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.

82. Daggers to the Hearts - Part II

Act V | Cataclysm

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Daggers to the Hearts - Part II

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ADVENT Acclimation Center, Seafoam Facility 13 – Classified Location

Early October 2017 – Morning

Today was the day when they received their marching orders.

It wasn't completely unexpected, as the brief but intense period of training came to a conclusion as quickly as it had ramped up. The previous days had foregone the drills and simulations, in favor of returning to more in-depth briefings on the current state of the war, the enemies they would fight, and the ongoing operations.

They'd been told that they would be receiving their deployment orders within days, and that had finally come true today. It was appropriate timing, as Matthew didn't think that there was much more they could cover and gain something useful out of it. It almost certainly wasn't the ideal amount of training time before entering a war – but it was the best they could hope for.

And for what it was worth, he felt decently prepared.

There wasn't a formal graduation ceremony for successfully completing the training – this apparently was the closest they'd get. Each of the soldiers he'd been training with were now lined up in formation with him. They weren't the first group to be deployed of course, and they'd heard of them being sent all over the world.

Most of the ones he'd heard about had been going to North America, and with the counteroffensive ongoing, it made sense. Within their own unit there'd been speculation that they'd be going to support one of the counteroffensives as a second wave. Which meant North America, South America, or Ukraine. A few might be integrated into other fronts, but that was the unspoken expectation.

By sheer numbers, Matthew and Jaquon thought that North America made the most sense – or at least was the most likely. Ukraine was also intense, but required a smaller number of soldiers, and South America he honestly didn't know as much about the situation other than it was widely perceived as one of the more difficult fronts.

Which was why Avery had said that was where they were going. Today they'd find out who was right.

"At attention!" All of the clones, now wearing full ADVENT uniforms, snapped to attention as Colonel Jenna Iribith entered the briefing room. Their unit wasn't the only one she'd overseen, but she'd been a familiar face for all of them over the past month. She was, as Mia called her, a 'very no-nonsense woman' who'd drilled them until they were exhausted.

Mia didn't like her, but Matthew didn't mind the intensity and challenge. He understood that everything was on a much shorter timeframe, and a lot needed to be crammed in a short amount of time. And getting used to exhaustion was probably a good thing, because he had an idea of the battlefield, and it wasn't a relaxing place.

"At ease," she said, turning to face them. "As all of you are aware, ADVENT has begun a sustained campaign to reclaim all occupied territories, and restore Earth to full Human control. This is Rapture. Within this campaign are dedicated operations to support the ongoing fronts."

Behind her a screen showing the world, with the respective operations outlined appeared. "These are Metacomet, Bayano, and Tryzub. North America, South America, and Europe. All graduating clone units will be sent to support one of these operations until they are concluded."

Immediately confirming the rumors. No one was surprised at this point, and the clones waited for her to continue. A sharp nod from Iribith came at the silent acknowledgement. "Each of you are assigned to Operation Bayano, in South America, specifically on the Brazilian-Argentine front."

The screen zoomed to focus on the specific front as Iribith began pacing. "You've doubtless been aware that your training is more intense than some other units. This is why. I knew assignment to Bayano was a distinct possibility, and it has risen in priority within High Command in recent weeks. Each of you needed to be prepared for this possibility, one that has come to pass."

She paused briefly, her lips pursed. "I'm not going to sugarcoat it. Each of you are entering into a hot, humid, and underdeveloped hell. You'll be fighting Collective guerillas in rainforests and mountains, Human traitor units, and criminal bands. It's going to be brutal. It's going to be exhausting. You will be forced to operate in a region with minimal standing infrastructure and support."

"ADVENT is working to rectify our most glaring weaknesses, but these efforts are just beginning," she said. "You won't be deployed to the offensive operations right away – but you will be on the front lines of our engineering efforts to ensure their protection. If there's one thing I've seen during your training – each of you are more than capable of ensuring our success."

She took a few steps closer to them. "ADVENT does not yet know how capable each of you are. You will be the difference makers in South America, be it in Brazil or Paraguay. And you will succeed, that I am certain of. Questions?"

Well then.

He didn't think that Avery was going to be particularly smug that she'd been right. Mia was going to be worried when she heard it was Bayano. For his part Matthew wasn't upset per-se – he'd not had a strong preference, but at the same time, everyone was seemingly pessimistic about what Bayano was going to be like.

But that was what he was made for.

"What is our main objective?" One soldier asked. "Specifically, the Bayano offensive we will be supporting?"

"From southern Brazil into Northern Argentina," Iribith answered, indicating the map. "I'm hesitant to give specifics because it is almost certain some of the plans will be improvised due to conditions on the ground. I do not have specifics or timetables. Those will be shared upon your arrival to Brasilia."

"Enemy composition?" Matthew asked. "You mentioned we'll be fighting Humans?"

"Unfortunately yes," a grimace crossed her face. "The Argentinian government surrendered to Collective authority relatively early in the war. Many soldiers defected to us, but there remains a strong core – along with anti-ADVENT individuals from other South American countries who want to fight on their behalf."

"Like the SAS?" Someone commented.

"Not exactly," Iribith corrected. "There is no Argentine government with even an illusion of independence. The Collective has been directly overseeing management of remaining civilian populations. No Betos-esque figure has emerged, and no one seems to want to. We unfortunately have little insight, as information blackouts have been common."

"No resistance?" He heard Avery ask.

"Both XCOM and ADVENT have been working with resistance groups in the region," she answered. "There have been moderate successes from my understanding. Complicating the picture is that criminal remnants have settled in South America, and have been responsible for sabotaging and raiding both sides."

"Drugs or weapons?" Someone else asked.

"Anything," was the answer. "Most cartels fled south after ADVENT destroyed them in Mexico, and SSR and Peacekeeper operations have systematically dismantled significant portions of organized crime in Latin America. The ones that survived have been forced to evolve their strategies. They're deep in the center of the continent, hard to get to, and have survived by selling intel, weapons, and even protection to anyone they can."

Matthew picked up on that. "Does that include the aliens?"

She smiled. It wasn't a pleasant one. "On occasion. The Collective has used Human intermediaries to deal with some criminal groups, mostly for intel on ADVENT positions. The criminal elements don't like the aliens, but they will attempt to negotiate with them. They have not officially done so with ADVENT, as ADVENT policy discourages negotiating with criminal elements."

She paused. "On a similar note, the conditions in South America have made corruption and bribery an issue. There have been instances of officers doing the same thing the Collective does – buying information on alien positions, extra supplies, while usually providing advanced weapons as payment."

Her eyes moved to each of them. "If you encounter an officer engaging in this activity, you are to immediately report them to the Oversight Division. Do not report this to your immediate chain of command. Geneva has made it clear that until this issue is resolved, and every criminal ring crushed, investigations will be handled externally. Is that understood?"

"Yes sir!"

"Concerning the Collective composition, it is fortunately more conventional," she continued. "Mutons are utilized to seize and hold entrenched Collective positions. However, they have adopted an asymmetrical strategy due to a lack of infrastructure, which is primarily reliant on Lurainian, Runianarch, and Zararch forces executing guerilla operations."

There were murmurs throughout the room as the situation continued to crystalize. There were a few more questions asked, but soon everyone had a clear, if daunting picture of what they were walking into. None of this had been in the previous briefings, and Matthew had idly wondered if there was a reason Bayano had seemed more obfuscated than the others.

Things here were clearly not going as smoothly as the other offensives. It didn't seem disastrous, but there were hurdles that ADVENT was still working out, and he couldn't help but be somewhat nervous at what they were walking into. Honest Iribith may have been, but it didn't paint a pretty picture of what things were like.

Maybe she was exaggerating a little; or things weren't as dire as they seemed.

Well, even if they were…

This was what he was made for.

And it was time to do his duty.

---

Office of the Commander, the Praesidium – Classified Location

Early October 2017 – Evening

The Commander wasn't surprised with the outcome of the interrogations of Liam and Abby respectively, it was why he'd directed them to take place only days after Jericho had concluded.

While their interactions since arriving had been brief, he considered himself a fairly good judge of when people were lying or telling the truth, and nothing had raised red flags talking to Liam and Abigail. It was going to take a shift to divest Abigail the AI from the woman he had known, but it would happen in time, and according to Liam she retained her best qualities.

JULIAN had been unambiguous in his judgement that Abigail was trustworthy, and Zhang had said the same thing about Liam. Not to mention there was a wealth of intelligence they'd gained, especially from Abigail concerning Fectorian's forces, projects, methods, and capabilities.

It had also raised some questions as to Aegis' own reliability and impartiality with what he'd shared with them back when he'd first arrived. The Commander doubted it was malicious, but this appeared a good lesson in why Aegis should not necessarily be believed at face value. He knew a lot, but he was not immune to bias.

Unexpected as all of this was, it was clear both Abigail and Liam were sincere in their wish to return to XCOM – and help Fectorian. And that…

Well, Fectorian was not an element to take lightly – especially given what they'd now learned about him. Fectorian as an ally was not something any of them had predicted, but if he was sincere as both of them, there was something to explore. The capabilities he could bring to bear, as well as his own knowledge, could heavily augment XCOM's own capabilities.

Without question he would be their most important ally since T'Leth had revealed himself.

Something the Internal Council would need to discuss in more detail how they would leverage – once it happened of course; once Fectorian committed. That had not yet come, but the Commander was confident enough to take the next steps.

Abigail and Liam were back in his office, seated opposite him while the Chronicler stood off to the side. "I appreciate your cooperation," the Commander said. "No reason to drag this out. Both of you are reconstituted within XCOM, effective immediately. Jackson has already processed the necessary information. Liam, your place in the barracks will be determined shortly, and for you…"

He looked at Abigail, pausing before answering. It really was impressive how flawless the platform was. He would never have guessed the woman sitting opposite him wasn't a flesh-and-blood Human. It was good enough that only invasive scanners could see how much of her was artificial. "It depends on what accommodations you need."

"I would prefer a designated residence as well, Commander," Abigail answered. "It does not need to be in the barracks. I may not need sleep, but I would appreciate it all the same."

It tracked with what JULIAN had told him. Abigail did consider herself mostly Human, at least in the ways that mattered. She was still getting used to her capabilities, and until the time came, she would prefer more familiar accommodations. There was no reason not to accommodate that wish.

"She could be in the Engineering section," the Chronicler suggested. "I'm sure Mercado can find a place."

"Agreed. I'll speak to him about it," the Commander nodded.

Abigail inclined her head. "Thank you."

Now he had two more XCOM operatives, and there wasn't going to be a lot of downtime. He suspected both of them were also eager to do something instead of waiting around in limbo.

"As far as your own assignments, those will be in the coming days," the Commander continued. "You will need a few days to acclimate yourselves back to XCOM, and the current situation. There have been a lot of developments for you in particular, Liam."

"So I've seen," Liam rubbed the back of his head. "There weren't nearly as many aliens in the Citadel."

"Time and allies change," the Commander said dryly. "You can also tell Fectorian that we will meet him – with conditions."

Abigail nodded. "Specifically?"

"We will meet him on this world," the Chronicler placed a small holoprojector on the table, displaying a largely unremarkable planet. Liam didn't seem to recognize it, but Abigail noted the coordinates, and a frown crossed her face.

"Why this one?" She wondered.

"It's neutral ground, so to speak," the Chronicler said. "Breathable atmosphere, close enough to Collective space, but out of the way for any Collective interests. I doubt Fectorian wants to come to Earth, nor do we want to meet him in his Blacksite. Thus, a compromise."

"So long as he will be able to speak to T'Leth," Abigail looked at the Chronicler. "Not a proxy. No offense."

"None taken. He will be able to speak directly to T'Leth if that's what he wants," the Chronicler promised. "Though I will also be present, as will the Commander, Zhang, Creed – and Aegis."

"Understood, that seems reasonable," Liam said. "Abigail?"

"Agreed," Abigail affirmed. "I'll let him know. You'll have confirmation shortly."

"Then that is all I have," the Commander finished, appraising both of them. "Welcome back to XCOM."

They stood, and Liam saluted. "Thank you, Commander. It's good to be back."

---

Unknown Location

Early October 2017 – Morning

The summons had not been something that Loke had expected - at least not in the manner it had happened in. After telling Harper they agreed to his proposal, they'd been quickly whisked away to some kind of outpost far from Atlantis, the location of which none of them had been able to determine, which appeared to be the home base for several other Agents of T'Leth.

How this was going to be explained to their ADVENT superiors was something that Loke didn't know, and could only hope that Harper or another Agent was handling it so ADVENT wouldn't be hunting them for desertion.

Well, they seemed to have a working relationship with ADVENT, so it was probably fine.

In the interim, they'd proceeded to get more details on T'Leth from the Agents – or at least what their new patron had elected to reveal. There was a lot to go through, with multiple earth-shattering revelations, that they almost became numb to their frequency.

Learning that there had been an unimaginably powerful alien living on Earth since Man had taken their first steps put a new perspective on…everything. And that for at least a few hundred years, there had been individuals with his power wandering Earth doing who knew what.

Loke didn't quite want to consider how much of history may have had outside influences. Some questions didn't necessarily need immediate answers. Curiosity would get the better of him one day, he was sure – but not yet.

The history was only part of their experience in this outpost, because they'd also been shown the expansive armory and technology that T'Leth had apparently designed and created himself.

He'd been told that some of the rifle-like weapons and other firearms on display were a type of particle weaponry. That was more understandable than how they seemed to…interface with the user, for lack of a better word. He had to admit the exact mechanics of using it made him leery. He certainly didn't like the sensation of T'Leth's stone-like weapons acting alive and synching itself to his biology through needle-like strings.

Well, it was something he was just going to have to get used to.

Overall, things had been going fine within the new normal - until Harper had interrupted his testing of one of the weapons, and said that they needed to speak with the Chronicler. Harper's expression wasn't concerned, but there was a suppressed urgency to it, which is why he'd dropped what he'd been doing, and followed.

He soon saw the cause for the reaction.

The Chronicler did not look well.

He was in the process of removing his armor, all of which was covered in soot, dust, dirt, blast marks, and…snow? Large portions of it were damaged to the point of uselessness. The Chronicler's weathered face showed exhaustion for the first time that Loke had seen, and his movements were deliberately controlled.

He looked like he'd just come out of a battle that he'd lost. Or otherwise had just barely survived an encounter with something as powerful as him.

Loke shot a questioning glance at Harper. "What happened?"

"Escalation," the Chronicler muttered. "Mosrimor planned for my intervention on Desolan. Laid a trap for me, one that could very well have succeeded were it not for Fiona."

"XCOM and ADVENT launched a covert operation on Desolan," Harper quickly explained. "The Chronicler intended to act as a distraction, and attacked their headquarters to draw attention. He got it."

Loke blinked. That seemed like a very important operation he definitely wanted to know more about, but that was for later. "Again – what happened? Who laid a trap?"

"Mosrimor. Who exploited my assumptions," the Chronicler placed more pieces of his armor on a nearby table, his voice harsh – though towards himself. "An assumption that Mosrimor would fail to adapt to me - or T'Leth. The Ethereals proved more wily than expected as well. A distraction." His lips curled up, as he paused in place. "Unfortunate for him that it failed. The outcome is still the same."

"It was your third engagement," Harper pointed out. "At this point, I would have thought you held more respect for Quisilia. He is not the vapid airhead he acts on Twitter or Cooking With Quisilia."

Loke had to know. "You watch that?"

"Yes; say what you want about the alien, he's entertaining," Harper said. "Let's not get distracted from the point."

"Let's not," the Chronicler agreed dryly. "And yes – Quisilia knows the Null Theory. He will be more difficult to dispatch. Mistakes that will not be made again – and he knew how to predict me."

