Summary: Commander Reeves has a talk with Volk about a possible ADVENT scientist who wants to defect over to XCOM. She's not keen on all the details. But, sometimes risks have to be taken.
"Volk." With a sharp tongue, her reply was curt. "This intel is nice and all, but I'm not seeing why I should risk the lives of my men just to 'rescue' this defecting scientist."
Commander Reeves ran her fingers through her hair, well, lack of hair. "With the intel regarding Durga, how heavily guarded this scientist is, and them being stationed at the city's most secure gene therapy clinics for pete's sake!" She paused for a moment to recompose herself. "It may be a setup by all means. To even pull off this rescue, we would need a major distraction."
Down in the Resistance Ring, so far, the meeting had been going well. Volk was relaying all the information his people had gathered about the scientist, City 22, and everything XCOM needed to know about Durga and her security detail. But the Commander wasn't liking it. It just seemed too risky. Especially with this Durga. She was dangerous. One misstep and they could lose both the VIP and a soldier.
"Commander Reeves." Volk replied, almost annoyed by the slight scolding. "We both know how dangerous VIP rescue operations can be, but from what my people gathered," he paused, a smirk slowly appeared, "not only has this scientist personally worked on the AVATAR project, but they also worked on you. The time when you were in that Stasis Suit." Some enticing information. "They have a lot of information they would like to share concerning both topics if you get them out alive."
Her eyes narrowed at him. She felt like he had held back that bit of information on purpose. Just a little something to nudge her. How she wanted to slap him. "That would be nice. But I'm still not putting my soldiers' lives on the line for this scientist." She shook her head. "Unless…"
"Unless what?"
"Backup." She smiled. "Some of your Reapers to help play lookout and possibly provide a distraction of sorts for my soldiers. Get someone like Marrow again if whichever outfit he works for doesn't mind."
He grunted at the mention of Marrow. More or so to the mention of that sub-faction he came from."You already haveElena."
"Yes, but the rest of my men are not as silent as her." She crossed her arms. "The window for this operation is quite slim from what you told me, as they will be moving the scientist soon. I'd rather have extra eyes to make sure my people come back with minimal casualties."
Volk grumbled, rolling his eyes as he took a sip from his mug. He thought for a few moments. "I may have a man." He mumbled, hand scratching his chin. "The same one who gathered this information is the one Marrow reported to." There was a terseness in his voice as if he was trying to stay polite and not curse. "He knows that city like the back of his hand. Perhaps…"
"Perhaps…?" She gestured for him to continue.
"Perhaps I can contact him to you." He paused again, a grumble slipped his lips. "If I can get a hold of him. Still busy hunting for Marrow and doing his usual hunts."
She raised a brow at that. "Having trouble keeping contact with 'family'?"
He scoffed at that. "He's a bit of a special case. Sometimes he reports to both me and… Fayruz."
"Really now? Sounds like another 'questionable' Reaper you've got there." She raised her hand to mouth to stifle a chuckle. She could just feel the venom slipping through.
"In his words, 'Gotta keep the tensions low and the family together somehow, Volk. And I can't let Fayruz have all the fun raiding ADVENT armories'." He used air quotes. "But he's still loyal to most of the Reaper ways and is dependable."
"Hmm." She tapped her lip. "Strange one you got there."
He chuckled. "I'll get in contact with him as soon as I'm able to and see if he and his little crew would like to provide backup."
"And if he agrees?"
"I'll let you know, and he'll find your people."
She hemmed and hawed for a bit, tapping at her chin. Thinking. "Sounds like a deal." Perhaps it was worth the risk.
"I expect a little something in return."
"To be expected. We can hash out the details later."
"Until we speak again, Commander." He chuckled. "Volk out." Their conversation ended.
Commander Reeves sighed, closing her eyes. "Mmm, a lot of risk with this possible operation. Have to carefully select the crew. Think of their strengths and weaknessssss…aaah." Her eyes closed tighter as her words trailed off into a pained hiss. She could feel a headache coming on.
Return to Us.
"Dammit, not now." She grumbled under her breath. The calls were starting up again. She was glad it was just her in the room. She shuddered as she felt a familiar pull on the back of her skull. She could feel them reaching for her. She took in several deep breaths, steadying herself and her thoughts. I will not be your thrall again. She thought.
You will be reclaimed. All will be forgiven.
Lies. She knew better. They were just a den of vipers. They spoke sweet words, but all was poison.
You are the light to what lies ahead.
She winced when she felt them pull more, Their voices growing louder, but something else sent a chill through her body.
Help me.
Help us.
It was faint, but she recognized it and another feeling. Hands. Grabbing hands. She kept her eyes tightly shut. She would not look. She could still see the twisted, wailing faces. Faces full of torment and despair.
"No, no, no…" She muttered.
She could soon hear them. Wailing voices competed with the calls from the Elders, if not drowning out their calls in a matter of seconds. It was deafening. She felt like she was losing herself in all the wailing. She could feel their grief, their pain. She could feel whatever was tormenting them. Consuming them. Chaos. Just… chaos.
"Hey! Commander!"
Just when she thought her head was going to cave in, a firm voice and a hearty shake brought her back.
"Huh? What?" Her eyes flew open. She looked around before noticing a hand on her shoulder. It was Central.
"You alright? Jynn?" A hint of worry crossed his face. He tightened his grip on her shoulder.
She let out a sigh. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just lost in my thoughts."
"Those must have been some deep thoughts." There was a hint of skepticism in his voice.
"I'm fine." She put on a smile. "Just thinking of the mess Volk has offered for us and how to pull off the operation."
