XCOM: The Advent Directive

by Xabiar

Australia has been annexed, the United Nations is in chaos, the world is under siege and the Ethereals have taken the field. Facing the full might of the Ethereal Collective, the Commander must rally XCOM, the newly formed ADVENT, and several other allies and rivals to unite the divided nations by any means necessary, for failure now will mean the fall of humanity once and for all.

42. Playing With Fire

Playing With Fire

---

Beijing – China

1/27/2018 – 6:11 P.M.

Saudia knew there would be a significant media buzz around her unexpected visit to China, not to mention the relative proximity she had to the scene of the incident itself. While she wasn't directly on-site, she was in a nearby building where she would be able to follow the entire operation. Foreign Minister Xuan was also on-site, and seemed extremely shocked that she was so close.

He probably hadn't expected to see her in combat armor either. She didn't view the entire suit as necessary, but protocols dictated that if she was to be in proximity to a dangerous situation, she had to wear protection. She had absolutely no fear for her life, especially not when surrounded by Ethan and the most well-trained and genetically enhanced soldiers ADVENT had, as well as shadowed by Intelligence agents, along with an entire PRIEST Team who were continuously scanning telepathically for threats, and a Defensive specialized psion to shield her in the event of danger.

Overkill, but she figured the price was worth it. She didn't fail to note how much the people liked whenever she directly participated in something. The picture of herself leading ADVENT forces to arrest the former Prime Minister when ADVENT had annexed Canada had been in the news for days as were statements like "She isn't letting others do her work", which she knew ADVENT Intelligence had run with as part of their own media operations.

Of course, right now the media did not have any idea of what was going on, and she expected a slew of questions to answer. Which she would, when she actually knew the extent of the situation herself. Her entourage, along with several ADVENT field Officers and Protopriests, made up the majority of personnel in the impromptu Situation Room. Minister Xuan, along with several Chinese soldiers and officers, made up the rest.

The operation had already started, and with Protopriest support the Chinese had already pushed through the initial floors. With that said, the words from the Protopriest in charge were disconcerting. "I definitely sense something. Telepathic-based for sure, but it doesn't seem to be psionic. Or at least nothing like I've felt before."

Protopriest Alice Dromor had found that more troubling than the rest of them, if her face of concern was anything to go by. "Specify, Protopriest Ji, is it a sustained telepathic command or aura?"

"Both," was the answer, as they watched through the armor cams as several Priests annihilated the defenses with psionic blasts or telekinetics. "It's like…a loop, almost. The same command repeated over and over, but in an aura. The THD, that's what this is…but against allies."

"What is he referring to?" Xuan asked quietly as the operation proceeded.

"The Trask Hypnosis Doctrine is the method of subtly subverting an enemy group or population," Protopriest Dromor said without turning. "Usually a repeated phrase or command, sent over and over again against enemy minds. Easy to maintain and devastating if applied correctly. First performed by Patricia Trask, if you were aware of our counterattack against Las Vegas. She used this to kill a significant amount of enemy forces before ADVENT arrived."

"I see," Xuan nodded. "So that was how she did it."

"Updates, Protopriest?" Dromor returned her attention to the operation. "Is the telepathy stronger?"

The soldiers were moving through the building, and coming very close to where the crime scene had been. "Yes, it is," was the confirmation. "Enough to where I can sense the source. I'm attempting direct penetration, but it's impossible. This isn't a mind, I'm positive it's an artificial projection."

"That's…" Xuan looked to Saudia. "Is that possible?"

She simply pursed her lips. "At the moment, the answer appears to be yes. But I've never seen or heard of something like that before."

"It shouldn't be," Dromor shook her head. "Psionics cannot be accessed by machines. There needs to be an organic component; a mind complex enough to access and manipulate the Psionosphere to this degree."

"Well, should or not, that's what it appears to be." Everyone in the room leaned forward as the armor cam showed the original crime scene. Several of the affected Chinse soldiers and workers were easily dispatched, and in the center was the pyramid Saudia remembered from the file the Chinese had sent to them.

But it wasn't the same pyramid any longer. It was floating a few inches off the ground, and the entire pyramid was partially segmented, little chunks and points not quite connected to the greater shape. It was as if someone had broken the pyramid into pieces, and was using telekinesis to hold them in place a few seconds after it had been broken. But these were clean and straight cuts, obviously not broken.

No light or color emerged from it, if anything only the air appeared distorted around it. "Orders?" Protopriest Ji asked.

"Contain it, see what it does," Dromor ordered, and a few seconds later the pyramid was encased in a box made of psionic shields. The pyramid did not seem to react in any noticeable way.

"Nothing," Ji said. "I'm going to try and force my way in. It's closer, so I can concentrate better."

They waited quietly for a few moments, and then as unexpectedly as it had begun, the pyramid suddenly pulled itself together and fell to the ground, an inanimate object once more. "What happened!?" Dromor demanded.

"I don't know," the Priests moved closer to the pyramid, with Ji picking up the device. "I began to try and penetrate it and it just…shut down. It's not emanating anything now. Perhaps it sensed I could penetrate it."

"Which means that it's sophisticated enough to have protocols like that," Dromor muttered. "Or that it's powered by a user somewhere else. Neither is good."

"What should we do with this?"

Dromor looked to Saudia. "Chancellor, I would be highly cautious handling something like this. I cannot say that we could effectively contain it if it starts up again. However, we can set up an isolated research facility if you want."

"No," Saudia shook her head. "We send it to XCOM. Aegis might know what this is, and how to best contain…or dispose of it. They'll share whatever they learn from it, and I do not want to risk this activating anywhere else."

"Understood," Dromor nodded. "Protopriest, bring back the artifact intact. Be prepared if it activates again. Prep it for transport."

"Understood."

"Concerning," Xuan said as the room became more relaxed and the soldiers began talking amongst themselves. "I do not know what the purpose was behind placing such a device in my country, but it is fortunate you were able to intervene."

"Indeed," Saudia answered. "We appreciate that you shared this incident with us. Now it will be contained and hopefully explained later by XCOM. A potential crisis prevented from escalating."

"The President will extend his thanks to ADVENT publicly later," Xuan assured her. "Although I would request that you forward any relevant results from this artifact whenever ADVENT learns of such. If one of these artifacts appeared in my country, I do not wish us to be caught unprepared again."

"I'll see what we can do," Saudia promised. "Now I have my own media to address. They will be demanding answers for this…unexpected excitement."

"Then I will let you handle them," he said, giving a thin smile. "Until next time, Chancellor."

---

Psionic Training Area, the Praesidium – Classified Location

1/20/2017 – 11:03 A.M.

And so the saga of XCOM being a haven for all kinds of disaffected and outcast aliens continued. Nuan had honestly been unsure how anything could top Aegis in the first place, but no, not only was there a completely new alien in the Praesidium (Who preferred to keep to himself for now), but fucking Caelior of all aliens was not only around, but actually active.

Was he on their side now?

Iosif was being…helpful. As much as he could be, as they watched what Nuan could swear was a therapy session for Caelior, with Aegis helping him train and walk again. Apparently XCOM had done something which had paralyzed him, and he was almost learning how to walk again. "He was essentially a massive propaganda tool," Iosif was saying. "A rallying point for the Ethereal Empire. They played into the image he made for himself, and as a result…well, he became an arrogant twat."

Nuan raised an eyebrow. "A twat?"

"How Jackson described it to me," Iosif shrugged. "He needed a good humbling."

"Right," Nuan chewed her lip. "Are you actually allowed to tell me all of this?"

"It isn't classified," Iosif assured her. "It just isn't especially important now anyway. There is a lot of stuff I can't tell you, but most things relating to Ethereals and their history can be shared. I guess Aegis thinks he can redeem him in some way."

"You think so?"

"I'm not sure he has much of a choice," Iosif looked thoughtful as they watched the Ethereal get used to using his powers again by lifting three shipping containers full of concrete. "His entire life and status was a lie, and he is understandably angry at the Imperator for perpetuating it. I think it helped that he was completely beaten. It was good for him."

Seeing the Ethereal easily lift the shipping containers, even with a wavering arm, made Nuan feel glad that he was, if not on their side, at least under their control. Hopefully. "I guess he'll be getting back to normal soon?"

"I'd expect so," Iosif said. "A few weeks at most. From the looks of it, his own skills haven't deteriorated."

"Ah, such an impressive display," Geist noted, walking into the room, arms crossed. "Lifting things into the air. Truly the Ethereals have taken the practice of psionics to its fullest potential."

Nuan scowled. "Speak for yourself. That can't be easy."

"Hello, Geist," Iosif greeted. "You're in a good mood."

Geist raised an eyebrow. "You know what? I just finished having a fascinating conversation with that Zudjari about how they utilized psionics. Imagine my surprise when I learned they had actually attempted some development of the discipline, and in fact created what I consider to be a completely new branch of telepathic theory."

"Ah, I know," Iosif recalled. "Memetics. Agreed, that can be useful to us."

