X-COM II: The Earth’s Revenge (Part XI)

[Godzilla Blitz]

Latest news…

From the London Herald…

Italy Joins ET Alliance!

Most Major European Countries Now Stand with our Extraterrestial Friends

Criticism of X-COM Escalates

1 December 2003 – (AP, Rome) After days of deliberations, Italian officials yesterday jubilantly declared a total political, economic, and military alliance with Extraterrestial forces in our system. The pact will open the door to alien trade and economic aid that proponents claim will revolutionize the entire country. The signing makes Italy the fourth major country to sign with the ETs in recent months, and sends yet another blow against the terrorist X-COM forces that have waged an unsuccessful war against alien unification over the past year. With this signing, a significant portion of the European Union’s might swings in favor of the Extraterrestial Alliance.


A Sectoid-owned French canteen. Since August, aliens have been permitted to own businesses in allied countries. AP Photo

“Without a doubt,” says retired British Commander Ben Dover, “this announcement is yet another nail in the reactionary, anti-alien forces’ attempt to discredit the alliance. With X-COM now in disarray, it looks like we may be approaching the end of the war.”

Indeed, things look dire for X-COM. They have been fighting a bloody, defensive war for 11 months, but have suffered horrendous casualties of late, and have made no progress in stemming the tide of alien cooperation with Earth. Furthermore, morale on their bases appears to be bad and getting worse. In late November, a long-standing X-COM agent defected to the aliens, bringing with him significant amounts of classified intelligence. A controversial internal investigation and trial—instigated by the disgruntled relative of an X-COM agent killed in action—has led to further division amongst the ranks. It has even been reported that rookie agents are begging for fellow agents to die so that they can get better rations on base.

Civilian complaints against X-COM are also mounting, as reports of excessive use of force have skyrocketed since X-COM began using “Blaster Missiles” against civilians. “They blew my house apart!” laments Nomoa Adobe. “I went out to get some kitty treats for Igor, my Siamese cat, and when I came back I didn’t have a house or a cat. They killed my kitten, the bastards. I hope they rot in hell!”


A British manor destroyed by reactionary X-COM terrorists. AP Photo

“X-COM is a minor annoyance, but the world is quickly coming to the conclusion that it is better to live in harmony with peaceful aliens such than to fight against us merely because we are ‘different’, and the scorched earth tactics X-COM is using clearly show the world their true colors. Whether they lose militarily or politically, clearly their days are numbered,” states Sectoid Leader, the Extraterrestial ambassador to England.

Conversely, morale in allied countries is soaring. Unique foodstuffs, alien technological goods, and UFO rides have all proven wildly popular amongst the progressive allied nations.

“I love my new plasma car!” declares Betty Goez, a resident of Newcastle. “It gets 120 miles to the gallon. Not that it matters, with the Ets giving us free plasma and all.”

“I think they’re cute,” adds Dewmi Nau, a 23-year-old bartender in London. “They come into the bar sometimes and have a pint with the regulars. The gals love ‘em. We don’t get their jokes, but rumor has it that they are great in bed. I’d love to date one!”


A British officer displays the new ETAlliance military headgear and salute. AP Photo

Even the kids love it. “For my birthday, me pop got me a ride in a UFO!” blurts 11-year-old Buddy Duznt of Cambridge. “I was a little scared when they picked up an X-COM terror ship on radar, but it was far enough away and they never came close. What a blast! And I’m really happily now that the ETs are giving away Sectoid Heroes for my PS3. I just decapitated Wade Moore on my game last night! It rocks!”

With all the benefits so obvious, it is hardly surprising that UN support for the X-COM project is fading fast. One expert even predicts the war’s end before January. “The UN isn’t going to wait so long that their member countries all defect to the aliens. Once the ball starts rolling, the UN is going to jump to unite with the ET cause. Those UN countries don’t want to fall hopelessly behind economically for the era of prosperity that will follow the war. We could have peace by New Year’s!

[Poli]

Haters.

[sachmo71]

Awesome!

[kingfc22]

Down with ITALY!!!

[Blade6119]

wow, italy surrendered...who didnt see that one coming...there right there with the french in longevity of wars...first time an enemy is seen they surrender. As long as we have lichtenstein were ok!

[JeeberD]

Give me that Blaster Launcher again, boss! Those Ethereals are going down!!!

[Godzilla Blitz]

Upcoming...

