X-Com Chimera 31 [LazyKitsune]

[Lorielle]

Name: Asa Riley
Age: 31
Gender: Female
Rank: Major & Commander of City 31 Chimera Squad
Appearance:

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Biography: Asa has the reputation of a war hero from the days of the resistance against Advent and the rule of the Elders. From volunteering for the Psionics project to leading several successful gorilla missions against Advent facilities, Asa gained a reputation for leading ruthless strikes against Advent, working to take back Earth at all costs. With the war over and the Elders having abandoned Earth, leaving behind many now freed aliens behind to cohabitate with the surviving humans, that reputation has become a double edged sword. As respected as she is for her service in the resistance, the new alien citizenship views her with weary caution, well aware that they could have easily been one of the many she slaughtered mercilessly on her missions to free Earth.

This reputation has given Asa a lot of unexpected approval in certain circles, such as sectors of government with more xenophobic leanings that consider her a potential figurehead for their interests. Due to the behind the scenes influence of these people, when the motion to form a 'Chimera Squad' - a team comprised of human, alien and hybrid members alike that would work to keep the peace within a metropolitan area - eventually passed, Asa's name eventually rose to the top of the list of candidates to take the position of this task force's leader.

Asa would lead the team as an independent organisation, with funding granted from various government bodies and prominent organisations within the limits of City 31 on a monthly basis. Though she knows she has to keep her investors happy to keep the project afloat, she has an earnest goal to turn the taskforce into a tool for the betterment of all of City 31's citizens, be they human, alien or in between.

Personality: One of the first things that people may notice about Asa is her is her determination and level composure. Those that have spent time working under her may know her to adhere to a rigid power structure and be a very demanding commander, though those that have earned her trust have learned she isn't beyond listening to the advice of others when offered properly.

Though she may seem very cold and distant, it belies her inner doubt that she is the right person for the job. She fears her time in war has broken her and left her irrevocably changed from the happy and popular hometown girl that gained a modest degree of fame as a model and athlete before disappearing to join the resistance.

Trust can be hard won with Asa, but once it is earned she will stick by you through the worst this world an any other has to offer if she needs to.

Skills:
Combat Leadership: 2
Public Speaking: -1
Logistics: 1
Mediation: 0
Charisma: 0

HP: 10
WP: 25
Physical: 2
Aim: 3
Smarts: 2
Will: 5

Psi-Abilities: Soul Fire, Phase Walk, Soul Steal, Insanity, Mind Merge

Traits:
Psi-Operative: Asa is a specially trained Psi-Operative and has a +2 bonus to rolls using her psionic abilities.
Ruthless Reputation: +1 to Intimidation checks with aliens, but -2 to all other forms of persuasion with aliens that Asa hasn't earned the trust of.

Background Tags: Psi-Operative, War Hero, Former Model/Athlete

With the Elders gone, their chosen defeated, and Humanity on the path to reclamation there were a few questions left unanswered. How would those left behind interact with humanity, how would humanity treat them, and was there a path forward for everyone? These questions weighed heavily on the minds of everyone within City 31. Seemingly prosperous, this former Advent city of 2 million Humans and about 500,000 assorted aliens glimmered in the night. At first after the defeat of Advent, things in the city seemed calm. The busy port city bustled along like normal, trading with the other shining "jewels" Advent had left behind. But lurking underneath everything, the power vacuum was about to be filled. After about a month the first gangs showed up. Many born out of old command structures now vying for power against each other, but there were a few new movements as well. This instability accelerated the creation of Xcom's domestic presence, while the Commander, Central and the others aboard the Avenger set out to pursue their own goals against the elders and ensure the Earth's safety; Colonel Ashley Kelly was left in charge of a new division. Chimera Squad would work to mend the wounds of a scarred world and work to quash smaller pockets of Advent resistance along with helping broker peace amongst the growing restless populace.

City 31's rapid destabilization however left Kelly in an unfortunate position, resources had already been allocated as such CS 31's operations were going to be severely cut back as they were immediately launched into action. With Major Asa Riley assigned to the post as the most favored candidate given her background as a war-hero and easing the mind of reactionary functionaries within the City, CS 31 had their work cut out for them as they tried to ease the mind of Human and Alien alike. All waited with baited breath as Asa finished up her call with Colonel Kelly.