"By letting Mosrimor observe you, then striking," Harper surmised. "I suppose it is confirmed then. Mosrimor is going to be taking a more direct role in the conflict. If he intervened on Desolan-"

"It was not intervention, it was planned," the Chronicler interrupted. "They knew what to do when I appeared, and how I would react. I did everything that they, that Mosrimor, expected – and they almost succeeded."

"Active coordination then, troubling," Harper frowned. "What will be our response?"

The Chronicler paused, before speaking deliberately. "Beyond becoming much more busy in the coming days, T'Leth has determined that the threshold for escalation has been reached. The Armada is to be awakened and prepared for war."

His eyes shifted to both of them. "T'Leth has ordered that both of you will carry this out."

Loke didn't know what he was talking about. "What is this Armada?"

"An army, a fleet, a contingency, all in one," the Chronicler answered. "Humanity is not the first species that has gained T'Leth's attention. Though with a key difference in that his mandate falls over the entirety of his species, not just those he chooses. In the past, only some aliens had this honor; Agents, like us. Aliens who were loyal or joined him personally, and in return for their service, they hold a place within his Ruinous Armada."

"Is that what we can expect?" Harper asked, as Loke realized that he was just as ignorant of the Armada details as he was. "Fleets and these soldiers?"

"What you will find is the tools, the people, and a world below," the Chronicler explained. "The Armada species will be in stasis. I do not know the full details as to what you will find – only that they will know what to do once awakened. Engineers. Soldiers. Leaders. Everything that could be needed. T'Leth intends the Armada to be ready before Mosrimor's own fleets take the field. He has a head start now - so our own time is limited."

Loke nodded, still not fully sure what was going to happen next, but he knew a mission when he heard it. "Where do we need to go – and how do we get there?"

"Directions will be provided, and you'll be given one of T'Leth's starships," the Chronicler answered. "It will take several days of travel to reach. The Armada Outpost is well-hidden, but I have no doubts of your ability to make it. Prepare for your departure. We are now on the clock."

"As T'Leth commands," Harper affirmed with a sharp nod. "It will be done."

---

Alien Containment, the Praesidium – Classified Location

Early October 2017 – Afternoon

The Commander's first impression of the so-called Lesser Hive Commander was that it seemed distinctly…alien from its brethren, for lack of a better word. Even among the Hive Commanders he had witnessed, there was an inscrutable, artificial aura around them. One that perhaps came from their small frail bodies, and their mouthless faces.

029-1, as he had identified himself, was a strange and stark contrast to that.

The Sectoid had a certain spark of animation, of cognizant life to him that the other Sectoids simply did not have. There was no skittish and single-minded focus like the drones, nor the haughty arrogance and power of the Hive Commanders. It was not as though he was being driven by a force outside himself.

Lesser Hive Commander 029-1 was kneeling on the ground, eyes closed, and hands resting on his knees. It was a classic meditative posture that, when combined with his attire, made him seem far more approachable and…Human than any other Sectoid the Commander had seen.

They'd never encountered a Lesser Hive Commander like this. The few encounters there had been were in battle, and in that environment impossible to discern any differences in behavior and intention. Were it not for the Sovereign Orb within the cell, the Commander knew that he would have felt the power it had; even now he could sense it was being suppressed.

The Trask Level tests weren't completely perfect on aliens, but preliminary ones had suggested that this Sectoid was comfortably within the Leviathan band on the scale.

Not an entity to take lightly.

But this one apparently wanted to talk.

To him.

"So he's been like this the entire time?" The Commander asked Vahlen.

"Nearly," she confirmed. "He has only moved occasionally to eat. He has not made any demands, threats, warnings, or demonstrated any sign of discontent or dissatisfaction."

"No attempts at psionic manipulation?"

"Not with the Orb suppressing him," Vahlen shook her head. "No complaints either. He's just been waiting."

The Commander exchanged a glance with Zhang, who seemed as simultaneously troubled and interested in this creature as he did. "Your impressions?"

"That this is a particularly dangerous creature," Zhang said bluntly. "The Hive Commanders are intelligent beings. What we understand of their derivatives is that they carry parts of themselves. We should tread carefully – especially if it wishes to present us with opportunities or information."

"At the very least," the Commander said. "This may give us insight into the current state of the Greater Hive Commanders – and perhaps the Collective as well. Vahlen, tell T'Leth to lessen the effect of the Orb. I want to know his true reactions."

There was a telepathic flash from Vahlen, and the Orb in the cell pulsed briefly, and the Commander could more properly sense the power of the Lesser Hive Commander before him. It reminded him of many of the more elite psions in ADVENT and XCOM. Controlled and disciplined; a leashed tempest of power.

A dangerous combination for an enemy, and invaluable necessity for an ally.

The shift in suppression served as a signal to the Sectoid. 029-1 opened his eyes and stood in a smooth motion, appraising the trio outside the cell. His hands were clasped in front of his body, and he stood tall and proud. "The Commander of XCOM. Dr. Moira Vahlen. Intelligence Director Shaojie Zhang. Thank you for speaking to me."

The Commander listened to the voice, sensing nothing off initially. The voice of the Sectoid was deeply atypical – none of the raspiness they'd become accustomed to from Sectoids, but something more cultured and rich. The English was impeccable, and the words as fluid as a native speaker. He even managed the correct pronunciation of Zhang's name.

"You know our names," the Commander inclined his head. "Knowledge from the Collective?"

"Yes. The Greater Hive Commanders have no formal mechanisms for intelligence gathering. The concept is unproven, and is of little use to us," 029-1 answered. "We expand our knowledge through the consumption of proper materials. Research reports. Documentation. Books. Each of these processed through rigorous review; cross-checked. Deception and secrets do not belong within our species. A trait that most aliens do not share."

"Not just Collective materials, I presume?" Vahlen wondered. "Our own materials?"

"Yes, but not uncritically," 029-1 clarified. "Aliens possess different standards, the quality varies, and poisoned knowledge is a disease to our species more than any physical ailment. We assimilate your knowledge, from your species, and put it through our rigor, before we fully assimilate it as fact."

"And part of this," the Commander said. "Is the verification of telepathy on the individual."

"The mind cannot lie nor hide the knowledge it holds through physical expressions or sounds," 029-1 stated. "It is the only infallible form of knowledge acquisition – at least when it comes to the individual. It is not the only form of rigor – but it is the most certain. It subsequently makes the comprehension of alien species more…" one wrist flicked. "Complicated."

"Because we lack the same ability," the Commander finished.

"Correct, Commander," 029-1 affirmed. "Alien species who lack innate connection become fractured, individualistic, and exploitable. They are also contradictory, fallible, and easily deceived. It taints any proper attempt of knowledge acquisition, because an individual could be wrong, while believing themselves to be right."

"As opposed to a hive mind." The Commander noted.

"You misunderstand our species, Commander." 029-1 corrected. "Which is, fundamentally, why I exist, and what I am here to remedy. So with your permission, that is where I would start. To understand why I am here, you should understand our species – and why I must exist."

"You assume we don't know much about your species already," the Commander crossed his arms. "A bold assumption."

"I do not assume, I know, Commander," 029-1 did not display any irritation or defensiveness. "We are alien to you; divorced from the parallel connections and associations you have been able to forge with other species. Ethereal. Vitakara. Andromedon. Muton. But this has not been replicated with Sectoids. You do not truly understand our species, because we do not truly understand yours."

The hands returned to being clasped together. "Or, perhaps, you are correct, and I am wrong. Nonetheless, I believe this an appropriate place to start, and move forward from there. Is that sufficient?"

The Commander nodded slowly. "Then go ahead. I'm curious what you have to say."

"Very well," 029-1 inclined his head slightly. "Firstly, I must clarify that we are not a Hive Mind – not in the way your species often defines it as. Rather, it is that our species is driven by a small number of decision-maker-individuals, who act through universal consensus. Individualism is innate among your species. It is not among my own."

"Reserved for only the Hive Commanders and ones like yourself, presumably," the Commander said.

If the Sectoid could have properly smiled, it would have. "I am not an individual, Commander. I am the voice, will, and instrument of Hive Commander 029. I am an extension of him, or a construct if you would prefer. One designed for interfacing between the mind of a Hive Commander, and those who are divorced from the Greater Will."

The Sectoid paused briefly. "Our species is different from most we have encountered. The Hive Commanders understood this fundamental disconnect, but did not have a proper means of interfacing with these species beyond primitive physiological communication."

One hand gestured. "It is equivalent to your species attempting to communicate with an intelligent plant-based lifeform. In theory, it can be done, but minds, bodies, and wills are fundamentally different to a degree that true understanding – made directly – is effectively impossible. It is not merely a question of philosophies, mindsets, or understandings, but a different means of existence entirely."

The black eyes moved to meet each of theirs. "Those you understand as the Lesser Hive Commanders are tools intended to rectify this. I have been designed to be able to interpret and process the nuances and alien nature of your existence into terms, phrases, and thoughts that the Hive Commanders can interpret correctly. Humans, Vitakara, Ethereals, even Mutons, share fundamental similarities. Those you know as the Sectoids do not."

"Elaborate on this," Vahlen interjected. "I'm curious what these identified fundamentals are."

"You are each an individual, capable of free action, free thought, and self-determination," 029-1 said. "To share a mind is considered a repulsive, unattractive prospect. A violation. The mind is not an extension of your species' Greater Will, but a sanctuary for your personal drives, desires, and wants. Each individual is born with their own mind, and they must make the choice to open willingly. It is not a natural instinct."

There was a pause. "The Ethereals, beings of true psionic might and potential, are no different in this regard," he finally said. "They held the potential to achieve the Greater Will, and chose to not do so, for individualism was more important to them. Some species lack the ability to make this choice at all."

"The Greater Will," Zhang noted slowly. "You have referred to this several times now. Is it what you call psionics?"

"No, it refers to our conception of the unified species," 029-1 explained, shaking his head. "The Greater Will is the force which is above the individual; that which determines the path of species. The Greater Will is shaped by only the most potent and worthy minds of a species, those to whom Individuality has been bestowed. But even the individual is subject to the consensus of the Greater Will."

A strange tone entered the Sectoid's voice, a rapt reverence that seemed as alien as the explanation he was giving. "Through the Greater Will, a species transcends to becoming invincible, one which ascends to a higher existence. One that cannot be touched by the constraints of corporeal reality."

The Sectoid's arms spread, as if in invitation. "I believe you are aware of what I am about to share, but I will elaborate beyond what you likely know. You cannot kill a Hive Commander. You can only kill their mortal bodies, which a new one always will take its place."

"Unless of course," the Commander said. "The bodies are killed altogether. We know they perform some kind of memory transfer."

This time, the Sectoid's lips curled in a clear expression of someone who held truths others did not. "No, Commander, that is not what happens," 029-1 stated, his eyes drifting to glance at something known only to him. "The Hive Commander is an individual in the sense they possess certain autonomies the wider Hives do not. But that isn't quite what they are."

His focus returned to the Commander. "Hive Commanders are not simply individuals, however, they are the personification of the Hive itself. They are their Hive. And all those within the Hive they command are, in some small way, an extension of themselves. Drones that have aspects, specialties, and knowledge of the Hive Commander put into them. Some are more complete reflections than others – such as the construct you speak to now – but others are fragments."

One finger raised from his hand. "You can kill every single construct that you have come to know as a Hive Commander – but understand these bodies are merely repositories for the Greater Mind. If each body were to die, a new one would be created, where each fragment is drawn into this new host."

He took a moment to let that sink in, and when he continued, each word was stark and clear. "You can kill a Hive, but you cannot kill a Hive Commander in any way that matters, because they have transcended their mortality. They are the embodiment of billions. Each Hive is a pillar; a nation in your words, which together form one piece of the Greater Will."

That was…a development for sure. The Commander, with his own limited knowledge of the possibilities of psionics, didn't know if what 029-1 was saying was actually possible – but he could at least see the theory. And if the theory was correct, then they had a fundamentally flawed understanding of not just the Hive Commanders, but the species itself.

The most interesting part was he wondered if the Collective species were equally as ignorant.

"Fascinating," the Commander muttered. "I think we can move to the more pressing questions. Primarily, why did you surrender yourself? Why is your patron now interested in speaking?"

"To ascertain if Humanity is to achieve your own Greater Will," 029-1 answered. "No species encountered has achieved the degree of cohesion and unity necessary to be considered such by the Greater Hive Commanders. This is being reconsidered, and should Humanity reach this period of evolution, it requires reassessment."

That was not the answer any of them had expected. Zhang frowned, Vahlen wrote something down quickly, and the Commander appraised the Sectoid carefully. "And why is this being reconsidered?"

"Is it not obvious?" 029-1 cocked his head. "ADVENT's role is similar to the first Hive Commanders who subjugated and excised the dissent and disunity from our species. Your nations are assimilated. Your people are united or removed. No more are the divisions and conflicts of old tolerated – Humanity has made the choice to take the next step of societal evolution."

He met the Commander's eyes, words laden with surety. "Every nation, individual, value, and moral subordinated to the Greater Will. To us, it is merely that – the Greater Will. To Humanity, you are subordinate to the Advent Directive."

"It is your guide, your code, your god," he spoke with confidence. "Individuality, rejected for the betterment of the whole. Individuals, lesser than institutions. Consensus, instead of personality. You have not reached this threshold yet – but the Greater Hive Commanders have noticed. It is enough that action is taken for some."

"To what end?" The Commander asked.

"To determine if the Greater Hive Commanders will continue to participate in this conflict, or not," he answered. "The Imperator, and his Ethereals, have been proven deceptive in their reasonings and justifications. Your species was not seen as one capable or worthy of greater consideration. This assessment has now changed. A species that achieves the Greater Will – or is capable of it – is one where there is little desire to interfere – or stop."

Zhang's frown was etched into his face. "How did you know we were going to attack? Or was it a coincidence that you happened to be there and surrendered yourself?"

"The latter, Director," 029-1 acknowledged. "I had been sent to acquire an assessment of the Muton Production Program for Hive Commander 029. Your attack presented an opportunity to accelerate my principal objectives. If I had not been present, we would have met sooner than later."

"How, exactly, would you have achieved this?" Vahlen wondered.

"I would have had the Zararch orchestrate an operation, and ensure that said knowledge reached XCOM - something tantalizing enough to warrant your direct intervention, such as a Lesser Hive Commander," again, it gave an approximation of a smile. "Upon your arrival, I would have rendered my escorts or forces immobile, surrendered, and allowed you to dispose of them as you saw fit. I would be presumed lost by the Collective, much like I almost certainly am now."

The Commander still didn't sense any deception or duplicity, and he didn't see a reason the Sectoid would lie. It was plausible enough given what the Lesser Hive Commander had already shared. It was a coincidence, but the Commander didn't see a deeper conspiracy surrounding his presence on Desolan.

Besides, there were better questions to ask right now.

"I'm curious about something," the Commander said. "You know the Overmind was responsible for your species agreeing to join the Ethereal Collective in the first place?"

"If such an action was taken, it betrays their ignorance of our species," 029-1 dismissed. "They, like most aliens, see the Hive Commanders as simply individuals, who can be controlled, manipulated, and exploited. But the Hive will…course-correct a Hive Commander, if they act in ways irrational or out of character."

Now that was interesting. Vahlen picked up on it too. "You are saying the Hive Commanders are static personalities?"

"Not exactly," 029-1 corrected. "It is natural for shifts in approach and objective to change over time, or in light of new evidence. But this is a substantive, gradual, and thorough process. It is a reorientation of the focus of an entire Hive. A simple telepathic command is insufficient to achieve this."

"If the Overmind attempted this, then it was unnecessary," 029-1 finished. "There were legitimate justifications to align with the Ethereals, who have since allowed the Greater Will to continue to be exercised without interference. Notably, this has also…changed."

"Oh?"

