhancements retroactively.
They appear to have the candidate undergo surgery where their brain is directly altered on a genetic level using what I can only describe as organic nanites (concerning creatures that I am running additional experiments on), and their body also undergoes significant changes on a genetic level. It is unknown if this is a one-time operation or if it is done repeatedly when new breakthroughs are developed.
For non-psionic species, the brain is also modified, though far more than the psionic species. The operation can be more closely compared to a 'sleeve' that covers the brain which is connected to 'nodes' that are seeded throughout the body of the individual. These nodes appear semi-autonomous brains which are derived from Human and Sectoid genetics that determine psionic potential – and quite possibly connect to the Psionosphere, which then sends information back to the sleeve, which in turn sends information to the brain.
A highly roundabout way to circumventing the limitations of psionics, and while I am hesitant to use any sort of technology developed by the Bringer or its thralls, I have begun research into replicating these enhancements without using any of the currently-used materials. Due to these limitations, I cannot foresee a timeframe in which this is completed, but I am staunchly opposed to rushing any aspect of technology derived from this entity.
This has also revealed a weakness in the Bringer's soldiers. I have mapped the locations of these nodes and each one is uniform. Should these nodes be damaged or destroyed, their connection to the Psionosphere will also be weakened. While many of these soldiers are aware of this vulnerability, it is nonetheless something I believe the Battlemaster and Mortis would be interested in.
Quite curiously, we have also observed that deliberately blocking subjects (Caretakers and Order soldiers) from being able to communicate with the Bringer (Primarily using a Mosrimor Sovereign Orb) often results in them committing suicide or having complete mental breakdowns. The Bringer's forced connections gain him their undying loyalty, but should they be severed, it is clear that his thralls cannot live without the connection.
It is interestingly similar to what a hive-mind is theorized to be. We shall be running more experiments on the similarities since we are unlikely to encounter a hive-mind in the future.
SECTION 3: The Bringer and Nature of the Psionosphere
The mere existence of this entity poses significant questions for the entire field of psionics. It is extremely apparent that the Bringer exists in the Psionosphere. Not in a physical body of course, but through a consciousness. From what we have learned, it is at minimum millions of years old and 'asleep' for good portions of it, and when it becomes more aware, it exerts it's influence on reality.
I will point out something concerning which has been noted – the more followers the Bringer has under his control, the more active and intelligent he appears to be. I question the wisdom of allowing an entire station of these thralls, because while it drastically decreases research time and accelerates our own plans for final usage tremendously, it is not what I can classify as safe.
I propose a significant reduction of Paradise personnel immediately, and only core staff working to bring the final details to fruition. Should this theory be proven incorrect, their numbers can always be returned to full strength.
Returning to the topic at hand, a question that must be asked is why this is the case. If there is a consciousness in the Psionosphere, we need to know if it spans the entire Psionosphere or if it merely moves around portions of it. Conversations with Caretakers and thralls are pointless, as each of them fully believe the Bringer is a deity which oversees everything.
Their words are not reliable, and we must have some proof.
Nonetheless, if the Bringer did have reach over the entire Psionosphere, it would explain why it would go into periods of inactivity lasting millions of years, as a consciousness that large would be difficult to rouse to action or be devoted to a specific activity. This also poses very troubling implications, as it could – in theory – allow the Bringer to be largely omnipotent, over not just this galaxy, but the entire universe.
The greatest concern I have regarding this entire project is the many unknowns we are dealing with. We do not fully know what the Bringer is, what its capabilities are, or what its plan is. We would be fools for assuming it doesn't have one or than pleased with what we plan for it. The safeguards that are in place are seemingly adequate, but adequate simply isn't good enough.
This entity without a doubt knows the nature of psionics and the Psionosphere better than anything alive, which theoretically means that it could control the Psionosphere were it to ever be released into reality. The implications of this theory cannot be understated. Consider carefully when proceeding with the Bringer and Paradise, because doing this wrong will likely lead to not just our deaths, but the death of this galaxy itself, if not the universe.
PRIEST Division Report P892
Research Type: Physical Psionic Testing
Research Subject: Trask Scale Experimentation
Subjects Utilized: Humans, Ethereal
Overseer: PRIEST Research Division Maharishi Rodion Vinokurov
There have been enough studies and experiments conducted by XCOM and the Research Branch to definitively confirm the Trask Scale of Psionic Power as theorized, but aside from some vague assumptions and unconfirmed confirmations from psions (primarily from XCOM), there exists very little hard data on the actual caps between the various Trask Levels.
To remind those who are unfamiliar with the Trask Scale of Psionic Power, it is the ranking of an individual's ability to affect the Psionosphere on wide scale. The higher one's Trask Level is, the more effective and far-reaching their abilities will be. Please note that the Trask Level of an individual does not relate to their actual skill, only the scale of application. The tiers are as follows:
- Awakened – 1 to 20
- Adept – 21 to 40
- Psion – 41 – 60
- Magus – 61 to 80
- Leviathan – 81 to 100
- Ethereal – 100+
There exists every likelihood that this Scale will be expanded in the future, but to date there exists no Human with a Trask Level higher than 90. This document will be updated should this change.
In the meantime, this series of experiments focused on the tangible differences and limits between individuals within the differing tiers of the Trask Scale. To this end, we recruited a total of twenty PRIESTs and XCOM Psions who were kind enough to be loaned to us by the Commander and Overseer Bronis.
We made sure to recruit five psions per major psionic discipline (Dynamo, Aegii, Telekine, Telepath), and one per Trask tier. This translates to one member of each tier for each psionic discipline, which allows us to directly compare similar abilities. The nature of psionics itself makes pure replication impossible, yet we can ensure that there are enough similarities to produce valid results.