"Thats the long and short of it Major, for the foreseeable future you're on your own until Central can spare us some resources. Im sorry I cant provide you with much else but at least the city was willing to shoulder much of the cost of the operation. Be sure to review the dossiers on the targets as well as your new squadron, I know you can handle it. Kelly - Signing off." And with a buzz the screen winks out as the silver-haired woman is left standing before her console. Thankfully Chimera Squad's base was isolated, using the bridge or a ferry was required to get to the base, the gangs wouldnt be able to touch you unless they got real bold, but even then they'd need to make it through layers of automated defenses. For now you can breathe and gather your thoughts, the dossiers on the various gangs were laid out before you.

The UnReclaimed: True Advent remnants, while they no longer have the leadership, resources, or drive once imparted into them by the Elders, they are still a force to be reckoned with. They've managed to hold onto a rather staggering amount of military hardware, but given their lack of manpower they've mostly turned to their machines to bolster their forces. Local police forces have trouble dealing with their guerilla activities given the lack of heavy ordinance or even training. Highly dangerous, rumors abound that a few politicians are in their pocket for one reason or another.

The Coven: It wasnt until the discovery of the Muton Matriarch that mutons were identified as a matriarchal society, now a cabal of these mutons have many parts of the south bay of City 31 in their grasp. Most easily described as a gang of Mutons, they have no qualms in who they deal with, drug running, weapons trafficking, sentient trafficking, you name it, the Coven has ordered its members to partake. A growing presence; some flock to it out of kinship, others out of fear, their resolve will need to be broken if mutons and other aliens are to be convinced to integrate with the rest of Humanity and Sentients alike.

EXALT: It wasnt enough for one paramilitary to exist within City 31, an enemy from ages past has resurfaced. EXALT were a PMC outfit hellbent on using alien technology for their own purpose. Made up of far-right elements and the ultra-wealthy who funded this operation, they fought and killed X-Com agents and aliens alike. While they were defeated soon after X-Com was defeated, it seems that many of the most influential of EXALT managed to maintain their status and wealth as partial collaborators to Advent, but with Advent out of the way Exalt seeks to push their extremist views onto City 31 and force all aliens out.

Those who Lurk in Shadow: Little is known about this gang, best described as a cult or new age religion depending on your viewpoint, they seem to center around a core of psionics, whether these psionics are human or alien is unknown but their influence is spreading rapidly among City 31's disaffected, former advent and human alike flock to the religion in the hopes of seeking comfort in this scary new era of Earth's history, many finding that God has abandoned them both figuratively, and in the case of Advent with the elders, literally. Those who Lurk says a new age of enlightenment is upon all who heed the call. While having done nothing overtly hostile, their activities pose a threat to peace if rumors about their structure and twisted faith are to be believed.

Each of the dossiers had more you could inquire about each gang and a map of City 31's various districts were outlined for you to familiarize yourself with. Of course additional information the City's various districts were also available or could be ignored for now. If there was nothing else for you to check around the base, your new squad was due to arrive any moment now.


Map of City 31

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Key:
Black: Chimera Squad Base
Blue: Downtown Financial District and Docks, 10/10 Support
Purple: The Presidium 10/10 Support
Pink: North Bay 10/10 Support
Red: South Bay 10/10 Support
Green: The Lowlands 10/10 Support

[Lazy Kitsune]

As the screen before me flickers off from my call, replacing the Colonel's face with the Chimera Squad's symbol, I tilt my head down with a heavy sigh. With my team still due to arrive, the base had an eerily quiet feel about it. Perhaps it was due to how distanced we were from the mainland, needing a ferry to get back and forth. It was no Avenger, that was certain, but it was certainly a lot more organised than any resistance outpost, but that clean tidiness just added to the empty feeling it had at the moment. Overly sanitised and unlived in.

At least it should help with productivity, so best make the most of that. A mug of hot coffee in hand, I walked on over to the map, getting a good look of the layout of the city. Streets and city blocks that once mapped out routes I needed to disrupt, raid and sabotage were now my territory to protect. That was going to take some adjusting to. And from the looks of things I had a large number of problems on my plate to deal with already. But for now I should get to know my city better. While waiting for my team to arrive, I looked into what information was available on the different districts of City 31, to try and get a sense for what each the different areas were actually like.

[Lorielle]

A central island, large, pristine. It flickered to life as you approached it. A hologram of the entire city was now laid out before you. Various white cubes representing the different buildings of the city. From this alone you could see the stark contrast in wealth. Even under Advent occupation most places had to deal with severe wealth inequality and City 31 was no different. Starting with the closest two Districts.

