Humanity's Hope: Project XCOM

Chapter 4: XCOM in Action

Days had gone by and not a single UFO or alien incursion had been reported. It was to be expected. Ever since the invasion began, the aliens sent the occasional small party. It was all they were able to commit to the war they started. The level of success was a matter of who was responding. Agencies had spent the prior months countering whatever they could. Of course, the aliens were too quick and left before anyone could properly see them or bring a specimen back alive. Then, the military came, but they were used to dismissing claims of alien activity; old habits die hard. Anyone trying to prove the prospect of an alien invasion had to rely on hearsay, very classified hearsay. No matter, humanity was on a new chapter. Time was needed for everyone to be on the same page. Henry and the Council had to keep the world in line.  

The aliens had not changed their strategy. One thing was clear, they were investigating; testing humanity's finest technologies. All their operations revolved around that one goal. Humanity had just dealt its first blow against an iceberg. XCOM was the first to take effective military action against the aliens, but the Commander knew that he had only struck the tip of the iceberg. 90% of it was still hidden. Although, whatever casualties the aliens had sustained from their first defeats was definitely not 10% of their forces.

Despite the looming threat, everyone was calm. Most of the staff in XCOM had not seen an alien so it was only logical to assume that they were still sceptical. The fact that days had gone by with nothing showing up did not help. Certain officers in Mission Control could testify to their colleagues that aliens did exist. It was only a matter of time until everyone knew.

The soldiers could easily connect the dots. Some of their comrades had come back in body bags. They knew what was coming. Naturally, they would take advantage of any day that they could relax. Relax, they did. They did not take their duties lightly, though. Most soldiers decided to keep in shape and some brushed up on their combat skills. They did not want to meet the same fate as the faces they saw a few days ago, never to be seen again. 

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Henry stayed at his post around the Hologlobe. He stood by the railing in Mission Control. The facility looked like a miniature stadium. It had automatic doors equipped with scanners to identify staff and root out any intruders. It was also how announcements could be made whenever the Commander or Executive Officer entered.

The rectangular room was filled with computers, screens and seats. With all the staff at their stations, Henry was like the conductor of an orchestra, coordinating the large body of men and women whom each had their own task to do for a larger purpose; playing XCOM's tune. Although, the closest melody the Commander could think of was the constant keyboard clacking.

The left section was dedicated to the highest officers working with Bradford near an adjacent room where he had his office. It was their job to keep him informed and pin anything important on the Hologlobe. The rest of the officers were mainly dedicated to monitoring global activity and surveilling XCOM HQ's systems. The seats formed a circle around the Hologlobe and made multiple rows that went downwards like in a movie theatre or a stadium.

To the right of the facility was Mission Overview. Multiple large screens were dedicated solely for displaying camera footage from the troops, their vitals, and a precise view of the area of operation thanks to the best satellites Shen had to offer. It was where the tactical advisor of a mission could provide assistance from. It could use some work since there were only enough stations to effectively monitor three squads of XCOM soldiers simultaneously. If the aliens planned to attack with few numbers, Henry could put off that task. 

Just as Henry had noticed the emptiness around him, it was slowly alleviated. Officers walked in early in the morning and took the stairs to reach their row of desks. The Commander had woken up early and stood in the Situation Room looking for any reports of alien activity before staying in Mission Control. None came. Bradford was nowhere to be seen. It was still too early for him to clock in.