Should be posting Mission 104 tonight. I'll update stats (with the crucial PSI results!) and move the game forward on Sunday. I'll also pick our first two agents for the Mars Mission tomorrow. This is the procedure we'll use to select our 18 agents:

1-8: Command choice
9: Kodos' choice
10-11: Agents' choice (vote)
12-14: British Base Assault Challenge Winners (Command choice for the fourteen contestants)
15: Random lottery of all active agents
16-18: Command choice
19-23 (Alternates): Command choice

Also, I've been a few missions ahead the past few weeks, but from now on out I'm reporting results as I play the game, so I have as little idea as to what the future holds as you do.

Blade6119: LOL!

Sachmo: Thanks!

Travis, Fonzie, Rich, Gkb: You're in. We still need one more agent, so if you're on the waiting list, this is your chance. Maybe your last chance.

FF Froggies: I really don't know what to say about your shooting. It really is amazing. Whenever I have you fire, the shots don't just miss, they head off almost sideways. I've never seen anyone quite this bad. I hope you can break out of the slump quickly.

[Poli]

Fate, don't pee on my hands now.

[Thomkal]

ohmygod!

I'm not sure I'm ever going to be able to stop laughing after reading that "article" GB! well done!

Of course Thomkal II is pissed about it...

[kingfc22]

Random agent.

YES!!! I have a chance to step foot on the Red planet.

[MrBug708]

What countries joined the alliance? France?

[Poli]

How many agents are there? I'm just trying to assess my odds.

[Chuck U Farley]

Did Chuck die? Or is he too busy playing football?

[jerk3616]

I have to apologize for FF Froggies poor shooting; we've spent too many late nights "infiltrating" the Sectoid-owned bar in the French canteen. Just do what I always do: shoot the middle one.

[Godzilla Blitz]

104th Mission: Ethereals in Minnesota

The USA COM Skyranger hugs the ground on its short 100-mile jaunt to western Minnesota. The men quickly go through their preparation routines for combat.

With D-Day only 14 days away, X-COM Command will be testing some of the strategies under consideration for the Martian assault. Today will be the first test of the Decoy Ducks. Klayman III, who cracked easily on a mission a few weeks ago, and Alf III, who graded out on the PSI-scale at a measly 18, are the first troops to volunteer to test the strategy. Both men will go into combat completely unarmed. They goal is to have them fall harmlessly under PSI-control.

Wade Moore will lead our men.

Our men:

Left Side:
1. Ardent Enthusiast (Heavy Plasma, Flying Suit)
2. Airhog II (Heavy Plasma, Flying Suit)
3. Wade Moore (Heavy Plasma, Flying Suit)
4. AStott (Blaster Launcher, Flying Suit)
5. Klayman III (Power Suit)

Right Side:
1. Alf III (Power Suit)
2. Achilles (Heavy Plasma, Flying Suit)
3. Sublime II (Heavy Plasma, Flying Suit)
4. Jeeber D (Heavy Plasma, Flying Suit)
5. Katon II (Heavy Plasma, Flying Suit)

The Skyranger drops to the cold, sunny Minnesota countryside. The region has been hit by an early cold snap, and temps shouldn’t go north of 10 degrees for this morning’s battle. The men scan the battlefield below. We’ll be landing on the southwest corner of the active zone, so the areas up by the nose of the Skyranger and to the left of our exit are secure. Elsewhere, we have the standard rural fare: fields, some hedgegrows, fences, etc. There is no sign of either the UFO or any buildings.

The Skyranger touches down, bounces on the hard soil, and comes to a rest. The ramp falls away with a dull thud. Alarms! Red lights! Hot landing! There is an Ethereal charging at us through the field in front of the exit. He’s about 40 meters away and closing fast. Our tank jerks forward, toward the exit. Achilles and Ardent Enthusiast follow right behind it. The Ethereal opens fire first, sending a couple of shots clanging off our Skyranger and a third one off the upper hull of our Hovertank that rips off an antenna. The Hovertank keeps going and starts to drift down to the ground. Just as it drops out of their line of fire, Achilles and Ardent open fire on the Ethereal. A hail of plasma goes tearing out of the craft. Achilles is right on the money, as he rips off the alien’s left leg at the kneecap with one hit, then blows apart its upper chest before the creature even hits the ground from the first shot. The Ethereal tumbles to the ground. Orange blood drains onto the cold, hard earth. X-COM 1, Aliens 0.

Our tank goes vertical to scan the battlefield. Another Ethereal! This one is about 30 meters to the right of the nose of our Skyranger. Ardent and Wade Moore come flying out of the Skyranger, turn up towards the alien, and open fire. The Ethereal goes for his weapon as a rain of plasma rips up the earth near its feet. Ardent gets dissed again, as Wade blows the alien apart with his second shot. X-COM 2, Aliens 0.