"Yes, and I suspect it would have taken us time to come up with the same theories," Geist said, leaning against the wall. "But the Zudjari appeared to do more than refine the powers they had, and instead worked on how to expand and modify them. An attitude I've noticed the Ethereals simply do not possess. There is a disturbing lack of creativity. Lifting crates?" He sniffed. "Any telekine can do that."

"And you have a much better idea?" Nuan asked sarcastically.

"Spare me your sarcasm, Miss Kun," he waved a hand. "In fact, I have. Telekines have the world at their disposal, which they can manipulate as they see fit. They can exploit the environment for unparalled movement, they can extend their reach through manipulating tools and weapons, they could have the potential to create or affect weather. And instead most confine themselves to throwing things at each other or picking up opponents like toys. Basic. There is opportunity for so much growth."

"That…" Nuan paused, thinking. "Alright, you have a point."

"I think you also have to consider that Caelior is…recovering," Iosif suggested. "This is a basic exercise."

"I will need to speak with Caelior about a refinement of his own strategy," Geist said, turning to look at the Ethereal pair. "His potential is extreme, and one that powerful should not rely on such basic manipulations."

"You don't seem too affected by him being here at all," Nuan noted with interest.

"Caelior?" He glanced to Nuan. "The Ethereal is under control and will be a valuable resource. Should he prove unreliable, he will be disposed of. I have no strong feelings one way or another. The Commander obviously kept him to use against the Collective, and we are no worse off with him here and alive than the alternative."

Iosif just chuckled and shook his head. "Practical as ever."

Nuan sat down. "Has the Commander ever just considered recording Geist insult the aliens and their poor usage of psionics and broadcast it? It might hurt some of their feelings."

"That…" Iosif grinned, and looked down to her. "I'll have to speak to the Commander about that."

"Wait," Geist frowned. "I did not intend to become a mere propaganda piece. Do we want to give them ideas?"

"What?" Iosif asked lightly. "You think any Ethereal is going to take ideas from a Human? Us, a mere primitive species?"

"Good point," Nuan muttered. "Although if I heard Geist insult me like that, I'd certainly want to prove him wrong."

"Hilarious," Geist said, deadpan. "However, I suspect the Commander, and yourself, have more important issues to tackle, as I have my own projects."

"Projects around your psionic ideas?" Nuan asked knowingly.

"Of course," he nodded. "And by the time the Collective decides to attack again, I hope they will be ready to use."

"Assuming they do decide to attack again," Nuan said thoughtfully. "Maybe they don't want to keep fighting."

"Sadly," Iosif sighed. "I'm sure that's far from the case."

---

The Conduit Chamber, Paradise – Orbit of the Dead World

1/19/2017 – 10:16 A.M.

The center of the station of Paradise reminded Patricia of several cathedrals she had visited. The high ceilings, the sense of scale and awe which permeated the area, and the feeling that one was standing in something old and grand. The area the strange agents of the Bringer had referred to as the Conduit chamber was this very room.

It was a circular room, with the metal walls rising up from the ground to meet at a certain peak far above her head. In the center of the room was a large, though clearly unfinished, pillar which was elevated off the ground with steps leading towards it. The pillar itself had its innards exposed, revealing wiring, strange transparent materials, and what was likely components to handle psionics.

From what the Imperator had said, it appeared that this would be where the Crossing would take place. The moment where the Bringer would cross over into their own reality. It was…to put it very bluntly, not the best of ideas she had heard. When the Imperator had casually mentioned his plan, she had lacked a proper context for what exactly the Imperator was dealing with.

Now that she did, she wondered if the Battlemaster was right and it would be better to send the Bringer back to whatever hell he had come from. It wasn't necessarily the sheer loss of life that was happening here that was the only problem. It wasn't as though ADVENT or XCOM weren't experimenting on Humans or aliens as well; she'd known this better than anyone, although she agreed with the Battlemaster that sending children and civilians was unacceptable.

But if there was going to be experimentation done, it needed to be for a purpose.

In Paradise, the purpose could be merely entertainment for a show.

She'd come very close to murdering that insane Sectoid when he'd oh-so-willingly explained why he was using children for performances. No wonder the Hive Commanders kept their drones docile, and for the first time she was thankful the Sectoids had such a tight control over their species. It appeared that given the chance, they could be just as bad, if not worse, as Humans.

These Aspects of the Bringer though…they were different. Especially the one that stood in the room beside her and the Imperator. The face of the Temperance was different now. Instead of the strange face it had showed, now it was a marble Humanoid head complete with a neatly trimmed full beard. So it had the ability to shape its features. Possibly good information to know.

"There is a chance that the Conduit may not function properly should you proceed with this level of…security," the Temperance finally said, the voice at the same pitch as it always was. It was eerie how it never changed tone once.

The Imperator was not perturbed. "Then work around it. I was far too lax in my oversight of this place. Consider yourself fortunate you have not joined your brethren or been executed as the Battlemaster demanded." He looked directly into the dead eyes of the creature. "Be thankful that I am allowing this to continue at all."

"Your reasons are sound." The Temperance was clearly not looking to argue. "We will adapt, and we will earn the trust that His Artist lost."

Patricia snorted. "Still want to pin all of this on her?"

The head turned down towards her. "The Artist made a grave error which did not reflect His will or order, and brought down judgement upon all of us. If you refer to the state of those within Paradise, such is the way of His path. All have a purpose, and all fulfill it. And in the end, each and every individual enters His embrace. It was not merely the Artist, but a combination of multiple factors and misunderstandings. Our restrictions are deserved, and we will work to earn back this trust."

Patricia pursed her lips. "We shall see about that."

"I'm done," Fectorian stepped down from the Conduit, sounding rather unhappy as he shot a look that was definitely annoyed, even through the helmet, to the Imperator. "Send the signal and this entire area is obliterated along with Paradise, and several trillion nanites will consume the ashes. I suggest you remove my own access to the controls, otherwise one day I will detonate this place whether you like it or not."

"Noted," the Imperator said neutrally, turning to the Temperance. "You understand the price now for further acts of antagonization?"

A nod. "Clearly."

It was part one of the Imperator's plan to resume his iron grip over Paradise. With enough elerium bombs to crack a moon, the loss of the most important piece of technology for the Bringer would be devastating and unable to be replaced. This would prevent an…unauthorized crossing from taking place, or as sufficient motivation not to fuck up further.

The second part was one Patricia especially liked. "Now, turn around," Fectorian ordered the Temperance, pulling out a small black square. The Temperance complied, and he placed the square on the back of the head, which soon broke into several million nanites which traveled over the body until they burrowed into crevices and openings. For good measure Fectorian places four additional of the nanite pads on the neck and arms of the Aspect.

"I sincerely hope you try something like this again," Fectorian mocked, as the Temperance turned around. "I'd especially like to see your barriers protect you when you're eaten alive. Please give me a reason to turn them on."

"Fectorian," the Imperator had a neutral tone, but Patricia knew he considered that kind of mocking unprofessional. Although Fectorian was not exactly one who held a high opinion of the Imperator at the moment. If it was up to him, he would have destroyed the entire place, and Patricia wondered if he hadn't put a back door which might allow him to do just that.

She wouldn't shed any tears should it happen, but she unfortunately agreed that without a controlled Bringer, it would be difficult for the Imperator to fight a Sovereign One. Though she was still of the opinion that if that couldn't be completely guaranteed, it shouldn't be attempted. She would rather the Imperator find another way than risk unleashing this thing on the universe.

"My job in this part is done," Fectorian said, moving to exit the chamber. "Unless you want to help me establish the surveillance network, I would prefer to work alone. That goes for the statue."

"I will take my leave." The Temperance also quietly walked away.

"Then I suppose we will as well," the Imperator said, as he waved a hand and the air formed into the shape of a portal. "Let us return."

Within moments they were back on the Throne Room of the Temple Ship. The darkness was now almost a familiar comfort compared to the harsh, red lights of Paradise. The oppressive presence that loomed over everything there was thankfully gone, and even the Imperator's own presence was nowhere near as intense and pressing.

Perhaps she'd gotten used to it.

"You disapprove." The Imperator was moving to his seat, as the map of the galaxy lit up throughout the expansive black chamber.

"I'm skeptical." There was no point in lying. "I see your reasons for continuing with your plan. But I'm not convinced it is safe to carry out."

"The Crossing will not take place without my express permission," the Imperator said, his words echoing with surety across the chamber. "I will dissolve the Aspects and force the Bringer to start again should he continue to test me. They are within a box, one which I control completely. Their only options are to defy me, and suffer the consequences, or comply and follow my exact instructions."

"Do you need to preserve that…culture they have too?" Patricia crossed her arms. "Is that actually necessary?"

"Yes, and no," the Imperator laced the fingers of his upper hands together. "There is nothing requiring me to indulge in their twisted fantasies. But I allow them because it makes them more productive and willing to help me enslave their god. If this requires the deaths of civilians and children, the innocent and guilty alike, and in return results in trillions who will no longer be under the thrall of the Sovereign Ones, then that is a price I will pay."