"The Ethereals have revealed a Sovereign ally they declined to disclose," 029-1 continued. "It has recently subsumed several Hives for its own purposes, ones which are now divorced from the Greater Will, and the Greater Hive Commanders entirely. This was demanded, not asked, and the subsumption was not voluntary."

For the first time, a genuine emotion beyond politeness slipped; a veiled anger. "The Greater Will elected to not interfere with this violation – but agreed to determine alternative paths. Hive Commander 029 determined to appraise the potential of the Collective's primary enemy – a species that might achieve their own Greater Will."

Zhang rubbed his chin. "And if we achieve it?"

"You will not achieve it for decades, if not longer," 029-1 asserted. "The process you describe is not an expeditious one. Conformity for a species takes time – but these first years are the most critical. It will soon be apparent if Humanity can achieve the Greater Will – or if it will collapse under its own weight. My purpose is to determine the likelihood of this, and report to 029 my findings. He will bring this to the Greater Will, from which consensus will be reached."

The three of them exchanged a silent look, but within that silence were many questions and conflicting feelings.

If the Sectoids could potentially break from the Collective, that would be a major development that could strike a deathblow to the Collective. At the same time, Zhang's warning of this being an elaborate trap couldn't escape his mind – even as he wondered what the point of such elaboration would be.

Not to mention there were other important questions to ask.

"Let's say we allow you to fulfill your role," the Commander finally said. "We would let you go?"

"Eventually, yes," he confirmed. "During my time here, I would conform to your laws, people, procedures – but I would not be a prisoner. Such is something that would interfere with what I need to learn. I would give my word that there will be no harm that comes to your people by my hand, and I would act to protect them, should it arise."

"Even if it is against the Collective?" The Commander raised an eyebrow.

"The Ethereal Collective is superseded by the will of Hive Commander 029," the Sectoid answered without hesitation. "If I must maintain this by conflict against nominal allies, then it will be done. There is no conflict over this mandate, Commander."

"And how, exactly, would you achieve this?" Zhang asked slowly. "You are conspicuous."

029-1 looked at Vahlen. "I will demonstrate. Please do not react."

Vahlen looked at him, nodded. "Go ahead."

The Sectoid's form appeared to blur, and the Commander was soon looking at what seemed to be an ordinary Human male. An illusion that the Commander could sense existed, but if he didn't know it was a Hive Commander underneath, he would have suspected little. Telepaths would instantly know something was off – but few others would.

It wouldn't fool the cameras or other electronic visuals, but that was something that could be worked around, and otherwise addressed should it become necessary.

A moment later, the illusion dispelled. "I was designed for this purpose, Commander. I expect you will need to tell those with a need to know the truth. The rest do not need this."

The Commander glanced again at Vahlen and Zhang, before returning to 029-1. "You'll understand if we don't make a decision now. Similarly, what if we refuse?"

"Then 029 will conclude this line of inquiry is impossible, and no alliance or understanding between Humanity and the Sectoids can be achieved," 029-1 stated. "Nothing more or less. He will abide by the decision of the Greater Will, no matter its outcome."

The Commander nodded slowly, thoughts swirling as to the implications, and what the right decision would be. "You've given us much to think about. We will answer you shortly."

"I will be here, Commander. Deliberate as you see fit."

With the conversation clearly over, 029-1 returned to the position he had been in before, knelt, closed his eyes, as the Orb returned to its full suppressive power. Together, the trio of Humans left Alien Containment, with an open question of what to do hanging over them.

---

The Prism

Mid-October 2017 – Morning

Escalation.

That was the direction everything was moving. XCOM against the Collective. T'Leth against Mosrimor. Mosrimor against the Collective. Himself against the Imperator. It was a continual ratchet effect that all sides with power were going to employ to their own ends – and make his own efforts significantly more difficult.

His own role in this situation didn't change that fact.

Risk and opportunity were interlinked right now. The Battlemaster knew that he had to make the correct choices, and he was running out of time to enact them. He did not have the luxury of extensive planning. He had to be decisive and swift. He could not wait for perfect opportunities and low-risk openings.

Those against him were too powerful, and possessed initiative in a way he couldn't leverage. They could move, react, and initiate much faster than he could, and even if it wasn't intentional, their actions could rapidly degrade his own plans.

He had no choice but to take some risks. To do less was to guarantee failure, and the event horizon approached closer every day, and if Mosrimor reached a critical mass of power and control, it would be too late.

The attack on Desolan had given him one such unplanned opportunity, but he didn't know if the catalyst had been worth it. Mosrimor's attention was now firmly on the Collective because of this, and while he now had leverage to begin divesting the Collective military, and place larger swaths more under his direct control, it was one command from the Imperator or Mosrimor from being…threatened.

There were going to be those who noticed what he was doing was atypical. He didn't know who it would be, but they would notice – what mattered is what they would say, be it to him, the Imperator, Patricia, or Regisora.

He was preparing for a confrontation on that front too. The good news was that Patricia was doing exactly what he wanted, and he had credible cover and legitimacy from her. It was good, because she was not Ethereal, nor had known him for long. She knew him primarily by reputation and interaction.

She did not know him, and she never would if he was successful.

Quisilia, the Imperator, Fectorian, Deusian…they did.

He would see who, if any, would act.

Maybe it was time to bring in more allies. Some who could be trusted – or whom it was worth taking a risk to do so.

Beyond the myriad of schemes, plots, and activities being carried out by the witting and unwitting alike, he had been pondering the attack at Desolan itself. There wasn't any mystery over how XCOM had carried it out – that was abundantly clear, along with some of the actions that had taken place.

The attack by the Pantheon was the attack which had the most material impact. That the First Guardian had driven them back was unsurprising, but it was hard to credit anything in this disaster as a victory. However, it lacked the questions that XCOM's assault raised.

Primarily, what it had been for.

The obvious answer was the Mutons themselves – given that they had explicitly evacuated as many of them as possible, including the mothers and infants. But he couldn't see the long-term strategic benefit of it. It wasn't going to significantly hamper their own production, the ones they had removed would hardly produce a new army for ADVENT. Besides, if ADVENT wanted their own Muton army there were more efficient ways, even with their own technology.

There was a missing piece in this entire event. An underlying objective that he wasn't seeing. They were employing what seemed to be a Sargon, but did that explain why they'd take the mothers and children along with the soldiers? It troubled him that there was something more that he wasn't seeing.

"You've been staring."

The Battlemaster turned as Yang entered, a bowl of cereal in her hand. The stress of what they were doing was written on her face, but she had refreshed herself the past few days. Enough where she looked better than before, and likely felt his intense focus - and discontent.

"I am considering questions," he finally said. "Concerning Desolan and XCOM's operation. I remain uncertain what they ultimately intended to achieve."

She paused, took a seat at the table, beginning to eat. "The Mutons," she said simply. "That's clearly what they wanted – and what they got."

Too simple. Too easy. Too unsatisfying.

"It cannot just be that," the Battlemaster shook his head. "It does not materially hurt us, nor benefit them, in a substantial way. It may be useful propaganda, but I do not think that justifies the investment. They could have struck anywhere, like ADVENT and the Chronicler did – but they chose a production facility."

He leaned against the wall, finishing the verbalization of his thoughts. "Now they are responsible for the care of not merely soldiers, but the mothers and children. A drain on their resources, for aliens that will not grow for years – long after they need them."

Yang didn't respond immediately, continuing to eat, which didn't hide the fact that she was thinking hard, and trying to formulate a response. The bond was clear, and it wasn't that she didn't have an answer, but she was thinking of how to explain it to him, which was unusual.

"You have an answer." He stated. "Speak it."

"My answer is the same…" she said after a moment. "But the reason isn't what you think. They didn't do this to hurt us at all, or to gain soldiers for their army. Neither of those objectives, as you said, were achieved."

He cocked his head. "Then why?"

"Because they did it to free them," she said. "Liberate them."

The Battlemaster frowned under his helmet. "That does not seem plausible. The Mutons recovered are soldiers. Freedom is not something they understand or comprehend. They are limited cognitively, and have been shaped solely to fulfill a specific role. They cannot be…liberated." The word was foreign in reference to the Mutons. "These are not Sargons, or even Praetorians."

"No, no, you're not understanding me," Yang shook her head. "None of that matters. This is about principle and…morality. Have you thought at all about how Humans see Mutons?"

"As soldiers."

"Yes, but no," Yang said. "Slaves."

The conversation was taking a strange direction. "Are they slaves any more than the Molosser Hounds are slaves? Is that an applicable term whatsoever outside of propaganda? I understand this is terminology used – you are saying they believe it?"

"Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying," Yang emphasized. "They see the Collective – and you – as effectively treating a sapient species like livestock. If you look at how Earth is reacting, this isn't just propaganda. Humans have…very strong feelings about slavery. It dominated much of our history, and left scars on societies that haven't fully healed."

"It was that extensive?" The Battlemaster asked. He'd known Humans had practiced slavery to some degree - though it appeared it was significantly more than he'd been aware of.

"Much more and worse than you'd think," there was a bitter look on Yang's face. "Eventually, everyone officially decided that wasn't acceptable, and we pretended that was it. Didn't mean it didn't still happen, just under different names, and more politically…acceptable framing. I'll give ADVENT credit for stamping that out."

She paused her eating. "Does that surprise you?"

He thought for a moment. "I do not know. The possibility that you were capable of it to this degree did not occur to me until now. It did not strike me as something a rational species does to itself. It is self-destructive, inefficient, and destabilizing. Yet I also understand your people were not united until recently."

There was an undercurrent to what she was feeling right now, not verbalized, but given the context, he wanted to ask. "This perception the Humans have of Mutons…is that yours as well?"

She was quiet for a few moments, then shrugged. "I don't see how it's not, if I'm being honest. I'm not going to say the average Muton is the smartest being alive, but…they are clearly capable of intelligence. Sargons, Praetorians, even the Elites…they have the capability. Something that is being deliberately suppressed and manipulated to make them soldiers."

"That is not a comparison," the Battlemaster said reflexively. "The Sargons have been engineered for intellect and mental prowess. They are not comparable to baseline Mutons."

"Obviously not, but the potential is there, and I'm not even sure they're dumb brutes to begin with," Yang continued. "They're not machines, but they certainly act like them. They know enough math to operate heavy weapons and artillery. They know enough language to comprehend and carry out orders. They know enough science to know when to mix or not mix chemicals and explosives."

One hand's fingers idly rapped on the table. "And the Sargons…I read some of the early reports. They weren't even adding anything. The earliest Sargons were testing the theoretical intellectual limits of the Muton species. The Collective knows they aren't a stupid species – but most of the species is treated like they are."

There were several answers that came to mind – such as that this was the result of training, built over the course of decades. No one would say an animal was intelligent merely because it could execute repetition successfully. Without the program, how would Mutons have integrated into the Collective as successfully?

But as he considered them, he did not know if those answers were satisfying, much less if Yang would consider them satisfactory, because he realized that didn't matter to her. It didn't matter if the Mutons were even smart or not, because what she perceived was enslavement.

And more importantly, she was not saying something he wasn't aware of, even if he'd intentionally put it aside for a very long time. It was a matter that had been settled so long that for it to be raised again was…discomforting.

Something that Yang could sense.

"My point is really this," Yang sighed. "You're not going to find an answer that makes sense to you because the reasons XCOM did this aren't based on pragmatism or military strategy. They did this because they believed it was the right thing to do. You might not see the Mutons as intelligent – but they do."

And, so do I - And you know why.

That was the unspoken addition which was tangible through the bond.

The Battlemaster was not sure he truly agreed with the perspective – but at the same time, he did realize that he had been viewing this through the wrong lens. The Human perspective here was so divorced from his own it was little wonder why he had been unable to find an answer. Now he had a plausible one, and it made him feel…

He wasn't sure.

It was forcing forward something that had been thankfully absent for a very long time. And when directly confronted, he knew that he didn't have a good answer. Not one that satisfied Yang, or himself.

He would need to consider what it meant for him.

"What do you suggest?" He finally said.

She didn't appear to have been expecting that. "For what?"

"What would you do?" He finally asked. "You are Human, I am not. You hold this perspective which is alien. What is a solution which does not weaken our military, and wouldn't…continue an enslavement? I am curious."

She thought for several minutes. "Maybe try something different. Maybe the Mutons don't need to be raised in a spartan death camp where those who don't meet the expectations are killed. Maybe don't take children from their mothers the moment they're born. Maybe see what they do outside of a Collective framework. " She shrugged. "Maybe it won't do anything, but what if Humans are right, and you aren't?"

That would be another issue that threatened to make everything significantly more complicated. However, right now he could no longer claim ignorance of a possible problem. It was necessary to explore some alternatives. He suspected they'd know quickly if there was some merit to what she said or not.

Answers that he could already predict the outcome.

"Some alternatives can be…proposed," he finally said. "Identify several, and we can implement in the course of this divestment. We will know quickly from the results if this can be...built upon."

"I'll take that," she smiled faintly. "Everything has to start somewhere."

---

Psychological Wing, the Praesidium – Classified Location

Early October 2017 – Afternoon

Kunio had rarely taken advantage of the mental health services XCOM provided. Not that he didn't appreciate having them available for those who needed them, but therapy wasn't exactly something he needed on a regular basis, and he was especially wary about going into very personal issues and feelings with someone who was effectively a stranger paid to listen to him.

That had never sat right with him, and since he'd never been in a state where his mental health was in a place he'd consider bad, he'd not considered doing so. After Jericho….that had been the first time he'd seriously considered it. Oddly enough, he'd been more willing to do so after Dawn had vouched for her.

Dawn was barely an adult, but he did trust her to make a judgement with that kind of gravity. In any case, he didn't have much to lose except his time, and had decided to attend a session – which had been officially recommended by the Commander for everyone who'd taken part in Jericho. He'd soon see if Dr. Haley Yates was as good as supposedly claimed.

Initially, she struck him as less personable than he was expecting – which ironically made him more comfortable speaking more openly to her. They hadn't even spent the start of the session on him, but rather on her. Once she'd explained her previous military experience, quite a few pieces fell into place.

She had come to XCOM from her own civilian practice, but she considered herself a military psychologist first and foremost, and had primarily dealt with active and veteran soldiers. She'd apparently gotten out of the service before the War on Terror, and more than a few of her patients had taken part in that war.

In effect, she was acquainted with the mindsets and personalities of soldiers.

He wondered how much she changed her approach when dealing with non-military patients, but that was not a question he was going to ask, and frankly, he didn't care beyond the idle curiosity. Soon though, they'd shifted to the actual matter at hand – the aftermath of Jericho.

"'Kill them all,'" Kunio recounted, after being asked to speak what came to his mind. "That's what I ordered. Opened fire, and they were dead in seconds."

Yates appraised him intently, a notepad resting on her lap. "And how do you feel about that?"

He hesitated, eying her warily. "Do you want me to be honest, doctor?"

"Always."

He exhaled. "I've never felt better in my life."

And it was true.

It was a kind of emotional high that he hadn't known could exist so strongly. It was something that felt simultaneously so right and evil at the same time. He felt that he should feel something was wrong, but he didn't. That conflict, that negative space of feeling, bothered him more than the acts themselves.

"When you say 'better,'" she said, her tone even. "Explain in what way?"

His lips pursed. "That I was doing something that was right by every possible metric. Not just because it's my job, not because I'm following orders, but because it's something that I know on an intrinsic level is right."

"You're saying you were justified?" She questioned. "In that you had no inhibitions?"

"Yeah, that's pretty much it."

A nod. "And this has been bothering you?"

"Yes," he sighed, leaning back in the chair. "It's something that I know was right – what I saw there made it so clear to me – but something about that reaction doesn't seem normal. They weren't armed, they weren't a threat. They were the enemy, but not a danger. I shouldn't feel pleasure over killing them, even with what they were involved in, should I?"

"Mm," Yates made a note. "Why do you say that?"

He frowned. "Why I think I shouldn't feel good about it?"

