XCOM: With Friends

May 31, 2015, 12:16 AM

We have launched a satellite over Russia. This should help quell their fears and help convince them to remain with the XCOM Project. In return, they will also provide us with 225 credits (approx $112.5M USD / ₽7.1B RUB), and three of their top scientists each month.

June 1, 2015, 12:00 AM

Council Report “XCOM Project” Monthly Report: May 2015

Grade B

XCOM Activity: Alien Base Eliminated!, UFOs Shot Down: 1, Abductions Stopped: 2, Satellites Launched: 2, Research Projects Completed: 7, UFOs Raided, 2, UFOs Escaped: 1

Monthly Reward: +625 credits (approx $312.5M USD / $390.6M CAD) Monthly Reward: Scientists +2, Engineers +3

Panic Levels:

North America: United States: 1/5 Canada: 1/5 Mexico: 1/5

South America:  Argentina: 1/5 Brazil: 2/5

Europe:  United Kingdom: 2/5 Russia: 3/5 France: 3/5 Germany: 1/5

Asia:  China: 1/5 Japan: 1/5 India: 2/5 Australia 1/5

Africa: Egypt: 1/5 South Africa: 1/5 Nigeria: 1/5

Council: “Excellent work, Commander. This Council is pleased to see our continued support of this project has been... worthwhile. We hope that your current successes only mark the beginning of an enduring effort to eliminate the extraterrestrial threat. We’ll be in touch, Commander.”

Commander Raven: “As we move into our fourth month of operation, I am excited to see where we progress. There are always avenues to improve ourselves upon. Soon, I will leave my host nation of China and have a physical presence in XCOM HQ, and join the rest of you on the field. I look forward to these next few months.”

June 1, 2015, 3:15 PM

A new recruit from Ireland has arrived - Sophia Lafergola. Everyone at XCOM has given her a warm and loving welcome, and we are excited to work with her in the coming months!

June 1, 2015, 3:38 PM

We have just completed research of the Alien Nav Computer.

======== TOP SECRET ========

Research Report Codename: Lighthouse June, 2015

We’ve had the opportunity to study these devices in a limited fashion. As we discovered, they do contain some form of encrypted alien data. However, they’re also completely reliant on an internal power supply, which, when depleted, renders the device inaccessible. The only means we’ve found to gather information from this equipment is by routing its internal power system through a crudely assembled interfaces that bypasses any built-in shutdown sequences.

However, the alien data itself presented an even greater obstacle, as we’re dealing with a programming language that is unlike anything found in our own systems. Fortunately, the research team is quite capable, and we quickly assembled a small group of our best analysts for the task. We’ve already begun to establish patterns in the alien encryption algorithm, revealing small bits of information that can be integrated into our research.

Satellite Nexus available for construction.

Stealth Satellites project available in the Foundry.

======== TOP SECRET ========

New Facility Available!

Satellite Nexus

With the signal monitored by a team of engineers, each Satellite Nexus is capable of receiving transmissions from 4 XCOM Satellites.   Adjacency Bonus: +1 satellite capacity for every adjacent uplink.

New Foundry Project Available!

Stealth Satellites

“By studying the communication signatures of the UFO nav computers we’ve recovered, we could update our satellite network to mimic the alien communications. This would make the satellites much harder to detect if the aliens were to go looking for them.”

Our next line of research is to interrogate the Sectoid Commander we captured. It will take our scientists and Dr. Vahlen a week to complete this project.

“This captive is clearly a rare and dangerous specimen. We’ve already seen evidence of its unique mental abilities in the field.... We should tread carefully, but we certainly cannot pass up the insights it might be able to provide during interrogation.”

June 2, 2015, 10:06 PM

A few days ago, Private Alena Jamie offered herself to undergo cybernetic enhancement. We return to Cybernetics Lab to oversee the final touches on her new metallic body. We celebrate her return to active duty, and eagerly await her prowess with her new form.

Dr. Shen: “The cybernetic interfaces are holding stable, but they’re of no use without a cybersuit to interface with.”

“I suggest we manufacture one immediately.”

“When our new MEC Trooper equips that suit, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with its capabilities.”

Soldier Augmentation Project Complete 

Augmentation Complete: Private Alena Jamie

You can now assign new MEC Trooper class training and equip this soldier with a MEC suit.

A similar video of the process can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f55QFVx470

(Kinetic module dialogue: “The Kinetic Strike Module is a powerful, yet precise weapon. [The MEC moves and makes noises as its owner punches the air] It can provide a decisive advantage in close quarters, and remove the benefit of cover from our enemies.”)

Keys to MEC Deployment

MECs are powerful armored suits with extra tactical abilities.

Only MEC Troopers - soldiers augmented in the Cybernetics lab - may equip MECs in battle.

The MEC has three tech levels. Research is required to gain access to MEC upgrades.

We immediately set out to build Private Jamie her powerful exoskeleton, and at her request, outfitted it with a Flamethrower. They have a short-medium range, and fire in a conical area doing massive damage.

Dr. Shen: “The Flamethrower’s stream will burn not only the cone our MEC Trooper targets, but will spill into nearby areas as well.”

As a MEC Trooper, she is now able to inflict an AoE attack that destroys most cover and cuts out an third of an enemy’s health. While it can’t cause critical hits, this effectively exposes the enemy unit, allowing her teammates to execute high accuracy shots against them.

Our other soldiers have been practicing on the training range and working out at the gym, wrestling, and staying in shape. 

Colonel Naomi “Omega” Kimmey has reached the ultimate perfection of her killing abilities. She’s now able to go In The Zone - killing a flanked or uncovered target with her sniper rifle does not cost her an action. 

Major Cheyenne “Mad Dog” Cartwright has been exercising a lot at the gym, and strengthening her lifting abilities. As a result, heavier armor is easier for her to utilize, giving her increased stamina and health. 

Captain Alexis “Black Widow” West has found her reaction time improved, and while on overwatch she does not suffer a 10% aim penalty, and is able to execute critical hits.