Downtown, or The Docks depending on who you asked was the city's financial heart. Soaring gleaming skyscrapers, offices, and a bustling nightlife gave rise to a fairly active part of the city no matter what time of day. Everything passing through City 31 and the wider East Coast of Occupied North America stops by it's port. Should his district rescind its support, Chimera squad would surely slowly starve to death. Every gang has had some activity within the district, but theres nothing conclusive. At least nothing conclusive on the initial reports once your agents are in, it'd be wise for them to conduct a beat to gather more information.

The Presidium Beach front properties, high-rise apartments and condos and the city's capitol building. The Presidium is the center of the most affluent. Clean streets and with local police forces patroling regularly you wouldnt think there all out gang warfare was on its door steps. Each district has a local council, a hold over from Advent administration that kept power divided, the presidium's council are some of the most powerful, with widespread influence, other districts tend to adopt policy similar to it and in fact it was due to Presidium politicians you ended up on the shortlist for potential commanders for City 31's Chimera Squadron, should this district rescind its support Chimera Squadron would see support in other districts begin to fall rapidly. The dossier claims that Exalt is most active within this district with occasional incursions by the UnReclaimed.

Past these two districts the fall off in wealth is drastic, while either side of the bay arent entirely destitute, a few blocks over the architeture and culture is palpable. North and South bay have had some reconstruction under Advent guidance, but not nearly to the degree of the Presidium or Downtown. Best described as lower middle-class these two districts are more active battlegrounds.

North Bay The City's service district, pre-war restaurants, tourist traps and any other style of kitsch can be found here. If you know where to look however you could find what are dubbed the Searchlight Streets having built up an increased amount of searchlights where men and women of the night could stand in plain view to solicit people to purchase their services. Should this district rescind its support for the Chimera squadron its quite likely the gangs would take advantage of this underbelly to fund their own operations. The dossier claims that the UnReclaimed is fairly active here but new "churches" of Those who Lurk in Shadow seem to spring up fairly reliably.

South Bay City 31's industrial heart, manufacturing of Advent's pre-fab buildings and even some military material can be found here for export. The people here are hardy and the streets are grimy, but thats more due to the issue with the factories than anyone's fault. For now X-Com relies on manufacturing capacity found in these industrial zones to maintain their legitimacy as the benevolent liberators. Should this district rescind their support Chimera squadron its likely that gangs would find themselves more well armed. Its Dossier outlines that there is a heavy Muton presence in this district as such the Coven also makes its home here, though they are often contested by Exalt.

And finally we reach the part of City 31 in active reclamation. Completely bombed out pre-war buildings, X-com has conducted many infiltrations from this direction thanks to the ease of concealment. But now having been formally reannexed into City 31 the people who live here do their best to eek out a living after the Lost were mopped up.

The Lowlands Are a combination slum and farmland. Some of the land has been reclaimed to help feed City 31's population, but the efforts are hindered by Lost sightings and the lack of resources to the area in general. Unfortunately though City 31's growing population means the most disaffected find themselves taking shelter in the makeshift homes and newly built prefabs of this district. Should this district rescind its support for Chimera Squad its likely the gangs all around the city would see their numbers bolstered by those with nothing left to lose. Those who Lurk in Shadow have their strongest presence here as people flock to their sermons and fight to survive the next day. The religion's charity is quite enticing indeed, but they compete with the Coven for loyal subjects.

[Lazy Kitsune]

It seems even after pulling the world back from alien occupation, we still couldn't get a grip on our own inequality issues. The Advent occupation certainly didn't help, showering those loyal and useful with rewards to keep them docile while others were left in destitution to break their spirits. But this was a problem that existed long before the Elders came to Earth and it seems it'll be around long after they left.

Solving the distribution of wealth wasn't my mission, however. Keeping the peace was. And it seems like I'll have enough on my plate in that department to stop ever even thinking about going full Robin Hood on the Presidium. The different gangs all had their claws in various districts. While some seemed more secure than others, none were free of their troubling presence. As a mixed blessing and curse they also seemed to be vying over the same populace groups a lot of the time. This could help keep any one of them from growing too strong, but it also raised the risk of a gang war breaking out in virtually any of the districts - which would make matters so much worse.