"Yes."

He thought for a moment, searching for an answer that made sense. "I suppose because I had it drilled into me. Rules of warfare, such as they are. Don't hurt civilians, unless they're an active threat. Geneva Conventions, Self-Defense Forces policy, stuff that's not really practical nowadays, but it was still taught, and I still remember."

"Policy is one thing, but it isn't the end-all, be-all," Yates noted. "As you said, policies are something finite and malleable. The JSDF, and the Conventions, are practically defunct today. So, put aside the policy for a moment – why do you care about the policy at all? Do you feel this way because it was drilled into you, nothing more?"

He thought for another moment. "Because…killing that way is wrong. I didn't really kill them, I made the choice to execute them. That is supposed to be wrong, and if death is what they deserve, I'm not supposed to be the one doing it. I'm a soldier, not a judge. That's not my job. And yet…"

"It didn't feel wrong," Yates finished.

"That's the long and short of it, doctor," he said, not sure what else to say.

She made a few more notes, before returning her eyes to his own. "May I make an observation I've noted?"

"Sure."

"You're wrong when you say that you don't feel like it was wrong," Yates said. "If you thought that, you wouldn't be here, and you wouldn't be worried about what you're not feeling. Instead, the feeling you're describing is simply not the one you expected. People who wonder if they've done nothing wrong, don't keep wondering about it days afterwards."

Kunio was silent for a few moments, processing that. She did have a point, though it was not a fully complete answer for him. "In your professional opinion, doctor, was what I did wrong?"

"I'm not your officer or your superior," Yates demurred. "Based on what was described to me, and what I've read, I understand why you acted the way you did. I don't judge soldiers; each of you see stuff that people outside will not get. You can't change what you did or did not do – and dwelling on it won't help."

"Then what should I do?"

"Decide what you'll do when this choice comes up again," Yates tapped her pen on her notepad. "It will come up again. There is going to be another time when you walk through something so horrible and scarring, that there is only one possible justice to be delivered. Who do you want to be? The one who judges, or the one who defers?"

She paused, looking at him intently. "Do you believe in redemption?"

He was somewhat thrown off by the topic change. "I…suppose so?"

"You seem to be cognizant of a few things, so there are only a few points I'll say," Yates said after a moment. "You felt justified in what you did, because you saw their complicity in the Program, is that right?"

"That was a big part of it, yes."

"What do you think of Aegis? Nartha? Or the other aliens who've defected?" She asked.

It was a simple question, but one that Kunio immediately saw was the key to what he was feeling.

"Ah." Was all he said.

"Every alien who is here was complicit, to one degree or another," Yates said gently. "Some much more than others. I'm not going to say that the people you killed deserved another chance, or weren't deserving of their ends – but you made the choice based on the circumstances, and how you felt at the time - not proof. You killed them by association, nothing more, nothing less. That doesn't seem like something you're comfortable with."

He felt more dejected as she spoke, a sinking feeling that did not really reflect well on him, or his actions. "I'm not."

"Then I think you have what you need," she told him. "People are complicated, and contradictory. You're not unique in this regard, everyone is irrational and hypocritical on some level, usually without being aware of it. If that's something you want to change – then I believe you can do that. We can always strive to be the best version of ourselves, even when it is hard."

"Especially then," Kunio murmured. "Speaking from experience, doctor?"

A slight smile graced her lips. "Perhaps, and I have seen it many times before. Sometimes they try, and fail, and keep trying. The easiest thing to do is to give up. You don't strike me as that type."

He chuckled. "I appreciate your confidence. I can be stubborn when I need to."

"Then you have nothing to worry about."

"I hope you're right," he stood. "Thanks doc, this helped."

"Anytime," she stood with him to lead him out. "That's what I'm here for."

---

Alien Containment, the Praesidium – Classified Location

Early October 2017 – Afternoon

They had taken no chances with the captured Harbinger of Quisilia. While the Commander had given little attention to her in light of more pressing matters and operations, it was time he oversaw an interrogation of his own. XCOM Intelligence hadn't been idle beforehand either.

It had produced little of use, but there had been several interrogation sessions that Zhang had personally overseen. It had been enough to set a baseline of what they could expect, and laid out what their options were.

Hence why Aegis was accompanying them today. With Vahlen and Zhang beside him, the Commander entered the cell in Alien Containment that had been modified to hold the Avatar. Most of them would be there to witness, while Aegis would be conducting the interrogation this time.

Her cell was completely sealed from any outside tampering. Sovereign Orbs were situated in no fewer than three places outside the walls. It was unlikely she could have done anything if they were placed in the cell itself, but again, no reason to take chances.

There was a special chair that was capable of restraining her, but she wasn't in it right now, instead lounging, bored, on the bed. She'd long-since been stripped of her equipment, and only wore plain grey garments that covered most of her body. Her light blue-dyed hair had been scrubbed completely, revealing her natural brown – something that she'd apparently been personally incised by.

She looked much more normal without the dye, the Commander wouldn't have thought her different from any other young woman, if one could look past the psionics and augmentations. The bored expression on her face quickly changed to one that was all-too familiar to the Commander as they approached the cell.

Fear.

She made an attempt to suppress it, but all of them had seen it. An involuntary shiver seemed to run through her as her eyes flicked to Zhang.

An unsurprising reaction, given his role in the previous interrogations which had been more traditional. Zhang had expected that it would be ineffective, and had spent the interrogations confirming it. They'd found that her biology had been substantially altered to render her immune to all drug regimes, as well as allowing her to dull pain on command.

She'd refused to answer questions, mocked the people who'd asked questions, and what she did say was layered in sarcasm, irony, and laced with venom that nothing could be taken at even slightly face value. She'd said that she couldn't tell anything but lies, even if she wanted to.

A contingency of sorts, apparently. It certainly reduced their options, but it was far from the end of the road. She certainly was not safe, they just had to be a little more creative.

"So," she finally said, eyes shifting to the towering Aegis. "Are you finally going to kill me?"

"As much as you would like that, no," the Commander said, fixing her with a stare. "Even if you have nothing to offer us in terms of intelligence or information, you will be more valuable alive than dead for some time."

"Right, to be a science experiment," Micaiah sighed exaggeratedly. "You could be a little more original than that. It's extremely trite, and rather barbaric, truthfully. Experimenting on Humans, have you no shame?" She tutted.

The Commander raised an eyebrow. "I presume Quisilia never told you who I am."

"Oh, he probably did, but I've got a half-dozen different backstories for you in my head right now, Commander," her smile was manic. "Which one is true? Even I don't know right now? I barely know anything except my name, my sister, and that Quisilia is my Anchor. Everything else is…well, very fuzzy."

"Fuzzy or not," the Commander said. "You can still cooperate, and we can help you recover who you were – or are. This will be your last chance to cooperate. Otherwise your fate will be sealed, one way or another."

"Well, when you put it like that," she lifted her hands miming helplessness, accompanied with a shrug. "Guess I'll die."

A snort came from Zhang. He appeared amused at something, but the Commander moved past it. "If you insist. While your refusal to cooperate is understandable, it leaves us with few options left. Aegis will extract what we need from your mind."

"I'm sure he'll try," Micaiah smiled faintly, sounding genuinely unconcerned. "Do you all really think none of us prepared for this to happen? That Quisilia didn't know you have, ah, let us say powerful psions at your beck and call? Hmm? Trust me, he was confident that you'll get nothing, and so am I. So, I say this as sincerely as possible, good luck."

"I suspect what he left will be illuminating – in one respect or another," Aegis spoke for the first time, forcing the smile to fade from Micaiah's lips as she felt his mind touch hers. The Ethereal waved one hand, and Micaiah was telekinetically thrown into the chair, which snapped the restraints down.

Aegis took several steps closer, the air distorted around him as he spoke. "Open your mind, and this will be painless. Resistance will be unpleasant."

The Avatar's body appeared to go stiff, and her eyes rolled into the back of her head as the intensity of the telepathy slammed into her. The Commander could only feel some faint aftereffects, which even from here were strong. Vahlen seemed similarly uncomfortable, though she stood by with a tablet on-hand to take notes.

Aegis laid one hand atop her forehead, as he began his delicate work of picking apart her mind. The Commander was unsure as to the exact details involved here – but knew it was a complicated process.

One that lasted a very long time.

The Ethereal revealed nothing in his body language, and the helmet hid any facial expression he might have shown – but he could sense Aegis' intense concentration, and slight frustration with his progress. Vahlen and Zhang were similarly waiting for Aegis to give some indication of how it was going.

An hour passed with them barely noticing. The Commander watched a faint trickle of blood run from Micaiah's nose, as her body occasionally twitched. She was either exceptionally resistant, or Quisilia had done something exceptionally strange to the mind. No Human should be able to hold out this long – or alien for that matter..

Aegis finally removed his hand from Micaiah's forehead, looking down at the now-still body. "Curious."

The trio waited for him to elaborate, before the Commander asked: "Did you find what we wanted? Anything usable?"

"Not enough. Nothing I can confirm without reproach," Aegis shook his head. "Her mind has been turned into a self-contradicting maze of deceptions, half-truths, and outright fabrications. Dozens of conflicting pieces of information, of which I am unsure any resemble the truth. Hours of false conversations, hundreds of pretend memories, some where Quisilia himself addresses me." Aegis paused.

"I suspect," he continued after a moment. "That as their last act through their bond, Quisilia initiated a pre-set psionic trigger that flooded her memories with this…junk, while purging anything of use. Her memory has been rendered functionally useless, nor am I sure that it is recoverable."

His tone took on a curious note. "It is a highly advanced and dangerous technique that was only theorized in the Empire due to the high potential for complete personality disintegration. I am impressed he perfected such that Micaiah retains elements of her personality, but can remember nothing of note."

"Not necessarily the word I'd use," Zhang muttered, shooting a glance to the unconscious woman. "My takeaway is that she is useless to us."

"Concerning any information she once had in her mind, yes," Aegis agreed. "To assume this woman has anything of use to us would be dangerous. There is nothing in her mind but lies and traps. One must not drink from a poisoned lake."

The Commander had suspected that would be the case, but it had been worth the try. At least there were alternative uses for her, and if they no longer needed her mind, her body would perhaps provide some useful information. "I suppose we can let Vahlen begin her work then."

"I am ready to begin as soon as possible, Commander," Vahlen quickly affirmed. "Once the Avatar has been secured and sedated, we will begin conducting a battery of tests which I am confident will give us significant insight into her construction. I am certain we will gain something usable for our own programs. Do you want her kept alive?"

"Preferably kept alive, to let ADVENT execute her once you're finished," the Commander said. "However, if she becomes more use to us dead, then I doubt ADVENT will object, so long as we share findings with them."

"Understood," Vahlen made a few notes. "I do not think what I have planned will require her premature termination – but if this changes, you will be the first to know it."

"Good," the Commander said. "Your effort was appreciated, Aegis."

"If I may, Commander," Aegis appraised the woman. "Prior to the execution of this woman, or her termination, I would like to examine her mind again in more detail. I am certain Quisilia will employ this again, perhaps beyond his Avatars. It would be beneficial to understand this particular telepathic procedure."

An understandable request, which the Commander saw no objection to. "I have no issue with that, so long as it's coordinated with Vahlen and Iosif."

"Of course," Aegis affirmed. "If Quisilia wishes to demonstrate his particular brand of expertise – there is little reason we cannot learn from it. Even as he obfuscates, he reveals pieces of himself. I will return to examine her once Vahlen has transferred her to the Experimentation Labs."

"Understood," the Commander turned to leave the cell. "I will speak to Jackson to update ADVENT on this development. Vahlen, keep me appraised of the progress, and Zhang, come with me. ADVENT will want to know how standard methods fared."

"Yes, Commander."

---

Office of the Chancellor, Geneva – Switzerland

Mid-October 2017 – Morning

Watkins wanted to meet early in the morning, and Saudia had a suspicion of what the discussion was going to be about. While nothing had been formally confirmed, she had been aware that Oversight personnel involved in the Scipio investigation had finished most of their work, and all that remained was the final report and recommendations.

Even in the best-case scenarios, things were going to become more complicated very quickly.

Saudia felt some concern about the inevitable fallout from this. At the very minimum, there were going to be further disruptions to the African campaign, and if Watkins was especially judicious in his recommendations, it could result in larger disruptions throughout the wider military.

Which, in the context of the ongoing Rapture campaign, could be bad.

No single person was irreplaceable, but transfers of leadership were never without their drawbacks, especially when the stakes were so high. Not to mention that people were not equal, and there was no guarantee the replacements would be as capable. ADVENT's system was designed to mitigate the downsides concerning turnover and promotion – it had to be. At the same time, it was never intended to be the baseline, and especially not the ideal.

No, she was sure that a number of officers weren't going to be holding their positions much longer. The question was how large that number was going to be, and how high their ranks were.

Watkins entered her office on time as usual, carrying a briefcase in one hand. He gave her a nod of greeting, and a quick salute before sitting down opposite her. "Chancellor."

"Chief," she returned with a nod of her own. "Is it what I think it is?"

"Afraid so," he confirmed, setting his briefcase on her desk and opening it. From it he produced a paper booklet that was unlikely to be more than a dozen pages thick. He handed it to her, which she took. "Please read through it."

The title was as ominous and direct as she'd expected. INQUIRY INTO PERSONNEL AND OPERATIONAL MISCONDUCT WITHIN OPERATION SCIPIO AND THE WIDER AFRICAN CAMPAIGN – FINAL REPORT.

"It's shorter than I expected," she admitted, settling into her chair, with Watkins mirroring her.

"This is the summarization," Watkins clarified. "I expected that you wouldn't have time to review the three hundred pages of supporting evidence. Though I am willing to provide them for review upon your leisure."

That had been more in line with expectations. The summary would be enough for right now. "Maybe later," she said, opening the first page of the report and a grim heaviness settled over her, knowing that it wasn't going to be a pleasant affair.

The report was neatly organized into several major sections. The first concerned the conception of Operation Scipio, the established and approved operational conduct (or lack thereof), and military preparations. It primarily spent time highlighting that ADVENT officers failed to institute standards or quantifications on use of force.

It didn't notably target the idea of Scipio itself, but instead focused on how the idea itself had not been executed in a way that addressed the anticipated behavior of soldiers. Legally, Saudia suspected that Watkins was limited in what he could actually review, but it was clear from a cursory review that there were issues with the operational ideal of Scipio, let alone its execution.

Saudia noticed that it didn't explicitly condemn the use of force on civilian centers, rather that there was insufficient effort given to making sure other solutions were attempted first before resorting to the destruction of population centers. That was a small, but important distinction that would mollify the military somewhat. She was also glad Watkins had been able to realize the distinction.

The second section concerned the active misconduct and treatment of ADVENT soldiers towards civilians and the native populations. It spent less time on the actual actions that had been committed by soldiers, but instead focused on how leadership had created – accidentally or otherwise - and encouraged a climate of unrestricted violence and abuse.

Saudia didn't fail to note how Watkins had framed the condemnation using Scipio's own stated intentions, which was merely the controlled expulsion and forced march of civilians to create a refugee crisis, and explicitly not carte blanche for the military to do what they wanted with them.

For as much as the report highlighted numbers of objective murder, theft, rape, and physical assault, it focused on the fact that soldiers were often not punished by superiors who were aware, or in some cases were encouraged by leadership and peers alike. Ironically, the only crime that was actively punished was rape, but that had been by far the least-committed offense.

Well, I guess we've made some progress as a species.

Something else that the report highlighted, which was a minor part of the section, but which she found interesting, was instances of soldiers restraining themselves or comrades, or suggesting mitigating measures which were sometimes implemented. Also of note were the number of reports from military personnel to Oversight, which Watkins used to lampshade the fact that even large parts of the military took issue with how Scipio was carried out.