He narrowed his eyes at her. He could tell something was off. The smile was fake. Another mask of hers. He hated it. But he wouldn't push it for now.
"So," he set his tablet down on the table, "how did the meeting go?"
"I would say mostly well, minus I'm learning Volk likes to hide some details." Her brow twitched.
He chuckled. "He has his moments and likes to sweeten his side of the deal."
"Hard to believe how much he's changed." She shook her head. "I'm starting to remember that operation in Alaska before the invasion really started."
"You're remembering that?" His eyes lit up.
"Bits and pieces. Chryssalid. Lots and lots of Chryssalids." She shuddered. "They were lucky we didn't have to firebomb the place like that fishing village in Newfoundland."
"You remember that one too?"
"In excruciating detail." She shuddered once more. "Kept me from eating fish for a few weeks, and you know how much I love fish."
Central chuckled, holding back a laugh. "I remember. And remember you also decking Sergeant Beckart for the prank he pulled a week after that operation. Had to keep you from going after the others."
"Oh, that wise ass…" She gritted her teeth. "He was lucky the scientists could neutralize the venom from that Chryssalid claw fairly quickly!"
He laughed. "Well, a temporary demotion, broken nose, black eye, and an earful in four different languages set him straight. Same with the others." He caught his breath. "Surprised you have the mouth of a sailor in Japanese." He smirked deviously. "Something about gouging out his eyes and ramming a stick down hi—"
"You still remember that!?" She bristled, her cheeks turning a bright red. She narrowed her eyes. "Wait… You don't even know Japanese… last I remember."
"Yes, I remember that day. Can't quite forget the Commander being slightly high due to the effects of the antidote." He smirked. She bristled again. "And I've been picking up bits and pieces of a few languages over the years. Learned a bit of Japanese. We've got a guy, Takamura. You may recognize him when he gets to North America. An old soldier from back in the day. Injuries had him switch roles to helping fledgling cells when he's not cooking." He chuckled. "I may not be polyglot like you, but knowing a few things has helped with connecting with resistance cells."
She let out an exasperated sigh, covering her face with her hands. Well, it was nice to know she might meet another old face, but embarrassment was bloating that out. "Of all the days you remember, you remember that."
"Sorry, Jynn." He chuckled and patted her back. She only groaned in response. That was an embarrassing day for her.
A few minutes of silence passed.
"Anything new?" Commander Reeves still had her face covered by her hands.
"Got another message from Fayruz. One of the smaller Havens the Silent Striders protects got hit and hit badly." He told her.
"How bad?"
"A total massacre." He shook his head. "Only a handful escaped."
"Ghost Butcher again?"
"Yes. Same M.O. Same 'unkillable' leader that likes his axes and taking off heads."
She shook her head, finally pulling her hands away from her face. The news angered her. "We're going to have to lend them a hand, but we can't put off our meeting with the Templars."
"Depending on how the VIP operation and a few planned raids go, we may be able to head their way and at least help a few of the Havens relocate." He suggested. "Technically, they will be on the way for our journey to America."
"That… Could… Work." She nodded. "But it all depends. We are on a bit of a time crunch."
"Right."
"Keep that plan on the back burning just in case something opens up."
"Will do that, Commander." He nodded.
"Also keep your eye out for Volk calling us again. He said he would see if one of his people would lend a hand for the VIP operation. A 'wayward' Reaper" She said. "If he manages to get ahold of them and twist their arm, the operation is a go."
"A 'wayward' Reaper?" He questioned before chuckling. "Times are changing if they're putting aside their differences more and more. Wonder if Volk will finally touch alien tech." He chuckled.
She nodded. "I don't think he'd compromise that much."
They agreed on that.
The two discussed a few more things until they noticed the time. Commander Reeves had a health check-up she needed to be at. They soon headed to the Infirmary. There was silence between the two, besides the usual hum and buzz of the ship, as they walked. Commander Reeves was buried in her thoughts. Central was distracted by his tablet. Reports to check on.
"Hey… John." A heavy sigh broke the silence.
"Hm? Yes?" He looked up from his tablet. Something about that sigh worried him.
"I have something to tell you…." She bit her lip. "Something I haven't been too keen on sharing."
"What is it?"
"Can't tell you now… too many… ears." She looked around.
That worried him more. He placed a hand on her shoulder. "The usual?"
She nodded. "Yes, tonight."
"I'll make sure I'm there."
"Thank you." She softly smiled.
The smile was some slight reassurance to him, but he could tell something was eating at her.
"Well." She stopped in her tracks. "See you in a few hours."
"Huh?" At first, he was confused and then he noticed his surroundings. "Oh, right." He shook his head. "Hope everything goes well, Jynn." He gave her a few hearty pats on the back.
"Ow, ow, ow." She flinched. "Still like a twig!" She punched his shoulder.
He chuckled. "Sorry." With that, he left to make his rounds.
A few hours later, Central was on the Bridge issuing orders and fielding calls. Volk eventually called back. He got in contact with the "wayward" Reaper. The man's name was Bones. He was more than willing to aid them in the operation. Overeager in a way. He tossed in the stipulation they lent some resources as his crew was expending quite a bit to locate his man, Marrow. Central agreed to that.
Central relayed the information over to the Commander as soon as he could. With the go-ahead, he selected the troops that would be best for the operation. Only the best of the best and those who could show some restraint. They wanted to be as quiet as possible for this op. Going loud was the last thing they wanted to do. They needed to avoid casualties.
With that done and a little prodding from Dimitri, and others on the Bridge, Central went to his quarters to take a quick nap. He figured he needed to be fairly awake for whatever the Commander had to tell him later.