This cult... 'Those who Lurk in Shadow' stood out in particular. They didn't fit the same profile as any of the other gangs. It was debatable if they even were a gang. I could hope they simply wouldn't grow into a problem, and its likely that's exactly what local law enforcement is doing, but I'm not about to take such a careless risk. The rule of Advent made it quite clear just how effective and insidious the control of information can be, so its important we get a clearer picture of what exactly it is they're preaching to their followers. If the opportunity arose to get better insight into what they were doing than it was best to take it - unless there was something more urgent that had arisen since of course.

My team should be arriving in not too long. I didn't have the benefit of being able to select them as freely as I would have liked, but this whole assignment felt very last minute anyway. No doubt there are a fair number of people funding this thing that feel the same way about me being in charge as I do about my team. Still, it was best I got to know them well enough to be able to rely on their strengths, so I bring up their files to give them a quick look over before they arrive.

[Lorielle]

Squadron List:

Rookie Athena

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Race: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 26
HP: 15
WP: 15
Physical: 3
Aim: 1
Smarts: 1
Will: 3
Loyalty: ???

Traits:
Templar Training:Able to use Psi-blades
Immaculate focus +1 will when will is above 10 -1 will when bellow 10 -2 will when below 5
Abilities:
Psi-blades: Rush a target and strike a target at melee using phys, damage d4+will, costs 1 WP
Deflect: Spend 2 WP to block next successful attack
Potential Tag: Local

Squaddie Monsoon

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Race: Muton
Gender Female
Age: ??
HP 20
WP:10
Physical: 4
Aim 1
Smarts: 2
Will: 2
Loyalty: ???

Traits:
Muton Physiology: +1 to Physical, resistant to melee attacks
Berserk: dipping below half WP for the first time will cause Monsoon to go berserk and strike at the closest target with +1 phys
Abilities:
Disarm: Spend 2 WP Monsoon attempts a melee grapple to take away a target's weapon
Hyper reflex: The first time monsoon would be hit by a non-psionic attack on a mission, she dodges instead
Potential Tag: Advent Commander

Squaddie Raven

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Race: Human
Gender: Male
Age: 32
HP: 5
WP: 10
Physical: 1
Aim: 3
Smarts: 2
Will: 2
Loyalty: ???

Traits:
Crack Shot: +1 Aim with rifles
Skittish: -1 Will if an enemy gets within melee range
Abilities:
Mark Prey: Spend 2 WP, Mark one enemy, Raven gets +1 aim against target until they are subdued
Deep breath: Usuable even when panicked, spend 3 WP to shake off any mental status effect except mind control
Potential Tag: Spy

Squaddie Aloe

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Race: Human
Gender: Nonbinary
Age: 20
HP: 10
WP: 10
Physical: 2
Aim: 1
Smarts: 3
Will: 2
Loyalty: ???

Traits:
Field Medic:+2 HP healed when using Medkit
Weak Resolve-2 will when resisting panic
Abilities:
Patch up 3 Uses per mission, Heal 2 HP or Clear 1 Status effect
Hack: Free on point of interest otherwise Spend 2 WP, attempt a hack on a machine if successful 10% chance on take control, 30% on Shut down 60% on Stun for 2 turns
Potential Tag: Engineer

---

The first dossier to catch your attention was Athena, a newly inducted member of the Templar's resistance group mere days before the avatar project was foiled the Agent found herself back home, City 31, and with the perfect opportunity to make use of her extensive training. Her Dossier reads that she is of a serious temperament and takes her training and psi-abilities seriously. There is a footnote attached from the Templars though. It reads as "Expresses a certain delight in combat with loss of focus" which can be a rather frightful prospect. But her psyche evaluation doesnt really speak to any deviation that would make her a liability to Chimera Squad's mission.

The next was Monsoon a female Muton, you found the morphology was much more humanlike than the males of her race. The morphology was such that you feel you could have mistaken her for a Hybrid. With a tall if lithe build she is a known martial arts expert and thanks to her Advent enhancements she displays considerably inhuman reaction time to even bullets being fired her way. Her Dossier points her towards being of a calm temperament, logical and goal oriented, suitable traits in a former Advent Commander. Questions were raised about a potential conflict of interest or division of loyalty but X-com ultimately allowed her application to go through when it was revealed to have deserted Advent years prior to elope with a human. The identity of their partner is a secret.

Up next was the dossier of a human man whose actual Alias was also Raven. Described as secretive, a tad paranoid, and jumpy, they are a long way home from the Occupied British Isles. They were scouted as a potential recruit in the resistance, but Raven had sighted they couldnt afford to abandon their family that was within a resistance haven at the time. With the threat of Advent dispelled Raven has agreed to join on as a member of Chimera squadron, hoping for gainful employment.