A rather balanced addendum. Perhaps another section to reduce internal military backlash, or, more likely in her opinion, Watkins really did want to highlight that not every soldier involved in Scipio was bad, which she did appreciate.

The third and final section of the report concerned both the charges and recommendations. The Oversight Division was actively charging a number of senior military officers – including almost the entire command structure of Operation Scipio, and nearly thirty other mid-to-low ranking officers.

It was a near-decimation of the officer corps that had taken part in Scipio, and destroyed the chain of commands in several Legions who would need completely new, reconstituted command structures. That was going to hurt badly, but Saudia frankly didn't see a reason or need to contest these.

This was not counting over six hundred low-ranking soldiers who had committed the most serious crimes – mostly murder or assault. The individual names of the soldiers weren't outlined like the officers were, and it referenced a different sheet that she presumed was one of the supporting pieces of evidence.

The list of charges took up one entire page, and another one was additional personnel recommendations, in which several thousand were referenced that suggested relocations, demotions, suspensions, or expulsions from and within the ADVENT Military.

People that were identified as problematic, but not enough to charge, she surmised. Most cases of appropriation and looting appeared to fall into this category, as well as officers who were aware of, or encouraged this activity. However, the Oversight Division was only making recommendations, and signaling they didn't intend to charge.

It was Watkins' way of letting them sort themselves out to some degree.

The final part of the section concerned policy recommendations, modifications to ADVENT military policy that would prevent the chances of another Scipio happening again. He only put summaries of each policy change, but Saudia knew he'd definitely spoken to some officers before writing it, as it was definitely tailored to making the argument to military-minded people.

High Command was doubtless going to have strong opinions on it, but to her most of the proposed policy modifications looked feasible. She was clear in that she didn't want anything like Scipio to happen again, and these steps appeared to be appropriate responses. The reputation of the ADVENT military was going to take a hit without question, but she did think that the strong actions here would soften that blow.

Action instead of words.

She closed the report, returning it to the desk. "Ugly, but I'm certain it will be rectified. There will be no challenge to any of the individuals you are charging. Make examples out of them."

"Of course, Chancellor, that's the simple part," he said with a nod. "The more difficult step, and one that I'm interested in, is the recommendations. Summaries, yes, but you'll find each of them well-founded."

"I'll put Intelligence, the Peacekeepers, and High Command on reviewing each of them," Saudia replied. "I doubt you would make recommendations in bad faith, so I expect we will mostly find them sound and implement accordingly. I make no promises that it will be exactly to your recommendations."

"Of course, it is a reasonable approach," Watkins conceded. "Do you consider the consequences sufficient?"

"At this moment, I have no reason to think otherwise," she said, frowning since she saw that Watkins was leading to something else. "An odd question – unless you think otherwise?"

"I made the recommendations that are within the purview of the Oversight Division, which as extensive as they are, are not unlimited," he smiled faintly. "I know that there will be a clear message sent, and the people we are prosecuting are not small fry. However…"

"However…?"

"I would be lying if I thought that this was entirely…sufficient," he finally said. "Commander Christiaens is the ranking officer who was more tied to the conception and approval of Scipio than anyone else in High Command. While she was unaware as to the full scope of what was happening – she knew some of it, and her ignorance to the rest of it is just as bad."

He fixated intently on Saudia. "She is the Commander of the ADVENT Military. When there were concerns – which she was aware of – she brushed them off, failed to act, or actively ignored them. She has, throughout this, demonstrated either incompetence, or an unwillingness to intervene in a way that would hurt her own, or the military's image. That we are the ones who intervened is a problem."

It was very clear where he was going with this, which had been what she was afraid of.

"You are saying she should be replaced." Saudia said flatly.

"Yes, Chancellor, I am," he stated. "She is unfit to lead the ADVENT Military. The Commander of our armed forces needs to be more than a general or a strategist – they have to be the military's internal inquisition. They must be willing to be their own critic, and to remedy problems, not ignore them when they might reflect poorly. Christiaens is a talented woman, with an accomplished resume – but she puts her own image, and that of the military, above all else."

"Replacing the Commander of our military during the most critical counteroffensive of the war is not a sound strategy," Saudia said slowly. "After-"

"Chancellor, unless you think this counteroffensive is going to end the war, there is not going to be an after for many years," Watkins interrupted intensely. "There will always be another operation, another mission, another counteroffensive. There is never going to be a good time, and the longer you ignore this, the more difficult it will become, and the greater risk this will happen again."

She pursed her lips. "That is not fair to her. She can learn and become better."

"Chancellor, I just told you that she was aware, at least in part, of what was brewing with Operation Scipio, and she did nothing. Worse than nothing, in fact," Watkins exhaled and pinched the bridge of his nose for a moment before continuing. "She is regretful because this is a stain on her and the military – not because she cares about what they did. Yes, she doesn't like that soldiers were murdering and looting, but she fundamentally sees much of that as a consequence of war. She won't make fundamental changes, only ones that are meant to appease people like me, and give the illusion of reform."

He paused, taking a few seconds to formulate his next words. "ADVENT needs better than her. If we want victory at all costs – then keep Christiaens. She will bring you that victory."

His eyes flicked to her, imploring and intense. "But if we want victory as outlined in our founding document – a victory that is achieved by acting when necessary, but restrained when and where possible – then we must do better. I can't force that decision, Chancellor. I would if I could, but today the choice falls to you."

Saudia wasn't sure if she believed that – at least the idea that Watkins couldn't have recommended, or outright prosecuted Laura for her role in Scipio. He clearly thought she should be actively punished, but was also clear-headed enough to see that the evidence was not strong enough to risk failure.

So he was asking her instead.

Initially it didn't seem fair.

Saudia disliked punishing people for one mistake, especially when they had incomplete information, but as she thought about it more, she realized that the argument Watkins was making made sense. At least it was one she couldn't easily disagree with if she was being objective. In their position, even innocent mistakes had consequences that affected tens of thousands or more.

And any leader who couldn't internally critique themselves, or take the necessary actions when misconduct or incompetence was raised, was a leader who didn't deserve their position. Perhaps if Laura had shown the same drive and willingness to rectify the issues raised this would be more difficult…

But she hadn't, and that was the point Watkins was making.

She was, as Watkins said, primarily upset about this because it was going to make her, and the institution of the military, look bad. Because at the end of the day, Christiaens was a career military officer, and she knew abundantly well from her time in EXALT that the military, with very few exceptions, worked hard to protect their own and keep their image clean.

If ADVENT couldn't effectively police the military, if they remained clear of consequences, then the military would once again be demonstrated to be the highest power broker in ADVENT. And that was not a tolerable outcome, and she would not allow it.

This wasn't just a simple choice between keeping or removing a single leader.

It was about determining if the military was subordinate to the institution of ADVENT itself – or if there remained exceptions.

"Then," she finally said. "I have to have a difficult conversation with Commander Christiaens."

Watkins cocked his head. "I admit," he said. "I didn't expect you to decide so quickly."

"You are right in one area where it matters," she explained. "Leaders must make difficult decisions and force accountability. If Laura cannot do that, then she should not be in her position. We can't afford these kinds of mistakes and oversights – or at least we must be willing to correct them. She is my friend, but I must consider the impact on ADVENT itself."

She exhaled. "In that respect, there is only one right choice. I wish it were otherwise."

"For what it is worth, Chancellor," Watkins said. "It is the right decision."

"I am not sure about that, but for the good of ADVENT it is necessary," she put the report away in her desk. "When do you plan to make the report public?"

"Preferably? Once you have determined how to implement our recommendations," he said. "It would be ideal if action could be coordinated at the same time. I'd like to show that we are in full lockstep, with no room for division. Preferably sooner than later, and no more than two weeks."

She nodded. "We will have our next steps before that point. Before any announcement is made, I will lay the groundwork. If we're going to lose our Commander, I want the transition to be as smooth as possible."

"Then we will be in touch, Chancellor," Watkins stood, giving a final salute. "Until later."

---

ADVENT Acclimation Center, Seafoam Facility 13 – Classified Location

Early October 2017 – Afternoon

Even though he had only been here weeks, Matthew was going to miss what had become home and the family who'd welcomed him. It was more than a little unfortunate that he had just begun to get used to a family, only for him to leave it just as quickly. It wasn't a complete departure – Avery and Jaquon would be with him, but everyone else…

Well, it wasn't as though they were going to stop talking.

Patricia had been very insistent that not just him, but all their newly adopted family were going to make sure to keep in regular contact. That he wasn't going to be completely alone on the front was something he took comfort in. It wasn't out of the question that he'd run into more Navarro siblings, since Bayano seemed to be calling up most of the Clone batches.

That would be good, at least; a brother and sister fighting together against the alien threat.

He finished packing his small backpack, though there admittedly wasn't much. Personal possessions weren't something he'd made much effort to collect, partially because he didn't see the point, and partially because he didn't really want anything right now. Which is why most of his possessions were gifts, from Patricia, Esteban, and Mia.

He did like the comic book from Mia. He was going to miss her.

"[Think I've got everything,]" Avery said, slinging her backpack over her shoulder. "[Glad ADVENT is handling armor transport.]"

"[You assume that we're not going to be putting it on and wearing it to Brasilia,]" Matthew answered, standing. "[Wouldn't get ahead of ourselves.]"

She made a face. "[They wouldn't do that, would they?]"

"[All I'm saying,]" Matthew slung his own backpack over his shoulder. "[Let's not get excited yet. What'll you think it'll be like to fly?]"

"[I'd say 'fun,' but I don't like being in the air while potentially being shot down,]" Avery admitted. "[Piloting is one thing they didn't put in our minds.]"

There was a knock on the doorframe, as Jaquon poked his head in. "Ready to go?"

"I think we are," Matthew said. "Just discussing our chances of getting blown out of the sky on the plane."

"[Or suffering an unfortunate airborne failure,]" Avery added.

"Keep it down a bit," Jaquon nodded behind him. "Parents are already nervous about the deployments now that they're happening. Let's not make it worse."

Matthew grimaced, and Avery also winced. At least Jaquon was being a bit more cognizant about the situation – which he needed to keep in mind for himself. "Good point. Let's say our goodbyes, and make sure we call once we touch down."

"[Assuming no blackouts,]" Avery added.

"[Yes, assuming no blackouts,]"

None of them were sure they'd be able to even let their family know where they were once they landed, or even if they made it safely. Given everything they'd heard about Bayano, Matthew was suspecting ADVENT was going to keep comms to a minimum until they were where they were supposed to be.

They definitely weren't going to be staying in Brasilia very long.

All packed up and ready to go, the trio walked through the home, where their other related siblings were in their rooms, in their last days of training. Matthew knew he wouldn't really ever know all of them, and there would probably be more after he was gone. But as Patricia had told him, they were all family, and he was glad they were in this home.

At the door, they saw Patricia, Esteban, and Mia all were waiting for them.

"Well," Patricia smiled sadly. "This is it. Thought it would be easier."

"[Hey, you've got nothing to worry about,]" Avery chided, pulling her into a hug. "[We'll all be fine. The moment we touch down, we'll let you know, if we can of course.]"

That was very likely a lie, which all of them knew. Matthew distinctly believed that the Navarro family as it existed now was probably not going to be as large months from now. By sheer statistical likelihood, some of them were going to die. Despite that, he vowed that he wouldn't be one of them – or let his siblings be victims either.

But this was ultimately their job. What they had been created for.

"I know you'll do your best, and make all of us proud," Esteban told them. "I know it hasn't been long…but I hope I've shared a little practical wisdom with each of you."

"Without a doubt," Jaquon said, grasping forearms, and pulling him into a hug.

Mia sniffed, trying her best not to cry. "You'll be keeping in touch, right?"

"Whenever we can," Matthew promised. "And we'll share as much as we can."

"Good," she nodded. "Once you find out where exactly you are, tell me. I'll be sending you stuff."

"There, something to look forward to," Matthew hugged her, then the rest of them, until all of them had exchanged hugs one last time before departure.

Jaquon looked at the clock. "We really shouldn't cut it close. The colonel has strict timetables, and apparently ADVENT is really eager for us to arrive."

"Yeah," Matthew sighed. "We'll be in contact with you later – and thank you."

"Be safe," Patricia told them, as they left through the door one by one, marching towards the staging grounds where they'd be loaded onto planes to be deployed across the world. Training was over.

It was time to go to war.

---

Office of the Commander, the Praesidium – Classified Location

Early October 2017 – Evening

Being summoned to the office of any superior officer, no matter the circumstances, was never exactly something that could be considered enjoyable. Even if it was for benign reasons – or even good ones – those tended to be the exception rather than the rule.

Kunio didn't particularly have a fear of the Commander, or believe that he had much to worry about – mostly. The Commander was a fair man; pragmatic and reasonable when it mattered. At the same time, there was something about him that was hardened in a way that Kunio had rarely seen.

His direct interactions with the man had been limited, and he genuinely couldn't think of many reasons why the Commander would need to speak to him personally…beyond recent events. Kunio hadn't heard of any other soldiers from the mission receiving one-on-one debriefs, but those likely wouldn't be publicized even if they'd happened.

The door opened, and he stepped into the office. "Kunio, take a seat," the Commander was finishing something on his computer, before promptly turning to face him. Kunio did as instructed.

"You wanted to speak, Commander?" He began.

"Correct," the Commander handed him a small folder containing several sheets inside. "Please review this."

Curiosity winning out over everything else, Kunio took the file, and saw that there were…dossiers within it. Reports on individuals, complete with pictures and summaries. They contained basic biographical information, psychological summaries, service record (if applicable), and psionic aptitude.

It took a few skims of a couple of the dossiers for him to see where this was going – especially when they highlighted repeatedly 'Displays of rare psionic abilities identified within the 'Teleportation' Discipline.'

Kunio looked up at the Commander. "ADVENT found more teleporters?"

"Correct. Since your departure from ADVENT, they've been more aware of what to look for," the Commander answered with a nod. "Four others have been identified across the world and within the services since then. As it stands, they only have one Human teleporter currently in service."

Right, the Pantheon had a Teleporter of their own, and they probably couldn't take someone like that away for a long period of time…

"There is also Fiona," Kunio reminded him.

"Who is tied to a Sovereign One," the Commander corrected. "And it appears most of T'Leth's Agents possess this particular skill."

"Fair," Kunio conceded, thoughts moving towards the implications. "Will they be coming to XCOM like I was?"

"No – not to join it," the Commander explained. "As it stands, ADVENT wants to retain some Teleporters for themselves. While it isn't unreasonable that some of these candidates might express interest in XCOM, we are approaching this with the expectation that upon the conclusion of their training, they will return to ADVENT."

That made sense. ADVENT was not going to want to be left behind in that regard. "And I'm going to train them."

"Correct," the Commander answered. "This will be your assignment for the next few months, both in the Praesidium, and at a designated location of ADVENT's choice. They want to observe some of the training themselves."

"Understood, Commander," Kunio said slowly, as a certain reservation came up. "Although, I'm not a teacher."

"Not by trade, but I'm confident you'll be able to teach them," the Commander said, smiling. "You get along well with people, and teaching will also improve your own skills. It will be good for you – and your prospective students."

Kunio wasn't quite as convinced by the confidence, but he could see the rationale for it as well – and couldn't really disagree. Though there was another conspicuous part of this he felt he should voice. "I will be out of combat operations during this time, I assume?"

"Yes, all combat simulations will take place in the Dreamscape," the Commander said. "Tempting as field tests are, there is no reason to do them when we have a willing Sovereign One."

"Right," Kunio continued slowly. "Is this in response to Jericho, and…the aftermath?"

The Commander's answer came as though he'd expected it. "Yes and no. Considering our lack of Teleporters, you were going to be tapped for this regardless of Jericho or not. However, Jericho took a toll on everyone who took part, and you are not in the right mindset to return to combat operations immediately. You are not being singled out. This is for everyone who took part in Jericho to varying degrees."