Captain June “Angel” Epstein is able to use new assistive gear with her promotion. She now carries Combat Drugs - her smoke grenades now contain powerful stimulants that grant +20 will and +10% critical chance for all units in the cloud. This compounds on the smoke grenade’s natural ability of -20% enemy hit chance.

Private Daire Kavanagh has found her calling in the up close and personal. She’s also been spending much time on the treadmill, perfecting her sprinting abilities. She has specialized in shotguns, and can also Run and Gun - she is able to fire or go into Overwatch after dashing to her full movement capabilities on a single turn. After doing this though, she needs a little while to recover her breath.

We have started construction on a new Power Generator (5 days), a Satellite Uplink (12 days), and drilling to the lowest depths of our facility area (5 days).

Dr. Shen: “While I understand any reluctance the Commander might feel about deploying the Meld substance, we’ve managed to recover a vast reserve from our field operations. I believe the inherent risks involved are outweighed by the potential benefits, and the engineering team could use this material to create new weapon systems that provide substantially more firepower to our troops.”

With Private Kavanagh’s interest in shotguns, we have manufactured an additional Scatter Laser for her and she has taken to it quite happily.

Dr Vahlen: “There’s no way the aliens could have anticipated this outcome - we’ve hampered their entire support network. Of course, this isn’t the end... We have no choice now but take it further. We have to find their remaining ships, and finish what they started.”

June 4, 2015, 2:30 AM

From the Métis nation comes one of their top soldiers: Cassandra Wolfe. She is a proud descendent of Métis heroes Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont, and hopes she can live up to the accomplishments they achieved in their lifetime. We here at XCOM HQ are proud to have her within our ranks, and have given her a warm welcome.

May 30, 2015, 8:17PM

We have crafted the Skeleton Key and are ready to make our assault on the Alien Base that we detected a while back.

On Mission:

Major Naomi “Omega” Kimmey

Captain Cheyenne “Mad Dog” Cartwright

Lieutenant June “Angel” Epstein

Lieutenant Cammy “Lights Out” Szabo

Lieutenant Alexis “Black Widow” West

Rookie Dáire Kavanagh

On Reserve:

Lieutenant Emmy “Nightmare” Rakete

Sergeant Kira “Lockdown” Shiran

Private Alena Jamie

Waiting on dispatch from host nation:

Cassandra Wolfe

Arina Grace

Sophia Lafergola

Raven Hebert-Lee

Ellen Louise

Yuyen Nguyen

Amber Panda

May 30, 2015, 9:37 PM

The Skyranger has arrived at the mission site.

Operation Frozen Heart

Alien Base Assault Asia

Mission Brief: We have gained access to the Alien Base by means of the Skeleton Key. Use extreme caution; analysis indicates the presence of a large combined enemy contingent. This mission cannot be aborted.

Misson Objectives:  - Penetrate the base’s defenses  - Neutralize all invader forces  - Identify and capture the base commander, if possible

Central: “Thanks to Dr. Vahlen’s research, and some clever developments down in Engineering, this “Skeleton Key” should allow you to breach the alien compound. We’ve only got once chance to make this work though, so let’s make sure we do it right.”

Central: “So far we don’t have visual confirmation on the hostiles. I wouldn’t get too comfortable though, we’re expecting heavy resistance. They’re probably moving into position as we speak. God only knows what they’re doing to these people... All the more reason to blow ‘em to Hell. Get moving. It also looks like we’ve found where they’ve been taking the abductees, but that still doesn’t explain what the purpose of all this is.”

Dr. Vahlen: “What could they possibly be storing in those tanks?

The aliens proved no match for us, with our soldiers blasting their way through them.

Along the way, the 6 split up into two teams: Alpha: Kimmey, West, Szabo Bravo: Cartwright, Epstein, Kavanagh

They worked their way through the two halves of the ship until they made it to the Commander’s outpost at the back of the ship.

Dr. Vahlen: “That alien is clearly different from the others... It’s wielding a power unlike anything we’ve previously encountered.”

They attempted to use psionic abilities against Captain Cartwright, who successfully resisted their attack. She dropped down from a higher level, shot them in the face, and brought them home for interrogation. With them captured, the mission was finished.

Mission Complete

Alien Base Assault Asia

Aliens Killed: 22 (Excellent) XCOM Operatives Lost: 0 (Excellent)

Central: “It feels like we’re finally turning the tide. Now that we’ve captured their device, the aliens are running out of secrets.”

Dr. Vahlen: “It’s imperative that we begin research as soon as possible.”

Dr. Shen: “Now that we’ve captured this device, we should probably be expecting the aliens to pursue us more... aggressively. I doubt losing it was part of their plan.”

By recovering the Hyperwave Beacon, we’ve earned the “Off My Planet” Achievement.

Big Sky: “Central, this is Big Sky. The rubber’s on the road and the kids are in the back seat. Over.”

Central: “Roger, that, Voodoo Three-One. See you inside. Central out.”

Dr Vahlen: “Don’t you think a victory celebration is a bit premature at this juncture?”

Central: “We just NEUTRALIZED their central command. We’ve got no other alerts on the entire system, AND we took out their leader. In my book, that’s a win, Doctor.”

A videotape of the recovery speech can be seen here: https://youtu.be/ARxoSbRMWG8?t=31s

Dr. Vahlen has an additional report for us:

Dr. Vahlen: “Commander... I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one who understand this war isn’t over yet.”

“The existence of this artifact, which we believe to be a communication device of some kind, begs the question-- If the Sectoid Commander was the alien leader, then who, or what, was it communicating with?”

“I believe this is indeed the same creature we encountered when we made first contact with the aliens. As we have observed, it is somehow capable of using its mind as a weapon. If we were to study this specimen’s brain tissue, perhaps we might be able to adapt this ability for our own purposes.”

Her report can also be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySHsdL3uJgg

We have a new objective: Trace the Hyperwave Signal

Debrief

Operation Frozen Heart After Action Report

Due to their outstanding performance in this mission, nearly everyone was promoted. Major Kimmey was promoted to Colonel and earned us the achievement “The Hardest Road”.

Captain Cartwright, Lieutenants Epstein and West, and Rookie Kavanagh were all promoted to Major, Captain, and Private respectively. Kavanagh has found her calling in the up-close-and-personal, taking a fondness for shotguns.