All recruits who were chosen are at minimum moderately skilled and for the sake of producing usable results, the minimum Trask level imposed was 10. While theoretically an individual could hold a Trask level below that, it is unlikely to be noticeably tangible and will interfere with the gathering of information.
For clarity before we move to the experiments and results, the average Trask level of the various tiers is as follows:
- Awakened: Average Trask Level was 14
- Adept: Average Trask Level was 32
- Psion: Average Trask Level was 49
- Magus: Average Trask Level was 64
- Leviathan: Average Trask Level was 84
Additionally, we requested the assistance of the Ethereal Aegis to provide information of an additional tier, and he was utilized for the Telepathic and Aegii experiments. By his own admittance he has stated that he is not extensively trained in Telekinesis and Dynamo psionics, so in the interest of data integrity, we refrained from including his participation in those experiments.
The majority of subjects in this experiment are unnamed for reasons of anonymity and protocol (Aegis allowed his disclosure due to his unique position, species, and abilities which needed clarification). To acquire exact details of the individuals involved please fill out an Information Disclosure form and sent it to myself or the Oversight Division.
Each group performed a total of two experiments. Upon further approval by the PRIEST Division, additional experiments will be conducted. Due to the success of these series of experiments, we are expecting approval to be swift.
Experiment Group #1 – Dynamo Psionics
Experiment #1 – Group Targeting
Objective: To determine how the Trask Level of an individual affects the scale of Dynamo Psionics against a theoretical enemy composition.
Scenario: A group of forty cardboard mockups of alien figures were placed throughout a 30x30 foot square and psions were requested to destroy as many as possible at one time. Note that targets were not placed evenly apart and some were closer together than others. However, we replicated the initial arrangement for each subject to preserve result integrity.
Methodology and Immediate Results: The results for each subject are as follows. This was completed in ascending order, from Awakened to Leviathan. There were no time limits imposed.
Awakened Dynamo: The subjected gathered energy into his hand and fired it at a clustered group of three targets. All were destroyed. No additional collateral damage. 3/40 targets eliminated at once.
Adept Dynamo: The subject gathered psionic energy in both arms and hands, brought them both back and then pushed outwards, sending a wave of psionic corrosive energy to the targets. A total of eleven were destroyed before the wave dissipated, with collateral singeing on seven targets. 11/40 targets eliminated at once.
Psion Dynamo: The subject drew back his arm, gathering energy into the withdrawn limb, and then thrust it outwards, creating a lance of sustained energy which he then moved in an arc. Dissipated about one-third of the way through the room and reached to the far wall. Slight repairs were necessary after the experiment was concluded. 19/40 targets were destroyed with one sustained attack.
Magus Dynamo: The subject spent a short amount of time preparing herself, before she extended an arm and brought into manifestation a psionic maelstrom in the center of the area. Recordings confirmed a radius of at least twenty feet, and all caught within it were destroyed. The resulting force from the maelstrom knocked over all additional targets as collateral. 31/40 targets destroyed from the maelstrom which existed approximately 5.67 seconds.
Leviathan Dynamo: The subject replicated the Magus and she brought into existence a psionic maelstrom as well, but this one was large enough that the entire area was consumed and all targets destroyed. She additionally kept the maelstrom in existence for twice as long as the previous subject. 40/40 targets were destroyed.
Conclusion: There can be a clear link drawn between Trask level and the scale and sustainability of Dynamo psionics. The higher the Trask level, the larger the scale of abilities and the greater the duration they can be continued. Future experiments to further confirm this should have each individual use the same Dynamo power so the data integrity remains consistent, but in terms of the goal of this experiment, it was successful.
Experiment #2 – Focused Targeting
Objective: To determine if the Trask level of an individual has impact on the intensity of psionic abilities.
Scenario: Subjects will be given a cube constructed of a mixture of metal and alien alloys approximately 4x4 for the dimensions and asked to destroy it as thoroughly as possible in one try.
Methodology and Immediate Results: The results for each subject are as follows. This was completed in ascending order, from Awakened to Leviathan. There were no time limits imposed.
Awakened Dynamo: The subject attempted a sustained psionic blast, but only managed to corrode a small amount of the front-facing side of the cube off; no more than one inch.
Adept Dynamo: Also struggled with sustained psionic lance, though made significantly more progress as he was able to burn close to halfway through the cube in a six-inch radius.
Psion Dynamo: The subject repeated the same method he used to destroy the targets in the previous experiment and created a psionic lance which he sustained for six seconds. However, he utilized the lance in an even pattern so when it dissipated, a largely even face of the cube was left. He successfully burned through an entire third of the cube.
Magus Dynamo: The subject took a different approach to the cube. She placed a hand on it and psionic energy was formed around the cube and began destroying it from all sides. She was not able to completely destroy the cube, although she reduced it to one-fourth of the size before she passed out from exhaustion.
Leviathan Dynamo: The subject also took a different approach, but unlike the previous subject did not place a hand on it or perform a similar ability. Instead, she did noticeably reach out, and for a few seconds we didn't visibly observe anything. Without warning the cube exploded into several different pieces and it became apparent that she had created a Dynamo psionic effect inside the cube to weaken, and then shatter it.
Conclusion: The results again demonstrate that the Trask Level of a subject is proportional to their effectiveness in destroying a durable object. However both the Awakened and Adept participants did state that this type of psionics they were unprepared for, so for future experiments we should endeavor to have individuals with this needed knowledge. There is also a certain creativity factor involved, as all the subjects minus the Leviathan attempted to destroy the cube completely, where she just fulfilled the requirement that it be destroyed. Parameters should be tightened in the future.
Experiment Group #2 – Aegii Psionics
Experiment #1 – Group Shielding
Objective: To determine if the Trask level of an individual can impact the range of Aegii psionics.