We get a moment to catch our breath and get our men out of the Skyranger. Our tank goes vertical and starts fanning the battlefield in search of aliens. Alf III exits the Skyranger. He breaks right, away from our exit, and moves to the front of our position. He’ll try to draw the PSI-attacks when they come. Jeeber D is right on his heels, but goes up high over the battlefield, about 10 meters behind our tank. Wade Moore pulls back toward the edge of the Skyranger, as we’ll want to spread out the experience as much as possible, and this should be a relatively short mission. The rest of the men move toward the exit.

Our tank quickly spots two more Ethereals, about 50 meters away, and closing in on position through the air. We wait for them to get within range, and then Ardent opens up on the one on the right as Jeeber does likewise to the one on the left. The Ethereals have no chance: Ardent’s first shot guts his target; Jeeber’s first two shots send the other Ethereal toppling to the ground with a shattered chest. Boo yaa! Nice shooting, men! X-COM 4, Aliens 0!

Before those two aliens even stop twitching, our threat sensors turn green. Huh? Wow, that was quick. So nice of the aliens to make our job easier by charging the Skyranger. Surprised there were only four left; it was a medium scout.

Kills: Wade Moore, 1; Ardent Enthusiast, 1; Jeeber D, 1; Achilles, 1.
KIA: None.
Wounded: None.
Attribute Improvements: Wade Moore, Ardent Enthusiast, Jeeber D, Achilles.
Final score: 122
Mission Notes:
Taking no casualties is always nice, but I would have liked to have met more resistance in order to be able to test our Decoy Duck strategy. A quick four-minute mission with no PSI-attacks tells us nothing.

[Tellistto]

Stupid aliens never cooperate when you want them too, the bastards!

Tell

[Poli]

Stupid Magic 8 Ball! I lived!

[Godzilla Blitz]

Random Replies...

Ardent: Not only did you live, but you got an alien as well! Nice job!

Chuck: EU COM has been quiet for a bit, but I would expect you'll be on the next mission out of there.

Ardent: There are about 60 agents now, but 14 will be already on the Mars force by the time we pick the random agent, and another handful or so won't be included because they're not around any more. I'd say an agent's chances are about 1 in 40-45 to get selected in the lottery.

Mr. Bug: England was the first country to join the aliens. France went next, I believer. Germany joined a short while later. Italy makes the fourth.

Thomkal: Thanks!

Jerk: Aha! That explains FF Froggies' shooting! Alien beer will do that every time. Stick with the Coors from now on.

Tellistto: I thought for sure we'd get hit with some PSI attacks on that mission. It ended so fast I didn't even get half the men out of the Skyranger. I'd rather have that type of a mission, though, than a mission where I have to hunt all over the map for two aliens. Those take forever to write up and there's hardly any action.

[MrBug708]

Are the Swiss staying Neutral? I hope the Dutch don't stray....

[tucker342]

Is it too late to answer your call?

[klayman]

Originally Posted by Godzilla Blitz

Today will be the first test of the Decoy Ducks. Klayman III, who cracked easily on a mission a few weeks ago, and Alf III, who graded out on the PSI-scale at a measly 18, are the first troops to volunteer to test the strategy.

Volunteer!?! I gotta stop sleeping through the mission briefings.

[JeeberD]

Woot, got me another alien!!!

When do we get to see the results of the latest Psi testing, GB?

[Godzilla Blitz]

Originally Posted by JeeberD

When do we get to see the results of the latest Psi testing, GB?

Right now.

Tense agents cluster around the latest stat update, posted at each of our bases. The results of perhaps our last PSI training could dramatically raise or lower the chances to get on the Avenger to Mars.