He paused. "You understand this, Patricia. A price is necessary for the greater good. XCOM has performed similar acts in pursuit of what they – what you – believed was right. Would you consider what has been done wrong?"

She pursed her lips. "That's the wrong word to use. Just because it was necessary does not mean I think it was right."

"Exactly," the Imperator nodded. "I do not take pleasure in loosing the monsters of Paradise, but it is a necessary step to shattering the chains the Sovereigns have placed on the galaxy. I do not expect XCOM or ADVENT to understand. They will condemn this, not because they are necessarily in the wrong, but because they simply do not understand the stakes. I cannot reveal the plan to them, nor do I think many would accept it."

He cocked his helmet at her. "Tell me, Patricia, do you see another path to facing the Sovereigns?"

She sighed. "Not an obvious or easy one, no. You've never seen one fight. Neither have I. Can you really prepare for something you've never seen or fought before?"

"Yes, but the methods will be incorrect," the Imperator agreed. "Hence why Earth is…important. And now, we know the name of the Sovereign who resides on your planet. T'Leth."

The galaxy map shrank until it focused directly on Earth. "How likely is it that the Commander is in contact with this T'Leth?" The Imperator asked. "If the Sovereign is bold enough to send agents to such a place, I would imagine by now there has been contact established."

"Likely," Patricia sighed. "Knowing the Commander, he won't be trusting of any Sovereign initially. But he would at least see any enemy of the Collective as an ally."

"You assume the Sovereign has given him a choice at all," the Imperator noted. "The Commander is not a powerful psion. He would not be able to prevent himself from being manipulated or controlled. Not from a Sovereign. There is a very real possibility that XCOM and ADVENT have been compromised."

She frowned. "But…how sure are you of that? Mosrimor didn't dominate you, this T'Leth might not have either. Not that I think he's an ally to be trusted, but that is a major assumption."

"I am not sure," the Imperator said. "But there is one way to determine the extent of this alliance…if it exists at all."

She raised an eyebrow. "How?"

"You contact them as I have contacted you," the Imperator stood. "Allow me to show you how. Use this to speak to the Commander. To Creed. To whoever you trust to answer your questions. Find your answers, not from me, but from those you lived with and fought besides."

"Or I could go to the Praesidium myself," Patricia pointed out. "Or would you not permit that."

"My word stands," the Imperator stated. "Should you wish to leave, I will not stop you. But consider if I am right, and when you return you will become a pawn of T'Leth. Do you truly believe that the Commander will throw away an alliance with one as powerful as him? Do you believe your species has a choice in how to handle a Sovereign? Your species retains their independence at the whim of T'Leth. You cannot change that there."

"Point made," she scowled. "Fine. Teach me how to do this."

---

Training Arena, the Prism – Blacksite of the Battlemaster

1/24/2017 – 11:11 A.M.

It was remarkable just how real everything here seemed. While the Prism couldn't replicate certain parts of psionics, such as telepathy, it could simulate everything else almost perfectly. There was a sense of weight to the projections that made every test feel authentic. It was arguably better than training against actual opponents since she could set the intelligence and difficulty levels to whatever she wanted.

No more fighting drugged-up Mutons and failed Zararch.

She had also given up trying to figure out how this whole thing worked. The Battlemaster had said it was Sovereign technology which utilized dark energy, and that was as far as she had understood. Yang just accepted that this was how it was. And right now, she was fighting through a labyrinth in order to get to Nico, her opponent here.

They'd been taking turns, with one person preparing the defenses and giving orders to the projections, and the other assaulting whatever location they created. It was a good way to hone their own skills, and especially their tactics. There had been plenty of victories and defeats for both of them, but Yang was feeling good about how she was doing right now.

It helped that she was still furious at the Imperator for what she could safely say was one of the most idiotic decisions she had ever heard in her life. It was gratifying to know that the Battlemaster, and quite a few Ethereals it seemed, were against the decision, but none of them actually wanted to do anything.

Damn chain of command. The Battlemaster was too loyal for his own good. But she knew it was unreasonable for him to throw away everything to undermine the Imperator's decision. Whatever the case, this entire incident had killed a good portion of the respect she had for him. For a practically and logically driven individual, this seemed just…extreme.

And no, she didn't consider the Sovereign Ones as good justification. One of their agents had saved her life, so at least that one couldn't be completely bad. It was a good scapegoat though. Literally anything could be justified if you said it was to prevent the galaxy from being manipulated by space gods.

The anger was still there as she reflected on it, but now she was able to channel it better. It gave her that extra bit of punch and adrenaline she needed in fighting.

It felt good to kill everything she came across.

Four Muton Elites suddenly appeared from all sides, their plasma cannons glowing as they warmed up. Good flanking attempt, and in a maze like this she might accept that Nico hadn't just cheated and teleported them there. Within seconds she sent her swords towards the weak spots of the helmets, and they easily penetrated, killing two instantly.

With the other two she telekinetically crushed the plasma cannons, rupturing the elerium core to cause an explosion which didn't kill the other two Elites, but her compressing their internal organs into paste finished the job quite nicely. Telekinetically calling the swords to her hands, she continued onward.

The Prism was also useful for training to kill specific enemies. She'd done enough repetitions on killing Elites that it was already becoming instinct. Most aliens and basic ADVENT soldiers were easy to kill with little effort. XCOM soldiers were a lot more difficult, as were some of ADVENT's special forces. Likewise, there were Ethereals and some of the more dangerous Zararch agents which also posed a threat from the Collective.

Andromedons were tough to crack as well.

At last she saw a door which she knew would lead to the end. Nico was either out of aliens, or coming very close. She had killed a significant amount on the outer perimeter, and dealt with the ambushes inside. Normally Nico put up a better defense, but she was fairly certain that he'd failed to take her new genetic enhancement into account.

That had been one of the first things she'd done when she'd fully recovered. She was never going to be stuck at a place like Paradise with the body of a regular Human woman. Yang couldn't completely say how well Ethereal genetic enhancement would stand up to that of XCOM and ADVENT, but from how she felt now, she knew she could hold her own.

Extending a hand, she clenched a fist and the door crumpled and ripped off its hinges. Nothing shot out in response, or came out, so she proceeded cautiously, keeping a telekinetic field active in case something came at her. As it turned out, there was nothing inside except Nico sitting in a chair looking almost embarrassed.

"I forgot you'd been enhanced," he winced. "Sorry, otherwise it would have been harder."

"Duly noted," she said, relaxing. "You took the maze from what I told you about Paradise, didn't you?"

"You said you almost died in it," he yawned, standing up. "Thought 'why not try and see how that works'? Made some mistakes though, clearly."

"I don't mind it," she waved. "It was cathartic."

"I guess you're not going to let that go anytime soon," he said. "Not that I blame you."

"Not planning to," Yang confirmed. "You can tell Sicarius that."

"Believe me," Nico grunted. "She knows the situation very well. She wasn't especially thrilled with it either, especially when I told her what you told me."

That was actually surprising. "The Imperator didn't tell her?" Yang didn't bother disguising the surprise in her voice. "Why? I thought that was the one he actually cared about."

"She is," Nico emphasized. "But I suppose she isn't as…practical as him. She knew the basic plan, not actual details."

"What a surprise," Yang muttered dryly. "You would think that something this secret might mean that it shouldn't be done."

"Nothing can be done about it now," Nico shrugged. "Anyway, you want to take command for the next round?"

"Sure," she said. "Good luck. Because I'm not going to go easy on you today."

He grinned. "Wouldn't expect you to. I'll be ready when you are."

Sitting down in the chair he'd been in, Yang began using the console to set up her own challenge. Eventually the planning and focus distracted her from the issues of the Collective and Ethereals. Here at least, she could do something that was the closest thing to fun in this place.

Which was an unfortunately depressing thought.

---

Throne Room – Temple Ship of the Imperator of the Ethereal Collective

1/22/2017 – 1:32 P.M.

Patricia was unsure why the Imperator wanted to speak to her now. She was still experimenting with the far-distance telepathy techniques the Imperator had begun instructing her in, but she had underestimated just how…vast the gulfs between minds were. It was at a macro scale that she was still having some trouble fully visualizing.

Such was expected, according to the Imperator. Even Ethereals had difficulty operating or utilizing their abilities at a scale beyond their own immediate vicinity. Only those who had trained their lives from birth to instinctively grasp this scale could transverse it effectively. The Overminds and the Imperators had the capabilities to perform this, and Mortis and Sana were capable of the inverse.

Humans could do the same, she was sure of it. The Imperator suspected the same.

According to the Imperator, once your target was located it was extremely easy to repeat. It was finding it in the first place which was the challenge. The universe was vast and expansive; all living beings were imperceptible in the cold black of the universe. Even Sovereigns weren't exempt from this isolation, which she supposed would explain why they were still fighting each other for millions of years unceasingly.