Scenario: A group of sixty 'friendly' soldier cardboard mockups together with a mockup of some light cover and a dozen MDUs was created over a fifty-foot length, with the subject standing in the back. They are instructed to protect this group as much as possible.
Methodology and Immediate Results: The results for each subject are as follows. This was completed in ascending order, from Awakened to Ethereal. There were no time limits imposed.
Awakened Aegii: The subject created a psionic shield which was enough to protect a group of four or more soldiers at a time, and was tall enough that they could stand and fire from the sides.
Adept Aegii: The subject replicated the shield, only at a far larger scale which was enough to successfully provide a barrier to 1/5th of the friendly force.
Psion Aegii: This subject took a slightly different approach, and not only created a more expansive barrier in front of nearly half of the soldiers, but made smaller personal shields for the MDUs.
Magus Aegii: The subject returned to solely a barrier, but this one was large enough to protect the entirety of the front line of friendlies.
Leviathan Aegii: This subject not only successfully replicated the perfect barrier of the previous subject, but was able to manifest psionic structures and cover beyond the line for soldiers to presumably use in the no man's land. He maintained this far longer than the other subjects, perhaps to prove a point.
Ethereal Aegii: Aegis replicated everything the previous subject achieved, with the additional benefit of giving each and every friendly unit a personal psionic shield, and adding things such as psionically created trees and vegetation, including some additional details likely to also prove a point to the previous subject. He held this for ten full minutes, which was approximately six times the length of the previous subject.
Conclusion: It definitely appears to corroborate a link between the Trask level of an individual and the scale of Aegii psionics. Since all of the abilities used were largely the same, this is more solid proof than previous experiments, but of course can be further refined in the future.
Experiment #2 – Shield Durability
Objective: To determine if the Trask level of an individual has an impact on the durability of psionic shields.
Scenario: Individuals are asked to create a psionic barrier approximately four feet wide, and six feet high, which has to absorb a gauntlet of attacks, which will be used in the following order:
- Gauss Rifles (Fifteen seconds)
- Standard Flamethrower (Ten seconds)
- Plasma rifles (Twenty seconds)
- ETC M2 Browning (Thirty seconds)
- Rockets (A total of three rockets were fired, one every five seconds)
Methodology and Immediate Results: The results for each subject are as follows. This was completed in ascending order, from Awakened to Ethereal. There were no time limits imposed.
Awakened Aegii: The subject created the barrier and managed to maintain it until second twelve of the M2 section of the gauntlet when it broke.
Adept Aegii: The subject created the barrier and it was maintained until the first rocket strike of the gauntlet before it dissipated.
Psion Aegii: The subject created a barrier and it successfully passed the gauntlet.
Magus Aegii: The subject created a barrier and it successfully passed the gauntlet.
Leviathan Aegii: The subject created a barrier and it successfully passed the gauntlet.
Ethereal Aegii: The subject created a barrier and it successfully passed the gauntlet.
Conclusion: This is one experiment where, notably, the Trask level of the individual seemed to matter far less, which does line up with the assumption that the Trask level affects scale and not skill. Thus, even the Awakened psion was able to last a significant portion through the gauntlet despite a limited Trask Level. Further experiments will continue to confirm this.
Experiment Group #3 – Telekinetic Psionics
Experiment #1 – Area Manipulation
Objective: To determine how the Trask Level of an individual affects the scale of Telekinetic Psionics against a theoretical enemy composition.
Scenario: Resembling the Dynamo Experiment #1, a group of forty cardboard mockups of alien figures were placed throughout a 30x30 foot square and psions were requested to destroy as many as possible with a single action. Note that targets were not placed evenly apart and some were closer together than others. However, we replicated the initial arrangement for each subject to preserve result integrity.
Methodology and Immediate Results: The results for each subject are as follows. This was completed in ascending order, from Awakened to Leviathan. There were no time limits imposed.
Awakened Telekine: The subject lifted a total of two targets into the air, and subsequently tossed them to other groupings of targets. 6/40 targets were destroyed, with ten more as collateral damage.
Adept Telekine: Instead of directly targeting specific mockups, the subject drew back his arms and thrust them out, destroying nearly a third of the front line, and sending whatever targets were behind the wave flying. 15/40 targets were destroyed, with six more as collateral damage.
Psion Telekine: The subject used very little subtlety or hesitation when she acted, and simply clenched a hand and just over half of the targets were crushed into scraps. 22/40 targets destroyed with no collateral damage.
Magus Telekine: The subject introduced some additional complexity to his attack, by lifting up various targets throughout the area, and threw them towards other targets, effectively destroying or knocking over all of the targets. 28/40 targets destroyed, with the rest as collateral damage.
Leviathan Telekine: The subject lifted all of the targets into the air and crushed them. 40/40 targets destroyed.
Conclusion: Like most outcomes, this yet again corroborates a link between Trask levels and scale. Creativity is also something which should be taken into account, and for Telekines it appears to be easier to make the most of your capabilities due to the versatile nature of telekinetics.
Experiment #2 – Telekinetic Coordination
Objective: To determine how the Trask Level of an individual affects the amount of simultaneous telekinetic coordination that can be done at one time.
Scenario: Telekines will be given various objects and told to do something with them. These will be given in order and the telekine must maintain as many of them as possible. The objects are as follows and in order:
- A metal disk which must constantly be spinning
- A model airplane which must fly in a figure eight
- A solid metal sphere which orbits around the waist of the telekine
- A cube which is raised to the height of the telekine and lowered to the ground in a gradual manner
- A laser rifle which is fired at a row of targets
All subjects were informed of the objects and were able to experiment to confirm they could fulfill the testing parameters. The order of objects was not changed for each subject.
Methodology and Immediate Results: The results for each subject are as follows. This was completed in ascending order, from Awakened to Leviathan. Objects were given to them every thirty seconds.