X-COM II Troop Master List (After Mission 104)

USA COM

ID   Name              Status     Rank      Miss.  Kills  
14.  Wade Moore        Active     Colonel   27     25     
43.  Achilles          Active     Sergeant  22     16     
46.  Patman II         Active     Captain   23     13     
55.  Sublime II        Active     Sergeant  21     11     
74.  AStott            Active     Captain   19     19     
75.  Alf III           Active     Squaddie  10      5     
92.  Jeeber D          Active     Squaddie  13     10
98.  MrBug IV          Active     Squaddie  11      5     
112. Airhog II         Active     Squaddie   6      1     
114. Blade6119 IV      WND (12)   Squaddie   4      4     
115. Klayman III       Active     Squaddie   5      4     
121. Katon II          Active     Squaddie   3      2
129. Ardent Enthusiast Active     Squaddie   4      3
133. Lokugh III        Active     Squaddie   3      1     
143. Anxiety III       Active     Squaddie   2      1
 

EU COM

ID   Name              Status     Rank      Miss.  Kills  
2.   jfbbis            WND (Coma) Colonel   23     23     
10.  Kodos             Active     Commander 27     26     
19.  Revrew            Active     Captain   25     23     
70.  Naiwf             Active     Sergeant  15     10     
89.  RealDeal III      Active     Squaddie  12      7     
90.  Coffee Warlord II Active     Sergeant  13     11
101. Wolfpack          Active     Sergeant   9     10     
102. Japherwaki II     Active     Squaddie  10      7     
105. Swaggs            Active     Sergeant  11     10
110. Breeze            Active     Squaddie   6      8     
116. Chuck U Farley    Active     Squaddie   5      5     
122. Mike Vic          Active     Squaddie   3      4      
123. Vince             Active     Squaddie   3      3      
128. ShaefIllini       Active     Squaddie   2      1
131. Raven Hawk II     Active     Squaddie   2      3
 

ASIA COM

ID   Name              Status     Rank      Miss.  Kills  
35.  Jeff Nights II    Active     Captain   26     14     
39.  Thomkal II        Active     Sergeant  21     18     
41.  Fat Football II   Active     Sergeant  19      9     
45.  Danny VanHalen    Active     Sergeant  20     14     
52.  Qwikshot II       Active     Captain   21     12     
84.  Split Pers III    Active     Sergeant  10      9     
93.  Afoci             Active     Squaddie  10      8     
96.  Illinifan V       Active     Squaddie   9      7     
109. Glengoyne         Active     Squaddie   7      5     
117. Psycho Cop II     Active     Squaddie   3      2      
118. Calis             Active     Squaddie   6      1     
124. Sir Fozzie II     Active     Squaddie   5      1      
127. Hoops Guy         Active     Squaddie   4      2
134. BYU II            Active     Squaddie   4      0      
137. FF Froggies       Active     Squaddie   3      0     

 

SAM COM

ID   Name              Status     Rank      Miss.  Kills  
71.  Wignasty          Active     Squaddie   7      3     
130. Peregrine         Active     Rookie     0      0
132. Northwood DK      Active     Rookie     0      0

 

AFRICA COM

ID   Name              Status     Rank      Miss.  Kills  
59.  Daimyo II         WND (10)   Squaddie   9      5     
94.  Data King III     Active     Squaddie   5      2     
125. Chief Rum IV      Active     Rookie     0      0      
136. Barkeep           Active     Rookie     0      0
138. Blade IV          Active     Rookie     0      0
139. Tasan II          Active     Rookie     0      0
141. Render III        Active     Rookie     0      0

