Crackdown

The Chronicler's Sanctum, Unknown – Australia

11/11/2016 – 7:17 P.M.

Abby finally allowed herself a brief moment of respite, as she washed her hands of the blood that had gotten on them. Treating the survivors had taken up all her time, where she'd tried her best to set broken bones and bandage the other less severe wounds. None of them had discussed what had happened yet, and right now most of them were in a sedated sleep thanks to the Chronicler keeping an unusually robust medical cabinet.

That done, she walked to the steel fridge and pulled out a bottle of water, not even wondering if she should be doing that in his own home, but she didn't particularly care right now. Now she could finally look around and see just how strange this place really was.

The Chronicler's home, for that's what it had to be, was definitely in some kind of cave. The walls were angled, jagged, and a smooth reflective grey that was cool to the touch. She didn't see any light sources, but everything was still illuminated enough for her to navigate, but at the same time not overwhelming.

What was maddening was that there seemed to be no pattern to the layout, and she still had yet to figure it out. There were multiple different rooms, all connected via stone corridors, and each room was obviously for one purpose only. There was a kitchen and living room-like area, with top of the line equipment and furniture, and a medical suite with a wide range of drugs and even an operating table which she'd put to use.

But what made no sense was that those were the only two rooms she'd been in, and hadn't encountered any others yet…despite deliberately taking different routes, either by mistake or to see if there was a different path. That hadn't become readily apparent until now, but unless this was just a two-room cave with no exit, she was missing something.

"Thank you, agent," Harper said wearily, also walking up to her after he'd made sure his soldiers were sedated. "There are a few more survivors thanks to you. I wouldn't have been able to help them enough." He did look better, now that his own wound had been properly treated and there were bandages around his head and eye, in addition to his other superficial wounds.

He still looked awful.

She shrugged. "It's my job. Or was anyway. So what happened?"

He sighed and leaned on the counter, looking off into space, arms crossed as he continued in a forced emotionless voice. "We were attacked, as you can guess. First it was Chryssalids, an entire swarm. We'd not seen any indication of loose packs before now, so it caught us by surprise. We lost a few to them, but Chryssalids die fairly easily, and the…infected were easy enough to put down."

Abby nodded, pursing her lips. "And then that thing showed up."

It wasn't a question, and Harper wordlessly nodded. "Cut through everyone like it was nothing. Nothing we did could even scratch it. Bullets were just stopped, and our own gear was pretty much tissue paper against its sword. Within a blink, a dozen men were dead, and in another few seconds, another dozen. I ordered some of us to retreat and barricade ourselves in the barracks and command centers, thinking maybe enclosing it would give us a better chance."

Abby recalled the carnage, even within the few she'd explored. "You were up against a psion. A powerful one at that. Nothing you could do. Trust me, I've seen how useless we are against psions."

"Mhmm." He looked to her. "So…did you know about Lucas? Assuming that's his name?"

Her lips twitched. "For some time now. He asked me not to say anything. He doesn't have a name as far as I can tell. Aliases at best. Calls himself 'the Chronicler'. Make of that what you will."

Harper let out a loud sigh, looking to the cavern ceiling. "Well, that explains a lot. Like how he's always off on his own, or takes an interest in your deployments, and always seems to know everything. I just assumed he was good at what he did…"

Abby interrupted with a humorless chuckle. "He most certainly is. Just not in what you think."

"So…why?" He asked, despair tinging his voice. "Why isn't he with XCOM? Or helping us? He can't actually think we couldn't use this."

"He doesn't like the idea of working for anyone," Abby said, grimacing as a cool breeze washed over them. "And he's been helping, I won't dispute that. Our major victories? You can thank him for that, just helping in the background. I don't really know his motivations, but he does have a plan." Her shoulders slumped. "I just have no idea what it is anymore."

"I guess the question is what happens now," Harper mused. "Unless he plans to kill us, his secret's out, and I have no intention of keeping it from ADVENT. We could have done so much more if I'd known we had a psion, and even if he helped us, that doesn't mean he's suddenly forgiven."

Abby pinched the bridge of her nose. For some reason, she didn't think the Chronicler was going to like that. "Good luck. Want to walk with me? I want to try and map this place out. Maybe find some way to contact XCOM."

"I've got nothing better to do," he said, pushing himself up, and followed her into the corridor.

"Once we get out, do we just leave?" Abby asked. "With how many have died…"

"I won't know until I can determine just how much of our network is compromised," Harper answered. "At the very minimum…we won't be able to recover for several months. Operations in the other Oceanic nations may be compromised as well. I think-"

He abruptly stopped as they stepped into a markedly different room, this one the largest of all. It was a perfect square, in the center was an elevated metal platform with a clear pool of water underneath. Along each wall were metal consoles of some kind, with screens that extended to the ceiling.

The entire room was filled with ambient blue light, and opposite them were two additional exits on each corner. "This is…interesting…" Abby said slowly, taking a cautious step forward. "I don't think we're supposed to be here."

"Probably not," Harper agreed, walking to the platform. "But I'm curious now."

Abby followed him and walked onto the empty platform, looking around once on it and still not seeing what the point of it was. There was a small console on the corner, with buttons in some kind of language she couldn't begin to decipher. It was definitely similar to the markings on his armor though. She cautiously reached to it and jerked her hand back as hundreds of micro-wire things sprouted from in between the button, hovering in the air for a few seconds before moving back into the console. "What the fuck?"

"I think we should leave," Harper said upon seeing that, his eyes darting around the room to the other consoles. "I do not like that."

They quickly departed and walked into the leftmost corridor, and soon stepped out into a much smaller room with no exit. It was a simple rectangle, with a walkway with black water rushing underneath. At the end was a strange organic….pedestal, and on top of it was one of those psionic artifacts she'd seen the Chronicler use.

She frowned and took a step forward, wondering if it was another, or the same one. The blue globe rippled with an inner light, and the pedestal seemed to be clinging to it. The whole area seemed oddly sacred. "Look at the walls," Harper said quietly. "What is this?"

She glanced to the walls and could swear the room got colder, and the sound of the water rushing became louder. On the walls were lines and lines of the alien text, over and under diagrams and markings depicting things she didn't even know how to begin to describe. Some of the outlines looked like the orb at the end of the room, and there were even more shapes and figures. Pyramids, tesseracts, cubes, and things that didn't seem possible to make.

Abby felt an urge to look at the orb more closely, as it seemed to be glowing brighter on the inside. "Agent, I don't think we should be here either," Harper cautioned as she walked forward. "This isn't right."

She ignored him, and kept walking forward slowly, and was now able to hear…things, just on the edge of her consciousness. She couldn't be sure if they were her imagination or not, but it was something like barely perceptible whispers, muttering in alien tongues. The orb grew brighter as she approached, and the closer she got, the more she felt a presence.

It emanated from the blue orb, and it felt old.

"I wouldn't touch that," the chiding voice of the Chronicler warned, as he appeared right beside the orb. She suddenly shook her head, as if snapped out of a trance. The orb wasn't glowing any brighter, and the room was silent.

"What was that?" She demanded.

"Something you would have regretted if you'd gotten closer," he answered, walking up to her. "In simple terms, you would not be Abigail Gertrude any longer."

"Hello…Chronicler," Harper said as he also walked up, his face stony. "Thank you for helping."

The Chronicler sighed. "You can feel betrayed if you wish; it is earned, but it was necessary. I cannot explain it to either of you, but you'll have to trust me here."

"Really?" Harper demanded incredulously. "Trust you? Give me one reason to do that!"

The Chronicler arched one snowy eyebrow. "Because I saved your life, and more importantly, I plan to avenge this attack. I would prefer to leave your mind untampered with, but if you force me, I will take appropriate measures."

"I might just prefer amnesia to this," he growled. "It's nice you want to fight back, but we'll see what ADVENT wants to do with you once we get in contact."

"Harper…" Abby warned, seeing the Chronicler smile.

"Amnesia is a simple and unnecessary solution," he said dismissively. "Think carefully, Harper. If I'd been so obviously helping you this whole time, not only would the Ethereals have figured out what was happening faster, it's unlikely any of us would be here now. Furthermore, you have a poor understanding of psionics if you think I'm just going to risk someone in your state exposing me preemptively. Now." He raised a finger.