Awakened Telekine: The subject successfully caught and manipulated the first object. Thirty seconds later the second object was introduced. The subject managed to successfully manipulate it in tandem with the first object, although clear strain was noted. The third object was also able to be successfully integrated and manipulated. However, the introduction of the fourth object was too much and the subject lost control.
Adept Telekine: The subject successfully caught the first object and began manipulating it. Upon the signal, the second object was introduced and lasted for approximately ten seconds before the subject lost control of the objects.
Psion Telekine: As before, the subject successfully caught the first object, although unlike previous subjects who kept the object in a single spot, the subject began rotating it around his body at the waist level presumably planning for future objects. The second object was also introduced and manipulated without issue. As anticipated, the third object was introduced and fell into orbit as was instructed. The fourth object was introduced, and was manipulated for approximately seven seconds before the subject lost control over all objects.
Magus Telekine: The subject successfully caught the first object and moved it so it was in front of the chest. The second object was introduced, and maintained around the height of the individual. The third object was introduced and was successfully manipulated to begin rotation around the body. The forth object was introduced and began being raised and lowered successfully. The final object was then introduced, and the subject missed catching it, and as a result lost control over the objects.
Leviathan Telekine: The subject successfully caught and began manipulating the first object, and the second was introduced without issue. The introduction of the third object was almost missed, but the subject recovered and maintained control. Upon the introduction of the fourth object, the subject lasted approximately twenty-two seconds before losing control over all objects.
Conclusion: This is one of the most useful tests, as it once more appears to validate the theory that the Trask Levels only apply to scale, and not control, as the Awakened subject did almost as well as the Leviathan subject. This particular experiment relied heavily on concentration over raw power, and there can be some preliminary conclusions drawn from the results here.
The first is that complex motion of more than two objects simultaneously is extremely difficult. It appears to be not difficult to keep an object still and in motion while moving other objects complexly. However, when more than two are introduced, only one of the five managed to move to the last stage, and quite notably – none of the subjects were able to complete the hardest stages.
This could be something that the telekine actually has to train for. Initial speculation has suggested that because Humans have two limbs, it inherently is difficult for our minds to adjust to the idea of complex motion of more than two items at once. It is unfortunate there is no telekinetically-skilled allied Ethereal who could help confirm or deny this theory.
Nonetheless, this was a highly useful experiment on both the nature of the Trask Scale, and the potential limitations of Human telekines.
Experiment Group #4 – Telepathic Psionics
Experiment #1 – Group Mind Control
Objective: To determine how the Trask Level of an individual affects the number of minds a telepath can influence or control simultaneously.
Scenario: We have fifteen Humans which have been requisitioned from the Experimentation Labs, all males of various ethnicities and in satisfactory physical and emotional health. They are lined up in a room and the subject will send a telepathic command to as many as they can at one time to walk to the other end of the room, pick up a labeled piece of paper and return it to the telepath.
Methodology and Immediate Results: The results for each subject are as follows. This was completed in ascending order, from Awakened to Ethereal. There were no time limits imposed.
Awakened Telepath: The subject verbally issued the command to the group of Humans. Two immediately followed the command, while three more began to follow, and then stopped themselves. The rest were unaffected. Two of the labeled pieces of paper were returned to the subject.
Adept Telepath: The subject also gave a verbal command, and this one was noticeably more intrusive, with all of the test subjects showing pain and confusion on their faces, and four moved to follow the command, while seven more began, but stopped themselves. Four of the labeled pieces of paper were returned to the subject.
Psion Telepath: The subject in this instance gave no verbal commands, but approximately ten of the subjects followed the instructions and returned the labeled pieces of paper to the subject. This was completed in notably quicker time than the previous subjects.
Magus Telepath: The subject in question performed a rather unorthodox method of gaining compliance from the subjects. We initially believed him to be mind controlling them all at once, as he issued a very detailed series of threats to them which would presumably take place if they did not cooperate, which visibly terrified the individuals. He later explained that he had not actually taken control of their minds, but altered their emotional states until they were terrified and frightened of him, ensuring they would follow his orders. All subjects returned the labeled piece of paper to him.
Leviathan Telepath: The subject solved the problem in a straightforward way. No verbal commands were given, but every single subject followed the instructions and handed the labeled piece of paper to the subject before returning to their places.
Ethereal Telepath: As expected, the group of individuals immediately followed the instructions of Aegis and returned the labeled pieces of paper promptly.
Conclusion: While we were again able to link the Trask level of individuals with scale, this experiment is one of those in need of some refinement. Replicating this with aliens, fresh groups of test subjects (We cannot discount that their minds may have been more vulnerable after repeated exploitation), and additional commands will give us a better idea of the actual limits of telepaths, especially Magus-class and above. Larger groups of test subjects should be considered, and possibly handicaps should be given to psions. The main objective was completed however, and these are experiments for another day.
Experiment #2 – Distance Control
Objective: To determine how the Trask Level of an individual affects the range at which their telepathy is effective in as well as the impact of line of sight on telepathic effectiveness.
Scenario: Using an additionally requisitioned Human from the Experimentation Labs (Male), they will be placed at gradually increased distances from the telepath, and be telepathically commanded to perform a physical action. The ranges will be the following:
- Range A: 5 meters
- Range A1: A physical barrier obscuring the test subject will be placed directly before the telepath. Distance between the target and subject is not affected.
- Range B: 25 meters
- Range B1: A physical barrier obscuring the test subject will be placed directly before the telepath. Distance between the target and subject is not affected.
- Range C: 50 meters
- Range C1: A physical barrier obscuring the test subject will be placed directly before the telepath. Distance between the target and subject is not affected.
- Range D: 100 meters
- Range D1 physical barrier obscuring the test subject will be placed directly before the telepath. Distance between the target and subject is not affected.