X-COM II Troop Attributes

      
     Name              TUs  Sta  Hlt  Brv  Rea  Fir  Thw  Str  PsD  PsS
2.   jfbbis            78   85   61   30   35   88   58   61   75   16
10.  Kodos             80   93   60   50   62   85   74   64   75   20
14.  Wade Moore        81   84   59   30   59   93   72   68   86   21
19.  Revrew            79   73   57   30   38   68   60   65   91   31
35.  Jeff Nights II    76   82   57   60   33   67   63   57   97   29
39.  Thomkal II        74   94   60   30   56   52   61   55   60   25
41.  Fat Football II   71   72   43   50   38   70   73   54   99   23
43.  Achilles          75   74   59   10   46   81   79   56   72   24
45.  Danny VanHalen    78   85   50   10   42   63   79   52   28   21
46.  Patman II         78   71   55   60   50   52   79   57   39   20
52.  Qwikshot II       76   81   49   10   58   78   65   57   75   22
55.  Sublime II        77   78   50   10   40   75   78   60   59   19
59.  Daimyo II         65   60   48   30   47   70   64   43
70.  Naiwf             76   72   53   50   40   63   69   49   26   16
71.  Wignasty          64   45   37   20   38   61   72   44
74.  AStott            76   62   56   50   55   73   62   59   92   18
75.  Alf III           62   61   40   40   52   51   57   46   18   22
84.  Split Pers III    71   71   47   30   41   64   67   44   30   20
89.  RealDeal III      75   76   40   60   47   68   68   56   48   24
90.  Coffee Warlord II 76   85   51   60   38   73   69   46   25   24
92.  Jeeber D          65   64   47   20   31   63   78   47   77   23
93.  Afoci             65   61   42   30   40   47   55   49   79   17
94.  Data King III     63   52   31   50   36   52   58   35
96.  Illinifan V       57   56   50   50   56   55   66   48   88   21
98.  Mr. Bug IV        65   69   50   10   34   71   66   41
101. Wolfpack          72   75   41   40   38   65   59   42   65   23
102. Japherwaki II     69   81   43   20   32   53   53   50   80   22
105. Swaggs            71   77   47   60   51   78   69   51   83   36
109. Glengoyne         72   73   48   30   34   68   53   47    3   21
110. Breeze            65   51   41   60   31   72   54   42   58   16
112. Airhog II         56   67   30   60   56   44   54   29
114. Blade6119 IV      56   47   44   10   37   74   61   33
115. Klaymn III        62   80   46   30   34   72   58   36
116. Chuck U Farley    58   69   36   40   55   68   77   39   55   18
117. Psycho Cop II     53   64   40   10   60   67   50   44   55   19
118. Calis             58   57   26   50   39   55   73   35   50   22
121. Katon II          54   54   29   40   59   69   54   39
122. Mike Vic          67   50   45   10   32   44   53   43
123. Vince             60   69   31   10   45   66   57   43
124. Sir Fozzie II     60   69   32   10   31   68   50   25   81   24
125. Chief Rum IV      55   46   25   30   50   52   63   38
127. Hoops Guy         57   54   43   40   41   59   65   28   78   21
128. ShaefIllini       62   53   43   10   60   59   64   36
129. Ardent Enthusiast 66   67   35   40   48   65   72   40
130. Peregrine         55   45   37   30   35   45   64   34
131. Raven Hawk II     59   46   33   20   31   68   66   43
132. Northwood DK      51   40   27   30   54   48   56   40
133. BYU II            52   69   33   10   53   58   61   38
134. Lokugh III        54   62   39   60   40   47   55   37
136. Barkeep           52   57   33   30   34   55   73   32
137. FF Froggies       55   51   40   10   57   44   75   36
138. Blade IV          58   42   30   30   51   40   49   23
139. Tasan II          60   50   38   10   37   54   79   20
141. Render III        59   64   27   50   42   46   53   22
143. Anxiety III       56   60   42   40   38   69   68   34

Key: TUs = Time Units; Sta = Stamina; Hlt = Health; Brv = Bravery; Rea = Reactions
     Fir = Firing; Thw = Throwing; Str = Strength; PsD = PSI Defense; PsS = PSI Skill

Support Personnel

Head of Research: Craptacular
(Current researching focus: Heavy Plasma)
Head of Engineering: Sterling Ice II 
(Current manufacturing focus: Flying Suits, Hover Tank, Avenger Fighter)
US Interceptor Pilot: CapnMorgan
AF Interceptor Pilot: Superman
AS Interceptor Pilot: Toddiec IV
EU Firestorm Pilot:   Sachmo IV

Attribute Leaders (After Mission 104)

Time Units:   (81) Wade Moore
Stamina:      (94) Thomkal II
Health:       (61) Jfbbis
Bravery:      (60) (Nine tied)
Reactions:    (62) Kodos
Firing:       (93) Wade Moore
Throwing:     (79) (Three tied)
Strength:     (68) Wade Moore
PSI Defense:  (99) Fat Football II
PSI Strength: (36) Swaggs
 

Attribute Doggies (After Mission 104)

Time Units:   (51) Northwood DK
Stamina:      (40) Northwood DK
Health:       (25) Chief Rum IV
Bravery:      (10) (14 tied)
Reactions:    (31) (four tied)
Firing:       (40) Blade IV
Throwing:     (50) Sir Fozzie II, Psycho Cop II
Strength:     (20) Tasan II
PSI Defense:  ( 3) Glen Goyne
PSI Strength: (16) Naiwf, Breeze, Jfbbis
 

Top Ten Kills Leaders

1.  Kodos                26
2.  Wade Moore           25
2.  Revrew               23
2.  Jfbbis               23
5.  Astott               19
6.  Klayman (KIA)        18
6.  Thomkal II           18
8.  Shorty (KIA)         16
8.  Achilles             16
10. Rich (KIA)           14
10. Danny Van Halen      14
10. Jeff Nights II       14
 