"Everyone needs to think calmly and rationally about this. The alien retreated after I dealt severe injuries to her multiple times, and I was unable to kill her. Unfortunate, but she can be dealt with in the future. The Ethereals now know there is a psion here, which poses a problem for you."

"And I assume you have a solution?" Abby asked.

"Yes," he nodded. "You return to XCOM, and let me fight the war here. I assure you I can do a much better job, and keep at least a few Ethereals focused on me, while making sure they aren't turning their power on ADVENT. The Resistance here was always going to be defeated, but I can keep the aliens occupied for as long as needed. Now, if you doubt me, I can prove it."

Harper still looked angry, but his features had relaxed. "How?"

The Chronicler smiled. "I am going to attack Sydney."

ADVENT Command Center – Switzerland

11/11/2016 – 10:14 A.M.

The ornate and plush room always seemed like a waste whenever Saudia actually looked at it, especially when anytime she was in here, she was either staring at the TV or sitting around the table. Not actually using the admittedly nice and comfortable furniture. But during times like this, everything just faded into the background as the smoldering anger at what she was watching took precedence.

"I thought," she said very slowly and quietly. "Luana was handled."

The TV screen blasted a much, much different headline.

ADVENT INVADES URUGUAY. GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY.

Stein stood beside her, wearing simple military fatigues with her hair pulled back into a ponytail. She was clearly furious, which she only expressed through her stony face that Saudia had come to realize was something she only did when she was preparing to execute someone. Truthfully, Saudia was tempted to bring down the full might of the ADVENT justice system upon Luana. She'd certainly earned it.

However, justice would be determined by Stein. Still, this was unacceptable.

"I had thought I had made myself clear," Stein answered, just as slowly. "She seemed to understand as well. I had thought the matter resolved. I was clearly mistaken. She is a problem now, and one I am going to remove."

"Do it," Saudia stated immediately. "I want this situation contained immediately. In the meantime, I need to address this myself. What are you planning?"

"Commander Christiaens just countermanded all of her orders, and has stripped her of her rank," Stein said. "On the other hand, Luana is ignoring incoming communications from us, but her subordinates are keeping us informed. Director Falka is compiling a list of evidence."

"Idiot." Saudia shook her head. "What was she thinking?"

"She's a warmonger," Stein noted emotionlessly. "She'll take any excuse. The Peacekeeper bases being attacked was the only thing she needed, despite the fact that there is no evidence that Uruguay is behind it. The survivors are being interrogated now, and what I'm hearing right now is that there is more evidence that the aliens are behind it than Uruguay."

"Just what we needed," Saudia scowled. "The media is already having a field day. We need to make a strong statement of our own."

"She has done enough to constitute treason," Stein stated. "She will be arrested, tried, and executed as an enemy of the state. Leave the administration of justice to me, Chancellor. We will need a new leader for Brazil in the meantime."

"Just make sure you invite the media when you arrest her," Saudia said. "And what is the status of Uruguay now?"

"All our forces were ordered back, but not before they inflicted severe casualties on both Uruguayan military and civilian targets," Stein answered. "The Oversight Division will conduct a review, but I sincerely doubt that the fault lies with the soldiers. They were following the orders of an unstable woman we should have dealt with long ago."

"Great," Saudia muttered, turning on her heel to face Stein directly. "Find out everyone who signed off on this and administer justice. Everyone. I don't want just Luana, but her staff as well. Someone didn't follow protocol, and there will be very public consequences. We do not need a PR disaster right now."

"This is already a PR disaster, Chancellor," Stein pointed out. "We just need to mitigate the damage. I would suggest at minimum reparations for the families who lost members, and direct assistance in whatever they want. Make out a damn blank check to their government."

"I'll get it done," Saudia promised, not looking forward to any of this. "The Commander is not going to be happy."

Barracks, the Praesidium - Classified

11/11/2016 – 10:47 A.M.

It was always an interesting day to wake up and hear that ADVENT had invaded another country out of nowhere. Oliver and a few other XCOM soldiers were seated around one of the Barracks TVs, watching the news silently. "While ADVENT has released a statement calling the invasion a 'rogue and unsanctioned operation', it unfortunately does not erase the fact that the unprovoked attacks have left thousands of soldiers dead, and caused hundreds of civilian casualties. ADVENT has promised that the ones responsible will be punished, but at this point, there is some question as to if it will be enough."

Oliver almost rolled his eyes at that. News anchors annoyed him with their overdramatic speech, as if anyone rational would be thinking that right now. It would clearly have to be enough, because ADVENT certainly couldn't bring people back from the dead. What ADVENT was going to do would certainly be important, but he knew at best this would be viewed as a mistake, and very little would actually change. It wasn't as though nations were going to leave ADVENT. Worse, despite it being unprovoked, he was not unaware that there was a vocal group that advocated the hostile takeover regardless of justification, or lack thereof.

"Do they really not think Luana's behind this?" Terli Caixeta, one of the actual Brazilian soldiers asked. "Is it really that difficult to figure out?"

"She hasn't said anything, I think," Anna said slowly, shaking her head. "I'd think right now she's more concerned about convincing Stein not to arrest her."

"Please," Terli wrinkled his nose. "Marshal Luana would think she is completely justified in this. She's a good leader, but you don't put her in charge of a country because then she does stuff like this."

"I really want to know how this even happened in the first place," Sierra interjected. "Aren't there specific protocols to make sure something like this doesn't happen?"

"Supposedly," Oliver said, still watching the screen but not really listening. "The thing is we have no idea what actually happened. The only thing we know so far is that there were several large attacks on Peacekeeper outposts, and the next day Uruguay was invaded."

"And now a bunch of people died for nothing," Sierra said sourly. "If it were actually serious, ADVENT wouldn't have pulled out literally hours later. But when your military is literally unkillable compared to whatever the hell Uruguay has, a few hours is all you need to completely decimate them."

"I guess we'll see what they do," Anna shrugged. "Someone is probably getting executed for this. Invasions don't happen without a lot of approval."

"I'll be impressed if ADVENT does something beyond saying they're sorry," Sierra grunted, looking back to the TV screen. "Or paying the country with a few million Alloys. If they want to actually be different from the controlling totalitarians they enjoy being, they need to punish everyone involved."

Anna's lips curled into a smile. "Stein is a stone-hearted bitch, but this is the kind of stuff she loves. Say what you will about her, she won't leave a criminal unpunished. I'll say she'll likely be willing to go against the Chancellor if needed."

"We'll see," Sierra said skeptically. "I don't really trust ADVENT to do the right thing here."

"You know, all of this is distracting us from the more important question," Terli said suddenly. "If Uruguay didn't attack those Peacekeeper outposts…who did?"

ADVENT Peacekeeper Compound, Brasília - Brazil

11/11/2016 – 11:02 A.M.

Jaylin didn't have a specific clue as to what was going on at the moment. Upon reporting the attack, she'd been transported to the Brazilian capital and a few hours later transferred to the main Peacekeeper Compound, which was far more impressive and expansive than the ones she'd been in for the past few months.

Something was clearly happening beyond the attack, as there were an abundance of armed Peacekeepers, Riot Control, and she'd even seen some of the SSR speaking with ranking officers. If the SSR was involved…well, maybe the Peacekeepers were going to take the threat seriously. They needed to at this stage.

She'd been provided food, clothes, and other amenities, even if she wasn't allowed anywhere unsupervised. The initial medical check had likely been more to check if she was mentally sound…which she was as much as she could be. The whole event felt like a bad dream, but she knew it was very much real. They hadn't told her the casualties, but she imagined it was bad. The armor cam would probably tell the story better than she could.

Right now she was just sitting in an interrogation room in a wooden chair, facing one-way glass, and her arms resting on the wooden table. The security camera looked down at her from the corner, and she just stared up at it, waiting for something to happen. Finally the door creaked open and Jaylin straightened up, then shot to her feet when she saw who it was.

"Chief Stein!" What was actually happening? "How can I help-"

"Take a seat, Officer," Stein interrupted sternly, her grey eyes unblinking as she stared at Jaylin with the detached gaze that was curiously intimidating. Stein was surprisingly fully armored, rifle strapped to her back, and pistol and baton on her hip. The scarred gray armor was polished to dimly reflect the harsh light from the ceiling. She didn't have her helmet, but Jaylin thought she would get that when she needed it.