"You have been here longer than I initially expected." Patricia turned to the silver domed head of Sicarius. The Ethereal assassin had a tendency to follow her, just hiding on the edge of her sight. She rarely spoke, but just watched her. In times where Patricia was alone or even when speaking with the Imperator, Sicarius was just waiting in the background.

Forgotten.

She found the effect Sicarius had on everyone fascinating. Even telepaths weren't immune to it unless they were prepared. Patricia wondered how many times she'd spoken to the Imperator or other Ethereals with Sicarius plainly in view and her mind simply ignored her. The effect Nartha had spoken of she now knew firsthand.

It was almost sad. Everyone around her soon forgot she existed. The only exceptions Patricia had seen were the Battlemaster, for obvious reasons, and Nico, who she suspected was simply trained to always block out Sicarius's telepathic aura to forget. It wasn't difficult to imagine why Sicarius wanted a partner of her own. Having someone who knew you while you were alone in the world was enticing.

She shook her head to avoid becoming distracted. "Surprised?"

"Mildly," Sicarius just stood there, still as a statue. "But your time for impartiality is coming to an end. You cannot stay on the edge forever."

"Not forever," Patricia agreed. "Are you afraid I'll go back?"

"No." Sicarius took a step forward. "You know the truth now. There is no going back. You will not choose between returning to your kind or not; you will choose to run from what must be done or face it."

Sicarius had a point, though Patricia would not have phrased it as such. But the core, that there wasn't any true going back, that was very real. The Sovereign Ones changed everything, and she couldn't just pretend that they did not exist. Some may be able to live in willful ignorance, but she was unfortunately not one of them.

It was something she was concerned about. That if she did decide to return, and everyone was still the same…that they wouldn't listen to her. It would be so easy to dismiss anything said as lies told by the Imperator, that her mind had been affected, any number of admittedly plausible reasons to avoid the truth.

Patricia just sighed, tugging on the white glove of the silver clothes she wore. They were still some of the most comfortable things she'd ever worn. "I know. You don't have to remind me."

Sicarius looked at her, probably in sympathy if her face had been shown. But the faceless helmet only reflected light. "I believe you do, Patricia. It is not an easy choice, but time is running out for you. The Imperator will not allow your neutrality forever."

"When the time comes, I'll make my choice," Patricia said. "But until then, I'm not going to pretend that I've decided one way or another."

"I think you have decided," Sicarius said. "It is now a matter of admitting it to yourself." She motioned to the Throne Room. "Go to him, I will not keep you longer."

Patricia gave her a nod and walked up the steps to the chamber door. As she glanced back Sicarius was gone. There hadn't even been a whisper indicating she had moved. This part of the ship was always eerily quiet regardless, and Sicarius was just the haunting ghost. By now Patricia was at least somewhat used to it.

Inside the Throne Room the Imperator was standing in the expanse in front of a large holoprojection of Earth. It was color-coded, with hundreds of points of interest and slowly spinning. "ADVENT is continuing to prepare," the Imperator stated. "Their territory has continued to expand as more and more join their numbers. The United Kingdom overwhelmingly voted to join, and it is only a matter of time until the remainder fall into line."

Patricia took a moment to just observe the idly rotating globe. "The lull is coming to an end."

The silver helm of the Imperator turned to her. "It is. There will be small doses of conflict before this, I know that to be the case, but the war will soon reignite. The Battlemaster is preparing his legions, he is strategizing how to break the Human lines. ADVENT will not be an easy target. Yet there are places other than ADVENT where the war could reignite."

"Africa?" Patricia asked. "China? It will only serve to push them into ADVENT."

"Indeed," the Imperator said, pacing around the globe. "But Africa…no, there are events taking place there that I would prefer ADVENT not interfere with. Not yet."

"You're working with Betos," Patricia stated, crossing her arms. "That explains quite a lot. I suppose you forgot about the notice ADVENT sent to the SAS?"

"ADVENT has far more important issues to deal with in the world," the Imperator said calmly. "The notice will fade from their minds for the moment. It will fade from the realm of public opinion and knowledge soon enough. The Overmind is assisting in this. There may be conflict in Africa, but it will not be between ADVENT and the Sovereign African States."

Patricia decided she wouldn't ask how exactly he was doing that. She had her doubts at the feasibility of erasing or suppressing something like that, but that was something for them to worry about, not her. The knowledge that the SAS was working with aliens was enough to ponder on. "So what am I doing here?"

"I am curious of your opinion," the Imperator said, walking in front of the part of the globe displaying North America. "There are multiple fronts to reignite the conflict. ADVENT in America continues to push forward, and our territory there is threatened. I suspect the Battlemaster would want to begin retaking lost ground there. This time there will be no holding back."

Patricia snorted. "He'd need a massive army and something truly spectacular to break America. He could probably conquer it…eventually."

"There are the other fronts as well," the Imperator continued. "Japan. South Korea. There are territories which are not as closely protected. Russia. Germany. India. There are no shortage of places to strike. I am curious, Patricia, what is the ideal decision here?"

She felt it was a trick question. The Imperator wanted a specific answer from her. Well, he would probably accept what she gave, but there was definitely an ulterior motive than simply asking what she thought would be the best tactic against her species. "That depends," she said slowly. "Are your speaking from the Battlemaster's perspective – or your own?"

She immediately sensed the Imperator approving of her choice of words. "I am asking the question."

"The destruction of ADVENT is not a priority then," she continued, more confident this was what he wanted. "Earth must eventually choose a side, be it that of ADVENT or that of the Collective. The new offensives should not focus on territory ADVENT already has, but what it does not. At worst ADVENT intervenes and emerges victorious, or alternatively the territory of the Collective is expanded. But another country refusing to join one side or another will be removed, and will not revert to what it was."

She looked at the map. "China should be a priority. Argentina, Africa, and what remains of Europe as well. They should be made to choose a side. ADVENT will not due to their laws, but the Collective is not under that obligation."

"Good," the Imperator gave a single nod of approval. "You see what is important in this conflict. The species must be united as one before they are properly assimilated. There is less risk of drawing the Sovereign as well through this. But before that happens, there is another way to incentivize ADVENT to act across the globe."

"Oh?" She was curious. "How?"

A small vial was lifted from around the Imperator's waist, and hovered just above the palm of his lower right hand. "A curious discovery the Zararch made when performing research on diseases Humans were weak to. The Sectoids have been interested in such for some time, and they stumbled upon a disease that, in a rare moment for your species, people worked together to eliminate from the world through vaccinations and immunization."

Patricia tried remembering what that could be, and then it snapped into place. "Smallpox."

"Indeed," the Imperator confirmed. "Your species made the disease extinct. Nearly. There are still two places where the disease has been preserved for research purposes. I had Quisilia and Sicarius acquire one of the samples, and at this moment it is being turned over to the Sectoids for some slight refinement and synthesis."

"You want to release a disease which has no actual cure, back onto Earth?" Patricia demanded.

"I am confident ADVENT can work to a cure," the Imperator said. "And it will be an additional tool to force the independent nations to take sides. I have also ordered a cure of our own, one which would be a useful recruiting tool for Betos. I suspect an epidemic in China would require ADVENT intervention."

"I'm not going to pretend like you don't know the mortality rates for this," Patricia said slowly. "You do. You really think ADVENT won't figure out it was started artificially? You think the Battlemaster would also use this? It's deadly to kids in particular."

"The Battlemaster now has a useful role as plausible deniability," the Imperator said. "He is the face of the Collective to your species. He does not need to be informed of these actions. ADVENT may suspect he is lying, but they will not be able to prove it. Aegis will also attest that such actions would be out of character. They believe the Battlemaster has the highest authority. This can be used."

He moved the vial telekinetically to Patricia, which she delicately took. "We are agreed in the direction the war should take, Patricia, but I am curious what your own thoughts on this are. Do you consider the unification of Humanity worth sacrificing thousands for?"

"A very conservative estimate," she muttered, torn on what to say. On one hand she knew what the correct answer for the Imperator was. But was the unification of Humanity that important? Especially if it could be done other ways? But it also came down to efficiency, and an epidemic would quite possibly accomplish what armies could not, in a much shorter amount of time.

This was, ironically, not out of the realm of possibility for the Commander to consider. He'd murdered an entire state legislature and proxy assaults on civilians to keep a country from joining the aliens. He'd eliminated the Council and United Nations when they stood in the way of uniting Humanity. He'd always had the will to carry out choices that no one else would consider.

Now it was her turn to make a similar decision.

There would be at least one person who understood the decisions she'd made.

She looked directly at the Imperator. "I would do it," she held up the vial to him. "For the greater good."

He reached down and took it from her fingers, the vial looking so fragile between his own. "You did learn from the Commander," he said. "I am impressed with your resolve."

She felt similar to how she'd felt when she'd assisted in the destruction of the United Nations. Hollow and disjointed, the airy feeling of a dream, though it was all too real. But this time she'd been the one who'd made the decision, not one who carried it out.

Patricia was under no illusions what the Imperator was doing here. He wasn't the one making decisions, she was. Against her own species, but she still couldn't disagree that it was ultimately necessary. For the greater good. Was it different if she was making the same decisions in front of an alien than if she had done the same with the Commander if he decided the unification was proceeding too slowly?