Dr. Vahlen: “Excellent work, Commander! Capturing the alien subjects alive allows for a much wider range of experimentation versus the expired specimens.”

New Research Available:

Hyperwave Communication

Interrogate Sectoid Commander

Artifacts Recovered:

Hyperwave Beacon

1x Plasma Pistol

1x Alien Grenade

6x Sectoid Corpse

9x Chryssalid Corpse

1x Sectoid Commander Captive

90x Elerium

75x Alien Alloys

12x Weapon Fragment

50x Meld

1x Alien Entertainment

9x Alien Food

15x Alien Stasis Tank

4x Alien Surgery

3x UFO Power Source

1x Alien Food (Damaged)

6x Seeker Wreck

Council Transmission

XCOM successfully infiltrated and eliminated the alien base in Asia!

Panice has decreased worldwide by 2!

May 31, 2015, 12:16 AM

May 26, 2015, 6:32 PM

Research on Heavy Lasers is complete.

======== TOP SECRET ========

Research Report Codename: Penumbra May, 2015

Heavy Lasers

We’ve finally found a workable solution to the heat dissipation issues we’ve struggled with when attempting to create a more powerful laser weapon for our troops. Although this variant still operates near the limit of what would ordinarily be considered “safe” operating temperatures, we believe it is stable enough at this point to begin fabrication in engineering.

While developing this heavy laser for our troops, we also blueprinted a variation suitable for mounting to our Interceptors. Attaching this weapon to one of the ship’s hardpoints should provide a significant boost in firepower to our pilots when engaging the alien craft.

This technology has also enabled the fabrication of full size railguns for use by cybernetically enhanced soldiers.

Heavy Laser available for manufacture.

Railgun available for manufacture.

Laser Cannon available for manufacture.

S.H.I.V. Laser project available in the Foundry.

======== TOP SECRET ========

New Items Available!

Heavy Laser:

The Heavy Laser requires a supplementary power supply that makes it somewhat unwieldy in combat, but it is capable of dealing high amounts of damage.  

Railgun:

This high-powered, recoilless slugthrower can be fired in short bursts to devastating effect, although the sizes of its housing and power supply require it to be mounted on a MEC. Prior to our research on heavy laser weapons, we had no access to a small enough power source.

S.H.I.V. Laser:

Now that we can produce high output laser weapons, we could swap out the conventional minigun our S.H.I.V. units currently use in favor of a laser cannon.

Laser Cannon:

This super-cooled laser cannons can take down most alien craft, but they have a limited range, requiring the Interceptor to close in on hostile targets. 

Our next research project is to investigate the Alien Navigation Computer. It will take 6 days for our scientists to figure out its inner workings.

“The navigational control systems recovered from the crashed UFO seem to act as both a flight computer and a communications module. Further study may lead to improvements in our ability to detect in coming UFOs.”

May 26, 2015, 10:16 PM

Our Cybernetics Lab is complete. We can now begin cybernetic enhancement of our soldiers to make cyborgs and MEC suits for them.

Dr. Shen: “The soldiers who volunteer for MEC Trooper augmentation sacrifice much - but they do not leave themselves entirely behind. A MEC Trooper will be able to apply some of the training and knowledge from their previous combat specialty to the cybersuit’s operation. With this facility, we’ll be able to build Mechanized Exoskeletal Cybersuits - or MECs - and implant our soldiers with the cybernetic interfaces they’ll need to deploy these MECs onto the battlefield.”

Private Alena Jamie has volunteered herself to undergo cybernetic enhancement. She’d been eyeing the flamethrowers for a while, but knew they were unusable without a MEC suit. As a result of her prior training as a support-class operative, she gains the ability Distortion Field as a MEC. Nearby allies will be harder to hit by an additional 10% when in cover.

Dr. Shen: “We’ll consult with Dr. Vahlen for the requisite amputations, and begin installing the cybersuit interfaces as soon as possible.”

May 29, 2015, 2:20 AM

A new soldier has arrived at the base. Ireland has sent one of their top servicewomen, Dáire Kavanagh. She is welcomed to XCOM HQ with love, and a hot meal.

Sergeant Cammy “Lights Out” Szabo has found theirself more alert after the past few missions. They are now able to take two reaction shots, as long as the first hits.

With the return of Captain Cheyenne “Mad Dog” Cartwright to base, she has been outfitted with the latest armor and weapony - replacing her standard armor, shotgun, and pistol with Carapace Armor, a Scatter Laser, and a Plasma Pistol. 

Phoenix Cannons have also been made for two of our four interceptors - they will take a day for our mechanics to refit them.

May 30, 2015, 10:06 AM

Improved Pistol III Project Complete

May 30, 2015, 10:19 AM

Improved Pistol I Project Complete

May 30, 2015, 8:09 PM

Project Complete Satellite: Manufacturing complete.

Central: “Commander, our satellites are prepped and standing by for launch. We are ready to deploy it on your orders.”

Our current satellite uplink capacity fails to support this new satellite, so a new Satellite Uplink has been constructed. It will take two weeks to complete construction.

May 25, 2015, 1:38 AM

Covert Data Recovery

“The covert operative has finished setting up the encoder and transmitter, but EXALT is inbound. Protect the intel assets by eliminating all EXALT forces in the AO.”

On mission:

Major Naomi “Omega” Kimmey

Captain Cheyenne “Mad Dog” Cartwright (Covert Operative)

Lieutenant June “Angel” Epstein

Lieutenant Emmy “Nightmare” Rākete

Lieutenant Alexis “Black Widow” West

Sergeant Cammy “Lights Out” Szabo

Private Alena Jamie

On Reserve:

Sergeant Kira “Lockdown” Shiran

Waiting on dispatch from host nation:

Arina Leelah Grace

Raven Hebert-Lee

Dáire Kavanagh

Sophia Lafergola

Ellen Louise

Yuyen Nguyen

Cassandra Wolfe

May 25, 2015, 3:37 AM

The Skyranger has arrived at the mission site in Australia.