Her face was completely expressionless, and while Jaylin didn't know her well, she knew the more collected Stein was, the greater chance that something…important…was going to happen. Or brutal. No one had forgotten how she'd put down that riot. Jaylin complied and took a seat, nervous despite knowing she'd done nothing wrong. But Stein was a woman whose reputation and presence instilled at least some level of fear.

"You were one of the few to survive the attack on the Bagé Outpost," Stein stated as she took a seat opposite Jaylin, resting her gauntleted hands on the table. "Explain what happened."

Jaylin swallowed and gave a nod. "Yes. Around five in the evening, I was on watch and spotted several approaching figures. The terrorists we've been having trouble with. I informed the Base Watch, who questioned what I saw even though they sent reinforcements."

"Why?"

"It wasn't showing up on their cameras I guess," Jaylin explained. "Then moments later we were suddenly surrounded by the terrorists who'd somehow gotten into the base. Things deteriorated after that, and the shooting started. That's when things got…strange."

"I've looked at the armor footage from the survivors, including yours," Stein said. "The reality paints a much different picture. There were several terrorists, but not the dozens both you and others claimed. It also doesn't account for the strange actions taken, such as hiding behind non-existent cover, or claiming to see things that are, or are not there."

"I don't know what to say," Jaylin defended. "That is what I saw. I don't know how else to explain it. I knew something was wrong, but I didn't know what was going on. Base Watch was compromised or dead, so I found who I could and retreated. Whatever they were doing…it worked."

Stein gave a single nod. "How familiar are you with psionics?"

Jaylin frowned. "Not especially, I know some things it can do. That alien in Japan was one, yes? Aren't some XCOM soldier's psions as well? Telekinetics, mind control and shields, right?"

Stein's lips twitched in…amusement? "Yes…your story doesn't make sense, but it correlates to other survivors, and fully fits the description of a psionic attack. These terrorists, they have never utilized psionics before?"

"No," Jaylin shook her head. "Attacks have strictly been sabotage, assassination, and small-scale attacks. If they had psions, I would have expected them to use them before now."

"I agree," Stein laced her fingers together. "Which means these terrorists have somehow figured out how to awaken psions, or they are receiving alien support. Have you recovered or reported anything that indicates this?"

Jaylin shook her head once more. "No. But we have yet to capture one alive, or even recover intact gear. But they've never used plasma or laser weapons, nor special grenades. Their attire also doesn't match alien clothing or armor. If they're getting help from the aliens, it must be a recent development."

"Troubling," Stein looked her in the eyes. "Do you know if these terrorists are connected to any foreign power aside from the aliens?"

"If they are, we haven't found any connection," Jaylin confirmed. "We don't even have names, structure, or actual specs on what they use, much less motivations or goals. Honestly, it's more likely this is a privately funded group instead of one backed by a government. Quite possible a rogue intelligence or special forces agency." Jaylin paused and risked continuing. "Frankly, Chief Stein, this is not something we are equipped to solve. This is something more for ADVENT Intelligence to investigate. All we can do is react and try to extrapolate from there. I've requested assistance before."

"I'm aware," Stein acknowledged. "However, there have been other matters we needed to focus on. However, this has now become a larger threat. You are certain it was only these terrorists who attacked, possibly with alien support?"

Jaylin frowned. "I don't think we have enough information to say either way but…yes. At the very minimum it was the terrorists, and no one else. We don't have enough to accuse anyone if that's what you're wondering."

"A smart officer who doesn't jump to conclusions," Stein commented wryly. "Perhaps you should be in charge of Brazil. No matter. The situation has deteriorated since you arrived and we've attempted to sort out the mess. Your outpost was not the only one that was attacked. There were two others of equal size and along the border. All had survivors, and reported roughly the same thing you did."

Jaylin didn't know if the fact that she wasn't losing her mind was a good or bad thing. "Not good," she muttered. "What's our response going to be? And for me-"

"Director Falka is beginning an operation to find and kill these terrorists," Stein interrupted. "This will be done with Peacekeeper and SSR support, and as you are the highest ranking survivor, with experience on these terrorists, you will be working with them. It is likely XCOM is also going to be involved, since this will likely have an alien component. I trust you are fine with this?"

It wasn't as though she had a choice, but she was definitely fine with it. "Yes sir. My partner was also a survivor and has similar experience-"

"Yes, he can stay on with you," Stein preemptively approved blandly. "However, there is more you need to know. After you reported the attack, and more information came in, Marshal Luana took it upon herself to invade Uruguay in retaliation, and took the government into custody and destroyed much of their military."

Jaylin straightened further and blinked in shock. "What? Did they actually find out-"

"No." Stein stated flatly, almost hissing. "Marshal Luana simply acted in her own interest and stupidity, and in doing so, has created a major international incident. We have pulled out since then, but Luana has overstepped her bounds for the last time. We've been more lenient than we should have, and in a short time we are going to arrest her and place the entirety of the Brazilian Legion Military Cabinet under the control of the Oversight Division. The Chancellor wants this fixed personally, and Luana will be arrested, tried, and executed for insubordination and treason."

She stood. "Suit up, you're going to participate in this operation. I anticipate we're going to need some protection from the crowds and media."

Jaylin stood numbly as Stein left the room without saying anything else, and moved to follow.

This day had certainly gotten a lot more interesting.

Executive Tower, Montevideo - Uruguay

11/11/2016 – 11:11 A.M.

Saudia believed that it would be prudent to speed up Gateway development, since it would certainly cut down on the hectic flights and trips when crises arose. After giving her brief update to the media, now she needed to meet with the Uruguayan government, who thankfully were all still alive, if a bit shaken.

She'd look at the reception to her speech once this was done, as she hadn't had time to pay attention to the immediate response while she brought herself up to speed on the situation. Stein was getting ready to arrest Luana, and in the meantime, she'd personally try and smooth over diplomatic relations with Uruguay.

Kyong had assured her that he was perfectly capable of doing the same thing, but she had been able to convince him the optics would be much better if she directly participated herself. Her small entourage consisted of Kyong, Commander Christiaens, and the Chief Overseer Kevin Watkins. Saudia figured that since the Oversight Division was going to be getting their first major investigation, that it would be good to have him there to assure the President that this wouldn't happen again.

The political response to the event had definitely been bad. Argentina and Chile had announced an alliance against ADVENT aggression, for all the good it would do them. The EU had universally condemned the attack, and for once public support was on their side. Even China felt bold enough to release a statement criticizing the standards that led to this, without necessarily condemning them.

The biggest problem was going to be the new SAS, who were almost certainly going to gain a few more nations into their little empire. Every time until now an operation of this scale and consequences had been justified, and it only took one mistake for people's faith to be shaken, which was not what they needed, and was going to be a blow to morale especially in the light of the victory in America.

Not unless they fixed this fast.

The Executive Tower of Uruguay was rather plain as far as government buildings went, but was nonetheless the seat of executive power in the country, and where President Luis Carvallo had agreed to meet them. The older and gaunt man looked suitably exhausted, even as he had agreed to hold this conversation. He looked fine otherwise, and his wispy grey hair was perfectly in place, but she didn't fail to notice his nervous glances to her personal guard that accompanied her, and had visibly been relieved when they'd left.

In an ordinary office building, Saudia and her entourage sat at a thick wooden table, and on the other side were the President and some members of the Uruguay General Assembly, who were eyeing them with a mixture of suspicion and fear, which was admittedly for good reason. Once the door closed and both groups were alone, she decided to speak.

"Mr. President, I said this over our call, but I will repeat it again to apologize for the incident," she said, keeping her voice clear and controlled. "This should not have happened, and it will not again. I promised to determine those responsible and suitably punish them, in addition to reparations for our error."

"I will add my own apology," Commander Laura added earnestly. "This was caused by one of my subordinates, who we have been too lenient to, and some of the blame for this falls on me."

"We cannot bring back your citizens and loved ones, nor replenish your numbers," Kyong added. "But there are things we can do to help your nation rebuild and heal. That is what we are here to discuss. This was our error, and we expect nothing in return for this other than a wish for you to understand this was simply a mistake, and one we will fix."

"Words are nothing," the woman to the President's right spat, who Saudia recalled as Isabella Nores, President of the Chamber of Representatives. "You say you will fix this. How?"

"No, I want to know what you will do to the ones who invaded our country," Juan Gaos, President of the Senate Chambers interrupted. "The soldiers who came and slaughtered our people?"