He felt a strange relief at hearing it was what he'd suspected, and was glad the Commander was being honest about it. "Is it the aftermath of the operation, or my…conduct?" he finally asked. "Should I expect disciplinary action?"

The Commander didn't answer immediately; just long enough to make Kunio wonder if he shouldn't have pressed the question.

"No. That would be unreasonable, especially when your superior officers in the field sanctioned it," there was something different in the Commander's voice, clear enunciations of words that were just too deliberate. "I have spoken to both Creed and Iosif concerning this. You will not be reprimanded for your actions. However, I would not expect that level of lax discipline to be as tolerated in the future."

Kunio nodded. Probably better than he could have hoped for. "Understood, Commander, I…apologize for what happened."

The Commander looked at him for a few seconds, seeming to appraise him. "I've spoken to a few soldiers since the operation. None of them expressed regret, except you. I'm curious why, if you wish to share."

"Well, you clearly consider it a problem," Kunio said. "That's good enough reason."

"Perhaps, but it isn't why you felt the need," the Commander said. "You didn't know my likely view until now."

"Mm," Kunio pursed his lips, thinking of how much to say. "I didn't understand why it felt strange until I talked with Yates. About making assumptions, and assuming the worst of everything…what was taking place there was inexcusable, horrific, and evil, but is it enough to kill anyone by association?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe, maybe not. All I know is that I wasn't the one to make that call, and even if I did, I didn't know enough to justify it. Not really. It felt good, it felt right, and even though I still don't feel regret…I don't think I should feel this way."

The Commander's face was unreadable, as he nodded slowly. "I appreciate your answer."

Kunio risked asking a question, feeling it fair, and before he lost his own nerve. "If I can ask, Commander, what would you have done?"

"Mm," the Commander considered, his eyes turning distant. "There's a difference between what I'd have done ten years ago, and what I'd do now. Considering everything then…I doubt my own choice would be different from yours. My reasoning would not have been as righteous."

Kunio cocked his head. "Meaning what, sir?"

The Commander's eyes refocused. "Meaning I would have killed them all to send a message. To demonstrate consequence by association. Not because it was right, not because it was justified, but to deny enemy resources, personnel, and serve as a warning."

A stillness seemed to hang over him; a shadow of something old that clung to him. "Your response was emotional, but came from a righteous anger," the Commander continued. "My decisions do not. That is the difference. You're a better man than I am – because I certainly would have had no second thoughts."

Kunio was not quite sure what to say after that. It painted a much darker picture of the Commander and his mindset than he'd really seen before. There were plenty of pervasive rumors about the Commander; everyone knew his background was shrouded and very likely violent – but there were clearly some edges that remained sharp; a hardness that hadn't gone away.

Still, he did pick up on one qualifier. "If that's what you'd done then, what about now?"

"Now I tend to presume that most people are more useful alive than dead, friend and enemy alike," he answered. "And for the enemy, once their usefulness is over, and they have nothing left to give – then they can die. Not before. Death is a solution; an outcome, but not necessarily the most beneficial, or even the most correct choice, even for the deserving."

Kunio didn't know if that answer made him feel better or not. "Thank you, Commander."

"Of course," the Commander's demeanor seemed to shift back to the matter at hand. "Let Jackson know when you are ready. Take a couple of days to prepare, then she'll put you in contact with the Teleporters. The sooner this can begin, the better."

Kunio quickly took the file, refocusing his mind on the tasks ahead. "Understood, Commander. Thank you, and tell Jackson I'll be speaking to her in a couple of days."

"I will do so," the Commander affirmed, and both men stood, and Kunio saluted. "Dismissed."

---

Barracks, the Praesidium - Classified Location

Early September 2017 - Afternoon

The Commander heard the sounds before he entered the room, which made him almost pause his brisk walk through the Praesidium.

It was something that he hadn't heard in a very long time, and certainly hadn't expected it when the Lion had insisted they meet in the part of the Barracks where the Ikhwan were living. Their allocated quarters were further in the complex, but not completely isolated from the rest of XCOM.

He'd only visited a couple times, and each time they had progressively become more at home. It was almost endearing in a way. Soldiers kept the decoration and personal items to a minimum, just enough to fit in their bunks and lockers. It was driven by pragmatism more than anything, and gave a uniformity to their rooms.

The Ikhwan did not have the same kind of restraint.

They weren't messy or disorganized - they were still under the same regulations as the rest of the base - but they eked every inch of wiggle room they could. There were flags, prayer rugs, many packets of tea scattered on tables, and even much of the bedding had been replaced. It gave the Ikhwan wing, as he'd heard it called, its distinct flavor.

Jackson had received a few complaints from several soldiers and staff who felt it was too disruptive, but those had been dismissed. The Commander only cared that they keep it tidy and organized, and his understanding was that they had, and he didn't see a reason to clamp down. It wasn't as though soldiers were always dissuaded by crackdowns, especially when they were more…unconventional.

As he drew closer, he affirmed that he definitely wasn't hearing things. This time he slowed down, listening to the tempo, rhythm, and lyrics. His lips quirked unconsciously; it had been a very long time since he'd heard a proper Islamic war song. This wasn't one he'd heard before, but all of them tended to include the same themes, of martyrdom, rage, God, and so on. They did like to stick to what they knew, but he enjoyed listening to them.

He lingered on the edge of the room for a little longer, giving them a little time to wind down, but it seemed like they were in an almost festive mood, and he needed to crash it. He entered the room, greeted by the sight of the Ikhwan and the Lion gathered around the table. Zhang was also present, considering the purpose of the meeting.

The Intelligence Director was on the fringes, a bemused expression on his face as he was speaking with a couple of the Ikhwani who weren't participating in the song, both of whom were likely from China or the Southeast Asian region based on their ethnic makeup.

On the table was a large map, lots of coffee mugs (in actuality for tea), scattered notes, several books, and writing utensils. All of the bearded men were, as he'd suspected, in high spirits, while in contrast the Lion in the middle of them looked ever-so-slightly exasperated with the entire display, which only seemed to egg them on..

The Commander resisted a smirk at the sight, and lightly rapped his knuckles on the wall, announcing his presence. Zhang wrapped up his conversation with the Ikhwani, moving closer to the Commander.

"Did I miss anything?" The Commander asked him.

"Very little of consequence," Zhang said. "Somehow, they are not the worst singers I have heard. Unorthodox, but it is a passable tune. Do you understand it?"

"Yes."

"Hmph. Jihadist?"

"Very."

"Expected," Zhang indicated the table. "I believe the Lion wishes to intervene. They are clearly restless."

This was an incredibly strange turn of events, one he was reminded of whenever he thought about it. The idea that he'd have ever been anything to the Ikhwan but an enemy was something he'd never once considered. Yet life and fate had a very funny way of working out sometimes.

"The finest insurgents, revolutionaries, and militants of the era, the founding linchpin of the hard power of the Caliphate," the Lion drawled as the Commander approached the table. "And I am beginning to regret not leaving them at the mercy of the Turks. Too much joy and singing. It sickens my dead, shriveled heart."

One of the Ikhwan wrapped an arm around the Lion's shoulders, swaying in tune to the singing and chanting. The Lion lips twitched, his stony expression refusing to budge.

The Commander didn't stop his smile from forming at seeing the Lion's discomfort at everyone around him expressing any genuine happiness or joy. "I've heard worse. Been a while since I've heard a song like that at all."

"Then perhaps they should have been singers instead of jihadists," the Lion mused sarcastically, resting his chin on fist as he eye-balled the Ikhwan around him. "It would fit them better, and certainly explains their recent lackluster performance."

"Low blow!" An Ikhwani from the edge of the table laughed, as the men ceased their war anthem, and gathered around for the meeting.

"They have an opportunity to prove otherwise," the Commander said, he and Zhang joining them around the table. " I assume you have a plan for the Vitakar operation, considering you asked to meet me down here."

The Lion looked around the table, where the Ikhwan were waiting with a clear sense of anticipation. The Lion finally gave a long-suffering sigh. "I have, we have, but first they have…demands."

The Commander raised an eyebrow, glancing briefly towards the Ikhwan, and then towards Zhang.

Zhang shrugged. "I was not informed of this."

The Commander considered it briefly, then looked back at the Lion. "Do they now. Go on."

"Firstly, they're asking if ADVENT's religious policy was written by an illiterate drunk Frenchman who happened to be a part of the Algerian colonization efforts," the Lion said, jabbing a thumb towards one of the Ikhwan. "Direct quote."

Zhang snorted. The Commander's lips twitched in almost-amusement.

Oh dear. He had a feeling of where this was going next, and it was somewhat bold - risky, but bold - if they expected him to single-handedly change ADVENT policy. Then again, the Ikhwan were a literal jihadist force. He wasn't too surprised they cared about that.

"Not to my knowledge," the Commander said after a moment, giving a mostly sincere answer. "I expect it was someone who was intimately familiar with the risks and drawbacks of too much religion on the state. Though if it makes you feel better, I expect the disdain was inspired by the more zealous Christians."

"Do you truly want to get into a debate that involves theology and secularism with nearly twelve Ikhwanis on this table, each of whom have majors or minors in religious studies?" The Lion asked, eyes shifting to the side. "Because I have. Please, Commander, do not do this to me. We will be here for hours."

"He is likely correct," Zhang added. "They are academics at heart, and enjoy the art of debate. It will extend the meeting time significantly."

"Noted. I will keep us on track as much as I can," the Commander said. "But do tell me the demands, minus the insults."

"They've offered to help fix self-identified 'deficits' in the religious policy of ADVENT," the Lion said in a very skeptical tone, suggesting he didn't think this would get anywhere. "ADVENT politely, but firmly, turned them down. They said…"

"That," one of the nearby Ikhwani cleared his throat. "Our recommendations are, quote, 'incompatible with the secular doctrine of ADVENT and they are not currently looking at revising these policies' end quote."

"In essence," the Lion resumed. "They require the backing of a person of standing to even get them in the same room with people who can discuss things on an academic matter. The average ADVENT PR representative is, to put it charitably, uneducated in these matters. They would appreciate your assistance in resolving this impasse. That is the first demand they have."

The Commander was mildly impressed they'd received a response at all. He'd have expected if ADVENT received a random request from someone claiming to be a religious scholar with a list of suggestions they'd be ignored. He attributed the response more to standard protocol more than malice, though they likely didn't appreciate the nuances.

Still, maybe there was something he could accommodate. He turned his attention to the man next to the Lion, who he presumed was the leader of the group. "[That depends on what your recommendations are,]" he said, switching to Arabic. "[I would temper your expectations if you want to alter ADVENT's secularism policies. With that said, if they are reasonable, I can speak to the Chancellor about it.]"

"[He speaks Arabic.]" the Ikhwani said, audibly surprised. Zhang's lips twitched upwards slightly in amusement. "[Lion. What the hell. You could have just started this conversation in our mother tongue!]"

The Lion's lips also quirked upwards. "Yes, because clearly, it's my fault you chose German as your second language. You over-educated theologian."

"[He said something insulting, didn't he?]" the Ikhwani said, looking at the Commander.

"[He accused you of over-education,]" the Commander said. "[And that you speak German.]"

"[Bachelor in German philosophy,]" the Ikhwani replied. "[German is a respectable language, unlike the mongrel English.]"

The Commander made a note of that. German-educated was irregular for most people in the region, but it wasn't uncommon for the upper and elite classes to get Western education, usually in America, the UK, Germany, or Nordic states.

The Caliphate had possessed a respectable academic base at its height, but it hadn't yet acquired the prestige of older institutions for fields that weren't religiously-focused, and specifically, Islamically-focused. The Commander suspected that most of the Ikhwan had some degree of foreign education, which he considered notable.

He'd known the Ikhwan were among the elite of the Caliphate's forces, though the Caliph's Ikhwan that had existed previously were clearly different. One of the reasons that CIA reports had given for the Ikhwani interest in foreign education was that it provided them insight on how similar civilizations operated and thought.

From the perspective of the Caliphate, both the east and west were critical to understand to be able to negate or subvert their influence. There was a pragmatic aspect to this, even if the Commander didn't fully believe they'd only been motivated by it.

At the very least, it confirmed to him that their perspective was informed by their education, and if they were as educated as they were claiming, it wasn't unreasonable that they had a perspective worth considering. At least it wouldn't - or shouldn't - be one-sided.

Though what an Ikhwani considered a good idea or not was somewhat open to debate.

He saw that one of the Ikhwani, who'd been speaking to Zhang earlier had again moved near him, and was speaking quietly. Likely translating the Arabic to Mandarin. Zhang was listening intently, and nodding.

"[Out of curiosity,]" the Commander said, making the decision to continue. "[And at the risk of derailing this conversation, I'm curious what your actual issue is with the existing policies. ADVENT is more religiously accommodating than many Western states - especially after the War on Terror.]"

The Lion groaned. "And he asks. He goes ahead and falls into their bait. I do despise you, Commander, I wish you to know that. I warned you."

"[I'm curious,]" the Commander said dryly, crossing his arms. "[They want me to legitimize them to people in ADVENT who are experts in their own right, and certainly as convinced in their beliefs as these men. I'd prefer to know exactly what they want. Blame them, not me.]"

An elderly Ikhwan with grey hair pushed his hand out for the Commander to shake it. "[Alija Fatic,]" he said, offering his hand. "[Would either of you happen to have any background in the field of Religious Studies or Secularism Studies?]"

"[Not formally,]" the Commander shook his head. "[I'm more familiar than your average person, especially in Abrahamic religions, but I won't claim scholarly knowledge.]"

Zhang's answer was more succinct. "No."

Alija nodded at that. "[Then, it would be the case that we must be brief. I apologize if this seems condescending, but I believe it would be simpler to showcase our statecraft understanding of the topic than engage in convoluted abstract thinking, more practical given your understanding of the topic, yes?]"

The Commander nodded slowly, the man's words on the edge of offense. "[Go ahead.]"

"[Our problems with ADVENT policy as a whole, but also in this particular matter, can be summarized simply - and bluntly,]" he continued. "[It is too European, and thus, an active hindrance to a united Humanity.]"

They watched him closely, he could sense they were intently interested in his reaction to being told that. He intentionally didn't let anything show, but was interested in if they went down the road he thought they were going. "[Continue.]"

"[We can speak at long, volumetric length in theory, but practically speaking, we can point to specific events,]" Alija said. "[Already, there is a divide in the membership of ADVENT between Western states who see themselves as superior, and the weaker, poorer states, who see the dominance of Western ideas and norms as entrenched, and arguably, a colonial imposition. You have noticed tensions of late with figures such as Le Suivre and Hakeem, I would assume?]"

He and Zhang exchanged a look, as both of them certainly knew that, and much more. He weighed how much would be appropriate to say - though all of them were part of XCOM now. It was unlikely anything said would move beyond here.

"[Not just in the political sense,]" he finally said. "[The Scipio report was released, as you also are aware. These tensions aren't just between member states and leaders. It extends…]" he paused. "[Elsewhere. But I do know it is a focal point between Presidents Hakeem and Le Suivre.]"

"[You are of European descent, yes?]" Alija asked.

"[American, so yes.]"

"[Do not take this as an insult, but Europeans have a short and ignorant memory of history. For the Western states, their version of history they are taught often omits certain facts, actions, and consequences. It is idealized, often to the point of erasure.]"

The Commander almost winced due to Zhang being in the room. He knew enough about history and the regional nuances to understand that it wasn't quite as insulting as it sounded, and Alija was likely building to a specific point. However, it mostly sounded insulting and self-righteous if it wasn't anticipated to some degree.

Zhang chuckled. "It is the same for all nations, Ikhwani. As someone who is distinctly not European, I can assure you that the historical…omissions are equally as present across the states of Asia. The domination of the Europeans simply makes theirs more egregious."