Sergeant Rākete personally requested to be present for this mission, as the nature of EXALT greatly disturbed her, and that a cell was present in her place of origin.

Operation Blinding Sentinel

Covert Data Recovery Australia

Mission Brief:  The covert operative has finished setting up the encoder and transmitter, but EXALT is inbound. Protect the intel assets by eliminating all EXALT forces in the AO.

Mission Objectives:  - Prevent EXALT from hacking our encoder, so as to stop them from learning the transmitter’s location  - If that fails, protect the data transmitter until EXALT forces are eliminated  - Neutralize all enemy units

Central: “Scans indicate an EXALT cell currently operating in Australia. We’ll need to secure the area while our operative focuses on the EXALT data.”

As our team deployed to recover the data and protect the Captain, Central had a few words to say over the intercom:

Central: “Our operative was in position to transmit the data she’d acquired when EXALT forces moved into her AO. The encoder is currently shielding our transmitter’s position, but if EXALT manages to hack the encoder, they’ll be able to locate the transmitter - if they hack both - any hope we had of recovering the data intact will be lost.”

We finally got our first look at EXALT forces. They have absolutely no racial or gender diversity, and their haircuts suggest recent or current white supremacist allegiances and/or sympathies.

Dr. Vahlen: “We finally have a visual confirmation of EXALT’s operatives in the field, and from the looks of them EXALT is working quickly to integrate alien genetic material into their troops. Until we know the extent of their capabilities, I would advise extreme caution.”

Immediately upon entering the battlefield, they swept in to hack the encoder, and reveal the location of our transmitter. 

Central: “Commander! EXALT forces are in position to hack the encoder. If we don’t secure that equipment, they’ll be able to locate the transmitter!”

As soon as EXALT forces moved in position to hack the encoder, our operatives began to gun them down like the swine they were. Sergeant Szabo made beautiful work with their rocket launcher - destroying a car, and killing not one, not two, but three EXALT agents at once.

They didn’t want to go down without a serious fight, though. Reinforcements kept pouring in again, and again.

Central: “Commander, we’ve got multiple hostiles inbound on Strike-One’s position! Enemy reinforcements are closing in!”

Sergeant Emmy “Nightmare” Rākete truly lived up to her nickname today, as she stood atop one of the buildings and just kept taking them out. She didn’t stop. The images their body cameras captured truly will haunt their dreams.

Central: “Commander, we’ve got additional EXALT forces moving on the AO.”

Central: “It looks like EXALT deployed a series of communications relays in the area. If our operative can get close enough and access the relay using the encryption keys she acquired from EXALT’s data, she should be able to  temporarily disrupt the enemy’s communications network.”

It was up to Captain Cartwright to secure this chance, as it would mean an easy victory for us if she did. Not that we weren’t having an easy time of it after all - EXALT forces drop like flies to our operatives.

Finally, EXALT seemed to start letting up. This was the last wave.

Central: “It looks like this is the last of the hostile reinforcements, Commander. We just need to hold out a little longer.”

Captain Cartwright moved into position to hack the enemy’s comm. systems, and instantly, their ability to use weapons was nullified. 

She immediately got to work on the soldiers nearest her. A shot from Jamie above softened up one of the operatives, giving Cartwright time to run up and kill him with a pistol whip. She immediately turned around and unloaded two shots into the other soldier’s head, killing him instantly. For her efforts, we have been awarded the achievement “Remington... Max Remington”, for having our special-duty soldier kill three enemies in the same mission. With these two dispatched back to the hell they spawned from, the mission was completed. 

Mission complete!

Operation Blinding Sentinel Covert Data Recovery Australia

EXALT killed: 16 (Excellent) XCOM Operatives lost: 0 (Excellent)

For completing this mission without losing any assets, we were also awarded with the Elite Defense achievement.

Central: “That’s it, Commander! The transmitter is secure, and it looks like that was the last of EXALT’s forces in the area. Excellent work.”

Debrief

Dr. Vahlen: “Our troops really came through on this one. I”m glad everyone made it back safely.”

For their awe-inspiring destructive force during this mission, Sergeant Cammy “Lights Out” Szabo has been awarded a promotion to Lieutenant.

The Council Medal of Honour is additionally available to be given to a soldier fit for its assignment.

Covert Operation Report

Operation successful: EXALT cell eliminated.

New intel is in the database. Credit reward: 150 (est. $75M USD) Panic reduced by one in Australia. Encoder and transmitter both recovered. Credit bonus earned. Decryption of recovered data has revealed new information about the location of EXALT’s base: The EXALT base is not in France.

Artifacts Recovered:

EXALT Intelligence

8x EXALT Assault Rifle

1x EXALT Sniper Rifle

4x EXALT LMG

4x EXALT Rocket Launcher

May 25, 2015, 6:43 AM

The Skyranger has returned home with all 7 of our operatives, 

Central: “The intel we recovered was enough to take down the rest of EXALT’s cell - unfortunately, it looks like this was just a small part of their wider-reaching clandestine operation. We did manage to find some clues as to the location of EXALT’s headquarters though - if we can track down more of their cells and collect additional intel, we’ll be able to narrow down the possibilities and take out EXALT once and for all.”

After Operation Morbid Mother, June “Angel” Epstein has been improving her medic skills. She truly lives up to her nickname - and medkits will now restore a critically wounded soldier to 33% health, rather than just stabilizing them.

We have also decided to put into queue some Foundry projects to improve the strength of our pistols. 

Improved Pistol III:  “Having learned a great deal from the alien weapons recovered from the field, we think it should be possible to implement improvements across our entire range of side arms. At the very least, we can expect an increase in the maximum damage output of all of our pistols.”

We have queued up the project, and it will take an estimated 7 days to complete.

Improved Pistol I: “One of our earliest developments in the Foundry, the Magnetic Ordnance Reduction System greatly reduces the recoil of our entire ranger of sidearms. Utilizing the latest in composite materials, this upgrade will significantly improve the odds of our soldiers scoring a critical hit on their targets.”

We have queued up the project, and it will take an estimated 7 days to complete. 

With the construction of a Satellite, all three projects will complete in 22 days.