Waiting List

ID   Name              Base         Status     Rank     LBrvOK?  OptUp?
144. Rich II            -           In Transit Rookie   Yes      No
145. Zippy III          -           On Call    Rookie   Yes      Yes
146. Gi                 -           On Call    Rookie   Yes      Yes
147. Tellistto          -           In Transit Rookie   Yes      Yes
148. CT Homer II        -           On Call    Rookie   Yes      Yes
149. Rawisdan II        -           On Call    Rookie   Yes      Yes
150. Gbk                -           In Transit Rookie   Yes      Yes
151. The Herd II        -           On Call    Rookie   Yes      Yes
152. 3ric V             -           In Transit Rookie   Yes      Yes
153. Fonzie III         -           In Transit Rookie   Yes      Yes
154. Condors III        -           On Call    Rookie   Yes      Yes
155. Dawgfan            -           In Transit Rookie   Yes      Yes
156. Travis V           -           In Transit Rookie   Yes      Yes
157. Kingfc II          -           In Transit Rookie   Yes      Yes
158. Tucker III         -           In Transit Rookie   Yes      Yes
159. Almighty II        -           On Call    Rookie   Yes      Yes
160. The Time II        -           On Call    Rookie   Yes      Yes
161. Jerk               -           In Transit Rookie   Yes      Yes
 

[JeeberD]

Hmmm...77 in psi defense. Not bad, not bad at all. But is it high enough to get me to Mars?

[Coffee Warlord]

Just remember, if I get sent to Mars as PSI-Bait, I'm taking the first gun off the first dead guy I see!

[Godzilla Blitz]

Mars Strike Team Omega

Over the course of the next few days we'll be selecting the members of the 18-man force that will board the Avenger and attempt to destroy the alien command center on Mars. X-COM Command will choose the first eight men. We'll select two today, four tomorrow, and two on Tuesday.

Selecting the best 18 men from our 60-agent force is arguably the most crucial task of the war. The fate of the world rests on the strike team's shoulders. If we pick poorly, the battle for Mars could easily be a disaster.

In selecting the force, we are evaluating all of you on the following criteria (listed in no particular order of importance):

• Combat performance
• Combat abilities
• Rank
• PSI-defense
• Attitude and Team Spirit
• Participation
• Family History and Sacrifice
• Dedication

Without further ado, the first two selections for Strike Team Omega are:

1. Commander Kodos
This is an easy choice. Commander Kodos has an outstanding report card across all criteria. He has been with us since the beginning of the war. He has killed more aliens than any other agent. When--due to his extreme value to our cause--he was relegated to the safe back line on most missions, he accepted his role with grace and understanding. I am proud to have him lead our forces to Mars.

2. Captain Revrew
Revrew has been an active participant throughout the dynasty, has had perhaps our most consistent combat performance record, and has always risen to the occasion when things got ugly. I have no doubt that Revrew will do us proud on the mission to Mars.

Coming tomorrow morning...
Selections 3 & 4.

[Poli]

Darn, it wasn't me.

Congratulations, guys.

[Godzilla Blitz]

Update

December 2
A Sectoid scout UFO pops up on our USA COM radar early in the day. USA COM's Intercepter chases the craft to Europe, right into the waiting arms of Sachmo IV aboard the Firestorm. Ten minutes later the UFO is spewing smoke and heading for the fields of France, where it crashes and slides to a stop.

EU COM launches its Skyranger fifteen minutes later. They'll have to hurry, as the sun is setting on this part of the world. They'll strike at dusk.

On board:
Revrew, Japherwaki II, Real Deal III, Coffee Warlord II, Mike Vic, Vince, Wolfpack, Naiwf, Swaggs, Chuck U Farley

[JeffNights]

With his fellow Captain Qwikshot II standing beside him, Captain Nights addresses the men of ASIA COM that stood in ranks before him.

"Men, I couldnt be prouder of what so far we have accomplished here. This base has seen its share of good times, and bad times. The bad which include disturbing news of countries siding with our enemy the Alien scum, and also, and far worse, those daring missions in which we have lost our fellow X-Com comrades.

Captain Nights takes a moment to pause and remember those souls who have made that sacrifice..

"But today, in thier honor as well as yours, we celebrate good times. Central X-Com command sent these by special courier along with a letter of thanks. And here i'm proud to present to each of you a "100th Mission pin-ASIA COM" pin. Which you will wear with your other badges. Congratulations Men"

Captain Nights goes up the line, pinning the medal to thier uniforms and saluting each man.