There was a moment, as another Ikhwani translated Zhang's words. "[That is true, but I would counter by simply noting that it is especially egregious in the last two hundred years. I need not speak of the British colonialism of China.]"

Zhang's smile was very thin. "You do not. I am acutely aware of what the West inflicted on China, India, and the rest of the continent. And you, I suspect, do not understand why they were successful, or why that framing is reductive."

"[Do enlighten me.]"

"Because it worked," Zhang's voice became flat. "Because it didn't matter if it was right or wrong. The world saw what the Europeans were doing, but clung to their traditions and values like children in the vain hope of leniency. They refused to understand what the West was doing, even as it crushed us. The reason it ended, Ikhwani, is because we adapted and adopted the aspects of statecraft they used to exploit and rule."

His voice adopted an edge to it. "Kingdoms, tribes, the old forms of rule were insufficient and exploited by the states that replaced them. Once we adopted them, we could defeat the West on its own terms. We progressed, as the West did. The Western methodology, savage and brutal as it was, succeeded because it was superior. How you feel does not matter, and never has when it comes to power. That is all morality is, ineffectual feelings. Reality has no room for feelings."

His eyes locked with Alija, cold. "You ask for a world that has died. Theocracy died with the Caliphate for the final time. Humanity has moved on, because Humanity cannot afford such divisions and weakness, infantile divisions of thousand year old faiths are no different. Time has long come for Man to move beyond ancient superstitions for the betterment of all."

"That is why the West abandoned their Christianity," Zhang's frigid demeanor did not shift an iota. "And why we abandoned our myths to serve reality. There is only one tribe that is real or matters - the Human tribe. Time spent kneeling, resources spent on mosques and cathedrals, all of that is nothing but a waste."

"There are no Human rights, only privileges. You have the privilege to pray to the fantasies you like, as all others do. But you must serve the state above all, that is the only right that matters. That is why the West won," Zhang paused briefly. "That is how the world modernized. That is how China grew to dominate Asia. That is why ADVENT is succeeding."

His eyes narrowed again. "You are in no position to demand any longer, Ikhwani, nor are your religious demands entertained outside of your usefulness. You will serve or be forced to, either way. That is the reality, that is why the West won, and that is what we, too must do, and what ADVENT must be."

There was a short silence after Zhang finished, and Alija clearly considered what next to say.

"[A passionate exposition for a man who considers feelings so irrelevant. Then allow a different question,]" Alija said. "[Do you believe that the foundations of ADVENT are equal or favored to certain countries?]"

"On that, we agree," Zhang said. "No one will contest the foundations of ADVENT were laid in the ideas of Western statecraft and perspective. Because they were superior, and that is why the world entirely has adopted similar statecraft and standards."

"[That perspective, is why I expect you likely see little fault in ADVENT, for ADVENT is a representation of a Western mindset, and a Western viewpoint. The nuances and details rendered irrelevant in the name of a blanket statement of superiority,]" Alija turned back to him. "[But is this truly encompassing all of Humanity? Are the only ideas of worth European in origin. The Superior West and the Failed Rest?"]

The Commander's lips twitched at the sudden unease and hostility in the room between Zhang, Alija, and the other Ikhwan who were watching the unflappable Intelligence Director warily.

Zhang's perspective here was necessary, because that was closest to the mainstream ADVENT one. The Commander didn't need to fully agree with it, but he also didn't fully agree with the one the Ikhwani were also presenting. What he did need to do was defuse this, and get the conversation on a track all of them were mostly aligned on.

"[It would be more correct to say that I believe the foundations of ADVENT are ideal,]" the Commander said. "[Not that it has no faults. That has become…clearer. ADVENT was intended to be a self-iterating body, one that can continually improve. One that must encompass all Mankind - which, yes, is more than the West.]"

"[That is why we are speaking, because…]" Alija paused. "[I am old, Commander. I was there when the Serbs called for the genocide during the War on Terror. I remember the Jim Crow laws of America that discriminated on a man's skin. I remember many of the sins committed since I was old enough to understand it.]"

He paused. "[And now…for the first time in the history that I remember, the hypocrisy of the world order lies shattered and something better is in grasp. These… pathetic ideals of race and nationality?]" he reached out with a hand, before clenching it. "[Are dying like the wretches of a corrupt pestilence they are. Is that not uplifting, to see Humanity become united beyond the borders drawn by old, bigoted men who wished to divide and conquer?]"

There were murmurs of agreement from the Ikhwani around him. The Commander looked at their composition more closely. For one of the premier elite forces of the Caliphate, it came with some assumptions - ones that didn't fully bear out on a close inspection. While the majority were Arabs, the Commander suspected each of them came from across the Middle East.

But there were also people of clear European or Slavic descent, as well those from Southeast Asia and China who Zhang had been speaking to. It was a diverse group, but considering that the Caliphate had possessed influence across the world, it wasn't surprising. Islam had followers across the world, from the Balkans to Indonesia, and that wouldn't be changed even if the Caliphate fell.

"[Are we not, after all, above all else, Humans?]" Alija asked. "[This ADVENT, for all its flaws which we despise, is an endeavor most profound. It is the death of Human tribalism that weakens us. That divides us. That corrupts us. This, this alone makes it worthy.]"

Another chorus of agreement at that word, even from the Lion who merely nodded. "[But it must be more,]" Alija said. "[It cannot merely be Human unity, for that is too derivative. We are not all the same, simply because we share the same organs. To reduce Humanity to biology, is a grievous error. This is the source of the tensions that have emerged, for unity such as what ADVENT was founded upon can only come through force.]"

Alija paused, his curled hair catching hints of the light making it almost seem silver. "[You cannot simply erase the differences between tribes and nations, and remove the dividing lines to create a common Humanity without killing the soul of Humanity. We shall always be inherently different, and the more you attempt to erase the differences, the more they arise, the more aware all become of how important those differences are to them.]"

The Commander didn't betray any outward reaction, considering what next to say - or to articulate what he wanted to say. The ideal, as Alija said, was the correct one, but there was a wide avenue of interpretation in it. "[There remains a question of where to draw that line between unity and homogenization.]"

"[I have an answer - In shared belief,]" Alija replied. "[If I may put forward a statement - European secularism arose not against Christianity, not against the influence of religion, but because Europeans had no tolerance for one another.]"

Fingers touched each other, counting off. "[Denomination against denomination, Calvin against Luther, Jew against Christian. In importing this history, in making the European understanding of 'secularism' foundational to this new world order, you have laid the seeds for boiling tensions. With respect to Director Zhang, Europe is not Asia, Africa, the Americas, or the Middle East - nor is its history their own. You cannot apply such beliefs as though they were.]"

The Commander had known that the Ikhwan had been considered dangerous by most governments well-before the Caliph began meddling, but had not been familiar with the reasons behind it. He'd known they were capable soldiers, ones sent across the world to spread the Caliphate's influence and connect the wider Muslim communities.

Now he had an idea of what their real threat had been - one that was ideological, not physical.

They were the social engineers of the Caliphate, highly-educated men who were sent to conquer hearts and minds, not land. They were to ally, align, and support, and through their work the Caliphate became entrenched in a way that could not be accomplished solely through material means.

One phrase had stood out to him, which had let each piece of these people fall into place. Zhang was also listening intently, and it seemed he'd picked up on something critical as well.

Shared belief.

A foundational philosophy that fit the Ikhwan's mission perfectly. How better to unite the disparate Muslims across the world if not through the commonality in all of them - their faith?

Genuine faith was as dangerous as the truly principled and ideological. It was not something that could be bought or swayed - only earned or destroyed. Faith that these men had planted, nurtured, and entrenched, and whose efforts remained in place today.

"[In the shared belief in Human ethics, in morals, in unity, in brotherhood, in kinship, will tensions die. Love shall conquer the world. It is not our differences that divide us, it is our petty hatreds,]" Alija continued in a low voice. "[One brother can disagree with another, but in their love of one another, they are united indefatigably.]"

One hand indicated the men around him. "[It is in love of our homelands that we take our rifles. It is for the men besides us that we fight and die. Then, it must be for the love of Humanity as one family, that the shared belief of this ADVENT must be based. Not European ideals of secularism, not Arabian fetishes for theology, not American worship of might, not for Chinese fixation on authority, not for any single group.]"

His voice intensified. "[We. Must. Become. Brothers. Else there will come a division that divides us finally and totally once again, it is Human nature.]"

The Commander wondered how long it would - or could last.

ADVENT had been designed to sustain itself forever; a self-improving machine that would refine itself to the knife's edge. Yet already there were cracks starting to emerge; divergences that were stressing the system. The creation of ADVENT not just as a system of government, but an ideology in and of itself, was one that even if it succeeded - it would still fall to these same pitfalls.

They might be called something different, and they might not emerge in the same way as in previous systems - but already there were unique strands of the ADVENT ideology, different factions throughout the government, and divisions across specific issues. Such was inevitable, but it had to be managed.

But if it couldn't be managed properly, then what could be done to keep such a diverse entity together?

"[For the West,]" Alija continued after a moment. "[The complexities of words such as secularism, unity, Humanity, enlightenment, religion, are rendered mute. For those who have borne the consequences of European domination, we hear that you wish to destroy our religion as well.]"

His hands linked together. "[No clearer is this expression of European supremacy, than a policy written through the lens of contempt for the idea of religious faith. A policy that indeed imposes European history onto Humanity itself - and the solutions therein.]" He looked at Zhang. "[This is not about theocracy, or such structures whose time is passed, but about respect for the differing beliefs of man.]"

His eyes returned to the Commander's "[Our demand is this - to be given the means to assert Human faith, not a variant of Western secularism of religion that regards us with infantile dismissal, and presents itself as Humanity itself.]"

"[Eloquent,]" the Commander said after a moment. "[But that does not tell me what in practice it means.]"

"[There cannot be rival power structures. I have said why we take offense, and why it is a problem. Now I must state the solution,]" Alija leaned forward. "[The creation of power structure rivalries creates conflicts. In Europe, the religious Church and secular Kings vied against one another. You have recreated that dynamic, writ large, ever more violently and intensely. The solution is to move past European history.]"

"[With respect, it is not the same dynamic,]" the Commander shook his head. "[The eras where either held parity are over.]"

"[You have made a complete sociological separation between religious authority and political authority, as though the distinction makes sense in any context but that of the Catholic Church,]" Alija said. "[The Catholic Church, itself, was a rival political organization to the state. This dynamic has been recreated in a different manner. This manner is that wherein the state's negative theology-]"

One Ikhwani facepalmed. "[He's not academic, why are you going on a technical academic spiel, he's asking you to get to the point, not give an essay on technical terms. 'This manner wherein the state's negative theology' really, Alija?]"

Alija paused. "[I was going to get there. This is a complex topic!]"

The Lion groaned. "Alija, I will execute you for crimes against Humanity. Be succinct and concise."

"[Why are you speaking in English? We're speaking in Arabic!]"

"Most of us." Zhang added dryly.

"Succinct and concise, Alija," the Lion replied.

Putting his hands into the air in a gesture of surrender, Alija exhaled. "[Political separations between religion and state must be made not just based on ideology of secularism, but instead based on making sure that unqualified people do not get into power simply because they wear the correct hat, as was in European history, while still allowing the influence of religious beliefs to be a part of the political structure based on statecraft qualifications, inspired by those theological beliefs.]"

He looked pointedly at the Lion and Ikhwani who'd interrupted. "[There. Are you both happy? Are you?]"

The Lion stared in disbelief. "What part of that was succinct or concise!?"

"[Why is he speaking in English?]" Alija demanded in exasperation.

"[Enough, peace,]" the Commander interrupted, raising a hand, thinking.

He thought that he saw from what point of view Alija was approaching this from - which if he was right, he took some issue with. However, he'd heard enough to at least confirm that they seemed to know what they were talking about. There was likely something useful that ADVENT could gain from them.

They were reasonable enough, and they would be better served speaking with people who had actual expertise in these topics - which he definitely did not, and neither did Zhang. What ADVENT ultimately did with it wasn't up to him - but he didn't believe there were enough people in ADVENT who would hear them out.

Especially if they came without a recommendation.

"[I think you've made your point,]" the Commander said. "Zhang, do you have anything to comment?"

"I disagree with the fundamentals of their argument, and am skeptical it will sway those with the knowledge to refute them in terms they understand," Zhang said, and after a brief pause: "But that is an insufficient reason to deny them entirely. Grant them the demand. At the very least, it will test the ideological underpinnings of ADVENT's policies."

"Agreed," the Commander nodded, addressing the Ikhwan again. "[I'm satisfied. I'll tell Jackson to put you in contact with the right people in ADVENT who will be able to converse at an academic level more suited to you. Provide Jackson the names…and a summary of discussion topics if you could.]"

"[Excellent. Now, our second demand.]" Alija said, as some tension that had still existed finally melted away. He clasped his hands and interlocked his fingers. "[We want Islam to be the state religion, the abolishment of the Catholic Church, and the renaming of ADVENT into the Caliphate.]"

The Ikhwan behind him snickered. The Commander cracked a smile, which Zhang glanced at, seemingly puzzled. "Humor, Commander, is not their strength it seems."

The Commander shook his head. There was something underneath the silly comment that he found clever, and told him they had also noticed some things that few others had. "Inside joke. I'll tell you later."

Zhang grunted, but didn't say anything else.

"Returning to the matter at hand," the Commander said, motioning Zhang forward again. "[We do have an actual topic of this meeting, unless you actually have something else to say.]"

"[Apologies, Commander, my humor doesn't always land,]" Alija said. "[However, sincerely, we do have one more demand to present.]"

The Commander resisted a sigh, glanced at Zhang, who nodded. "[Go ahead.]

"[We want ADVENT to officially back the declaration of the Eternal Jihad against the Ethereal Collective,]" Alija stated. "[We demand that we be officially sanctioned to line the Sectoid Commanders and behead them one and all for their immortal sins.]"

The Commander was surprised by the sudden intensity and fury in his voice. "[We demand that we bring the wrath of God almighty upon this Imperator that dares take the life of innocents, we demand that we may tear him limb from limb for his crimes.]"

He felt the intensity of the emotion echoed in the rest of the Ikhwan. All around the table, the eyes of the Ikhwan were filled with a blistering zeal. A righteous, flaming hatred. A distilled and pure moral contempt for the enemy.

"[We demand, that for their innumerable crimes against God and Man, that ADVENT - as the ruling body for all Humanity - gives us our rightful dues and unleashes us until the enemy is broken and bowed. This, we the Brothers Militant of Islam demand as is our right.]"

A razor-thin smile had appeared on Zhang's face. A slightly perceptible nod from him. The Commander concurred - and if the Catholics got their crusade, there wasn't a good reason to deny the Muslims their jihad. "[I believe that can be arranged.]"

"[It is a time for martyrs,]" Alija mused, relaxing. "[It is a time to slaughter tyrants.]"

It was not necessarily going to be easy to sell this to ADVENT, but he did think he could argue it successfully. The connotations with Jihad were significantly more negative than a Crusade - but that could be rectified with education. And ADVENT ignoring the baseless complaints.

And if there was anything that would turn perceptions around, it was them uniting against a threat to mankind itself. It would likely drive recruitment as well; Islam had historically been a more militant religion than many, and this was one way to take advantage of that. Not to mention, if ADVENT allowed it, it would certainly ease lingering tensions between ADVENT and the greater Middle Eastern region.

"Are you done?" the Lion exhaled, perking up from the table. "Because we have work to do, and a police state to topple. I intend to do it in less than three years. I have a record to beat."

The Commander raised an eyebrow, but decided he'd ask that story later. They'd spent enough time on tangents. "Let's get started."

"JULIAN," the Lion said. "Are you there?"

"At last. You took your sweet time. It's not as though there is anything pressing that demands the attention of one of the most powerful people on the planet."