Dr. Shen: “I’ll send word to the Foundry crews now. You can follow their progress remotely from the project queue in Engineering.”

It was also time that we outfitted our soldiers with more powerful armour and weapons. We have access to Carapace Armor, and Laser Sniper Rifles. 10 of the former, and 4 of the latter were built and outfitted to our soldiers. The following are how our Operatives look with their new weapons and armour.

May 22, 2015, 9:32 PM

UFO Contact!

Central: “Commander, we’re detecting a new contact, much larger than anything we’ve previously encountered. I recommend we scramble our best-equipped fighters if we’re going to engage that ship.”

The ship was too large to take down by any of our Ravens, and we had to abandon the attack and continue searching for other contacts. Perhaps in the future we will have better success. We can only hope it doesn’t return to destroy our satellite. 

May 24, 2015, 8:56 AM

The next ship we found was easier to deal with.

Central: “We’re picking up a new contact, and it’s generating a strange signal... almost like it’s scanning for something.”

Our Ravens took it down with precision.

Status report:

Interceptor shot down the target UFO

Surveillance indicates alien crew moving at the crash site.

Interceptor sustained severe damage in the encounter.

On mission:

Major Naomi “Omega” Kimmey

Lieutenant Emmy “Nightmare” Rākete

Lieutenant Alexis “Black Widow” West

Sergeant June “Angel” Epstein

Sergeant Cammy “Lights Out” Szabo

Squaddie Alena Jamie

On covert operation:

Captain Cheyenne “Mad Dog” Cartwright

Waiting on dispatch from host nation:

Arina Leelah Grace

Raven Hebert-Lee

Dáire Kavanagh

Sophia Lafergola

Ellen Louise

Yuyen Nguyen

Cassandra Wolfe

May 23, 2015, 7:35 AM

The Skyranger has arrived at the mission site.

Operation Morbid Mother

UFO Crash Site Germany

Mission Brief:  XCOM interceptors have splashed a UFO. Intel indicates some surviving crew. Meld energy signature readings are positive. Exercise caution when engaging the enemy; the craft may contain usable salvage.

Mission Objectives:  - Locate the crashed UFO  - Sweep the area for surviving crew and neutralize them  - Locate and secure Meld canisters  - Avoid additional damage to the craft if possible; some components may be recoverable 

Central: “Our target site is near the German border. The downed UFO is in a remote area outside a small town. If we can secure the crash site, we should be able to prevent any civilian casualties.”

Big Sky: “Come in, HQ. Big Sky has reached the outer marker. Approaching the crash site now. Strike team is awaiting your orders.”

Central: “Affirmative, Big Sky. Strike-One is free to engage hostile targets at the crash site.”

During the mission, Angel demonstrates her aptitude for assistance by deploying an effective smoke bomb, keeping her comrades Kimmey and West safe from harm.

The six split up into two teams: Alpha: Kimmey, West, Epstein Bravo: Rākete, Szabo, Jamie

Both were extremely deadly in eliminating the aliens. Swiftly and securely.

Eventually, all hostiles were cleared and the mission completed.

Mission Complete Operation Morbid Mother

UFO Crash Site Germany

Aliens Killed: 8 (Excellent) XCOM Operatives Lost: 0 (Excellent) Meld Collected: 0 of 2 canisters recovered (Poor)

Central: “If all our missions go as well as this one did, the aliens don’t stand a chance.”

As a result of her outstanding bravery, Sergeant Epstein has been promoted to Lieutenant. 

Artifacts Recovered:

4x Floater Corpse

3x Thin Man Corpse

25x Elerium

134x Alien Alloys

16x Weapon Fragment

3x UFO Flight Computer

1x UFO Flight Computer (Damaged)

2x UFO Power Source (Damaged)

May 23, 2015, 9:22 AM

After Operation Stone Hydra, the Operatives have been practicing daily and honing their craft.

Lieutenant Rākete has clearance on restricted technology and can now bring two battle scanners into a mission - these give additional vision for a short period of time to all.

Lieutenant Black Widow has spent time practicing their sharpshooting skills, and has learned to shoot an enemy’s weapon right out of their hands and into a pile of metal. 

Sergeant Kira “Lockdown” Shiran lives up to her new nickname, learning tricks to accuracy and dodge while elevated over others.

Request from India

Weapon Fragments

“Indian engineers have been clamoring to get their hands on some of the alien weapons technology. If they can piece together the fragmented weapons we have, they might just be able to make something to help protect their people.

Reward offered: 75 credits (est. $37.5M US / 2.45B IRP)”

With 59 weapon fragments in stock, we can easily afford to part with these, at a greater rate than they would normally sell for on the Grey Market. The deal is easily accepted, and we find ourselves all the better for it.

Request Fufilled

Weapon Fragments

“Reports of Indian forces having new advanced weapons on the battlefield are starting to crop up. Wonder where they got those?

Rewards: 75 credits”

We have also completed research on the Plasma Pistol. 

Research Report

Codename: Jacamar May, 2015

Our research into the alien’s plasma based weaponry is among the most advanced and dangerous work we’ve undertaken so far. The most difficult question surrounding the use of plasma... how to maintain an adequate power supply in the field, was solved by the Elerium-based power cells recovered from the aliens. The heat sinks developed using their materials have also proven to be the answer to proper heat dissipation along the weapon’s barrel. With this knowledge in hand, we should now be able to use any plasma pistols we’ve captured from the invaders, as well as begin manufacturing variants of our own design.

In addition to manufacturing our own Plasma Pistols, our soldiers should now be able to use any that they recover from the battlefield

Plasma pistol available for manufacture

Improved Pistol III project available in the Foundry

New Item Available!

Plasma Pistol

By discharging a lethal shot of ionized gas in an artificially generated magnetic field, this weapon performs far beyond the capabilities of any projectile based sidearm.

New Foundry Project Available!

Improved Pistol III

May 19, 2015, 2:47 AM

UFO Abductions were located in three locations:

Delhi, India

Rosario, Argentina

Marseille, France

Note: The reward listed is incorrect, as Argentina promised us 4 of their top engineers to our cause.