Last but not least is Agent Aloe, bright, young and boisterous, they had grown up flitting around North America for as long as they could remember. Following their family around they picked up a knack for repairing things and when brought on as a potential recruit to X-com, they demonstrated their know-how by impressing Head Engineer Shen by repairing a GREMLIN with no prior experience or instruction. Aloe was sent here as an opportunity to hone these skills. While not the most reliable in a fight having them around would certainly allow the team to have access to information they might not have without them.

---

You finish reading over the dossiers when you hear the telltale sound of a boat engine revving down, but before you could even react you the double hanger doors of the base swing open, early morning light flooding in from behind four silhouettes. One of them whistles and you hear in a not so subtle Old-New York accent. "Wasn't expecting the private island but even this is still quite lavish dontcha think 'Thena?" The bright and bubbly voice was emanating from Agent Aloe who took in their surroundings with a bit of astonishment. Their head on a swivel as the dark-haired woman next to them spoke up.

"Im a little surprised they picked this as the location, thought it might have been closed off, but given the former facilities maybe it just made sense to repurpose what was already where." Athena said as she always looked around taking in the wide expanse was the staging area of the base. Following just slightly behind them with their ocular still on was who you presumed was Raven, when he spotted you, the main monocle of his scope zooms in a tad and he speeds away from the three 3 other agents.

"Its good to finally make your acquaintance Ma'am, for a long while there i thought they were yankin' our chain about who our XO would be, but I'm glad its you." He extends a hand out to you for shake should you choose so.

You do hear a bit of an indignant huff come from your last recruit, Monsoon stood 2 heads taller than the next tallest person, easily 7 feet tall she had extremely broad shoulders but lacked the usual hunch of male mutons. "Ma'am." She nods toward you as she approaches the Map Table with an inquisitive gaze. Aloe and Athena follow shortly behind though they seem to be enjoying a friendly chat between the two of them.

[Lazy Kitsune]

It was quite the interesting assortment I was dealing with here. I learned to make the most of who I could get a hold of during the resistance, but I never thought I would be working with a Muton. Certainly not a female, as rare as they were to see in the field and often so much more vicious seeming than their more numerous male counterparts. My only real experience with female mutons before were the Berserkers, who lacked the human augmentation most other mutons received, so seeing one that had undergone the genetic augmentation the Elders had done to so many of their subjugated races was interesting. It should be an informative experience working with Monsoon, though it would be fair to expect a degree of tension from the other members of the team when it comes to working with an alien. She may be more human in appearance than her berserker brethren, but if she had but a fraction of that strength to offer in the field then she would be a valuable asset to make such tension worth working through.

It seems this ragtag group was shortly arriving by the sounds of things and I turn towards the hanger doors. With a pair of shades set over my eyes to help with the bright light flooding in from outside against the dimmer lighting of the base, I fold my hands behind my back and stand up straight to observe them as they approach.

I'm a little surprised by how quickly Raven came over to me and the way he responded to me. I take his hand, giving it a firm and brief shake. "Its me, Squaddie Raven. I've read your file. Glad we're able to put your skills to good use now."

I return Monsoon's nod with one of my own, responding in an equally curt manner. "Squaddie."

With the other two seemingly immersed in chatting with each other and Monsoon taking a look at the table, I call out to gather everyone's attention. "Chimera Squad." I announce. "Its good to see you've all made it. The place is a bit spars at the moment, so just pick any empty bunk and locker and call it yours. You may know me as Major Riley of the resistance, but with this uniform on I am Chimera Squad, same as the rest of you. I won't be running this like a resistance operation. The safety and security of City 31 is our number one priority. And all of its civilians. If any of you have problems with that, you will have problems with me. If not, then I look forward to working with each of you."

[Lorielle]

"Pleasue's all mine Ma'am" Returning your handshake with a decent amount of vigor and with a smidge too much sweat on his hands. Monsoon approaches and takes to your left side of the table as you speak up Aloe and Athena drop their conversation and turn to face you fanning out around the table on its far side from you as they stand at alert. You see them all acknowledge you and nod along to your words. As you cap off your speech they all salute you. "Yes Ma'am!" They shout in unison at least signaling their training was well worth it.

