ADVENT | History

ADVENT and Alien Integration II


"One does not meet oneself until one catches the reflection from an eye other than human."

- Loren Eiseley, American anthropologist and philosopher, 1907-1977


BOSTON - History was made today in Mass General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, as the first alien baby born on Earth was safely delivered at 3:37 PM US Eastern time. The baby, belonging to the Vitakarians Runi'auden'intha (father) and Runi'sammalia'intha (mother) is in excellent condition and is being monitored by a mixed team of Human and Dath'Haram medical personnel. Doctor Michelle Chakwas, who oversaw the delivery, gave this short statement to the press:

"The delivery and birth were quite successful, and both the mother and child are doing well. Since the Vitakarian method of birth is similar to that of a Human, we were able to perform our standard procedures with little difficulty, and there have been no unforeseen medical consequences. The baby is being kept separate from Human babies in the maternity ward for health and safety concerns. The parents are extremely happy and grateful for our assistance, and we at Mass General are extremely honored to have taken part in this extraordinary event."

The parents consulted with both AEGIS and the hospital prior to the birth, and had scheduled appointments and procedural advising between alien medics and hospital staff. Security, in the form of additional Peacekeepers and a PRIEST, was also sent to both the hospital and family. Chief Peacekeeper Brandon Stanley reiterated what has already been expressed in a previous press release:

"Leading up to the birth, ADVENT Intelligence raised the concern that someone may attempt to harm the parents or those on the medical team. For those reasons, the hospital staff and family kept news of the pregnancy quiet, so there would be a lesser chance of a hate-provoked incident or Collective sabotage. While we do not expect this to become standard procedure, we will be providing similar protection for similar events in the immediate future, until alien assimilation has reached an appropriate level, as determined by the AEGIS Division."

Auden, the father, also gave a short statement several hours after the birth in an interview with ANN reporter Charlie Auburn:

"When we became mates in the Runiararch, we never thought we would be having future children in the midst of a war, much less on a planet full of former enemies. ADVENT has admirably assisted us in getting adjusted to a new life. After the realization that we were fighting for all the wrong reasons, we decided to settle down and start a new life. We have made mistakes in our lives, and we hope that our daughter will grow in a world where she is not controlled by those who would condemn millions to senseless death. We hope we can raise her to be more discerning than we were, and are thankful that ADVENT has given us this chance. Although the road ahead is long, my wife and I have no doubt that our child will have a good life. We have enjoyed the gift of American hospitality, and we hope many more of my kind will experience the same in the future."

Public reaction to this historic event have been overwhelmingly positive, with many people on social media spreading the #bostonbaby in support of the couple. The name of the infant has currently not been released to the public, on the advice of ADVENT Intelligence, though it is speculated it will be once the parents are moved to a permanent location.

Since the parents are registered as ADVENT citizens, the baby has also received naturalized citizenship, another historical first for ADVENT. This will make her the first alien child to grow up and inherently have the privilege to vote, and join the military, alongside the other opportunities of natural citizenship.

Chief Ambassador Kamar Dennis also gave this short statement in regards to the event:

"This occasion is not something to be ignored. ADVENT and XCOM's collective efforts have shown us that Humans and aliens can live and work together for common goals. This child represents a moment in our history where the trust the aliens have shown in us is - they have entrusted to the state the future and protection of their child. If there was any doubt about the possibility of aliens willing to assimilate into ADVENT, this has put them to rest.

Throughout our history, racism and xenophobia have resulted in nothing but division and conflict. AEGIS was formed to temper this, sadly Human, reaction, and bridge the gap between species. This birth, this child, represents a monumental step in showing the world - and the aliens that are wavering and skeptics of ADVENT, that there is another path, and that assimilation is not only possible - it is desirable."

The Ethereal Collective was unable to be reached for comment. It was noted that shortly after this announcement, Quisilia tweeted an image of a Human child born, presumably within alien territory, with the caption "Another momentous historic event today! #babyastronaut #spacepregnancy #alienbenevolence #happybirthday"

This story will be updated as information is released.

- Article |' Alien Child Born in Boston'


Excerpt from an ANN interview between AEGIS Integrational Agent Jason Berri and his Dath'Haram fiancé and defector Runi'anala'dathyasith

Host Kenneth Sanders: Welcome back to the show, you two! It's been some time since you last spoke with ANN, and it looks like a lot has changed since then!