[Dawgfan1980]

I hope one day GB goes into writing novels, because this is some great stuff, that I would definatly downlo... I mean, buy from my local bookstore

[sterlingice]

Hey, GB. Where are we (the support staff) stationed? I keep forgetting.

SI

[RealDeal]

I love the smell of plasma in the morning.

[SplitPersonality1]

PsD of 30 & PsS of 20.

Hmm. I think that kind of explained our...I mean my.....yes.....my erratic behavior.


SplitP-H: Think we fooled them?
SplitP-A: Not a chance.
SplitP-H: Damn. I really want to go to Mars.

[MrBug708]

I'm sitting this one out eh?

Well, someone has to entertain the wives

[klayman]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

I'm sitting this one out eh?

Well, someone has to entertain the wives

Yes, with you running around naked they should be pointing and laughing all night

[Thomkal]

Woot a medal! Hmmm...I wonder how much I can get for it on Ebay?

[sachmo71]

I want to pilot the Avenger!

[revrew]

wOOt! Goin' to Mars! Thanks for the honor of being picked #2, GB. Now, about my signing bonus...

[Coffee Warlord]

Tune up before I go to Mars! Whoo!

[Wolfpack]

65 PsiD? Hey, I'm good for something. I won't crack, at least not without some effort.

[Godzilla Blitz]

Mars Strike Team Omega

The next two selections for Strike Team Omega are:

1. Commander Kodos
2. Captain Revrew
3. Colonel Jfbbis
Jfbbis is a survivor. Actually, he is the only survivor from our first mission, more than 100 missions ago. Although he started with mediocre skills, he has made the best of every opportunity and has developed into a fine agent. If he recovers from his coma before we launch, he'll be on the Avenger.

4. Colonel Wade Moore
Wade is our deadliest shot, has our second highest kill total, and has had moments of incredible bravery and heroism. A crafty, experienced veteran, we would be silly to go to Mars without him.

Coming this afternoon...
Selections 5 & 6.

[RealDeal]

RealDeal III has a good, but not great PsiD, but I've never cracked in a mission before. Unlike my father, who I don't like to talk about much.

[Godzilla Blitz]

105th Mission: Sectoids Next Door

The EU COM Skyranger races for Germany and the large Sectoid scout that has crash-landed there. Outside, the sun sits low on the western horizon and throws long shadows across the fields below. We’ll need to hurry to avoid fighting in the dark. Inside, our men quickly work through last minute weapon checks.

We’ve got a new weapon on board today. Three of our agents are toting PSI Amps. In theory, these weapons should allow our troops to go on the offensive in PSI warfare: we can target enemies with the weapon and attempt to cause them to freeze, panic, or even fall under our control. How this actually works in combat is anyone’s guess.

Captain Revrew will command our troops today.

The green light goes on and the craft begins to drop to the German countryside.

Left Side:
1. Revrew (Heavy Plasma & PSI Amp, Flying Suit)
2. Japherwaki II (Heavy Plasma, Flying Suit)
3. Real Deal III (Heavy Plasma, Flying Suit)
4. Coffee Warlord II (Heavy Plasma, Flying Suit)
5. Mike Vic (Heavy Plasma, Flying Suit)

Right Side:
1. Vince (Heavy Plasma, Flying Suit)
2. Wolfpack (Blaster Launcher & PSI Amp, Flying Suit)
3. Naiwf (Heavy Plasma, Flying Suit)
4. Swaggs (PSI Amp & Heavy Plasma, Flying Suit)
5. Chuck U Farley (Heavy Plasma, Flying Suit)

As the Skyranger falls, the men scan the battlefield. We can see the usual far of farms and fields, but we also can make out the large, cross-shaped UFO sitting to the right of where our exit will end up. The UFO should be in line with the nose of our craft, about 20 meters away. The door on the craft should be on the far side, but still, we should encounter the enemy quickly on this mission. Closer to our exit, on the same side, we can see a collection of small wooden shacks. There are no other distinguishing features of the battlefield that we can make out yet. The area in front of our exit should be secure ground.

The Skyranger hits the ground. The ramp falls away and thuds onto the cold, hard German soil. Silence. A quiet landing.

Our tank drifts out of the Skyranger bay, spins around, and spots a Floater (huh? I thought they were Sectoids?) running away in the field to the left of our exit, about 20 meters away. Revrew bolts out of the Skyranger, swings around the rear of the craft, drops to the ground, and opens fire on the fleeing enemy. His first shot opens up the creature’s back with a splash of purple. It wails and falls to the ground. X-COM 1, Aliens 0.