Methodology and Immediate Results: The results for each subject are as follows. This was completed in ascending order, from Awakened to Ethereal. There was a time limit of one minute imposed.
Awakened Telepath: The subject was able to elicit physical reactions up to Range B, and encountered difficulties locating the subject's mind at Range B1. The subject remained standing for this duration.
Adept Telepath: The subject was able to successfully elicit physical reactions up to Range B1, and at Range C he was unable to focus strongly enough to lock down his mind. After several minutes he withdrew. The subject remained standing for the duration.
Psion Telepath: The subject successfully elicited physical reactions up to Range C, although was unable to locate the mind at Range C1. The subject remained standing for the duration.
Magus Telepath: This subject took a different approach, and knelt on the ground and stayed that way for the duration of the experiment. All ranges were successfully completed.
Leviathan Telepath: Mirroring the previous subject, this one also took a kneeling position for the duration of the experiment. She was able to also elicit physical reactions at all ranges successfully.
Ethereal Telepath: The Ethereal was able to complete all the ranges successfully, and remained standing for the entire duration.
Conclusion: This will require a series of additional experiments to confirm, but the most interesting thing that is implied is that psions who rely on line of sight to utilize telepathy seem at a disadvantage compared to those who take a more 'meditative' approach. Due to this, we cannot actually say that range is affected by the Trask level, even if it is implied. A more accurate experiment to conduct would require the subjects either keeping their eyes open or standing, or discarding vision and taking a meditative stance. While some level of correlation between the Trask level of an individual and telepathic range is suggested, these recorded results are not enough to firmly confirm it.
Final Notes: Overall, we can say without question that this series of experiments have been successful and we now have hard data to determine the limitations and strengths of psions depending on their Trask levels, which can be useful in determining how best to utilize them in military or civilian operations – details which could mean the difference between life and death.
However, these are early experiments within this specific field of psionics, and many more will need to be conducted before we have a full and complete understanding of the relationship between the Trask levels of our psions, and their true capabilities. This is a start, but there is much more work to be done. I highly recommend we continue working with XCOM and Aegis, as well as incorporating alien volunteers and prisoners into these scenarios for additional data.
XCOM Project File 0189
Project Codename: "Mind Palace"
Project Type: Psionic Research
Latest Revision: 2/12/2017
Authors: Head of XCOM Research and Development, Dr. Moira Vahlen; Overseer of Psionic Operations Iosif Bronis; Aegis; Axis of the Zudjari; the Chronicler; Caelior
OVERVIEW
The field of Psionics is one of, if not the current youngest fields of research in existence, and one we have only scratched the surface of. During this period of growth, individuals studying this field must be aware that what we discover is not always going to be proven to be true or accurate, and will undergo metamorphosis as it should under the scientific method.
While the core theories around psionics – in particular the Psionosphere Theory and some fundamental disciplinary theories such as the String Theory of Telekinesis continue to hold up under experimentation, another thing which has become far more apparent is that psionics itself is far more versatile and applicable on macro and micro scales than previously believed.
Our understanding of these disciplines has grown to such an extent that additional reports and research need to be conducted – something which is also being pursued within the Research Branch of the PRIEST Division of ADVENT. Additional insight from Ethereals such as Aegis, Caelior, and Axis have revealed insights into the nature and utilization of psionics that we would have initially believed as outlandish.
In addition, the revelation of the Sovereign Ones and their agents has also introduced new theories about the scale and abilities of psions who are beyond even Ethereals, and information provided about the entity the Collective has currently imprisoned known as the Bringer defies most previous understandings and suppositions about psionics itself.
With these events in mind, this report will cover mostly new information and make corrections or clarifications when necessary.
UPDATED AND EXPANDED PSIONIC DISCIPLINES
The first major updates regarding the psionic disciplines is that several of them have undergone name changes to be less derivative and awkward to say. These names reflect the nature of the discipline itself, and have been accepted by the PRIEST Division as the current standards for psionic classification. In addition, we have determined appropriate sub-disciplines within each major psionic discipline as individuals tend to additionally specialize in a specific usage within the discipline – these will all be identified below:
DYNAMO: This has been formerly called the "Offensive" discipline of psionics, and underwent a name change due to the awkward and unclear nature of the term. The term "Dynamo" is unique to this discipline and not capable of being easily interchanged or being misunderstood, as well as conveying the volatile nature of the discipline itself. There are no addendums to our functionality and understanding of this discipline at the time of writing this report.
There are two identified sub-disciplines of the Dynamo Discipline:
IGNIS: Ignis Dynamo psionics is the usage of Dynamo psionics in a controlled or directed manner; precision as opposed to area of effect. This includes abilities and techniques such as the Null Lance, Targeted Rend, Soulfire and similar techniques.
TEMPEST: In contrast, Tempests utilize Dynamo psionics which are extremely large and capable of taking out multiple enemies at a time as well as running a risk of significant collateral or structural damage. This includes abilities and techniques like Rifts, Psionic Waves, and Sustained Blasts. These psions are often considered among the most powerful Dynamo psions due to the scale of their attacks.
AEGII: In a similar name change, the discipline formerly known as the "Defense" discipline has been reworked to the Aegii division, largely in honor of our resident Ethereal and notable master of the art of this discipline of psionics. The meaning and purpose of this division will become extremely apparent for even the casual observer, and dispel any confusion over the previous name.
There are three identified sub-disciplines of the Aegii Discipline:
MURUS: The Murus of the Aegii discipline are the users of Aegii psionics purely for defense, particularly the utilization of shields, both personal and otherwise, to protect themselves and allies from danger. The size of these are not taken into account, only their intention.