Would she feel nearly as conflicted?

She didn't know now. That worried her.

But she hadn't been coerced into saying one thing or another. Every action and word had been her own.

"Why?" She finally asked. "Why are you keeping me here? Showing me things that you aren't even sharing with your own kind?" She gestured to the globe. "I'd think you'd ask the Battlemaster his opinion before me. Why am I special here…it doesn't make sense…" she realized her voice had broken slightly at the end, but it couldn't be helped. There were too many conflicting emotions going through her.

To her surprise, the Imperator lowered himself to one knee to be closer to her eye level. "That, Patricia Trask," he began quietly. "You just demonstrated to me. Your resolve mirrors my own, something few other Ethereals possess. But the resolve is not enough, it must be used for the right reasons. Isomnum or Macula would have easily condemned the thousands to die as you have, but they do so for petty and destructive reasons. You did not do it because you wished to cause suffering, or saw it as the culling of the inferior, you did it because you believed it was necessary. That is rarer than you might expect."

He paused. "You understand my goals, you understand the logic behind them, and you feel compelled to act on it. Your mind will not permit you to forget. You can see the scope and reach of what I propose; what I work towards; what I prepare for. You see, and do not reject reality, you do not make excuses or justifications to run, but you accept it…and question when you doubt. But that is not a flaw, Patricia, I would not accept someone who would not be as conflicted as you are. The choice you face should not be one taken lightly."

He stood back up. "And this is why I share things with you that my own kind are not privy to. Because you understand necessity in a way that too many others do not, and you do not make your choices based on logic or morality, but through this lens of necessity. And so I share my thoughts, and ask your opinions, because I value what you have to say, and want there to be no secrets when the time comes to choose a side. Sicarius is right. You cannot remain on the edge forever."

"I know." She said quietly.

"Did that answer your question?" He asked after a few moments.

"Yes," she finally answered. "I think it did."

---

Command Center of the Battlemaster, Mars Collective Base - Mars

1/24/2017 – 1:00 P.M.

The Imperator wanted Earth conquered, and so it would be done. Though the Battlemaster was no longer as invested as he once was. Not only was there the threat of this Sovereign to contend with, but there were still issues in the Collective which needed to be addressed. And so he would address them one way or another.

Or rather, he already had addressed them. But it would be a short time until the ramifications were felt. In the meantime, he was continuing his own research on Human history. Since the Humans were drawing inspiration from their past wars, looking to how they had developed the means to overcome the challenges he faced today could prove insightful.

The World Wars in particular were of interest, and he was rather impressed at the capabilities the species possessed when pressed to war. They clearly had not lost that advantage, although now had turned it on him instead of each other. But it also seemed like, in true ADVENT fashion, they were also looking to mitigate the weaknesses of the past.

What worked during the World Wars would not necessarily work today.

If nothing else, it was a fascinating history lesson, and offered a better look into the psychology of Humans. Although he did wonder how accurate that really was. Humans were a diverse species in thought and mindset. He didn't know if he could really say for certainty what most of them thought like. There did seem to be some general constants, but few enough that there was plenty of room for diversity.

He shut down the holoprojector and went over to one of the consoles. The data cube he had filled sat on it, waiting for him to make a decision. The good news was that he had a way to carry it out if he wanted, thanks to the Zararch, but he suspected that the Imperator would disapprove. But at the same time, the Imperator was going to disapprove of his more recent actions, so one more, assuming he found out, wouldn't hurt him more.

With that done, he could then focus on Earth.

While he stood in front of the blinking console, he did realize that he'd made his decision. Paradise was not something he would ever associate himself with, and he needed to make it clear, even if it gave the Humans another piece of propaganda against them. But the Imperator deserved such. If he wished to stand by his decision, the Battlemaster would force him.

"I suspect you are not going to do something good," Quisilia said slowly from the entrance. He must have teleported in. "So is this something I should know about?"

"Perhaps," the Battlemaster allowed the datacube to be inserted and read. "I was not expecting you."

"Well, I do pay attention to what happens in our little Collective," he said, twirling one of his obsidian blades in his hands. "Not always on Twitter, despite what some people guess. And surprisingly, this includes military orders. You're sneaky, Battlemaster…well, if you're assuming that literally no one is paying attention to you."

"If the Imperator wishes to countermand my instructions," the Battlemaster allowed some satisfaction to creep into his voice as he sent the contents of the datacube away. "He can do so himself, although then I will sadly be forced to explain why I felt they were needed in the first place. Which might reflect badly on him."

"Let's review," Quisilia said. "You stopped the shipment of all alien test subjects to the Creator. Then you imposed a restriction on only using clones for physical experimentation and moving all Human captives to controlled worlds in Vitakarian space."

"Yes," the Battlemaster said, finally turning to him. "Using the captives as test subjects only gives ADVENT ammunition against us, and cloning is far more efficient. Simply take samples of the captives, grow an identical batch, and you can continue without the same issues. As for the Creator, I do not especially care if she is displeased."

"The Imperator is more irritated with the fact that you did this without consulting anyone else," Quisilia added. "Aside from those who support you in this. While you have done good things for the Collective, you should not be making these decisions without keeping everyone informed."

"Then the Imperator should take a more direct interest," the Battlemaster said. "I only have this much authority because no one else would take it."

"And let's not forget your little plan to get around alternate Gateways for the Creator," Quisilia sighed. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised Fectorian agreed to help you. You and him are of a similar mind on this."

"I will let you know I did not shut down the Gateway," the Battlemaster said. "And in fact, have provided additional protection for Paradise. Who are always on the watch for any threats."

"The ships Fectorian sent are targeting and destroying anything that enters the system," Quisilia noted flatly. "A curious malfunction."

"Yes, a terrible mistake," the Battlemaster also kept his voice emotionless. "I'm sure Fectorian will get right on fixing that. Maybe he could send some more in the meantime."

"You are a very bad liar," Quisilia said. "But I can appreciate your attempt here. But the Imperator does not exactly agree that your actions are conductive. Now, what were you doing before I came in?"

The Battlemaster considered simply refusing to answer, but he also knew keeping secrets wouldn't help anything. "Informing XCOM and Aegis of Paradise. The Hunter's confession and the multiple hours of footage from Yang's armor within it. It exonerates the Collective from the Seoul attack and places the blame squarely on the Creator."

Quisilia just stared at him. "Battlemaster…just…why would you do that?"

"So I can return to completing the mission I was given," he walked over to the holotable projecting an image of Earth. "Conquering and assimilating the Humans. However, before I achieve that I need to ensure loose ends and issues in the Collective are solved. Paradise was one of them, and I have done what I can to solve that problem. Not an ideal solution, but now I can continue unhindered."

"Do you want the Imperator to think you're trying to sabotage him?" Quisilia asked slowly. "Because that is very close to what is happening."

"The Imperator can be insulated," the Battlemaster said. "The Creator is the main perpetrator after all. But it would certainly reflect badly on the Imperator if he did nothing. If XCOM releases this to ADVENT, it is only a matter of time before the Andromedons and Sectoids see it. Questions would arise."

"You know, if you hadn't just told me everything I would think you'd actually picked something up from myself and Ravarian," Quisilia sounded mildly impressed. "Well, I'm not sure how the Imperator is going to handle you now."

"And are you going to tell him?"

"Depends," Quisilia sheathed his blade. "If XCOM decides to release it, I won't keep it to myself. It's enough that he may take away your command. As it is you may be sharing joint command with another because he wants someone he can rely on handling the Humans."

"He cannot remove me," the Battlemaster said. "No matter what he says. I've been with the Collective too long to just reassign me. And for joint command…it would depend on who it is."

"Undecided, for now," Quisilia said. "However, it may be Isomnum."

The response was immediate. "No."

"Just…it would be best for you not to fight the Imperator on everything," Quisilia advised. "I'm not a particular fan of the Dread Lord, but he is effective in certain areas. Though I did mention that if he was paired with you he might end up dead."

"A possibility," the Battlemaster acknowledged.

"Look," Quisilia's tone turned serious. "There are a few divisions I'm sensing between our kind. Understandable and I can see both sides. But right now, the last thing we need is this kind of infighting. You think you're right, and so does the Imperator, and both of you don't know how to back down or compromise, and I doubt neither of you think you should."

"Correct," he stated neutrally.

"But this right now," Quisilia waved a hand. "It's not helping anyone. Neither of you are going away. Paradise and the Creator aren't going away either. But I consider this bickering dangerous when there is an active Sovereign One on Earth, which is also not going away. Everyone needs to focus on killing it, and then we can properly sort out what to do about the Bringer. And any other grievances you have."

"The Imperator will not compromise on this," the Battlemaster said. "Do you believe otherwise?"

"You are just as stubborn," Quisilia shot back. "You've done what you can to express your views. But everyone needs to stop that and focus on Earth. The Imperator can end his vague threats, and you can stop trying to undermine his decision. For now, it should stand. Once everything is at a comfortable status quo, we figure this out together. As a species, not just with the Imperator."