"The soldiers were following orders," Laura answered. "They had no reason to believe the orders they were receiving were illegitimate. Punishing them will achieve nothing, and they already feel guilty for their role in this. I'm sure that your military advisors would say the same thing-"

"Not all of us are warmongering imperialists," Isabella sneered. "We don't make a habit of invading countries, and our soldiers are trained not to follow illegitimate orders. Invasion is one of them. But I suppose it's just something so familiar none of your soldiers question it!"

"We do it when justified, and we will not apologize for it," Saudia cut off Laura before she could respond, lifting a hand. "This is a case where it was not. We won't punish soldiers who followed their orders as expected. However, this was a failure through multiple chains of command, of those who did know better. That is what we can promise to fix."

"Indeed," Kevin continued, directing their attention to him. "You are likely not familiar with me, so to introduce myself, I am Chief Overseer Keith Watkins, of the ADVENT Oversight Division. My job entails ensuring that our standards are kept, and issues within ADVENT are discovered, investigated, and resolved."

"With all due respect, I believe you do not have a good track record here," President Carvallo said. "This was a systematic failure. One you failed to prevent."

"To an extent," Keith said neutrally, knowing full well he had recommended to Saudia before that Luana was not exactly reliable and should be replaced, but at least he'd kept that to himself. "Marshal Luana had technically not violated guidelines before now, which was why she retained her control. I am already working with the Congress of Nations to introduce legislation to refine the qualifications for dismissal. But ultimately, all we can do is work to improve in the future."

He laced his fingers together, taking a brief moment to gather his thoughts. Saudia watched with approval as the former FBI Director held their rapt attention. He certainly could command focus, which was certainly essential in his new position. "As you are already aware, Former Marshal Luana Russo will be arrested within hours by Chief Stein, and she will be tried and executed for insubordination and treason. My operation will consist of the thorough interrogation and investigation of the entirety of the Brazilian Legion Military Cabinet, and however far down this goes. Given the seriousness of the situation, I expect the investigation to conclude within one month, and all those who are arrested will be tried, convicted, and sentenced to somewhere between five years, or executed. It is impossible to fully tell this early in the investigation."

All members of the Uruguayan party looked surprised at his words. "While I can't prove that this will achieve the results I promise," Keith continued. "I will do my best to prove that I fully intend to find and punish those who have smeared our image and Directive we uphold. If you wish, I will keep the Uruguayan Government updated in every step of our investigation. While we will punish Former Marshal Russo ourselves, we are willing to negotiate the extradition of anyone we uncover during this investigation."

"That is…generous," President Carvallo said slowly. "You make very bold promises. I hope you will follow through on them. Chief Overseer, we certainly do wish to be informed of the results of your investigation."

"Certainly," Keith inclined his head. "Simply direct me to your point of contact, and I will personally ensure they receive it. With that said, understand that what they and you will receive is confidential and is not to be shared outside of those it is designated to. We take breaches seriously, and any leaks will result in the loss of your access."

"That is fair," President Carvallo nodded slowly. "Now what of the families of those you killed?"

"That is largely dependent on you," Kyong said earnestly. "At the moment, we are willing to pay each family who lost someone in our attack nine and a half million pesos. The exact amounts can of course be adjusted depending on family size and situation. In addition, we are also willing to pay off all debts and schooling for their children, should that be applicable."

That definitely shocked them. "That is nearly half a million US dollars," Isabella said in amazement. "How can you afford that?"

"We control a majority of the world economy, in addition to our own currency," Saudia answered. "While it certainly isn't a substitute for the loss of a loved one, we can at least ensure that their family no longer has to fear monetary troubles. Do not concern yourselves with our financial situation."

In terms of monetary value, this was not nearly as much as they were thinking it was. The amount of alloys ADVENT had recovered from the most recent battles had already paid for this ten times over. Not to mention their economy was nowhere near what would be considered healthy, making the investment not as large as it would be otherwise.

"In addition to the military damages sustained, we can of course assist in that as well," Laura said. "We are willing to replace all physical assets with the highest quality weapons and armor of our own. We can't replace your soldiers, but we can make the ones you have left equal to our own. Provide us with the equipment lost, and we will match it exactly."

"This, of course, does come with a slight caveat," Kyong said with a smile. "We don't provide this easily, so we expect you to ensure that these weapons do not fall into foreign hands. What we provide you is for Uruguay – and only for Uruguay. We expect you to keep our technology out of foreign hands, or we will be forced to reevaluate any deal reached. Is this a fair compromise?"

The three Uruguayans exchanged glances, some in mild shock and amazement. Good, that meant they were likely not going to make the political situation worse. "It appears so," Juan said with a slow nod. "Once we reestablish our military structure and appoint replacements…we can discuss details."

"Excellent," Laura nodded. "Finally, this is simply an offer should the future require it. The aliens are a clear and present threat, even if it is not so apparent here. Your own opinions are not important. With that said, if Uruguay is under the threat of a foreign or alien power, ADVENT will be willing to provide military assistance to your country. In light of what has happened, I would understand if you do not trust us, but nonetheless, the offer will remain open should you request it."

"Chancellor," President Carvallo said, leaning forward. "What do you want from us? You would not do all of this for no reason, and despite what your people did, this is what I can only describe as overcorrection. No one acts out of altruism or compassion."

"The reason is simple, Mr. President," Saudia said, also leaning forward. "We pride ourselves on professionalism and legality. We do not act outside the law. We do what is necessary, nothing more. Mistakes like this go against our vision for Humanity, and are insulting to everyone who wears the armor and bears the flag. If we are to sustain ourselves and unite our species, we must be held to a higher standard."

She motioned to the table. "Change will not come unless forced. People like Luana are no longer acceptable in positions of power. Each and every one of them must be systemically purged and removed, and only the ones who can responsibly wield power should do so. I do not care about money. I do not care about repayment. A mistake was made, and we will need to fix it."

Saudia made sure to look him in the eye. "If you really believe some repayment is due, acknowledge that we have fixed our mistake. Tell the world the truth, not what the media is turning it into. There is certainly a political element to our actions, but we did not need to respond in the first place. The minimum would have kept people quiet. But again, Mr. President, if we are to unite our species, we must hold to a higher standard, and that starts from within."

"Well said, Chancellor," Kevin agreed with an approving nod. "I am aware of the reputation organizations like mine have, where we're simply only for show and the abuses of power go unchecked. But we are different, ADVENT is different. Now is the time we need to prove it to not just your country, but the world itself."

President Carvallo nodded, and stood. "For now, Chancellor, you have convinced me with your words. I hope your actions follow suit soon, but for now it is enough. Your apology is accepted, and there is no doubt a population to address. I would ask that you join me in this."

"Another speech before the media," Saudia cracked a smile. "I would welcome the opportunity."

Situation Room, the Praesidium - Classified

11/11/2016 – 2:16 P.M.

While the ADVENT invasion was certainly taking up the majority of global attention, the Commander was more and more convinced that the larger problem was the fact that three Peacekeeper Outposts had been destroyed, and the reports explaining what had happened indicated a very sudden and suspicious shift in how the war was going to be conducted.

"What do you think?" The Commander asked Aegis who stood with a tablet in his hand as he read the report the rest of them had. Patricia stood in the background, with Zhang beside her.

"Psionic attack likely," Aegis mused. "Unlikely to be confirmed without a telepathic examination. But this is, if I had to label it, an attack by Nebulan. This is the kind of work she specializes in. Making beings see things that are, and are not there; spreading chaos and confusion; never showing herself. If she is involved, then that is bad."

"Aside from the obvious, how is this worse?" Patricia asked. "At some point we knew it was likely either her or Macula were going to become involved."

"Because that means the Battlemaster has changed his strategy," Aegis explained. "He's no longer relying on blunt force. These terrorists that ADVENT has been fighting in South America, they have likely been subverted by her. They will become more advanced, and therefore, more dangerous. She will be sure not to leave physical evidence, and worse, directly assist in combat."

"The bigger concern is when they start targeting nations," Zhang pointed out. "They can turn them against each other; keep us fighting each other instead of the Collective."

"Unlikely," the Commander shook his head. "ADVENT Intelligence is watching all governments closely. The moment they start getting the merest hint of alien corruption, the country will be annexed. Taking control of various terrorist groups and using them gives them plausible deniability, and ultimately makes them easier to operate in compared to countries controlled by ADVENT."