Soon after your recruits disperse as per your instruction, they explore the base and seek out the quarters to start making use of the calm they have before the storm.

Monsoon examines the APC, caressing her chin as she inspects it. Pacing it back and forth around the large tank-like vehicle.

Raven is over in the armory inspecting the weapons on hand, they were of the usual X-com pattern weapons, though they selection has been dialed back to magnetic weaponry like advent troopers had used thanks to the availability of Advent surplus and the fact X-com didnt want Chimera squad to literally melt property whereever they went.

Athena was in the small corner of the base that was sectioned out to be a workout area, gym equipment of all kinds but Athena was giving the punching bag particular attention practicing some Templar forms it seemed.

Aloe was checking out the main console of the base, reviewing the space and using it to browse various dossiers about Xcom's exploits in the past.

[Lazy Kitsune]

With everyone settling in and making use of the facilities, now seems as good a time as any to try to get to know some of them better. I wasn't huge on socialising, but it was important to at least get to know my team. Learn what each of them are like in a way that a file can't tell me. I didn't have files back in the resistance day, when vetting team members for operations it was all done through word of mouth reputation and getting to know someone through experience with them. As useful as all these tidy words on a page could be, a part of that experience still provided much keener insight than these files ever could. It could let me know how much I could rely on them to follow my orders in a high pressure situation, whether or not I could trust their snap judgement if I needed to leave them in charge, if they had what it takes to be here for the long haul, or were best used sparingly for a few missions at a time.

The first person to engage with seemed like it should be Monsoon, if mainly because it seemed like she had something on her mind already with how she was inspecting the APC. Thoughts that could be worth hearing.

"Monsoon." I say to announce my presence as I approach. "Got an eye for vehicles? Seems like something about the APC has your attention." I move to stand beside her and look over the transport.

[Lorielle]

The vehicle bay was probably the largest part of the base, while there were no support staff here right now, maintaining the thing will be a full time job even for the most experienced crews. For its part the beast was nearly as tall as Monsoon, with its large wheels and sloped exterior. "Major." She hands back to you, a verbal handshake as she guide the conversation.

"I have no particular interest outside of my familiarity with other vehicles of its nature. But i suppose i wonder why, with all of the Advent gunships left behind, we arent using one of them, but are instead stuck with a vehicle that is confined to streets. Seem's rather primitive no?" Her tone of voice was obviously dismissive, as she taps the rubber wheel with her boot. "Thats not to say X-Com hasnt done what it can, but it seems a strange choice to not equip Chimera Squad with the best possible technology it can, especially when so much of it is left languishing in Advent storehouses."

[Lazy Kitsune]

"We're at the mercy of what resources we can earn for now." I say, agreeing that there definitely was a lot more we could have been provided with. "We aren't a proven operation yet, and there are a lot of ambitious politicians and businessmen that get the final say in what gets funding and what doesn't. Unfortunately it seems with Advent out of the way we've just fallen back into some of the same old issues of Earth before the invasion. Most the people backing us will only do so for as long as we prove its a good idea. But you let me worry about that."

"Still," I add on, giving the APC a look over of my own. "I think there's good reason we've been given this rather than anything like a gunship to use. Our goal is to keep the peace. Too much firepower sends the wrong message. The last thing we want people to think is that all we've done is replace Advent as their oppressors."

[Lorielle]

"Hmph politicians." She snorts at your remark, easily expressing her disdain for politics. "Our homeworld had no such thing, we fought and died for every scrap, but then the Elders came, raised us beyond simply surviving." She pauses for a moment to consider your words. "I do hope Earth has more to offer than simply squabbling over resources." She gives a somewhat wry smile acknowledging that she's glad she isnt the one who has to answer to politicians.

When you bring up the idea of being peacekeepers you seem to strike a chord. She nods along to what you say. "I suppose that makes sense, I havent had much time on earth, but after i deserted, the whir of the anti-grav engines always gave me and my husband pause. But maybe it will be good to not feel like you have to look over your shoulder to see if an enemy lurks in the dark, or just overhead."

[Lazy Kitsune]

"There's enough on Earth for all of us to share her resources. The Elders wouldn't have bothered to build cities here if that weren't the case. But humans made it difficult enough to share in those resources among ourselves before, whether through greed or fear of others. While the power structures are still coming into place, we can expect a lot of the same behaviour to come back to. Any trouble that comes with that, people like us need to be ready to deal with."