"Would he allow that?" The Battlemaster was definitely not convinced.

"He can come or not," Quisilia said. "But you have a point that a decision like this shouldn't be made unilaterally. The Imperator won't make decisions like this without all of our input. So he can argue his point, and you can argue your own. We make a decision as a species one way or another. Compromised Ethereals like the Voice and Creator will obviously be excluded."

That…did not sound unreasonable. "Assuming this is not said to placate me," the Battlemaster answered slowly. "I think it is acceptable. Though the Imperator must agree as well."

"I'll convince him," Quisilia promised. "He does not want you as an enemy or you to hate him, but he does believe he is right here. A good opportunity to reset everything, and I think he'll be willing to participate."

"As do I," the Battlemaster said. "But his actions must back up his words."

"Of course," Quisilia agreed. "As it will be for you."

"Then for now I'll return my focus to Earth," the Battlemaster said, moving to the holotable. "Go. I need to think alone."

Quisilia exited the room quietly, leaving the Battlemaster alone in his thoughts.

A war was much easier to deal with than politics. He disliked that was happening now. He'd thought their species was above such things, yet here he was.

More proof that their species wasn't as superior as some wished.

He sighed, and tried to focus on the latest reported ADVENT movements.

---

SAS Command, Abuja – Nigeria

1/15/2017 – 4:17 P.M.

There was the one main problem that they needed to solve. Now that the previous leaders of state has been removed, and temporary replacements appointed in their place, the next immediate problem to solve was how to ensure that ADVENT didn't come crashing down onto them. Keeping international silence would work for a time, but not indefinitely.

Macula apparently had a plan for this.

Betos frowned. "How feasible is that?"

"Easier than you might suspect," Macula was seated in front of a holotable which his own forces had established. "It is difficult to fully grasp the reach an Overmind has. A single portion of a planet is hardly a challenge to a telepath as strong as himself."

The proposal, as Macula had explained it, involved two parts. The first involved an Ethereal called the Overmind telepathically securing the territory, and then performing weekly repeats of this telepathic observation, which would – according to Macula – go through the minds of everyone, perform cursory checks to ensure there weren't moles or spies, and then inform Macula or herself of any problems.

Although Macula had said that it was also entirely possible that the Overmind would simply force any individual who was compromised to turn themselves in. With the Manchurian Restraints in play now, that was not as guaranteed since there was almost certainly anti-psionic measures. Such a measure seemed extremely inefficient, until Macula had further explained that the Overmind wasn't limited to one mind at a time, but could go through hundreds in moments.

"If ADVENT does have agents here," Betos said slowly. "Then they'll know something is up."

"I've been doing this on my own in my spare time," Macula waved a hand absentmindedly. "ADVENT absolutely suspects something is wrong. I would force them to act as double agents, but unfortunately ADVENT was competent and programmed the Restraints to refuse to follow orders from aliens. ADVENT can keep sending agents, but they will keep dying. Which is why to keep ADVENT distracted, we're going to have to do some of the work ourselves."

"Meaning?" Betos asked, crossing her arms.

"You have a different role to play, Lady Betos," Macula clarified. "I'm referring to my other alien brethren. Since ADVENT has made it difficult to tamper with them, I believe I will have to employ the services of Quisilia and Nebulan's Phantom Division. ADVENT, despite their propaganda, is not always a well-oiled machine. There are vulnerabilities we will exploit to keep their focus elsewhere."

"Fine." That seemed reasonable to her. If the aliens wanted to pull their own weight doing this, she was more than happy to oblige. "I think we both have the same idea for what to do next."

The orange glow of Macula's eyes seemed to glow brighter. "Yes, I believe we do. It is time the SAS establishes their own psions to combat the ones ADVENT has. There is little reason to deny your people this advantage."

"Glad we're on the same track," Betos confirmed, feeling like they were finally making some headway. "Training may be an issue, however, at least initially."

"Some shortcuts may have to be taken," Macula answered. "But it can be worked around. With ADVENT blinded to our operations, we can fully begin the establishment of the SAS military properly."

"With what facilities?" Betos asked. "It will take time-"

"On Earth?" Macula let out a low chuckle. "We are not limited like ADVENT or XCOM. The SAS has access to the foundries of the Collective. Your military can be upgraded within weeks, and your soldiers turned to the equal of any ADVENT has. What is needed from you, Lady Betos, is leadership and organization. This is, ultimately, your own organization. It is up to you to shape it into what you desire."

Betos nodded. There was going to be some significant restructuring and appointing being done over the next few weeks. It was good that resources would not be an issue, at least for now. The Gateway infrastructure still needed to be built, but in the meantime the armor and weapons themselves could be put into production on alien worlds.

There was a nagging issue. "Satellite coverage," she said. "Is that being handled?"

"Yes," he said. "Satellites providing coverage over Africa are being subverted. Data being sent to ADVENT is monitored. That is under control."

She was going to assume that Macula was telling the truth, as there was very little reason to embellish or lie. "There is also the matter of cities and infrastructure," she said. "Both military and civilian. I expect there will be alien support for this as well?"

"Certainly," Macula nodded. "Although…it would require a significant amount of external teams to elevate your cities to…acceptable levels. Before this, you must ensure that the populations are ready to have aliens around them. Once that is accomplished, the construction can begin in earnest."

"I suppose it's settled then," Betos stood up and looked at the holotable. "I have a lot of work to do. You handle your end, and I'll do mine."

"That will not be a problem," Macula also stood. "There is much to be done."

---

Situation Room, the Praesidium – Classified Location

1/28/2018 – 8:11 A.M.

Getting a wake up call from Zhang in the middle of the night was extremely unexpected, even more so when it was clarified that it wasn't an immediate emergency. With that said, the Commander knew Zhang would not waste his time on something unimportant.

He had been correct.

For reasons that both the Commander and Zhang had yet to figure out, they had received a data cube through one of their own agents, who'd found it placed in his home, promptly decoded it, and immediately sent it back to the Praesidium. Inside it were several high-quality recordings, the first of which was the Hunter explaining who had actually been behind the Seoul Massacre.

It had been the Chosen, as they had suspected. But the true orchestrator was the Creator.

Amazingly, it seemed like the Battlemaster had actually told the truth.

And that had only been the first video. The others had shown, from the perspective of someone else, Yang Shuren, the Human Fiona had told them about, with the Battlemaster, in addition to Sana'Ligna and Shuren, originally going to Paradise to interrogate the Creator, and then it turning into a full and unrestrained battle.

They'd watched in near-amazement at the Battlemaster fighting the Creator. It was one thing to hear the testimony of Fiona and Axis on Paradise and the depravity they'd seen, but it was definitely another to actually see visual evidence of it himself. He knew there was still an element which couldn't be transferred, mainly the presence Axis had reported, as well as other telepathic attacks, but that wasn't strictly necessary here.

The Chronicler, Axis, and Aegis were also in the room now as Zhang finished explaining the overview. Any sleepiness the Commander originally had was gone. This footage was a gift-wrapped opportunity. This was what they could point to as the Imperator allowing to happen, not to mention showing the clear discord that existed between the Ethereals.

"We haven't determined who sent it," Zhang finished, shutting down the brief clippings of footage. "But I would think the suspects are very few, and all of them have extremely interesting implications."

"I don't think there is a question," Aegis said. "The Battlemaster is the only one who could authorize this kind of information drop."

"The one who, if I recall, is orchestrating the invasion of Earth?" The Chronicler shook his head. "Unlikely. That would be extremely devastating if it were the case, and the Battlemaster does not strike me as disloyal; not to the Imperator. This is intentional self-sabotage; Sana is the more likely culprit. Or perhaps Mortis."

"I would not be surprised if it was him," Axis said. The Zudjari's eyes were narrowed. "This Battlemaster was highly displeased with what he saw there, and strikes me as one who would do everything he can to contest a decision he disagrees with. But I can only speak from personal experience."

"This is correct," Aegis said. "The Battlemaster has limits he will not cross. Paradise goes far beyond what he would ever tolerate. I suspect that in his eyes, sending this to us exonerates himself and the Collective, and heavily implicates the Imperator and Creator. Which tells me that the Imperator is not punishing her. This is his revenge."

"But this could easily backfire on him," Zhang noted. "We can do whatever we want with this footage."

"I will note that, if I recall, the Battlemaster promised that the actual perpetrators would be handed over," the Commander recalled. "I don't think he'd appreciate being called out on failing to fulfill that promise."

"He could not have predicted what was happening," Aegis pointed out. "It must have been the Imperator who forbade it. No one else could dissuade him from killing her."

"I can work with that, regardless," Zhang smiled. "All the world needs to know is that, ultimately, the Battlemaster is subservient to a master which allows this horror show to continue. His fault or not, he supports a leader which perpetuates it."

"I do not think antagonizing him is the best course of action," Aegis said slowly. "That he sent this at all is proof that his loyalty is shaken. We should not throw that away."