Anala: Indeed it has.

[A golden ring is visible on the ring finger of her right hand.]

Jason Berri: That's right! Anala and I have decided to get engaged!

[The couple hold hands, smiling as the studio audience cheers and claps.]

KS: So, what exactly made you two decide to make such a leap in your relationship?

[The couple looks at each other, whispering for a moment before Jason nods.]

JB: Well, we've grown really close these past few months, and although we're not going to be getting married for a while, we both decided that it was a good idea to take our relationship one step further.

A: I agree. Although I do not want to sound 'cheesy', as you Humans say - though I don't know what that has to do with the food - I have fallen in love with him. He has been a great help to me since I started out in AEGIS, and an excellent partner. We are very...compatible, and we love each other very much!

[Jason blushes.]

JB: Yes! We're very, ahem, compatible. She's a great person to be with; she's kind, smart, beautiful - honestly, I couldn't have asked for a better partner.

KS: Has this affected your job in any way?"

[Jason shakes his head.]

JB: No. AEGIS protocol states that you can be in a relationship with your client, but there's a bit of red tape there. As long as it's consensual and there's no manipulation or abuse, it's acceptable. Us being together has made it much easier for her to adjust to Human life, and it's taught her a lot about interactions with Humans!

KS: Fascinating! Anala, if I may ask, how is this relationship and how Humans do things similar or different from Dath'Haram ones?

A: It is not entirely different, but it's not the same, either. For example, there is no such thing as a proposal with a ring. If the two wish to get married, or become "mated", as we call it back home, the couple discuss it first. If they agree, they must perform a Bladedancer ritual.

[KS raises an eyebrow.]

KS: Can you explain this ritual?

A: Certainly. The two of them must duel. However, unlike your duels, which result in the death of one or both of the participants, it is more like a...dance. The fluidity and skill of each person's movements is judged by several Bladedancers. If they feel as if the couple has done well, they are mated.

KS: But you didn't do that here?

[Anala chuckles]

A: No. Humans are not on the same physical level of Dath'Haram, and I am superior to Jason in both height and physicality. I would not wish to accidentally hurt or injure him severely. Besides, Dath'Haram culture allows for an exception to this rule when mating with other species, as, outside of our culture, few can Bladedance as a Dath'Haram can. My aunt is mated to a Vitakarian, and he'd never Bladedanced in his life before. So, while they never did the ritual, it's still seen as legitimate. Besides, when we eventually get married, it'll be recognized by ADVENT as perfectly legal.

[She shrugs.]

But I have no issues spending the rest of my life with him. He is a great friend, and an even better lover.

[Crowd lightly cheers and claps as the two hold hands.]

KS: So, Jason, how has your family reacted to this?

JB: It's...been a little hard for them. They know we both love each other very much, but it's a different situation from a Human woman. Having a green future daughter-in-law who can't fit in their door and is quite talented with knives has been an adjustment, but we're working things out. Anala's still getting used to Human family dynamics and drama, but, overall, things are shaping up to be pretty good.

KS: Will there be any name-changing when you two get married?

[Anala shakes her head.]

A: Dath'Haram and overall Vitakarian culture doesn't really work like that - at most, one of the mated pair may change the city part of their name to show the importance of sharing a home with their partner - but that's more of an optional ritual. Besides, Human and Vitakarian names are radically different, so my name will be staying as is.

[KS nods.]

KS: Anala, if you don't mind me asking, do you think your family would approve of this?

[Anala looks down for a moment.]

A: My parents were kind, if naive, people growing up. They always taught me to see the best in people and find ways to make myself better as a person. Ironically, that, in a way, led me to join ADVENT and meet my future mate. While I acknowledge that they, like the rest of my species, are victims of Zararch propaganda, I sincerely believe that if they were given the chance, they would accept Jason as my mate for life. It is not our way to be xenophobic, but we have been clouded by the Collective's lies for so long...but I have hope that the effects will be reversed one day.

[She sighs.]

Do I believe my parents are good people? Yes. Are they severely disillusioned people? Indeed. Do I think they can be changed? I think so. Many Dath'Haram would not admit it openly, but our species in particular is very naive - 'gullible', I believe, is the word you would use. Due to our lack of experience with conflict in all forms, we tend to be too trusting of others, and, this time, we may pay a heavy price for trusting in the Ethereals. But us being here together shows that one day that may change. Mister Sanders, it is not simply a matter of my family, but rather my species being acceptable to this kind of change. While I do think if I ever meet them again that they would eventually accept him, I fear that it will not be easy for my kind to see your kind otherwise, but I believe that, in time, our peoples can get along.