"Indeed," Aegis stated. "However, Nebulan prefers working in smaller groups. She doesn't utilize mind control maliciously, which indicates to me that she is not dominating these Humans, and instead working with them. Perhaps they have been assimilated into the Phantom Division."

"Which is?" Patricia asked, frowning.

"Nebulan's personal army," Aegis answered. "Many Ethereals have them, and I suspect by the end, Humanity will fight each one. I unfortunately know little of it, as she kept much of it secret, as with most Ethereals, but I suspect it is largely composed of former Zararch agents and other modified Vitakara. She does not like Andromedons or Sectoids, and considers Mutons crude."

"Former Zararch?" Zhang arched an eyebrow. "Are you sure you don't mean 'transferred'?"

"That would be more accurate," Aegis corrected. "The point is that Nebulan does not rely on mind control to maintain her subordinates' loyalty, which raises questions as to how and why these Human terrorists are working with her. She would not hide herself from them."

"Assuming this is her," Patricia added. "Things like making entire buildings vanish and things just appear…Quisilia could likely do that."

"Quisilia is more subtle," Aegis dismissed. "If he wanted to attack, none would have survived."

"Subtle," Patricia muttered. "Even as he posts memes on Twitter."

"Let's assume we're dealing with Nebulan here," the Commander brought the conversation back on topic. "If she's acting on her own, we need to start becoming involved. Once ADVENT sorts out this business with Uruguay, they will turn their attention to these terrorists. Zhang, I want you to prepare several agents for investigation."

"That is not wise yet," Aegis cautioned. "If you prepare agents, they will simply die. At minimum you need psions who can resist her illusions. It would be preferable if either cybernetic or genetic alterations were developed to negate her, otherwise you are throwing agents away."

"Good point," the Commander nodded. "Do you have any telepathic agents you can use?"

"Not here currently," Zhang shook his head. "I don't have many psionic agents to begin with. We need to make ADVENT aware what we're dealing with here, otherwise they'll face as much trouble as us."

"The PRIEST Program is deploying now," the Commander reminded him. "I'm sure they'll be able to spare one or two telepaths to assist. And there is the Human element to deal with, which they don't need psionics for."

"I would not expect Nebulan to forget that," Aegis warned. "The Phantom Division is extremely dangerous, and I do not know just what she has done to them. Psions they may not be, but any in the personal army of an Ethereal are far more dangerous than the standard alien."

"I want to think you mentioned these personal Ethereal armies," Patricia muttered. "But I somehow think that slipped your mind."

"If it did, I did not intend it," Aegis said, not sounding too apologetic. "If I didn't mention it, it was likely because I really don't know much about them, nor was it relevant."

"Perhaps our new Andromedon allies could assist on this," Zhang pondered, rubbing his chin. "I expect they have their own idea on how to counter psionics."

"It is unlikely," Aegis dismissed. "They are unlikely to stop something they cannot use themselves."

"I'll make that assessment for myself," the Commander said dryly. "In the meantime, I should check in with Saudia and see how she's resolved the Uruguayan situation."

Unknown Location – Argentina

11/11/2016 – 3:28 P.M.

Volk was impressed at just how effective the aliens were at constructing entire bases out of practically nothing. He had realized early on that these were not the standard aliens he was dealing with. To begin with, every single UFO that had arrived had been visibly cloaked, and Asaru had assured him that she wasn't using any telepathy, as that would be pointless.

He wasn't sure he believed that, but it was minor at worst.

The UFOs ranged between large transports, and small troop carriers. They weren't the standard UFOs either, the shiny circular ones. They were distinctive, and he suspected Ethereal. The transports reminded him of barges. Black rectangles that had nothing but space and a small bridge. The troop transports were also similarly shaped, but they were more angular, and didn't…land.

They were more akin to dropships, flaps opened up on the underside and two dozen Vitakara at a time jumped down onto the ground. Volk wasn't a xenobiologist, but he was fairly sure that dropping from twenty or more feet would cause broken legs, but none of the aliens had even so much as acknowledged the fall.

Considering XCOM soldiers could do unnatural stuff like that, he supposed it wasn't surprising that the aliens could do that as well. As for the aliens themselves…they were strange. He wasn't sure if there really was something off about them, or because he'd really not interacted with any before.

All of them were the one race of Vitakara; Vitakarians if he remembered. The ones that looked oddly like Humans. They were at various heights and body types, both male and female, but all of them seemed to boast a strength that was comparable to a small forklift. That they didn't have machinery didn't seem to deter them as they worked and handled alloy beams and sheets with almost no trouble.

The other odd thing was that their eyes were noticeably altered. He knew that Vitakarian eyes glowed blue for some reason. These glowed varying shades of purple, that only got darker as the sun set. None of them wore armor, only some kind of form-fitting grey jumpsuit that lacked any sort of identifying mark or insignia.

And he had stood there initially, not sure what to do until he saw some of the Vitakarians working on laying out a room, following a holographic projector. He could definitely follow directions, so he'd instructed his people to help the aliens. If they were going to be working with them, they might as well get to know them some.

Luckily the aliens could speak English, and figuring out that his strength was inferior to their own, let him do most of the precision work with tools that he could only describe as flash-welders and a cement gun. It had taken a few hours, but they'd completed the room, roof and all, and were now taking a short break, and he decided to see just how it would turn out.

It was flat, and was definitely going to take up the majority of the clearing. All one story, and frankly boring and uninspired for the most part, which he didn't care about. Practicality was king as far as he was concerned. But the skeleton was complete, and all it lacked now were internal systems. Or at least he thought so, he had no idea what they were planning for this.

"Impressive, isn't it," a deep voice interjected, and Volk turned to see quite possibly the largest Vitakarian he'd ever encountered.

Large didn't quite do it justice either. The Vitakarian towered over him, standing a minimum of eight feet, and with the obvious strength of a bodybuilder on steroids. He wore the grey jumpsuit the rest of the aliens wore, and his skin was a dark grey, approaching a shade of black. The most noticeable feature was his face, or more specifically, his eyes which were not even a blue or purple, but a blazing and intense red.

His smile was quite off-putting as a result.

Volk eyed him warily. "You build fast."

"If pressed, we can," he agreed. "I am Zar'joreal'mattis, I believe we spoke before when you contacted us."

Ah, now Volk recognized the voice. Although the hologram had failed to convey some obvious physical features. "Joreal then, right?" Volk asked. "If I remember, you use the middle name."

"Exactly," Joreal confirmed, still with the smile. "A pleasure to meet you, Asaru wouldn't work with you if she wasn't confident in your skills." He extended a hand, which Volk took after some brief initial surprise. His own hand was dwarfed in the much larger alien one.

"I suppose you would know more than I do," Volk said. "No offense intended to her, but I'm innately skeptical of those who literally promise the world."

"Which is fair," Joreal acknowledged. "But I can affirm everything she said to you. She does not lie to her allies and friends."

"Awfully quick to just accept us," Volk noted. "I don't disapprove, but I'd have expected some measure of alien superiority. Your friend in Japan for example."

Joreal laughed. "Caelior is, to borrow some of your words, a little arrogant bitch. No one with any kind of authority gives him serious consideration. He is powerful, but his power is simply a tool those smarter than him use. If we were actual alien supremacists, it would make our Collective a little difficult to form, wouldn't you say?"

A friendly alien, something of a surprise. "Interesting. Although for a supposedly friendly collective, your diplomatic skills are apparently…" he raised an eyebrow. "Lacking. Making an enemy of an entire species speaks to some mismanagement at best."

The alien gave him a thin smile. "I believe Asaru has given…reasons…for that mistake. But don't think that all aliens are quite like Caelior. You probably wouldn't want ADVENT for example, to punish entire countries for the actions of a few, to put this into perspective."

"So how much do you actually know?" Volk asked curiously. "What do you even know of our reasons for fighting ADVENT?"

"More than you probably think," Joreal answered. "I prefer to do my own research before coming, which incidentally, was a somewhat condensed version of your species history. Your kind really are fascinating, even compared to others in the Collective." He smiled. "However, for your original question, you despise authoritarian governments, of which ADVENT is one. But more than that, you hate the abuse of power, which is why you don't just fight ADVENT. An admirable goal."