"Forgive me, Aegis," the Commander said, raising an eyebrow as he leaned back in his chair. "But I'm not especially concerned with hurting the feelings of someone who is still a major threat to my planet. It was nice he sent that, true, but if his loyalty is really shaken he should be more public. Why not release it himself instead of using us as a proxy?"

"Because the Imperator would more than likely silence him, as he attempted to silence me," Aegis's tone was growing frustrated as he continued. "Would you prefer the invasion be handled by Isomnum or Deusian? By someone who isn't as restrained as the Battlemaster has been? That is what you would accomplish by something like that. This is the best he can do while still retaining his position, and for the moment, he considers that more important than causing chaos in the Collective."

"Not bad, when you think about it," Zhang mused, making a short note on his tablet. "He uses us to discredit the Imperator, sends it in a way that we would know immediately who it came from. We use it to further disrupt the Collective and shame them into acknowledging their actions. This can get back to the Hive Commanders and Unions, making them raise questions of their own. I agree with Aegis, the Battlemaster did this in the correct way, assuming this was his plan."

"Which raises the question of how this is going to be handled," the Chronicler noted, pacing the room. "Send this to ADVENT telling them to acknowledge the Battlemaster was telling the truth?"

"Frame it as a clarification, an update," the Commander said. "The story just needs to be that the Creator orchestrated the attack, it was allowed by the Imperator, and that base and Ethereal are still in operation based on our most recent intelligence. Point out that the Battlemaster failed to come through on his promise. Don't press it too much, but make it a firm point. The media machine will do the rest."

"Do you believe they should have the raw files?" Zhang asked.

"That's up to ADVENT," the Commander said. "But I would give them that, yes. Much more material to work with, even if traumatizing. Ultimately, whatever they do will work in our favor. The clarification that it was 'merely' the Creator behind it will be lost in the sheer outrage of the public once they see what Paradise holds. Nothing much better to galvanize the public further."

"This should also be sent to all known alien bases," Aegis suggested. "It will be difficult to dismiss this as merely fake. I suspect the Battlemaster will not confirm or deny, and if someone does deny it…he will have to correct them."

"In any event," the Commander said, rubbing his eyes. "I have some extra material to prepare for V'Zarrah. I think he'd be very…interested in this. Maybe we can have Nartha get it to the Nulorian. Not that the Zararch would probably let that spread, but Miridian can at least make an effort."

"I'll have Jackson prep all of this to send to ADVENT," Zhang said. "Your input was appreciated, Axis. You are dismissed."

"I see," Axis looked around. "But everyone else is staying?"

"We have more matters to discuss," Zhang punched a code into the holotable. "Which is above your authorization."

The Zudjari merely nodded, and exited the room with no further questions. "Since we're all here, I'll update you on several additional matters which have arisen. The first of which is this," the hologram of a pyramid appeared, with some background text. "This was just captured in China-"

"Where did they get that?" They all turned to the suddenly intense voice of the Chronicler, who was standing and fixated on the hologram in front of them.

Zhang shot him an annoyed look. "China, as I said. Apparently brought in by a worker, and the device seemed to make them act differently. Lose their minds to the point where they killed everyone in the building and held off PLA forces successfully enough that they reached out to ADVENT for help. The PRIESTs involved confirm that there is some kind of telepathic emanation, and sent it to us since we, ah," Zhang cleared his throat. "'Specialize in the safe analysis of unknown alien materials and objects'."

"Which means they don't want this thing to accidentally kill whoever's researching it," the Commander noted wryly. "So instead they send it off to an isolated party with some experience in this. How thoughtful."

"They are extremely fortunate they did so," the Chronicler said in a low voice. "Those are Indoctrination Pyramids. Used by the Synthesized. Constructed by them to emit certain telepathic commands to assume control over, and dominate, other living beings. They can be tailored for any species, can be infinitely customizable, and what should concern everyone here, are directly connected to one of the Synthesized Primes."

There was dead silence at that. "A Prime," Aegis said slowly. "Would it still work if a Prime is destroyed or gone?"

"Destroyed? No," the Chronicler shook his head. "It is…closest to the Sovereign Orbs. The Sovereign always maintains a connection to it, even if it is never a priority. Their minds are not as limited as our own, and a machine like a Prime could easily handle multiple streams of data at once. As far as it being gone…that is possible. Instead the Pyramids will be left as idle; traps for aliens to stumble across."

"Or to use as traps," the Commander added. "Aegis, are there any Ethereals who have found or research Synthesized technology?"

"Isomnum," he answered without hesitation. "During the war he was a primary researcher of their technology, and was a proponent of using it against them. It would not surprise me to know this was continued, unless one of these Pyramids was originally found on Earth."

"Fools," the Chronicler hissed under his breath. "Every pieces of their technology is a trap for the gullible. The Pyramid could not have come from Earth, T'Leth would have eventually found it by now."

"Even if it was shut off?" Zhang asked.

"Pyramids do not 'shut off'," the Chronicler clarified. "They execute new protocols, some of which are dormancy protocols until it detects it is safe enough, or a new person enters the vicinity."

"From what I'm gathering," the Commander said. "You don't want us to research this."

"That is exactly what I am saying," the Chronicler stated. "That is what they want you to do. Curiosity killed the cat and all. T'Leth can contain it somewhere safe."

"Can it be researched safely?" The Commander asked.

The Chronicler just stared at him. "Did you just forget what I said?"

"No, I didn't," the Commander met his gaze. "I'm asking you if it can be done safely. We're in a more…malleable situation with a Sovereign to help here, and I can see several different uses for devices which can send out telepathic commands on their own. Can it be done safely or not? Please make sure he doesn't lie, Aegis."

"Certainly," the Ethereal acknowledged.

The Chronicler grimaced. "In theory it can be done 'safely', which is in a controlled environment, overseen constantly by psions or a Sovereign One, with multiple safeguards to destroy the Pyramid, and isolated enough to not hurt anything or anyone outside the research vicinity."

The Commander smiled. "Well, it just so happens we have a cooperative Sovereign, and we are also happening to build underwater bases which are fairly isolated from the majority of Humanity. So this is what we will do – you take the Pyramid for safekeeping. Secure it however you want. When a facility to the standards of T'Leth is done, research begins. Does that sound fair?"

"I'll confirm with T'Leth," he muttered. "But that would be…acceptable."

"I'll let Vahlen know about this development then," the Commander said, picking up his tablet. "Do we have anything else pressing?"

"The list of agents to begin work in alien territory is finalized," Zhang said, giving him a nod. "It just needs your review and approval. Chronicler, you should go over this as well. I want these agents sent over within the next week."

"Just in time for our meeting with V'Zarrah," the Commander commented. "I'll get that finished by this afternoon. Also, I want you to get me some information about a certain individual."

"Who?" Zhang asked.

"Someone interested in joining XCOM," the Commander said. "Kane McTaggart. Subject Zero for the Phobos Project, and a curious individual. Someone who was able to wake up voluntarily from Isomnum might be useful here."

Aegis shifted his helmet to look down at him. "No one can voluntarily awaken from the nightmares Isomnum projects onto his victims. Even psions will not recover if they have been compromised. This cannot be done without help and time."

The Commander shrugged. "He did. Why do you think ADVENT was so interested in building a project around him?"

"It is unlike Isomnum to make such mistakes," Aegis mused. "I might be interested to speak to this individual. Director Zhang, please forward what you find to me, as well as this Phobos Project."

"I'll do that," Zhang said, standing up. "I'll have a report to you tomorrow, Commander. I expect it will not take long to acquire the background of this individual. He's not a spy or highly ranked. No major amount of red tape to cut through."

"Alright," the Commander nodded, giving a salute. "We've got work to do then, dismissed everyone."

---

Unnamed Planet

2/1/2017 – 12:02 A.M.

The world was bare and desolate, the moon of a nearby planet. How Fiona, or more accurately, the Chronicler had known it existed at all was a mystery. It was simply grey stone which rose into small mountains in sections while craters of all sizes marred the desolate rock. There was no atmosphere, and looking up revealed a planet covered in white clouds over deep blue oceans. A water world most likely, surrounded by the black maw of space; white stars glittering in the distance.

A beautiful sight the Commander had hoped to see one day. Preferably on the Moon of Earth, but this would suffice until then.

The Commander wore his Titan armor, which had been slightly modified to include a larger oxygen supply. He did not imagine that they would be in this place longer than four hours, but just in case he had brought additional tanks. "Nice place," Jackson looked around the moon, her voice sarcastic. "A bit bland, but nice."

"No one will find us here," Fiona said, deliberately ignoring her sarcasm. "Now we just have to wait for our Andromedon friends to show up."

"Which shouldn't be too much longer," the Commander said, looking at the clock on his HUD. "They are a prompt species."

His words turned out to be correct as within ten minutes there was the blip of an alien spacecraft, clearly Andromedon, coming down to land. It was definitely smaller than any other Andromedon spacecraft he'd seen, but fitting the standard Andromedon aesthetic of harsh geometric architecture modeled around a rectangular body. It had a flat nose, no windows, no 'wings', but quite a few weapons placed along the sides and top.