PRAESIDO: As the Murus utilize psionic shields defensively, those of the Praesido discipline utilize shields offensively against enemies. This includes the creation of shields within the bodies and limbs of enemies, vertical shields to knock enemies off balance, and the creation of box prisons where enemies can be crushed within them.
FABAS: A newer sub-discipline of Aegii psionics pioneered by Geist, it is the art of manipulating psionic barriers into more tangible shapes and structures. In this way entire barricades or buildings can be created out of nothing but psionics. It is considered one of the most difficult fields of psionics to understand and utilize, but the members of this sub-discipline can manipulate the Aegii psionics like no others.
TELEKINESIS: There have been no name changes to this discipline as it already reflects accurately the nature and utilization of it. However, this discipline in particular has exploded in terms of potential as we have realized the true extent to which Telekinesis can be applied on a micro scale and continued focus on control over large-scale displays of power. Thus, it has and continues to receive new sub-disciplines as they are researched and added.
The four sub-disciplines identified are the following:
VECTORS: These psions are users of what is commonly defined as 'large-scale' acts of telekinesis. Abilities and displays of power which have major impacts on the battlefield, such as toppling buildings, lifting armies into the air and destroying them, stopping physical projectiles and turning them to their source. Vectors are commonly recognized as among the most powerful and versatile psions in existence.
VOLANT: In contrast to the Vectors, Volant Telekines are those who use telekinesis in more precise ways. Instead of lifting entire armies, they will focus on one or two individuals and eliminate them with simple actions such as crushed organs or snapped necks. They are quick and professional, sometimes using thrown objects as projectiles instead of direct assaults. They are also capable of more delicate and non-violent uses of telekinesis as well.
ARSENAL: This is one of the newest sub-disciplines developed which is still being experimented on. It is the usage or wielding of heavier or multiple projectile weapons and manipulating them solely through the uses of telekinesis. XCOM Research and Development, as well as Engineering, is working develop specialized Arsenal weaponry which includes telekine-only mechanisms to fire weapons, synched camera-to-HUD for utilization for sniping purposes, and more. This is anticipated to be extremely useful in incorporating mobile laser platforms manipulated by telekinesis and not by any standard delivery or programmed platform, allowing precise or major devastation of enemy lines from vectors they cannot protect from. The promise of this sub-discipline is extremely high.
NANOKINESIS: This is one of the most difficult sub-disciplines to master, and to date there is only one individual who has actually managed to utilize the sub-discipline. Due to the incredibly versatile nature of applying telekinesis on the molecular level, it is quite possible that there will be additional sub-divisions for this particular sub-discipline.
Something which will become apparent to anyone who studies psionics is that the more abstract one takes psionics, the more powerful they become. We currently have an understanding of psionics in what I would describe as a primitive way. We see their impact on the world, their ability to destroy, read minds, and otherwise manipulate reality. But psionics is capable of altering the world on a fundamental level.
We had assumed that there was a limit to the reach of psionics, some arbitrary barrier which we could not go past, and we, as Humans have a tendency to go upwards instead of down. We see psionics as being capable of destroying planets, dominating thousands of minds – things we know are possible – and instinctively wonder if they could destroy entire star systems or galaxies as well.
The answer is, of course, yes. It is possible.
But what happens if one goes the opposite direction? If one looks to the micro scale instead of the macro? Let us consider the applications of telekinesis on a molecular level. Such precise telekinetics is capable of creating ionic channels as demonstrated by the Sovereign Agent Crevan to create lightning – a feat one might consider magic – but this is a basic utilization of telekinesis at this level.
At the atomic level, a telekine could have the potential to break molecules apart – and put them together. What happens to the immediate atmosphere if a telekine can break apart O2 atoms and deprive the area of oxygen, or subsequently create them to create breathable air? They could turn the air to poison at a whim or turn armor into brittle scrap.
The implications for such utilizations of telekinesis are both terrifying and exhilarating. It is something we know is possible to achieve, and we can only assume the reason there are not more – specifically Ethereal – users of this sub-discipline is because it requires being able to visualize and operate on an atomic level – something that is extremely hard to do.
Yet it is a goal, and one we shall strive to learn and study. Because whoever can master Nanokinesis will have the ability to affect reality itself in a way our current utilization of psionics cannot come even close to displaying.
TELEPATHY: This is another definition that has forgone a name change due to it being unnecessary. It is also a discipline which has also been greatly expanded as the full potential of telepathy itself is being realized more and more, in a similar way to how telekinesis has been. In particular revelations from Axis and Aegis have helped shape our understanding of aspects of telepathy we had previously not been able to predict or identify.
There are four identified sub-disciplines of Telepathy:
DOMINI: These are telepaths who use their telepathy in offensive ways. The most famous of whom for Humanity was Patricia Trask, who was capable of taking control of, and forcing aliens to turn on each other and otherwise sow chaos and devastation in alien lines. There is theoretically very little to stop a Domini from utilizing their control creatively, or as mercifully or sadistically as they want. It is these concerns about telepathy from which ideas which led to the creation of the Manchurian Restraints were born. Domini are respected and treated warily by allies for understandable reasons, and greatly feared by aliens and enemies of Humanity – also for good reason.
SOLII: The Solii take their telepathic abilities, and instead of using them to attack enemies, focus them instead on allies to protect them, fortify their minds, inspire or otherwise be the center of morale and determination when all may seem lost. It is the iron will of the Solii which have kept lines from collapsing, given outnumbered allies a sense of courage, and otherwise stood as beacons of hope on an ever-horrific battlefield. These are also the psions who are capable of enhancing the coordination of small teams of soldiers, turning them into fighting forces which cannot be completely matched by regular soldiers.
MEMETIC: This is the newest telepathic sub-discipline we have learned of, from the Zudjari Axis who is a noted user of the sub-discipline, as were several others in the Zudjari Mosaic. It is essentially the act of creating a telepathic 'virus' which can spread from individual to individual – psions in particular are targeted.