"Glad you understand that," Volk said with a nod. "Although I'm surprised you find us more interesting than the other aliens, if I understood correctly."

"You would not be if you knew the history of the others," Joreal said dismissively. "Andromedons have nothing in their history but war, which honestly gets old after the first three millennia, and Sectoid history is so dry aside from one or two fascinating events. Even our own history is mundane, and only becomes interesting once we unified." He glanced up contemplatively. "Although, that of the Oyariah and Sar'Manda is an exception. And some parts of the early Borelians."

"What of the Ethereals?" Volk asked.

"I'm afraid Asaru has yet to divulge the secrets of the old Ethereal Empire," Joreal admitted. "It is unlikely she will for some time."

Well, even that was interesting. So the Ethereals had an Empire, which implied that they didn't any longer. Which in turn implied that something had destroyed it. Or perhaps they had destroyed themselves?

An interesting revelation nonetheless. "So is this your first time on Earth?"

"No," he answered knowingly. "I've spent some time on this planet, largely to acquaint myself with how Humans…" he motioned with a hand. "Work for lack of a better word. It was more complicated than I anticipated, and in ADVENT controlled territory I had to be especially careful."

"I'm very curious how you managed that," Volk commented. "You do stand out, ignoring the glowing red eyes."

"Oh, I don't use this form," he chuckled. "Far too obvious, even if I relied on holoprojection. No, this is simply the one I prefer. When I was on Earth I was much smaller. And looked more Human. And I can assure you I was a far more convincing one than that fool Zararch agent you killed." He wrinkled his nose. "How the details of the American Revolution are unknown to them is pathetic. The Zararch needs to reevaluate their standards, and not send junior agents to important assignments on this planet."

"I see you've acquainted yourself, Joreal," the voice of Asaru said, and Volk turned to see a Vitakarian woman walk up, no longer the Human model he'd seen. "Good. You two will be working together, so I expect excellent results."

Joreal bowed his head. "Of course, Asaru. Once the base is established, we will begin our operations, with your assistance, should you offer it."

"I assume your Elena has reported my contributions," Asaru turned to him. "Already our attacks have forced an international incident which ADVENT is rushing to fix."

"Argentina will be thrilled," Volk sighed. "I would have preferred we didn't provoke an invasion, but at least this will get Luana out of power. A shame. I wanted to kill her myself."

"I have been following that development," Joreal added. "Assuming ADVENT is intent on 'fixing' this mistake, it will lessen their efficiency for some time if the Oversight Division is working through the Brazilian Legions. This gives us time to…prepare."

"We shouldn't be worrying about ADVENT right now," Volk interjected, directly to Asaru. "Useful as you were in the battles, you aren't exactly subtle. It will take ADVENT about two seconds to figure out that was a psionic attack, and another two to determine it was likely alien. We're not going to be getting the SSR, Lancers, and whatever else they have, but also XCOM. This is not going to be as easy as you think."

"Easy," the figure of Asaru hooked an arm around Joreal's massive one. "ADVENT and XCOM are not experienced in fighting a telepath, regardless of any assistance they have. This will likely be a challenge, though not one that has a chance of victory." She smiled wider. "Let us first see the vaulted effectiveness before becoming concerned about it."

Volk gave a lopsided smile. "That is not a bad idea, though I have a rule not to underestimate opponents. Especially ones that control a good portion of the world."

"For now," Asaru said. "We will see how true that holds in the coming months."

Palácio do Planalto, Brasília - Brazil

11/11/2016 – 4:08 P.M.

Stein was fully intending to make a statement.

Jaylin was joined by nearly one hundred other Riot Control Officers, most of whom were stationed in formation around the place where the active President of Brazil worked, a building which had some unique architecture, like the massive solid overlay of the building itself, a more traditional small skyscraper with glass windows underneath, if a bit wider than normal.

The media of nearly every major and local outlet was almost salivating as they watched more and more Peacekeepers arriving, their TV anchors speaking frantically to the cameras about 'developments' and occasionally showing the ever-growing crowd of people showing up. Luana's rise to power had not been popular, and even the rumor that ADVENT was going to remove her was enough to get entire crowds, who admittedly stayed a healthy distance from the Riot Control line, knowing that they wouldn't hesitate to put down disobedience.

Within the perimeter of Riot Control Officers was where the true operation was being prepared. There were fifty SSR soldiers, in their imposing black armor that made her own feel inadequate. It was complete overkill, but again, Stein was making a statement. In addition to her own personal guard of Riot Control Officers, of which Jaylin shared the honor with three others, there was team of a half-dozen Molosser Handlers, with the largest dogs Jaylin had seen.

She'd known about them, of course, but hadn't known the Peacekeepers were using them, let alone actually seen one. The size she had underestimated considerably. The grey-furred hounds could probably take down a Muton, and they were supposedly modified to be immune to projectiles…she was keeping one eye on them, because just one look at their fangs made her nervous.

Still, the way they rolled over for their handlers who rubbed their bellies and gave treats was cute.

If that wasn't enough, Stein had also brought in another hundred State Officers, which she likely intended to use to secure the various floors, which Jaylin personally felt was overkill again, but she was not the one in charge. Jaylin also suspected that this wasn't only to make a point, Stein just really didn't like Luana, which wasn't necessarily surprising.

"March." Stein commanded, taking her place at the front of the Peacekeeper formation, and Jaylin by her side, began walking forward. Their riot shields were up, and Jaylin had the baton in her hand, set to lethal mode. Stein had been very clear about their purpose. Either the ADVENT guards inside would submit to their authority, or they would die. As far as she was concerned, failure to follow the commands of the Chief Peacekeeper herself was grounds for direct treason.

Jaylin didn't entirely disagree, although capture might be a more preferable goal.

She certainly wasn't afraid of dying, since they were flanked by the SSR, who had their rifles raised. Stein reached the glass door, and stood outside it. She pressed a button on her gauntlet, and began speaking, her message being transmitted to all nearby ADVENT equipment. Everyone in the building would hear it.

"This is Chief Peacekeeper Stein," she began, voice flat and emotionless. "All ADVENT Personnel within this building are ordered to stand down and assist us in the arrest of Former Marshal Luana Russo. Failure to comply is grounds for treason and all attempts to hinder our operation will result in immediate execution. To former Marshal Russo, turn yourself in immediately and prepare for your arrest. This is your only warning."

She cut the open channel, and moved to the door. "Move in." Stein opened the unlocked door and they entered the first floor, where there were several dozen ADVENT soldiers who were standing alone, their weapons and sidearms on the ground or holstered, and some of them with their hands in the air. Good, none of them were stupid.

"Chief Stein," one of the Officers approached as the State Officers began securing the rest of the first floor. The SSR, stayed directly behind Stein. "We are willing to provide whatever assistance needed. The Marshal is on the third floor, last I heard. The Presidential Office."

"Appreciated, Officer," Stein stated, inclining her head. "However, everyone in this building is now subject to the Oversight Division. Exit the building and they will take you into custody. If you have done nothing wrong, there is little to worry about." Not sparing another glance, she pointed to the stairs. "Move up and we will secure the former Marshal."

"Yes, Chief!" They all shouted, and began the march up the stairs. All things considered, Jaylin thought it was going rather well so far. In very little time they were on the third floor, in an open lobby area that had the white tiled floor that was so common in this building, and the fairly high-end furniture.

The Presidential office was not far forward, and along the way there were cases of various pieces of art. The ADVENT soldiers on the floor were similarly disarmed and submissive to the Peacekeepers, and Stein ignored them this time as the SSR gave them instructions. There were four ADVENT soldiers outside the doors to the Presidential office, all with their weapons pointed at the door.

"Former Marshal Luana and her staff have not left the room," one of the soldiers said as they approached, lowering their weapons and stepping aside for Stein. "We have ensured they cannot exit, though we do not know if they are prepared to fight or not, nor the status of their arsenal."

"Good work," Stein acknowledged. "Report to the SSR outside. Your actions will not be ignored here. We will handle it now." She gave a brief salute, which the soldiers returned quickly before filing away.

"Are we marching in?" Jaylin asked as Stein stood in front of the double doors for a few seconds.

"Let me see," Stein tested the door handle. "Locked," she reported with almost grim amusement. "Break it down and execute any who open fire."