On mission:

Major Naomi “Omega” Kimmey

Sergeant Emmy “Nightmare” Rākete

Sergeant Cammy “Lights Out” Szabo

Sergeant Alexis “Black Widow” West

Corporal Kira Shiran

Squaddie Alena Jamie

On covert operation:

Lieutenant Cheyenne “Mad Dog” Cartwright

Recovering in hospital:

Sergeant June “Angel” Epstein

Waiting on dispatch from host nation:

Raven Hébert-Lee

Dáire Kavanagh 

Sophia Lafergola

Arina Leelah Grace

Ellen Louise

Yuyen Nguyen

Cassandra Wolfe

May 19, 2015, 4:31 AM

The Skyranger has arrived at the mission site in Rosario, Argentina.

Operation Stone Hydra

Alien Abductions Rosario, Argentina

Mission Brief: Alien abduction in progress. Meld energy signature readings are positive. Site is clear of civilians; collateral damage is not a concern.

Mission Objectives:  - Neutralize all hostile targets  - Locate and secure Meld canisters

Central: “We’re moving into Argentina next. The threat there seems to be the most pressing. We’re still picking up transmission indicating alien movement in one of their major city centers. We should get down there in secure the area ASAP.”

Big Sky: “Central, this is Big Sky. Strike team is touching down now. Standing by for your orders.”

Central: “Roger, Big Sky. Reading you five-by-five. Strike-One has the green light for deployment.”

During deployment, Sergeant West earned a promotion from their amazing sharpshooting skills.

Squaddie Jamie proved her extreme effectiveness with the Alien Grenade acquired from the Muton from an earlier mission. She dispatched two in a single throw.

Sergeant West demonstrated great resolve by collecting Meld during the mission.

Eventually, all enemies were neutralized, and the second Meld canister was recovered in leisure.

Mission Complete

Central: “Commander, the operation was a success.”

Aliens Killed: 10 (Excellent) XCOM Operatives Lost: 0 (Excellent) Meld Collected: 2 of 2 canisters recovered (Excellent)

Central: “Not a single casualty among the entire squad. That takes a solid effort.”

Due to their efforts during this mission, Sergeants West and Rākete were promoted to Lieutenant, and Corporal Kira Shiran to Sergeant. Kira has earned the nickname ‘Lockdown’ from her peers. 

Artifacts Recovered:

5x Floater Corpse

3x Muton Corpse

16x Weapon Fragment

20x Meld

2x Seeker Wreck

Operation Dark Sentinel Council Transmission

The XCOM squad deployed to Argentina has successfully stopped the alien abduction in Rosario. Argentina is deeply grateful for your help and hopes that these rewards will be of use to the XCOM project:

4 Engineers Panic has increased across Europe! Panic has increased across Asia! Panic in Argentina has decreased by 3!

May 19, 2015, 7:24 AM

New header image and logo!

The header image is from here: http://sirtiefling.deviantart.com/art/X-Com-Superhuman-530140597

An urgent message is incoming:

“Commander - our intelligence sources indicate that a previously unknown organization is attempting to undermine XCOM field operations. We believe this group harbors some... misguided... sympathies for the invaders, and is intent on acquiring alien technology and artifacts critical to your efforts. Early reports indicate this organization calls itself EXALT. We trust you will isolate the source of this new threat - and eliminate it.”

Central Officer Bradford: “Commander, the Council has provided some additional resources to help us deal with these traitors. We can begin scanning for additional EXALT cell locations, and launch covert operations to disrupt their activity via the Situation Room.”

Keys to Global Covert Operations 

EXALT is a new global threat. They will carry out anti-XCOM operations until you find their base and destroy them.

EXALT operates with cells. Initiate covert ops missions to neutralize individual cells. Eliminating these cells will recover intel you will need to locate the EXALT base.

EXALT cells are not always visible. Purchase an intel scan to reveal them. Hidden cells can hurt XCOM or the countries they are operating in.

The EXALT cell in Australia has stolen 50 credits (est. value $25m USD) from XCOM’s reserves.

Keys to Covert Operative Deployment

Here you must choose a soldier to infiltrate the EXALT cell you selected and recover vital intel that will help lead you to the EXALT base. After a few days of covert activity, this soldier will be available for extraction in a special tactical mission.

Covert operatives are restricted to pistols; pistol technology and Foundry upgrades may be useful.

Covert operatives have a powerful in-mission ability, “EXALT Comm Hack.” If you can find an EXALT comm array, your covert operative can hack it, disabling all EXALT forces’ weapons for a short time.

Heavy soldiers and MEC Troopers are ineligible for covert ops duty. 

Captain Cheyenne ‘Mad Dog’ Cartwright was chosen to perform the covert operation. She brings a medkit with her, in case she undertakes any damage.

After Operation Severed God, the troops have been spending time training and practicing their arts. 

As a result of her experience, Captain Cartwright's reaction time has vastly improved. She is now able to take a reaction shot against anything that moves within 4 squares of her, and does not require overwatch. If she stumbles across a Chryssalid, and it rushes in to attack her, she will immediately react with a shotgun or pistol blast to the face. 

As a result of their experience, Sergeant Szabo has learned how to suppress an enemy. They lay down covering fire, preventing the enemy from returning fire or moving. If they do, they suffer a -30% penalty to hit chance and are fired upon immediately. 

New recruit and recent Squaddie Alena Jamie has found she prefers to support others in her line of work. She specializes in the Support class but wishes to distinguish herself from Angel, and focus on proactive, rather than reactive effects. She now carries smoke bombs into battle, which reduce hit chances for anything hidden within its radius. 

Commander Raven Hébert-Lee has decided that now is the time to award medals to her brave Operatives. Many have been available for awarding but it had been an inopportune time. 

The International Service Cross is a medal awarded to our Operatives that show a big heart and draw strength from our multinational background. It confers a +2 to will for every nation in a squad during deployment. It is with great honour that Captain Cheyenne 'Mad Dog' Cartwright is awarded the International Service Cross.

The Urban Combat Badge is a medal awarded to our Operatives who have shown amazing adaptability in city environments. It confers a +5 to defense while in cover (effectively a -5% hit chance for enemies).