It functions as a passive command which is placed in a mind of an individual – not necessarily a psion – which will remain dormant until stumbled upon. When activated, the command will force itself into the psion's mind, and unprepared ones will eventually succumb to the command. Sometimes these commands involve infecting other individuals, or more simple commands such as committing suicide or killing others.
Memetics appear to be a largely untapped field of psionics, as even the Ethereals did very little experimentation with the concept of 'telepathic traps' out of the likely belief that such things were unnecessary. This is worth noting because it potentially allows a means for XCOM soldiers to be protected against telepathic attacks in addition to the Manchurian Restraints. While an Ethereal or Hive Commander is likely to be able to resist, the average Sectoid will be caught unprepared and succumb to a memetic command.
There also exists the potential of putting these memetic commands into psionically integrated technology, and in particular psionic computers such as those utilized by the Sectoids. Putting them into objects is not something we have discounted, either as traps or additional layers of security. Right now research continues with Axis on the creation and experimentation of more complex and powerful memetic commands. It is a relatively simply sub-discipline to learn, but its application is currently limited without additional approval from the Internal Council.
BIOPATHY: If Nanokinesis is the atomic utilization of telekinesis, Biopathy is the telepathic equivalent. Unlike the former however, there already exists a decent amount of research and experimentation on the sub-discipline, even if only provided by Aegis. Biopathy is the act of utilizing telepathy on a cellular level to cause changes and outcomes to living organisms.
One may think that single-celled organisms are too primitive to be able to be affected by telepathy. This is incorrect, as merely the mindset of the psion needs to be changed. These organisms still respond to stimuli, light and darkness, food and instinct. A single cell can be understood and ultimately manipulated to obey the will of the telepath.
This can have cascading effects on living complex organisms. It can result in injuries being healed in moments, flesh hardening and changing before your eyes, and regeneration which can lead to extended lifespans. On the other side it can break down organisms at the cellular level, turning them into organic sludge and slurry. The strongest flesh forged of genetic manipulation can be undone with mere telepathic commands.
These feats have been reported by eyewitnesses such as Axis, and confirmed in footage released to us by the Battlemaster. There are only two known users of Biopathy – the Ethereal twins Mortis'Ligna and Sana'Ligna. Currently no Humans have demonstrated similar capabilities, although now that we are aware that this is possible at all, we are working to replicate it.
Though like Nanokinesis, users of this sub-discipline will need to acquire a specific mindset. To manipulate cells, one must operate on their level.
TELEPORTATION: There was internal debate over how to handle the revelation that psionic teleportation was possible. Initially it was tried to be fit into one of the existing disciplines, but we quickly realized that no matter how much we tried, we could not fit it into an already-existing box – a new one had to be created.
Thus, the Teleportation discipline is the newest addition to the number of disciplines within the field of psionics. This is without a doubt one of the most intriguing of the disciplines in the context of how it handles and interacts with the Psionosphere. Of all the disciplines, Teleportation is perhaps the one where the Psionosphere is something one must know intimately to utilize, for the entire utilization of teleportation relies on the Psionosphere.
Much like how Gateways connect two points in the Psionosphere together, a Teleporter must do the same thing. The Teleporter will link two distinct points in the Psionosphere, create a portal, and move through it. Speaking with some of the few practitioners of Teleportation – all of them Agents of T'Leth – they have explained that initially it is like wading in a lake when you are blind. You don't know where you will end up or even what you are doing.
However, eventually one becomes attuned to the nuances of the Psionosphere. There emerges a pattern which one begins understand the Psionosphere, and how it is interposed over the natural world. Unfortunately, this means that Teleporters do not entirely think in terms of coordinates and points as useful in a technological or academic setting, but they do create something of a visual 'map' of the Psionosphere.
They are especially adept at doing this in their immediate vicinity. Veteran teleporters are often skilled enough to be able to walk through the Psionosphere in their immediate vicinity regardless of if they have been there before or not. However, this will not often stick in their minds, and they will only make an effort to memorize certain places – and memorization is perhaps the most reliable way to preserve information such as this, and the Psionosphere relies heavily on interpretation and metaphysical senses that cannot easily be translated onto physical mediums.
It is the most difficult discipline to master, and it appears that the Trask level of the individual determines how easily one can navigate the immediate Psionosphere – which is the area the Teleporter currently resides in. Range is not tied to Trask level, as all that is required are specific points in the Psionosphere to connect, and all it would affect is the number of 'jumps' a Teleporter would need to take if moving through unfamiliar Psionosphere territory.
It should be noted that Teleportation is a dangerous field to experiment with, and why all Teleporters have an innate sense of paranoia and caution when they use their abilities. Miscalculation could mean being stranded in space, landing underwater, or manifesting inside a physical object – which can cause significant harm or death if one is not careful.
Nonetheless, it is one of the most versatile and useful disciplines of psionics, especially in a war such as this, and we are actively looking for psionic candidates to begin training in this discipline. There are actually two sub-disciplines we have identified.
WALKERS: These are Teleporters that primarily use their abilities solely for teleportation of themselves or others. They are capable of creating portals large enough for groups of soldiers, and have an extremely detailed understanding of the immediate Psionosphere as well as a collection of other useful points they can always travel too. They are the ultimate contingency plan, and are very difficult to find, kill, or hold as a result.
TRAVELERS: These are Teleporters who are not only skilled in their own personal teleportation, but also the offensive usage of teleportation. These include opening portals to dangerous places and throwing enemies into them – or bringing elements to the current location such as lava, water, or poison gas. They can be especially creative and often have in mind the locations of many dangerous places they have stumbled upon, and are just waiting to turn them against their enemies.