"Yes, Chief Stein," the heavily synthesized, almost mechanical voice of the SSR soldier stated, as four of them stepped forward, some kind of charges in their hands which they attached at the corners of the doorframe, and over the handles themselves. "Stand back," the one SSR soldier warned as she pulled out a detonator. "Prepare for hostile fire."

The door imploded inward with some startled shouts from the inside. The dust had yet to clear before the SSR soldiers charged in two at a time, subduing the first targets they found, shouting "Target suppressed!" for each unarmored officer they pinned to the ground. Once there were twelve SSR soldiers inside, none of whom had fired a shot, Stein and her Riot Control guard followed suit.

The Presidential office was very open and bright, with white tiles and a nice office desk by the windows. The majority of Luana's staff were sitting on couches or standing, looking rather worried, as they should be. "Take them into custody and take them to Oversight," Stein ordered, as she focused on the cause. Luana stood in front of the window, fully armored and helmetless, her back still to them.

Four additional SSR soldiers followed Stein, their weapons drawn and aimed at Luana, even as she made no effort to act against them. But the SSR didn't take chances. "You could have knocked," Luana said, an undercurrent of amusement in her voice. "I rather liked this office."

"You should have come down and turned yourself in," Stein retorted, stepping forward. "You have no one to blame for this situation but yourself, traitor."

"Traitor?" Luana turned around, looking more weary than anything. "Call me insubordinate if you wish, but a traitor I am not. Nor will I apologize for my actions."

"You invaded a country," Stein said flatly. "Not only that, under fabricated pretenses. You betrayed our Directive, and ignored the chain of command. You are a traitor to ADVENT."

"No." Luana growled. "I was simply taking initiative. Ultimately, does it matter what the reasons are for bringing these pointless nations under us? That is our goal, is it not? ADVENT will control this world, and we have nothing to gain by tolerating these independent states."

"Incorrect," Stein answered. "We will unite Humanity, but it will not be solely by force. We are better than imperialists, nor are we warmongers as you are. We act if it is justified, no more, no less. If that means the independent states survive, so be it. Should we abuse our might, we are no better than the Nazis, Soviet Union, or any other tyrannical power in our history." Jaylin imagined her lips curling up in disdain. "There is no place for people like you in the new world. Submit yourself for arrest."

"And you are willing to weaken us in the eyes of the world, just to appease one minute country?" Luana sneered. "I've watched your pathetic response. You've bent over backwards and shown weakness to the world. We were feared for good reason, and now ADVENT plays politics like the UN."

The woman was delusional, and Jaylin wanted to give her a good whack on the head with her baton. She saw some of the other soldiers similarly tense at the utter crap she was spewing. "That," Stein practically hissed. "Is because of you. Unlike you, ADVENT will admit and fix our mistakes. If that weakens us, than so be it. But I will not ask again. Submit yourself for arrest."

"So you can parade me before the media, yes?" Luana mocked, crossing her arms. "If you intend to try me for treason, the sentence is usually death. Why shouldn't I just force you to kill me now?"

"Because if you really desired death, you would have killed yourself already," Stein stated, stepping forward. "You will not force me to act because I will simply kill you, and you do not want to die. Not yet. No, you want me to make you a martyr, as if that would happen." She raised a finger. "You are not worth the effort. You are nothing but a criminal, and you will be tried, convicted, and executed as the piece of filth you are."

Handcuffs ready, Stein stepped forward, and Luana pulled out the baton she had at her waist, set it to lethal mode and, spikes angled and primed, gave a swing towards Stein, who responded with a deflection with her own baton. Luana had clearly not practiced much, and it showed as Stein disarmed her by hooking the spikes in her own and twisting it out of her hand.

The SSR fired in unison, and she fell to the ground in pain, bleeding from the knees. At the same time Stein trapped the arm that had held the baton and placed her pistol to the elbow and fired, blasting the joint apart and eliciting another scream. She looked down at the legs and fired two more shots, permanently destroying the kneecaps and turning the traitor into a sobbing wreck.

Stein ignored her screams of pain and proceeded to handcuff the arms, regardless of injury, and grabbed the woman by the back of her collar and hoisted her off the ground. "I don't think she can walk, sir," one of the SSR politely noted. "We'll have to carry her."

"No," Stein disagreed. "She will be dragged like this. Let the world see what happens to traitors, and let her be a warning to others in ADVENT who believe themselves above the Law." With that Stein began walking away, the former Marshal firmly in her grip, leaving trails of blood in her wake as she was dragged across the pristine floor.

Jaylin shook her head and followed, not exactly knowing if she should take pleasure from the woman's screams of pain from each bump as Stein dragged her down the stairs. But she couldn't find it in herself to feel sympathy from her.

The woman had broken the law, and now she would be punished for it.

ADVENT Busan Command Base, Busan - South Korea

11/13/2016 – 12:07 P.M.

"[I think things are getting better,]" Duri told Sandara. "[If we can push them back in America, then it bodes well. You should see some of the defenses here.]"

"[I've been seeing the same thing here,]" his wife agreed. "[The towers. Outside the city they're making trenches, always with lines of volunteers. We help out wherever we can.]"

Duri smiled, glad that Sandara wasn't quite as nervous as she had been. He was even happier to hear her and the girls helping. "[They definitely appreciate that. I assume you're staying in Seoul for the time?]"

She glanced off the camera. "[For now…I don't like the idea of going north, and we're not in any immediate danger. There are evacuation protocols in place if we need it. If we're in danger, we'll leave. Right now they're keeping all of us – civilians – in the center of the city. Everything is regulated and managed. It's well done, and the girls still have classes, but it's different.]"

Duri nodded. While he'd initially thought they'd be safer in the North, that was when he'd been more concerned about how ADVENT could hold on. In their recent discussions, they'd talked about it more rationally, and with ADVENT lessening the urgency for evacuation, they'd mutually decided that it might be best to stay put for the time.

It was also unlikely that as long as they were in potential war zones, that they would keep civilians on base housing. They needed it for soldiers, and it exposed them to unnecessary danger. He knew she would be treated perfectly fine. "[The girls are settling in then? They sounded fine to me.]"

"[Yes, thankfully,]" Sandara cracked a smile. "[They think you'll be a hero after seeing the American soldiers raise the flag over Las Vegas. They're a bit more hopeful, which is a relief. They've made some more friends too, and I've started to socialize a bit more. It feels better knowing I'm not the first to…well, adjust to this.]"

"[I'm glad to hear it,]" he said sincerely. "[Time you broke your anti-social habits.]"

She sniffed. "[Says the man who'd barely talked to a girl before me.]"

Ouch. "[Point taken,]" he said dryly, hearing a beep. "[I'll talk to you again soon. Love you.]"

"[I love you too,]" she answered. "[See you later.]"

He stood and exited the room, letting someone else use it. The on-base activity was unabated, since they were, at some point, likely to be attacked. But if the aliens had wanted to have an easy victory, that time had long since passed. ADVENT was very entrenched now. The entire beachline was a massive trench, dotted with Flak Towers and barricades. The islands by Busan were fortified barracks with dedicated divisions, also dotted with lines of defenses and Flak Towers.

That was to say nothing of actually marching into the city itself, which was a mixture of trapped streets, barricades, fortified buildings, and other traps ADVENT had been laying and creating non-stop since they had been marked as potential targets. It was difficult to fortify the entire city, of course, but ADVENT was doing their best, and if given enough time…well, they might do it.

In short, the aliens were going to need a miracle or an Ethereal to get through it.

So right now, he just felt like watching the Engineers transport massive weapons through the base, overlook schematics for more defenses, or toy with their SHIVs. He tried to temper her confidence, but the recent victory in America had given him what might be considered unreasonable hope. There was still that alien that threw around carriers like toys, but then again, he'd wondered if the Battlemaster could be beaten, and he had been.

Not killed, but it was a start.

"Good chat?" Beatriz asked, walking up, not in armor, but her sniper rifle slung over her shoulder.

"Always is," he answered. "Mostly recovered now?"

"Yes sir," she rolled her shoulders. Beatriz had officially recovered a few days ago, and was now getting back to her full strength and speed. "Wonders of ADVENT medicine. I would have been out for much longer without…whatever they did."

"Hopefully you'll have a bit longer to recover before we're attacked," he said, leaning against the concrete wall of the barracks.

"You think we will be?" She asked. "They seem to be having problems in America. Maybe they'll want to focus there?"