As our tank goes up over the battlefield to scan for enemies, we move our men out. It quickly becomes apparent that there was only the one alien near our Skyranger, and things fall quiet for the next few minutes. Our Hovertank continues to sweep the battlefield. We deploy in force, and close in on the UFO. Japherwaki II and Revrew sweep through the area to the left of our Skyranger exit. Real Deal III and Mike Vic head out of the Skyranger, move toward the UFO, and quickly reach the side of the UFO. Naiwf and Vince exit as well, and move toward the shacks sitting just to the left of the UFO. They’ll search those buildings then sweep around and close in on the UFO door. Wolfpack exits and sets up a firing position with the Blaster Launcher. Swaggs exits, goes up high, and gets ready with the PSI amp. Once Naiwf and Vince have moved away from the exit area, Coffee Warlord II and Chuck U Farley move out and toward the left corner of the UFO.

After a few minutes, our Hovertank and agents have cleared the battlefield. Anything left has to be inside the UFO. There are no holes in the roof, so we’ll do this the hard way. We bring all our forces to bear on the UFO. Wolfpack will blow a hole in the closer side of the UFO. Real Deal and Coffee will lead the charge in through the hole. Chuck and Mike will follow. At the UFO door, we assemble Japherwaki, Vince, and Naiwf to bust in, seconds after Real leads us in the other side. Swaggs will back up the operation with the PSI Amp. Revrew will be held in reserve.

We get ready, and Wolfpack starts us off. He pulls the trigger on the Blaster Launcher and sends a missile into the near side of the UFO. It tears a three-foot hole in the craft, and spews a ball of fire back into the nearby field. An instant after it hits, we hear wailing aliens inside the UFO! Wolfpack got one!

Real Deal gets up and leads the charge to the hole. He gets halfway there when he notices that his threat sensor has faded to green: battle over! Wolfpack got the remaining enemies with his blaster shot! Mission over!

Kills: Wolfpack 3, Revrew 1.
KIA: None.
Wounded: None .
Attribute Improvements: Wolfpack, Revrew.
Final score: 108.
Mission Notes:
Wolfpack took out three aliens with his blaster shot to the UFO. Usually that shot doesn’t get us any. Nice hat trick, but it would have been nice to spread the experience out more.

Man, I thought we’d get more people more experience on that mission. These short missions are catching me off guards.

[Kodos]

RealDeal: I believe I am the one who had to kill your father when he went over to the other side. In fact, I may be the leading killer of cracked soldiers, as I remember having to eliminate one of them at least twice. War can be such an ugly thing...

------

I am proud to be amongst those who will be charged with defending my newly adopted home planet. These bastards came to Rigel IV before they came here, and unfortunately, our resistance failed in the end. I do not intend to let the Earth suffer the same fate.


I will now give the candidates for the Commander's Choice selection a chance to plead their case. Let me know why I should select you! Oh, and ardent... I wouldn't bother in your case.

[Coffee Warlord]

Long have I watched your rear tentacles, sir. I've taken men deep within enemy strongholds, and come out alive. I've felt the touch of alien psionics, and have not defected. Sectoids fear me.

And of course, a trip to Mars is what is truly necessary to avenge my father! I will go to the aliens, and say. Hello. My name is Coffee Warlord II. You killed my father. Prepare to die.

[RealDeal]

My father deserved to die, Kodos. I hold no grudge against you. My grandfather, however, was brutally murdered by Kerlinni and justice has never been served.

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by Coffee Warlord

Long have I watched your rear tentacles, sir.

I've got to admit. This first sentence creeped me out a bit...

[JeeberD]

I've never cracked under Psi attacks, Kodos. I have a pretty nice kills per mission ratio as well. Plus I have one of the best damn throwing arms out there. Who do you want to be throwing grenades on Mars, a real pitcher like me or some belly itcher? I think the answer is clear...

[Coffee Warlord]

Originally Posted by Kodos

I've got to admit. This first sentence creeped me out a bit...

As it did me when I first typed it. I decided to leave it in just for that effect.

[jerk3616]

I wanna go to Mars because I heard there were hot chicks there. Or maybe it was that there is extreme danger with little chance of returning home...in that case, I'm going to sign up for all the credit cards I can, max them out buying crack and hookers, and make sure I'm good and numb if I go to Mars. That way, if you don't pick me, I'll be chin deep in crack and hookers, and won't give two poos about whether I go. So I guess either way, I win.

Unless there really are hot chicks on Mars, and I'd have to stay on Earth. That would suck; no getting around that. So pick me!