SOVEREIGN LEVEL PSIONICS
With the discussion on the capabilities of psionics, another point which must be addressed is the capabilities of the Sovereign Ones in the context of psionics. Already we have seen from the Agents of T'Leth that the psionic powers they use are blue in color, not purple or transparent. Speaking with the Chronicler and T'Leth himself, it appears that the color of psionics indicates the intensity, or 'purity' of the psionic power in question being used.
Blue-colored psionics are presumably a purer manifestation of psionics, while purple is a less pure manifestation. It is unknown for the moment exactly what determines this potential purity. Currently it seems like only Dynamo, Aegii, and Teleportation psionics are affected in this way, while Telekinesis and Telepathy are not. The Chronicler has put forward the suggestion that it could have to do with genetics, as he and other Agents have been extensively modified on a genetic level.
Experiments are underway to test this theory, as it has not been explored by T'Leth himself or other species to his knowledge.
We can also only assume that Sovereign Ones are capable of utilizing psionics on a much grander scale than we are. We can only guess as to the Trask Level of T'Leth if such a scale could be applied to him, but it is estimated to be more powerful than even the Imperator (This is not confirmed, however). Yet there have been no actual demonstrations of power by T'Leth apart from the telepathic protection through the Sovereign Orbs.
It should be noted that it does appear that T'Leth and his Agents are keeping some secrets regarding psionics to themselves for one reason or another. The very nature of the Sovereign Orbs is unknown, and we are unsure if it is a byproduct that T'Leth organically produces (which would explain how it is telepathically linked to him) or a piece of technology manufactured somewhere unknown.
As of this point, T'Leth has flatly refused to allow the investigation of the Sovereign Orbs. For now, we are following this wish though we are planning to bring it up again in the future.
There does also appear to be, as demonstrated by the Chronicler in his fight with Quisilia, a means of actively locking down the Psionosphere or otherwise preventing teleportation. How this works the Chronicler has been vague on, only stating that he doesn't remember doing it, and any such ability would have been done directly by T'Leth with himself as a vessel.
Considering the Chronicler has not reported amnesia as a side effect of being an Agent, it is likely he is lying. Should we enter a situation where this knowledge is critical, I request we press him further and not merely rely on him to do it again. T'Leth as well should be pressed on this particular ability – and if it could be extended to the Psionosphere as a whole.
The Agents of T'Leth are another mystery as to how they function. T'Leth appears to have a means to assuming control when he wants, but it is unknown if this is done at will or through some means the Agent utilizes. The Agents have declined to be examined closely and are tight-lipped about how their connection to T'Leth actually works, forcing us to speculate in response.
What we know is the following:
- All or most Agents are altered on a genetic level
- All Agents utilize extremely invasive and advanced technology and armor
- All Agents appear to have a direct connection to T'Leth
- All Agents can be 'possessed' by T'Leth when an unknown criteria is met
- All Agents are extremely long-lived or will be long-lived
- Agents are the only ones who can handle Sovereign Orbs safely
- All known Agents are psions or utilize some form of psionic powers
- No Agents have allowed us to know their genetic makeup or Trask Levels
- Some Agents appear to have knowledge of advanced psionic abilities that are withheld from XCOM
In the future we plan to press Sovereign Agents on the exact nature of their makeup and their connection to T'Leth. If he is interested in being our ally, we should also have an understanding of how his forces work. However, since the entire concept of an 'alliance' is new to him, we shall allow him time to adapt to the idea of sharing these kinds of secrets with allies.
PSIONICS AND INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY ADDENDUM
Progress on integrating psionics and technology has been made, and we are moving towards physical prototype of various weapons and equipment which draw upon the Psionosphere and will hopefully manifest it in the ways we desire. If successful, it has the potential to revolutionize how this war is waged and even how our psions operate on the field of battle.
Preliminary reports on this will be delivered shortly.
In addition, we are working closely with ADVENT in terms of understanding and adapting Gateway technology for our own usage. Their discovery regarding the freeform targeting nature of the Gateway opens up significant possibilities which the Internal Council is excited about, and interested in exploring further. In particular we are providing assistance to Project Searchlight, which intends to map the Psionosphere for usage in the physical world as well as to be more understandable by non-Teleporters, as well as Project Exosphere, which intends to establish teleportation points on planets within the Solar System which we can then build Gateways to and take over these planets in surprise attacks.
Both projects have the potential to turn the tides of the war in our favor definitively, and as such we will continue providing them with whatever assistance they need without compromising T'Leth and his Agents as well as certain individuals within XCOM including Axis and Caelior.
CONCLUSION
If nothing else is taken away from this report, the thing which should is that we are far from mastering, let alone understanding the nature of psionics as well as the impact they can have upon reality. Their potential is far more than mind control, destruction, and lifting things into the air. We are already beginning to see that psionics becomes far more dangerous when used in creative and unexpected ways.
Perhaps it is a blessing in disguise that the Ethereals are so overwhelmingly powerful, as it has forced us to make due with our limited Trask Levels to form into something even they have difficulty expressing. Nanokinesis, Arsenal Telekinetics, Biopathy, all of these skills and abilities that we have developed to give us the best chance of survival possible.
Our species will continue breaking new ground in the ever-growing field; we will take inspiration from wherever we can find it, from the Zudjari, Ethereals, or Sectoids. But above all of this, we cannot ever be satisfied with what we have discovered. We must always continue pushing and exploring forward, for the day that we decide that we have accomplished enough, is the day which will seal our fall.
If we do not discover the secrets of psionics, then someone else will. We cannot afford to risk the chance that they will be on our side. Our species could quite literally depend upon it. The nature of psionics is too vast and terrifying for us to consider any other option than Humans being the masters of the Psionosphere.
We will claim this title in time, of that I am certain.