[She takes Jason's hand, smiling.]

But change will come. That I am sure of. More of my kind will come to ADVENT, and with the recent fall of the Elde- Ethereal Second Guardian, the Ethereals' legitimacy will collapse. Your species has planted the seeds of their fall - we need only wait for them to grow. As my people say, 'a tree cannot grow with a rotten seed'.

[Audience claps, while Jared noticeably blushes.]

JB: Couldn't have said it better myself.


Excerpt from the diary of Runi'hanbasta'borelia, AEGIS Coordinated Living Candidate and Military Advisor currently living in Moscow, Russia

Part of me is surprised, after all this time, how both similar and different Earth is to Vitakar. Although it is not as cold as Borelia here in Moscow, the weather is...similar enough, although less unforgiving.

Yet, the people here are quite the opposite. ADVENT and its citizens have been more than generous. They have, albeit reluctantly, accepted me as one of their own, and I have done my best to reciprocate my thanks for their work. I have toured their city, seen their architecture, and learned their history. It is surprising how similar this nation-state's military history is compared to mine- much bloodier, of course, but, like many other nations on this planet, they share a history of violence and bloodshed not too dissimilar to our own.

Yet, I still continue my own fight - though, now it is against my own, rather than these humans.

I cannot say I have fully enjoyed my job of assisting ADVENT in developing strategies to kill those I used to work with, but I admit it is better than standing by and doing nothing. My time in the Runiararch taught me well, and, in a twist of irony, I now use it to help defend those I once sought to kill. I discuss strategies with them, give them a perspective on tactics and defenses through a veteran's eyes.

It is also surprising to me just how much of what I believed to be true was false - and just how much was hidden from me and my kind. When compared with previous Human governments, it is unnatural how similar the oppressive practices of the Zararch are to certain Human regimes. It is hard for me to reconcile just how much of what I grew up on was constructed to keep my kind complacent.

But, in the end, that deception is what led me to make my decision. I choose to help the Humans, not just because of my knowledge of my past experience, but because I feel as if my kind must be freed from the Elder's deceitful grasp - and ADVENT is the best way for me to accomplish that. It pains me to learn that my family members back home may be suffering for my actions.

But I must do all I can to ensure more do not end up like that.

I have recently been approached by XCOM, surprisingly enough, to serve within a specialized division. While they have not shared many details beyond that, it was unexpected to be approached by an organization with such a reputation. As a Borelian male, very few like me are in the military - but Humans have few such discrepancies in their military service, it would seem. Should I join, they implied that I would have access to technology and enhancements not offered by the Runianarch. Based on what I know of them, this appears plausible.

I am tempted to say yes to this new opportunity. My faith in the Elders died when Aegis told me and the others of the truth, of the lies that the Elders have spoken to us. None of them are innocent, not even the Battlemaster, as much as it is painful to admit it. The atrocities, the things their Imperator has done, it cannot stand.

But, if I accept this offer, I will be joining to kill my own kind. I will be fighting against the very people that I once called friends.

Regrettably, it must be done. My people are being led astray, as my ancestors were before the Unity Wars and the Scouring that came with the rise of the Authoritative Council.

I may die. But I would rather die on the battlefield then at the hands of a Zararch operative behind my back; I do not doubt that I am on some kind of kill-list on some Zararch computer or database. ADVENT provides me with good protection, and, while I have had...unpleasant experiences with them on the battlefield, I am, ironically, grateful that they are responsible for my protection and safety.

I will give this some thought, but I don't doubt I will pick the side of XCOM. After all, they are supported by Aegis himself. They are responsible for killing Isomnum and capturing the Second Guardian. If there is an impact to be made, XCOM are the ones to do it.

And...the promise of such armor is enticing.

I am finding it harder and harder to refuse this offer.


HAMBURG - Students heading back to class at Hamburg's Heidelberg University will be surprised to see a new elective class on the course catalog - one co-taught by an alien.

The 'Alien Studies' class, available for first-year students, will be co-taught by Human professor Karl Hoffman and Dath'Haram Runi'Salmie'Dathyasith, with the goal of 'familiarizing students with the history and culture of alien races'.