It is with great honour that Major Naomi 'Omega' Kimmey and Sergeant Emmy 'Nightmare' Rākete are awarded the Urban Combat Badge.

The Defender's Medal is awarded to our Operatives that demonstrate great capability in keeping our soldiers strong - be it through words, actions, or incredible knowledge. It confers a +2 to health received from medkits and restorative mist applied to the soldier. 

It is with great honour that Sergeant June 'Angel' Epstein is awarded the Defender's Medal.

May 11, 2015, 4:23 AM

UFO Abductions were located in three locations:

Nagoya, Japan, who offered a 200 credit reward ($100M USD value)

Port Said, Egypt, who offered a Sergeant rank recruit

Fortaleza, Brazil, who offered 4 Engineers

The pressures of funding and similar low panic levels across all three countries led the Commander to choose Japan.

On mission: 

Major Naomi “Omega” Kimmey

Lieutenant Cheyenne “Mad Dog” Cartwright

Sergeant June “Angel” Epstein

Sergeant Emmy “Nightmare” Rākete

Corporal Cammy Szabo

Rookie Alena Jamie

On reserve:

Sergeant Alexis “Black Widow” West

Corporal Kira Shiran

Waiting on hire:

Dáire Kavanagh

Yuyen Nguyen

Raven Hébert-Lee

Cassandra Wolfe

Arina Leelah Grace

Sophia Lafergola

Ellen Louise

May 11, 2015, 6:00 AM

The Skyranger has arrived at the mission site in Nagoya, Japan.

Operation Severed God

Alien Abductions Nagoya, Japan

Mission Brief: Alien abduction in progress. Meld energy signature readings are positive. Site is clear of civilians; collateral damage is not a concern.

Mission objectives:  - Neutralize all hostile targets  - Locate and secure Meld canisters

Central: “You’ll be heading into Japan for the next mission. Panic is spreading throughout a major city as the aliens move through the streets. We have to get a handle on this situation...”

Big Sky: “Central, Big Sky in position on approach of the abduction site. Strike-One is awaiting drop clearance.”

Central: “Copy that, Big Sky. Strike-One is cleared to engage hostile targets. Watch your backs out there, people.”

During the mission, Corporal Szabo took a very effective rocket launcher shot. They took one Muton down from 8 to 2 health, and killed another. The latter took 6 damage from the rocket itself, and as the Muton was using a stack of cars for cover, they blew up, dealing an additional 6 damage too. Unfortunately, a shot of the explosion could not be recorded, as our cameras cut out at that time.

As well, Sergeant Rākete secured a canister of Meld while advancing on the enemy position. Soon thereafter, the remaining aliens were dispatched, and the second canister was secured. 

Mission Complete:

Central: “Another one down. Good work, Commander.”

Time: 7:00 AM (Length: 1 hour) Aliens Killed: 8 (Excellent) XCOM Operatives Lost: 0 (Excellent) Meld Collected: 2 of 2 canisters recovered (Excellent)

Note: The time listed is incorrect in the mission completion, for an unknown reason.

After the mission, Lieutenant Cheyenne Cartwright, Corporal Cammy Szabo, an Rookie Alena Jamie were all promoted to Captain, Sergeant, and Squaddie, respectively. Cammy has also earned the nickname ‘Lights Out’ from their peers. 

Sergeant June ‘Angel’ Epstein will be recovering in the hospital for the next 8 days due to wounds received during this mission.

Artifacts Recovered:

4x Floater Corpse

2x Muton Corpse

11x Weapon Fragment

20x Meld

2x Seeker Wreck

Operation Severed God

Council Transmission

The XCOM squad deployed to Japan has successfully stopped the alien abduction in Nagoya. Japan is deeply grateful for your help and hopes that these rewards will be of use to the XCOM project:

200 Credits Panic has increased across South America! Panic has increased across Africa! Panic in Japan has decreased by 1!

May 7, 2015: 3:02 PM

A new soldier has arrived at the base. Her name is Alena Jamie, and she hails from Scotland. Rookie Jamie joins XCOM’s ranks, and is welcomed with a big heart by all :)

May 8, 2015: 6:08 AM

Research on the Muton interrogation has been completed.

======== TOP SECRET ========

Research Report Codename: Tempest May, 2015

Interrogate Muton

On first impressions, the captive Muton would appear to be among the least intelligent of any of the alien species we’ve encountered. Hulking and brutish in form, we were surprised to discover a great deal of knowledge had been ingrained in this subject’s memory. We realized during the interrogation process that it was only logical for the aliens to provide the Muton with a complete understanding of their weaponry and tactics, as this beast represents their most formidable front-line combatant.

Although the Muton was quite resistant to our techniques, despite heavy sedation, we’ve learned a great deal from the captive about the alien weaponry, particularly their advanced plasma-based armaments. The research team will begin analyzing this data for possible use in a new breed of weapons of our own design.

======== TOP SECRET ========

Research has begun on Plasma Pistols. Our scientists expect this research to be complete in 9 days.

May 3, 2015, 2:38 PM

A UFO has landed in China. It is known to us as a Large Scout class UFO.

Captain Naomi ‘Omega’ Kimmey, Lieutenant Cheyenne ‘Mad Dog’ Cartwright, Sergeant Emmy ‘Nightmare’ Rākete, and Corporals Kira Shiran and June Epstein were sent out to secure the site.

May 3, 2015, 3:56 PM

Travel for the Skyranger has completed between the HQ and the mission site. The crew prepares to drop.

Central: “The alien craft set down in a remote area... Securing the site is our top priority. As always, we should eliminate any remaining hostiles in the area.”

Mission information:

Operation Frozen Shield UFO Landing Site China Mission Debrief:  Satellite data indicates a UFO has touched down; high probability of enemy operation in progress. Meld energy signature readings are positive. Expect to face a full complement of enemy crew.

Mission Objectives:  - Gain entry to the UFO and neutralize all enemy forces  - Locate and secure Meld canisters.

Big Sky: “This is Big Sky. We’re in position over the enemy LZ. Strike-One is ready to move on your orders.”

Central: “I read you, Big Sky. This was a landing, not a crash, so expect heavy resistance.”