It turned to its side as it landed before them, landing struts emerging from the bottom to set down gently. The trio began walking towards it, just as the door itself unsealed and a ramp extended to the ground. Out stepped a single Andromedon, V'Zarrah he presumed.

The Andromedon was also similarly dressed for combat. From what he had learned, V'Zarrah was perfectly capable of holding his own in a fight, and his suit was the absolute top of the line. Heaviest armor, chemical dispensers, micro-missiles, blast shields to go over the commonly exposed helmet, and rumored nano-tech offensive and defensive systems.

"You are the Commander of XCOM." It was definitely V'Zarrah. No other Andromedon present would ask or know that, and the Commander doubted that V'Zarrah would share his plans with many others.

But it was also not a question. It was a confirmation. "Yes," he answered, their voices seeming to be carried far on the dead moon. "You are V'Zarrah."

"I am curious how you arrived on this moon," V'Zarrah walked closer to them. "Your species is intriguing. Strong enough to hold against the might of the Ethereals, sharp enough to turn Zararch agents to your cause, and yet smart enough to realize that without allies your war will be lost. And it all circles back to you, Commander. The cause of the Collective's current issues."

The tone seemed to shift. "An impressive feat. Few could do what you have done. For that reason I have agreed to this meeting."

The Commander inclined his head. "And how much do you know about me?"

"I know that you have a history of determining the most efficient course of action," he answered. "And then following through on it, no matter what others have said. I know that since you took command of XCOM, you have sought to prepare your species adequately. I have no confirmations as to the incidents around Germany, or the timely deaths of the Council and the United Nations. I do not have proof as to your own involvement in the creation of ADVENT, and the subsequent assimilation of upstart nations and territories such as Canada or the Middle East." The voice turned to focus on the Commander. "But I have made my way through life seeing the connections, coincidences, actions, results, and the strings that bind them all together. You need not confirm your role, I already know it. And any being who can turn their species into their vision, by themselves or with help, is someone I want to meet."

It wasn't especially a surprise that V'Zarrah had been able to put together a fairly accurate picture. Someone with access to as much data as he had would find it rather easy. It also wasn't surprising there was no condemnation, only respect. The Andromedons were a practical species. "But you want to meet me for a reason," the Commander said. "As do I."

"In that you are correct," V'Zarrah said. "I have grown tired of the apathetic leadership of the Ethereals and their insistence on controlling the foundations of our society. The Federation itself is merely a tool to keep our species in line."

"I thought it was the result of the Kett'Tasira," Jackson interjected. "The Ethereals did not insist you follow-"

"The Federation was temporary!" V'Zarrah hissed, shifting his massive frame threateningly to Jackson who took a step back. "We are not like the Ethereals. We are not like the Vitakara or your own species. The Federation was meant to ensure our survival, it was not meant to be anything more. And so our species continues to be complacent. We are not permitted to act when action is called. The Federation has grown into everything our species was against. It is past time that it is destroyed."

"And return to what?" The Commander asked. "A constant war that plagued your species for thousands of years? Is that better?"

"Through war we grew, we advanced, we evolved," he answered harshly. "We are not your people, Commander. I thought you of all people would understand the necessity of not compromising your vision for your own species. Do you really believe the Unions simply forgot the conflict that has persisted for generations? We have not. The Federation has been kept alive by the sole command of the Ethereals, and the Unions simply wait and plan."

V'Zarrah spread a hand. "There are the alien loyalists, the cowards, the compromised, and the apologists of our species. Those have no place in our society, and they would have been purged long ago – or if they had proven stronger and smarter, they would have killed me. The Union Wars will not end until only one faction remains, and that one will be the superior and worthy of leading the Andromedons into the future."

"And thousands of years of wasted time and lives," the Commander answered. "Restarting the Union Wars is not something I want to support."

"Ah, you misunderstand me, Commander," V'Zarrah paused. "I agree in a way. I have learned enough to know that there are greater threats in this galaxy. Ones which require a united species. For you it was the Ethereals. For us it was the Kett'Tasira. I suspect we both know the machines what wiped out the Ethereals. Further conflict, while necessary, might prove our undoing. I do not intend to drag this war out, Commander, I intend to win it immediately."

A light shined from his gauntlet, and the images of the Union symbols of the Federation glowed before him. "The Federation can serve a purpose. If one faction acts quickly and decisively enough, they can be eliminated. As it stands now, none could act fast enough before the Ethereals intervene. However…if the Ethereals were focused on a larger threat."

"You could strike," the Commander finished. "And what, exactly, would be your own vision for your species?"

"Our species will grow and form into a galactic power," V'Zarrah said. "One independent of alien influence and control, one which is capable of destroying all who oppose or threaten us. And one day, we will return to Andromeda and exterminate the Kett'Tasira from the galaxy. Too many of our kind believe we should simply move on, or that we should be more open to outsiders. We have now seen the results of allying with aliens. And this galaxy is not our home, and it never will be. It may be thousands of years later, but I will ensure our species reclaims Andromeda."

The Commander nodded. "In that case we have similar goals, minus a return to Andromeda. We are not interested in interfering in alien affairs, and expect the same in return. However, I believe we can be allies…but no more than that. A mutually beneficial agreement, nothing more or less."

"Yes," V'Zarrah shut off the hologram. "Another reason I decided to meet you. Your species in particular understands the threat of alien domination. You understand better than most that outsiders should be treated warily at best…and allies watched closely and never relied upon. This galaxy will punish the trusting and gullible, we all use each other as a means to an end."

"A more fatalistic outlook than my own," the Commander cocked his head. "But we agree that reliance leads to apathy and complacency. Both our species must be able to operate independently, and anything else is extra."

"I have a question now," Jackson stepped forward. "Are you intending to emerge as the sole Union from any conflict, or are there others?"

"There are others who share my vision for our species," V'Zarrah confirmed. "Ones I have known long enough to trust them as much as possible. If it was during the Wars, we would have merged into a unified Union long ago, but doing so now is…unwise. Unions Apear, Stuirah, and Zacarrim are allies in this."

The Commander didn't need to be psionic to feel the shock Jackson excluded. He felt almost the same way. Those were Unions which were fairly major. Apear were supposedly pariahs with everyone due to their work on AI, and Stuirah were the primary engineers of the Andromedon fleet. Zacarrim were a surprise, though mostly because they were extremely apolitical, even if there were no better cybernetic engineers.

"That is good to know," the Commander acknowledged. "It just so happens that we have some projects of our own which would benefit from those kind of specialists. I would also expect you have expectations for us, in the event that you help us."

"It is simple," V'Zarrah said. "You assist us in wiping out the rival Unions, as well as the Sectoids. In return we assist in destroying the Ethereal Collective. We can provide you specialists for your own projects, as well as covertly funnel your people resources which are scarce on Earth. Both of our species will grow through this partnership."

"In return for the small task of helping you wipe out half of your own species, and completely wiping out another one," Fiona noted. "Harsh, even for your own kind."

"I am not negotiating this, Human," V'Zarrah said to Fiona. "The Sectoids pose an existential threat to our species, and the Unions to be purged are a consequence of the rot which has taken hold in the Federation; that which will weaken our species as a whole."

"Enough," the Commander raised a hand. "The Sectoids will not be a problem. From what we know, they won't give us a choice anyway. As for the Andromedons…it is our own species which is at stake here. If the Andromedons want to kill each other for their own greater good…that is their own decision, and here, we need allies in this war. Consider it a deal, V'Zarrah. You help us defeat the Collective, and we will help you take control of your species."

"Excellent," V'Zarrah nodded. "It is good to begin moving the pieces into position. I have waited for a day like this for a long time."

"I also have this," the Commander took a small case Jackson had been holding. "I think that you'll find there is quite a bit of useful information inside it. Including how to contact us again. What you do with the contents? That is up to you. I will inform the Chancellor of our agreement, and next time you, or a representative comes, we can nail down specifics."

"We will be in contact, Commander," V'Zarrah said. "Good luck."

"Appreciated," the Commander smiled under his helmet. "I feel our luck just got a lot better."

---

A/N: So, a few things to mention here. The first being that artist TheBritWriter (Check his Deviantart) drew a piece for me which is based on the Ravaged One's Assault on XCOM back in Atlas Protocol. So definitely go look at that if you want to see what one of the Ethereals in this setting looks like. Will probably be working with him again at some point, was pretty happy with how it turned out.

Second thing is that I've done some side writing for fellow author SLotH4's Shadow of the Phoenix series (in addition to being an editor as well), more specifically an addendum piece to his universe, essentially a kind of XCOM-Files type thing. This is for Star Wars for those who are unaware, and I recommend you check it out if you want to see how well I do something which isn't XCOM. Stories and author will be linked in my profile for those who are curious.

Back to XCOM, there is going to be quite a bit coming up. Act III will be entering the endgame very soon.

- Xabiar