I turn to face Monsoon directly. "If you have any suggestions or requests for upgrades to the APC or new vehicles we should try and add to our resources, do let me know. It may take some time, but feedback from the team is crucial for knowing what resources to prioritise." I wanted to ask some more questions, naturally, though it seemed rude to probe too much during our first conversation so I decided to leave it there for now. "Let me know if any of the others give you trouble as well, though I imagine you can handle yourself well enough."

If Monsoon has nothing else to say, I make my leave, heading over to observe Athena next in the gym.

[Lorielle]

Monsoon simply nods along, you can see the cogs stirring a bit in her mind as she considers how to respond to your words, but she opts not to, letting you continue until you are finished with what you wanted to say to her. You get the impression that she's skeptical of the way you're speaking probably due to a combination of your reputation and the incongruity of the sentiment about Earth being a place where all people can share in its bounty. "Will do Ma'am, if anything comes to mind i'll let you know." She snorts at your last remark about people bothering her, but she salutes you as you walk off.

With that you head over to Athena who stood in front of a training dummy this time, the limbs positioned to be a person holding a pistol you see her practicing some kind of form that slaps at the person's wrist to deflect their weapon before she goes into with a strike. You recall your brief time with templars, they had special helmets linked to psi-amps on their arms to allow them to conjurer their signature psi-blades. But you notice that Athena's visor doesnt seem to be of the pattern you remember, it could be custom or it could be an advancement the templars made late in the war. Regardless she doesnt seem to notice your approach as she practices her form in silence.

[Lazy Kitsune]

"Getting into practice early I see." I say, walking up towards Athena and leaning against a nearby dummy. "I appreciate the enthusiasm, but you only just got here. You are allowed to put your feet up, you know."

However she responds, I find myself unbuttoning my top and taking it off, leaving on only my tank top underneath. "Though I've always been curious about templar fighting styles. I wouldn't mind seeing a thing or two that you can do." I step onto a mat nearby and hold up my arms like I was ready to throw a punch. I gesture with them, beckoning her over. "Come on, if you want to get some exercise in, we might as well do it together. It'll give me a chance to see what you're capable of and have our first meeting."

[Lorielle]

Athena finishes her last set of maneuvers before responding, just another second of her seemingly striking her target with a martial artist's precision. When she turns to face you, she lifts her visor and you see the telltale gleam of her purple pisonically changed physiology. "Thank you Ma'am, but, this is how i relax. Venting my energy so to speak, at least thats what were taught at the Templar monastery." she lets out a few haggard breaths collecting herself the best she can as she watches you undress right in front of her, a small blush forming across her cheeks when she finally picks up on your intention.

"Its something special. I dont think everyone, even the few with our skills, can live up to it." She gives you a smile as you put your fists up. "Its a little hard to hold back so im sorry if i connect a little hard Major." She says lowering her visor and taking up her own stance. She takes a few deep breathes to center herself before approaching you with lightning speed.

Opposed Phys roll: 2 vs 5

However, a sparring match this hardly is. All X-com operatives are given a crash course on hand to hand combat for the sake of emergencies, but given your specialization, your need to remember such training so incredibly far behind what Athena was demonstrating on her dummy, she breaks through your meager defense. But to say she does it gracefully and with the poise you'd expect from a Templar would be a major overstatement. Her ability, or lack there of, is evident as she seems to make use of enthusiasm to overwhelm you rather than the calculated and ferocious nature you've seen of more seasoned Templar psionics. She lands a hit square in your chest and sends you back a few steps, but you can tell that she had difficulty even against someone as rusty as you in melee. Her heavy breathing and shaky stance adding to the fact that you think her time in real combat might be quite limited.

[Lazy Kitsune]

"Not had much experience in the field, have you Athena?" I ask as we recover from our first bout of sparring. "You've got the know how, but seem to lack the honed reflexes I've seen from other Templars. That's alright, I'm more than a little rusty myself. Maybe we can warm each other up." My words are said without intent of any double entendre, but that just leaves me less likely to catch it.

"We've both got an edge most fighters don't have, so there's no need to hold back. You can get physical with me. Though I've noticed your gear is a bit different from what I've seen from other templars. Is there any reason to that?"

[Lorielle]

"Hah.." Athena lets out the breath she was evidently holding, though you can tell she grits her teeth from beneath her visor having struck a nerve with her somewhat. "I've only a couple of real deployments, but even then they werent really much to write home about. Mopping up some lost, or dealing with rogue advent troopers. Small fry really." She admits to you, though she seems equally oblivious to the double entendre as she assumes her stance again. "I appreciate the chance to train on more than just a training dummy, thank you Major." She takes a deep breath.