"Maybe," Duri shrugged. "But I somehow think that if they wanted to have more than one focus, they could. Korea is the next logical step in that…and they wouldn't ignore here."

"Right," Beatriz's face grew a bit grimmer. "So. I need to apologize. I handled what happened in the battle…badly."

Well, it appeared they were going to have that talk then. Truthfully he'd half-forgotten it, half put it off since there were other things to focus on. But her bringing it up unprompted was good. He turned to her, noting that she definitely seemed somewhat self-conscious. "You didn't lose it completely. Which I suppose is a good thing."

She swallowed. "Yes. Mostly because you yelled at me. I don't handle death well, especially with people I know."

Duri appraised the smaller Hispanic woman. "I don't think any of us want to get accustomed to it. With that said, you can't let it affect you as badly as it did." He raised a hand as she opened her mouth. "You don't need to tell me if it's personal, that's not my business. But it is your responsibility to get it sorted out. If you think you need to work some things out, that's what the counselors are for." He gave a lopsided grin. "I'd like to not rely on me yelling at you. I don't like it."

"Yes sir," she nodded, apparently almost expecting worse. "You won't have to worry about it again."

"All I need to hear," he agreed. "Hopefully we won't be in that position again."

"Being chased a horde of aliens and a psionic necromancer?" She said sarcastically. "I hope not."

"I don't think those were people," Duri chuckled. "But it could be worse. We could have had to listen to him speak and give more praises to the glorious Creator."

"Don't forget that he's the Creator's Greatest Champion™," Beatriz snickered. "As terrifying as it was, in retrospect some of it is funny. He sounded like he read all the lines that are supposed to be intimidating, but really aren't."

"To be fair, I think he relies more on his psionics to add the intimidation," Duri acknowledged. "I wonder if the aliens get sick of it too."

"I wonder," she mused, looking back to the busy ADVENT base. "You think they have anything we do? Cities? Families?"

Duri shrugged. "I don't know. Not really something we need to worry about. We just know how to kill them."

"True, true," Beatriz agreed with some hesitation. "But I am a bit curious. Hard not to be. There has to be something…more…than just fighting for them."

"There probably is," Duri agreed, her words also now making him wonder. "But if there is anything else, I somehow don't think they're going to share it with us."

Abuja – Nigeria

11/13/2017 – 6:28 P.M.

"Did we do the right thing?"

Mox at least looked more sure of himself than she felt, leaned up on her desk, arms crossed and contemplating. She'd been doing that a lot recently. This had seemed like a good idea at first, but the more she saw the SAS take shape, the more she wondered if she'd unintentionally made everything much worse, not just for the people, but the countries as well.

"We didn't really have a choice," Mox stated. "It was either this or just go on the run. We're at least making a difference here."

"Is that really a good thing?" Betos asked wearily. "You know they're seriously considering citizenship tiers. A fucking caste system, with their chosen master castes. Do you really think that's a good difference?"

"I doubt they'll do that," Mox dismissed. "Just talk from Kone. They don't want to make you angry, and they have to know something like that would."

"Taking that out of the equation, are things actually better?" Betos asked. "Whatever promises they make about compensation, they're still gathering up people and forcing them to work. They're arresting people who question them. How is that," she swept a hand around. "Any better than ADVENT?"

That at least got Mox to frown some. "And before you ask, I could certainly do something," Betos continued. "However, I don't trust these men, at least not the smart ones. They would betray me if they saw the opportunity, and me sabotaging their great plans might very well get me killed." She sighed, rubbing her forehead. "And on the other hand, doing nothing is just as bad. Even if we all left, they have the schematics and have a unified government for perhaps the first time. The SAS isn't going away."

"The way I see it," Mox said slowly. "We didn't have any good options. We stay and make sure ADVENT stays in power, or we take a chance and try and make things better. Maybe it's not turning out exactly how we hoped, but we can at least try and make it better. We couldn't do that in ADVENT."

"True," she sighed, getting back up and walking around to her desk. "Well, they gave me authority over the military doctrine, so I at least have that. I better get to work."

"I'll let you be," Mox said, standing. "We're all still behind you, and we're getting the armies into an actually decent fighting force. So not all is bad. Let me know if you need any help."

"Will do," Betos said, opening her laptop back up, beginning to focus on the screen as Mox left and shut the door behind him. It took close to an hour, but the more she worked the better she felt. At least this part of the SAS would be bearable, and if it clashed with whatever the hell Kone and Okon were planning, then that was just too bad.

One crisis at a time, she told herself. She could only try and fix one thing at a time, and-

A knock interrupted her. She frowned. "Yes?" She called.

"Package," another voice answered. "For Betos."

She had guards, so she doubted anyone would be let through if they weren't legitimate. Still, she kept one hand on her pistol as she walked to the door. Outside the man didn't even look like a soldier, but just a random Nigerian citizen. In his hands wasn't a package, but some kind of silver circular device.

"Betos," he said. "This is for you. Please press the button underneath if you wish to acquire another ally." She took it gingerly, looking down at it.

"Who-" she began, looking up and the man had suddenly vanished. She blinked, looking up and down the hallway, knowing he couldn't have just gone so quickly. She looked down at the device in her hand. It was unlikely to be dangerous, as there were so many better ways to assassinate her than strange…devices.

She pressed the button on the bottom, and almost dropped it as a blue light appeared on the top, and soon formed into the figure of an alien.

Not just an alien. One of the leaders. Ethereals they were called. "Greetings, Helsa Betos," the Ethereal began, Betos unable to make out his face underneath the hood that covered his face. "I am glad you decided to answer this message."

The problem, Betos was realizing, was that she had no idea what to really do here. The aliens were the enemies of ADVENT, but since they were also enemies of ADVENT, it didn't really mean that much. They were portrayed as monsters, but it was also ADVENT who was saying that, so they couldn't be trusted to be fully objective.

Which resulted in her being woefully uninformed, especially in regards to the leaders. She hadn't fought against them, so she couldn't even recall that for information. All she could do was improvise, and right now that seemed prudent. "I suppose that was one of your people?" She asked.

"A mere pawn, no one important," the alien stated. "He completed his mission, and is happily with his family. I prefer not to work through such, but I felt it would be…inconsiderate…to approach in person. I am aware our appearance and deviation from Humans is…unsettling."

"You wouldn't go to this trouble for no reason," Betos decided to get to the point. "What do you want?"

"I have been following your actions for some time," the alien continued. "I am impressed you defected from ADVENT, and even more so that you have managed to get these shortsighted fools to unite. I do not believe you understand the implausibility of that. Nonetheless, my reason is simple: I would first like to meet with you, and discuss the possibility of an alliance of our own."

"With the SAS?" Betos asked. "I don't make decisions like that."

The alien gave what sounded like a fake chuckle. "The so-called Sovereign African States, foolish old men drunk on power. They will indeed have a part to play, but I have little interest in tolerating their type. I will discuss working with you, for you have earned some measure of respect. You are concerned with more than just the power and glory; you have vision, you have plans. You are the kind of leader the Humans will need, not the ones you have allied yourself with."

Betos found it oddly ironic that an alien was saying this, and wasn't quite sure how to feel about that. It sounded like a compliment, but what did that really mean to an alien? Could she even apply Human logic to them? "I see," she said slowly. "Flattering, assuming you mean anything you say. I'm afraid I don't know much about you, other than ADVENT Propaganda."

"Which as we are both aware, does distort the truth," the alien gestured with a gloved hand. "I will not deny we have killed many Humans. Many more will die before this war ends; that is simply the nature of such. But it would be a mistake to ignore the cost to our own. As a Human, I expect you will have your reservations, but I suspect you are intelligent enough to move past that as this is the cost of war. I do not enjoy wasting time, Betos, do you wish to converse or not?"

"Fine," Betos said. It couldn't hurt, and she was curious what would happen. It couldn't be worse than accidentally possibly creating an African ADVENT. "When and where? And who are you?"

"Your office is fine," he said. "Do not worry about watching for me, I will arrive within the next couple of days. And you may call me Macula."

"Macula," Betos tested. "In that case…I look forward to it."

"As do I, Betos," the alien – Macula – answered. "I believe we have much to discuss."

The hologram clicked off, and Betos was left alone again.

This definitely changed things, and she could only imagine what the aliens would be interested in. This would be a very good thing, or it could be yet another mistake. But she'd made quite a few already.

What was one more?