The crew moved steadily towards the objective, splitting up into two teams: Alpha: Kimmey and Rākete Bravo: Cartwright, Shiran, and Epstein

Shiran stunned and captured a Muton, a new enemy we had not seen before. It appears to be large and can wield heavy weaponry.

She also used the Arc Thrower on an Outsider. Both were captured alive and are prepared for interrogation.

With the Outsider stunned, the site was secure. 

Central: We nailed it, Commander. Mission accomplished.

Mission Completed:

Time: 2:56 AM (Length: 11 hours) Aliens Killed: 11 (Excellent) XCOM Operatives Lost: 0 (Excellent) Meld Collected: 0 of 2 canisters recovered (Poor)

May 3, 2015: 6:47 PM

As a result of their performance during the mission, Captain Naomi Kimmey and Corporal June Epstein were promoted to Major and Sergeant, respectively. Epstein has also earned the nickname ‘Angel’ from her peers, for her lifesaving efforts on the field.

Corporal Kira Shiran is recovering in the hospital for the next week after breathing in poisonous fumes during the mission.

Debrief:

Dr. Vahlen: “Your women certainly seem to have a knack for capturing alien subjects alive. I only hope they realize how important their work is in relation to ours. Please pass on my gratitude to our forces.”

New Research Available:  - Interrogate Muton  - Muton Autopsy

Artifacts Recovered:   - 2x Light Plasma Rifle  - Alien Grenade  - 5x Thin Man Corpse  - 2x Muton Corpse  - Muton Captive  - 60x Elerium  - 150x Alien Alloys  - 16x Weapon Fragment  - 4x UFO Flight Computer  - 2x UFO Power Source  - Outsider Shard  - 2x Seeker Wreck

As a result of her experience during the mission, Sergeant June ‘Angel’ Epstein is now able to utilize her medkit more efficiently. She is now able to use it three times during a mission, rather than just once.

As a result of her experience during the mission, Sergeant Naomi ‘Omega’ Kimmey is now able to make partial cover count as full, for the purposes of avoiding enemy fire.

April 26, 2015: 10:30 AM

An enemy aircraft was detected over Germany. We sent out one of our Ravens to shoot it down. After much fire on both sides, our ship barely escaped with the enemy aircraft downed. Repairs on the Raven will take a week. 

April 26, 2015: 10:33 AM

The enemy aircraft crashed in an industrial district in Germany. We are tasked with finding and eliminating the remaining aliens aboard that ship.

The operation will be led by Captain Naomi 'Omega' Kimmey, with Sergeant Cheyenne 'Mad Dog' Cartwright in second command. Squaddies Szabo and Epstein follow them. 

What follows is an Operations Report - a document detailing the exploits of the XCOM soldiers compiled after an Operation.

Central: "It looks like the UFO went down in a densely populated area within the city limits - let's just hope everyone on the ground stayed clear." 

Big Sky: "Central, this is Big Sky. No hostile contact on approach to the crash site. Strike-One is ready to secure the craft."

Central: "Copy, Big Sky. Strike-One is cleared to attempt the breach."

Raven [intercom]: "Alright everyone. This is the drop site. I won't be accompanying you on this mission but I will be watching. Kimmey and Cartwright - if you split up, take one of the squaddies with you."

The four split up into two teams: Team Alpha, consisting of our shorter ranged fighters Cartwright and Epstein; and Team Bravo, consisting of our longer ranged soldiers Kimmey and Szabo. Alpha team moved up into a main large area and found a Floater. The Sergeant got into position and Epstein promptly blasted it to pieces. Only shredded entrails remain. She has been put in for a promotion upon her return, based on her immediate decisive action. 

While Kimmey and Szabo secured the high ground overlooking the open area, Bravo team secured a canister of Meld. Epstein bravely sped across the battlefield to acquire it, with Cartwright providing overwatch if any aliens showed their faces. 

On the enemy turn, she spotted a Sectoid coming around a corner and promptly shot it in the goddamn face, killing it instantly and earning herself a promotion. 

The two teams grouped up together to press Northwest along the field. Szabo found another Sectoid and took it down with their LMG. Kimmey went on overwatch in case any aliens tried sneak attacks. Everyone else was either spent or reloading. 

During the enemy turn, a Seeker snuck up on Szabo. Due to Kimmey's close proximity, she missed her reaction shot on the Seeker and it started suffocating the squaddie. Immediately, Cartwright sprung to action and took it down, giving Szabo the chance to catch their breath. 

Epstein immediately applied her field medic training and addressed her fellow soldier's wounds.

Knowing more Seekers were on the way, Mad Dog remained where she was and went on Overwatch. Just as predicted, one made a move around the corner and she blasted it for 5 damage, killing it instantly. 

The teams moved up together, and Omega took out another Floater closer to the downed ship. 

Leapfrogging between moving and overwatch, each team took out a few more Sectoids and made their way inside the ship. Cammy prepared to stun the Outsider - the leader of the enemy crew. In Outfitting, Szabo had taken the Arc Thrower. They got within range. Cartwright softened it up with two pistol shots, and Szabo took it down. 

With the outsider stunned and ready for extraction, Operation Hot Ring was complete. 

Total results: 

Time: 10:33 am - 1:43 pm (3h10m) Aliens Killed: 7 (excellent rating) XCOM Operatives Lost: 0 (excellent rating) Meld Collected: 1 of 2 canisters recovered (good rating) The Operatives returned home on the Skyranger, and arrived at 12:13 

As a result of their performance this mission, Sergeant Cheyenne 'Mad Dog' Cartwright, squaddies June Epstein, and Cammy Szabo have been promoted to Lieutenant and Corporal, repsectively. Due to their injury during the Operation, they will be resting up in the infirmary for the next week and a day. 

Additionally, due to their performance, one will be selected to receive an Urban Combat Badge. 

Cheyenne is now able to take two shots as a single action as a result of her recent experience. 

June is now able to provide reaction shots on enemies engaging in combat, not just when they move in her line of sight, as a result of her recent experience.

Cammy is now able to take a shot as the first action in their turn without it rendering them immobile as a result.