"That we do." Her stance tightens and you see the cables connecting her gauntlets to her visor begin to glow. Small ventricles at the gauntlets' leading edge spark to life as she seems to focus and all of a sudden twin purple blades glimmer before you. Maintaining form in a sort of short triangular blade more reminiscent of a punching dagger rather than the spindly long blade you remember from your time with the Templars. "My focus matrix has been tailored to my style after I was approved for cooperation with Chimera Squad, i favor getting in close and trying to hammer away with multiple punches rather than the long sweeping slashes you might know from my brethren, but this is more suited to the work we're doing i think. Those long blades might tag people we dont want to hit." The light drains away from her gauntlet and her visor.

"I am more than happy to fight with you though Major." She says assuming her collected stance once again.

Oposed Phys Roll: 17 vs 17

This time the prowess on display is much more one should expect from an experience Veteran of the resistance and a fully inducted member of the Templars. The two of you trade blows, and your experience allows you to counter any chance for her to get in close and land a solid it, but you're beginning to understand her style. It is quite overwhelming as she dances around your jabs like a boxer might in the ring, using the heavy weight of her gauntlets to driver her forward. On multiple occasions if her gauntlets were ignited she might have landed a clean few hits but as of right now you're lucky to just deflect them. But after a good few minutes of this trading Athena throws her hands up. "I.. i dont think i can keep up." She says with a smile, lifting her visor up and showing just how much sweat the both of you have gathered. "Thank though i needed that, but I was wondering Major, will you be.. you know, using your own abilities out in the field? I might be able to make glowing purple swords, but thats nothing compared to what i heard Psi-Ops can do."

[Lazy Kitsune]

Athena called the match to a close moments before I would have anyway. I felt a positive ache in my muscles from the exercise and took a deep breath to start relaxing them. My body was flushed hot from the movement, and I wiped some sweat from my brow that was slick enough for strands of my hair to cling to it, much as how my tank top now clung tightly to the shape of my bust. "Well fought, Athena. I can see how your style works. It'll be good to have you in the field." I say, gesturing for her to follow me over towards the water bottles provided at the edge of the training area.

"I'll be using my abilities when needed." I say, opening up a bottle and taking a deep swig, rivulets of water trickling down my chin and over my top as I let myself drink a little messily to help cool off. Combined with the heavy sweat, my tank top was soaked through enough for my tits to be visible underneath. "You'll have plenty of time to see them in action. I was never the most powerful Psi-Operative, but I learned everything I needed to do to get the job done and I'm sure those abilities will come in useful in the future."

[Lorielle]

"Thank you Ma'am i appreciate it, you're not too rusty, i think you'd make a great Templar." She says with a smile following you over to the dispenser where the two you can retrieve a water bottle. She took a seat as she pulled open the bottle. Taking a swig as she watches you, only now just realizing that she could see your breasts from the material of your tank top sticking to them like clingwrap. "I.. uh.. yeah." She stumbles at the realization a bit, hardly listening to your words as she takes another swig and looks away.

"Well i umm hope to see them in action. Im.. gonna go take a shower Ma'am if you'd care to join." Before she makes a rather hurried escape into a side door labelled Showers.

[Lazy Kitsune]

I quirk my eyebrow at Athena's shift in tone, confused by whatever seems to have her distracted. Though she does raise a good point about the showers. I stretch, cracking my knuckles as I push my arms out in front of me, the motion pressing my tits together and pushing them towards Athena. "Mmph~" I sigh, before relaxing my arms. "Good call, Athena, I could use a shower after that workout. But I probably shouldn't dawdle with greeting the other members of the team. I'm sure they won't mind their commanding officer being a little unkempt for a minute or two. They'll see me a lot sweatier than this after enough time in the field anyway. I'll wash up in a bit. We'll talk more later."

Athena already seemed to be making quite the hasty retreat to the showers. Perhaps she worked up more of a sweat than I realised. Still, with my bottle of water downed, I took a fresh one with me and dabbed my forehead with a cloth, not even registering the state of my tank top at the moment.

I had spotted Raven in the armoury earlier, so I figured I'd swing by to greet him next. Perhaps he had some insight into our weaponry that could be useful, or at the very least it could provide an opportunity to talk to him.