"Your patience is appreciated, JULIAN," the Commander said. The AI made an electric sound that the Commander interpreted as an indignant sniff. "Director, Lion, let's begin."

Above the table, a holoprojector came to life, projecting the image of the entire world of Vitakar, including the major cities, military bases, and regions. Within each region were estimated numbers of soldiers, law enforcement, and overall population. A very general overview, but they had a place to start.

"The Vitakara are under a police state. That is foundationally what they are, and as such, they have all the weaknesses of police states," the Lion opened, stretching as he kicked the chair he'd been sitting in away. "They fix problems by sweeping them under the rug or terminating them. They fix tensions by informing people the tensions do not exist. Their system of government is a thin facade for creating a pretense of accountability and power."

The Lion circled around the table. "They are swiss cheese, full of holes. Exploiting those holes is not the problem - doing so on an exponential scale that will not take ten years and create a civil war that will kill billions is."

"Which," Zhang spoke. "Brings up the first problem."

"The Nulorian," the Lion threw a pointed glance at the Commander. "They are a problem in achieving that goal. I assume you do not think a few billion Vitakara is an acceptable cost for success?"

"Ideally, no," the Commander said. "I'm aware of the issues with the Nulorian. Miridian is an intelligent, but very dangerous and fanatical ideologue. I would prefer to not make him an enemy, while realizing he is likely incompatible with an acceptable victory."

"The good news is that there may be a solution that can bypass this issue," Zhang said. "One developed with the aid of JULIAN, the Ikhwan, and XCOM intelligence psychologists."

"A series of ideological and memetic packages that would predate on the Vitakaran psychology, and will make the Zararch's methods backfire on it," the Lion said. "A psychological operation the likes of which has never been executed. JULIAN, play the simulation."

"Ah yes, 'play the simulation' just like that. Ignore the eight thousand ones I ran previously - ones which demanded no small amount of overall processing power."

"JULIAN," the Commander said wearily. "Can you please play the simulation?"

"See, now you at least ask nicely. Might I have a statue built in my honor upon Vitakar's liberation for the trouble?"

"We'll see. We have to win first."

They watched the simulation begin - one which the Commander understood was being primarily driven by a vague undefined 'ideology' that was first spread from known Nulorian strongholds, to Vitakarian population centers. Nothing happened right away, but when it hit the four-month mark, there were sudden explosions in its spread.

This briefly lessened, as it simulated an anticipated Zararch crackdown, but that only lasted a month before spreading farther than ever. By the eighth month, it appeared that the Zararch had lost full control, and an ideological revolution was in full spring. It was not without violence, but only a few million deaths were estimated.

Which for an entire world, that was astonishingly good.

What happened after that seemed more opaque, and the simulation didn't answer those questions. It left an unstable, dangerous situation - but one where the Collective was gone, or at least their influence was destroyed. It allowed an opening for a different power to step in and support - in this case ADVENT.

He was not completely surprised by the plan - when he'd asked the Lion to create a proposal, he'd expected something unorthodox, but also somehow possible. And in the end, the only thing that could truly threaten the Vitakaran state was one that was ideological in nature.

"That phase," the Lion said. "Is what I call the metamorphosis phase. It will be entirely dependent on how good ADVENT's diplomats and social aid workers are. If they fail at their job, the best scenario is total civil war. Worst case scenario is several racial cleansings in the power vacuum."

The Commander looked at Zhang. "The Vitakara don't seem inclined to that type of violence."

Zhang's eyebrow raised. "Racial tensions between the Vitakara have only lessened due to the work of the Collective. The ongoing forced centralization is a breeding ground for old racial ideas to return. Borelians, Oyariah, and especially the Sar'Manda are primed to engage in a deteriorated situation."

"Fortunately, that risk should be lower," the Lion said. "As I am of the wearily optimistic hypothesis that ADVENT will not make the mistake of deciding to, as they say, drop the ball when we hand it to their court."

"Optimistic to classify intra-species genocide as 'several racial cleansings,' but you are correct. Such an absolute failure would be classified as 'dropping the ball.'"

"Something we want to avoid," the Commander said. "Continue."

"The ideology, currently named Swordbreaker Gimel was simulation stress tested against Vitakar itself to prove the theory," the Lion's voice suddenly fell low. "Its success there proved a more important point. That it can be used against significantly less protected targets, to significantly higher success rates."

JULIAN raised projections of several major Vitakaran colonies. Success rates being even higher than that of Vitakar itself. Then the lesser, smaller colonies. Until effective projections for all of the Vitakarian interstellar colonies were raised.

"I have no interest in simply taking from the Imperator a capital," the Lion said. "I have every intention of taking everything that can be taken. Using parallel operations, with the necessary manpower and access?"

JULIAN ran a success projection. It rose to an eighty-four percent margin. The Lion rapped a knuckle against the table. "We have an eighty percent chance of rendering the entire Vitakarian society unable to participate in further war against Humanity. In one year, the Collective weakness in that theater will have been exploited so thoroughly, they will lose it."

A projection called COUNTER A: SECTOID was raised.

"If they send in Sectoids, the fear of brainwashing will accelerate the Swordbreaker." The Lion stated.

A projection called COUNTER B: ANDROMEDON.

"The ruthless and brutalistic means of the Andromdeons will outright legitimate public resistance and outcry." Zhang noted.

A third and final projection. COUNTER C: ETHEREAL.

"This, however, is one that we have no simple solution for," the Lion leaned on the table, gesturing at the projection. "The Ethereal capacity for mass subjugation means they are capable of simply brute forcing the Vitakara into submission. No amount of planning can defeat the Psionic capacity to make an entire planet kneel."

He straightened back up. "The Swordbreaker can succeed in turning over the population against their ruling class. The Imperator will need to spend all of a day on each world to fix that."

There was a fourth element to this that the Commander was also acutely aware of - Mosrimor. The Commander was unsure at what point the Sovereign would directly intervene - but he saw no scenario where the Imperator was able to ignore something on that scale. "The Imperator will order a subjugation before allowing the Vitakara to be lost," the Commander said slowly. "There may only be one deterrent…and that one would be very risky."

"The choice is simple," the Lion idly waved. "We either accept that risk and take the Vitakara off the Collective's board and into ours, or the operation becomes a means of distracting and tying up Collective resources. There is no middle path. Any lesser option, and the Zararch will either transform from a police state into a less exploitable force, or our operation will be halted into a stalemate until it is crushed."

"Don't misunderstand me," the Commander said. "Regardless of the outcome, if there is intervention or not, it is beneficial for it to happen. Removing the Vitakara from the war is necessary - so long as we take into account the likely outcomes of a core species of the Collective collapsing."

"Concurred," Zhang stated.

"That will entirely depend on how prepared ADVENT is to exploit the metamorphosis phase," the Lion said. "I and JULIAN quickly found out the limits of using psychology and sociology as a weapon, and that is it is a force outside of our control. Outside of everyone's control. Once the window of opportunity is made, ADVENT will either succeed, or…" the Lion glanced at the casualty projections. "Or we very quickly relearn the price of hubris."

"Define ADVENT's place in this," the Commander said. "It sounds like I will have to give Powell an updated brief."

"In the metamorphosis phase, the Vitakara will be at a position where their political imaginations are the limits of political realities," the Lion said. "They have lived under a police state for so long, they are incapable of thinking of alternative systems, much less creating them within such a short time-span. ADVENTs role will need to be the act of providing the statecraft expertise, and material, social, and judicial expertise to seize the opportunity before radical ideologies arise in the uncertainty."

He pointed a finger at the projection of Vitakar. "The Zararch effectively operates the courts, the police, the media, the entertainment, the army…they have their hands in not only everything, but they are the effective nervous center of that entire society. With them gone?"

He let the question hang. "If those functions are not fulfilled, then either social collapse follows, or radical ideologies which have been inspired by, and are symbiotic to the Zararch itself bloom like an infestation."

The Commander nodded. "Ah. I understand. I'm confident that ADVENT will be able to take advantage. They understand the value and importance - and we also have a number of Vitakara currently on Earth who will be ready to be moved into positions."

"Then comes the Swordbreaker itself, and on that note…" he turned to the Ikhwan. "Leave the room. We will continue shortly." Seemingly not surprised, and with slight respectful nods, the Ikhwan left the room.

"JULIAN, anyone unwanted?" the Lion asked.

"No."

The Commander frowned at the shift in tone. No sarcasm or jokes. Zhang's own expression had hardened. "What is it?"

Zhang's eyes flicked upward. "JULIAN will explain. There is a reason only we are here."

"A discovery, Commander. One that I believe prudent to keep quiet at the moment," JULIAN said. "During the creation of Swordbreaker, there were several things noticed during the repeated simulations. By accident…I believe we recreated something in the style of the Indoctrination Pyramid in Beijing."

The Commander felt a shiver or something run through him. That was…

How?

"The goal was intended to create a weapon that would transcend any defense the Collective could employ," JULIAN said. "One that did not target the body, but the mind; which would not alter armies, but perspectives and mindsets. It appears successful. Too successful, I fear."

"Language is a physiological force, Commander," the Lion said slowly. "We understand that propaganda is effective, we understand that the media manipulates us, and as minds are engineered and influenced, these filter to people we know, who then influence us."

The Lion shook his head. "But language is a biological force, the very existence of certain words shapes the very structure of the brain. The patterns of thinking. The way living organisms who use language have a shared design pattern."

The projection briefly shifted to a cognitive scan on a Human subject which compared the linguistic cognitive facilities between all current species - and all of them, save the Sectoids, were similarly affected by language.

"The way we think, the very limits of our imagination, is controlled by language and its concepts," the Lion continued. "And on a fundamental level, how we perceive and understand the world. Language, symbols, sounds. We have discovered, through endless repetition and refinement, that the brain has grammar of its own - and we have developed a crude understanding of it."

A second projection appeared, a simulation of the select employment of certain terms, concepts, images, ideas, on a theoretical Human population. The result was genocide. The simulation repeated for several countries. The same result. It was applied to ADVENT itself. War, triggered by a successful execution of Swordbreaker.

The Commander remained still as the implications of this settled; a comprehension of what they had accidentally stumbled across.

"In creating the Swordbreaker -" the Lion's eyes glowed a muted blue. "-we have discovered the cognitive atom bomb. We have discovered the concept of encephalo-weapons. Mental weapons capable of destroying civilizations with nothing but language and communication."

"We have seen this before," Zhang's voice was low. "In crude ways that were likely not intended. Rwanda was a prime example. Months of programming, and one day, a voice on a radio tells people to kill the racially inferior. And they do."

He shook his head. "Propagandists believed there were limits to what they could convince people to do. But there are not. The Swordbreaker theory demonstrates this. It only requires the correct combinations, the correct words, and the correct times to employ them."

"If employed successfully," the Commander murmured. "But even the concept alone is…"

"That is not what has made us concerned," the Lion locked eyes with the Commander. "Consider Beijing - and what it means."

Something clicked into place. The discovery which emulated the activities of the Indoctrination Pyramid. Something had created the Pyramid, implying it understood the concept itself. Something that had known about this truth much, much longer, and was far older than Humanity.

Things seemed to briefly fade as he understood what weapon the Synthesized had.

The weapon that could destroy any civilization.

It wasn't telepathy. They didn't need to bypass the mental defenses of a population because they didn't need to. By planting the right words, imbuing the right phrases, spreading the right ideas, employing symbology, sound, even color correctly, their victims would act exactly as they predicted them to. Trillions of variables and possibilities to consider to execute it on the level of sophistication that it was unstoppable.

Only an AI beyond even what they understood now could even employ something like this on a mass scale, and continually adapt it. Only an AI could employ this successfully enough to continually emerge victorious against the oldest beings in the universe.

Did T'Leth know?

How could they stop something like that?

"What we have discovered is an infant, primitive, fledgling idea. There's something out there," the Lion's voice had dropped to a whisper. "We? We are primitives, savages with bows barely having grasped the fire, and in the dark there is something waiting having mastered the atom bomb."

"It destroyed the Ethereals," Zhang's voice was equally low. "It destroyed the Zudjari. It has brought every civilization that has ever existed low. And I fear, Commander, that we are not on a new, or unexplored path, but one whose circumstances have been determined and influenced before man walked the Earth. T'Leth may not be our salvation, Commander. He may be acting on the unknowing influence of something else; influenced by millenia upon millenia of conflict and clashing."

"Aye," the Lion said. "This is how they have remained dominant, Commander. They won the only war that matters, and the minds of the Sovereign Ones have been conquered long before we entered the picture."

The Commander didn't say anything for a moment.

"Do they…" he briefly trailed off. "Do you think they know?"

Zhang's smile was forlorn. "I think they know, Commander. I also think they consider themselves superior. That they cannot be influenced or predicted by something so…"

"Primitive, in their eyes," the Lion said. "These are beings of power and divinity we cannot adequately ever understand. Even if they understand something like this can affect the minds of lesser species…they are superior, are they not? Whose minds, wills, and motives are sovereign."

The Lion's smile across his scarred face was bitter. "The Swordbreaker has revealed to us this truth. Our veil of ignorance was a comfort, and soon enough, others will stumble upon this discovery intentionally or by accident."

"Indeed," Zhang said. "We must be prepared. If the Collective discovers this, they possess the processing power to create the correct grammar to destroy Humanity. To make us tear each other limb from limb. Or worse, if Mosrimor decides it is worth applying."

"Or they will ensure their hold over their people endures forever and inoculate them to our Swordbreaker," JULIAN said. "While the Synthesized could certainly undermine any efforts the Collective employed to protect themselves, we have an infant's understanding of this concept. But I am not concerned about the Collective now, Commander. I am concerned about those who have already mastered it - and what they will do when they realize we know."

JULIAN's voice was almost hesitant. "My understanding is crude; rudimentary, and yet with ideal conditions I can simulate the collapse of an entire species when ideal circumstances are met. Simulations I am confident enough in to employ, and adapt to."

"Once the Swordbreaker is deployed…" the Lion said.

"Whoever is out there, and we have no doubt they are watching, will know."

The Commander exhaled, mind racing and assessing what to do next. "Keep all of this classified until we decide what to do. Swordbreaker is the test. We have the answer in theory, but if it succeeds in practice…"

If it succeeded, even partially, then they had a weapon that they could not protect themselves against, for its very nature was one that could never fully be insulated from. They'd stumbled upon Pandora's Box in a way that they couldn't have imagined.

And for once, the Commander wished that the box had stayed closed.

"As of this moment, only four people know the true nature of the Swordbreaker," the Lion said, his voice hardening. "I do not trust ADVENT with this, nor anyone else at this moment. Not Jackson. Not Mercado. Not Vahlen."

"No, ADVENT can't know it," the Commander said. "Even if I trust some of them…in the hands of any power, the temptation would be too great. I agree…we keep this to ourselves for now. Once Swordbreaker is employed…we revisit. The Ikhwan, do they…"

"As far as they understand, this is a psychological operation, which they understand and are good at," the Lion said. "They would not be able to…conceptualize the scale of this. I wouldn't have either, were it not for JULIAN. Mortals alone cannot do this. The only reason this can work is because of JULIAN."

"Our brains are too limited, our emotions distracting, and biases too ingrained," Zhang said. "It is why anything similar to Swordbreaker by states hasn't ever truly taken hold; why this wasn't discovered earlier. Men cannot account for every detail, every variable, and react accordingly. For we are also shaped by belief, emotion, and history. Now, we have the means to transcend that, if only like a child."

The three men stared at the projection of the encephalo-grammar dictionary that comprised Swordbreaker and its projections. The weapon that might prove the salvation of Vitakar, but one whose implications left him with a sense of horror, not awe.

For now they knew what was possible.

They now knew that what lay in the dark was far worse than they had imagined - and that they were on a path they could never depart from.

---

To be continued in Chapter 78 - Part III