This is the first time such a course has been offered in any German educational institution. Created by the ADVENT Division of Alien Education, the introduction of this revolutionary class has been met with some controversy among the student population.

"I don't have a problem with the class," says Theo Furstenfeld, an incoming first-year student studying civil engineering. "I signed up for it myself when it was announced. I mean, c'mon. Who can say they've had an alien teacher? Why just learn Earth history when you can learn alien history? Besides, he was a Dath'Haram medic before he defected. It's not like he's killed anyone or anything. I don't think he's a threat."

"I'm honestly not sure what to think," says Frida Schon, a second-year economics student. "Some of my friends' parents are dead because of the Collective. They are the enemy, no doubt about it. While it's important to know your enemy, it just doesn't feel right to allow aliens in places like this. The AEGIS Division is all well and good, but I don't feel like this is the right time to be doing this."

Myong-Hwa-Young, the Director of the Bureau of Education, had this to say regarding the institution of this class:

"While the nature of this class will undoubtedly be controversial, it was inevitable that assimilation of alien personnel and information into ADVENT would occur. The youth of this era are living through a turbulent moment in our history, and, with the revelation that we are not alone in this universe, it is only natural to indulge in Human curiosity and learn about them. While the timing is unfortunate, and we wish it could be done under more peaceful circumstances, it is more important than ever that the institution of programs like this is offered across the globe. In doing this, we hope to avoid the mistakes of the past by teaching our children the true nature of the alien in a time where it would be easy to simply demonize, caricature, and stereotype them. Let our knowledge of the alien be one grounded in reality, not the victim of misconception."

Runi'Salmie'Dathyasith, in an interview with ANN, released a statement in response to criticism of the class:

"I would like to assure those concerned that I have no intention whatsoever of harming or providing false information to these students. Children where I come from are sacred, as is the education they get. I chose to assist Professor Hoffman and, by extension, ADVENT, in this endeavour. I believe that, by doing this, I can clarify many myths and half-truths regarding my kind and others in the Collective, and serve as a counter to the stories they might otherwise hear. We are people too, with our respective history, culture, and so much more. The derogatory term 'tree-climber' comes to mind, for example. There are many stereotypes which have already spread, and my hope is that there will be an opportunity to disprove some of them."

ADVENT Intelligence also released a short statement: "We have conducted our own assessment of professor Salmie, and believe he will be an excellent instructor to the students, and properly educate them on the subject matter at hand. All course material that will be taught is screened and approved directly by ADVENT, and any unexpected and unreasonable deviation will be swiftly dealt with."

This offering is not unique to Germany, as similar college classes have been announced in Mexico, the United States, Switzerland, and Serbia. Overall reactions to the program have been somewhat mixed, with some countries receiving it more warmly than others.

Parents as well are split on this decision - some believe the inclusion of aliens into education is something that should not happen just yet, while others support the idea, saying that the inclusion of such information into curriculum can prevent seeds of racism and hate in youth.

"Racism has had many profound negative effects on human history." Says Endo Koller, a Swiss history teacher. "Institutionalized and normalized racism has caused numerous splits and conflicts that have led to many atrocities and oppressive institutions that have led to the subjugation and genocides of millions. ADVENT, for lack of a better term, is 'nipping this in the bud' by introducing information on aliens into schools to teach youth how to properly understand and interact with them. Hate and racism relies on ignorance to flourish and operate, and ADVENT's foresight in handling with this issue will hopefully alleviate hateful ideas and concepts in the population that otherwise left unchecked could lead to a repeat of mistakes of the past."

ADVENT's Bureau of Education has already begun introducing lessons on aliens as early as first grade to gradually introduce children to aliens, as well as normalize them. Although primarily Vitakarians and Dath'Haram are being considered to assist in this by the Division of Alien Education, some Cobrarians and Borelians are being considered as well to vary and diversify student's exposure to aliens.

Time will tell just how effective this will be, but the introduction of xenostudies into schools worldwide is a major step forward, but ADVENT's handling of this has so far shown progress, and it is likely that, one day, learning both human and alien history and culture in school will become the academic norm.

Article | 'Aliens in the Classroom'


A/N: Hello everyone, it's me, OfficialWeedTesterGuy, with another file! This file was very enjoyable to write, just like the last one. Anyways, hope you enjoyed the file!