Chapter 40: Operation Even More Science and Screwing Around

XCOM-ANL-08F0

XCOM Research and Development Department - Research Summary Report

Author: Technician Amanda Price

Subject: Chryssalid Breeding Program (Utilisation of Alien Shock Troops)

Abstract:

Following the successful raid on an ADVENT facility (Ref XCOM-AAR-78TY6) XCOM were able to secure a viable clutch of Chryssalid eggs. The XCOM Biological Research Division (Project Lead, Researcher Annabelle Strong) created a secure incubation chamber similar in construction and temperature to the Chryssalid pods observed during operations (Refer to XCOM archive for further information, key word 'CHRYSSALID').

Emergence of the initial clutch occurred after an estimated 3 weeks of incubation. Imprinting of the maternal mother figure was achieved successfully by exposing them to the sight of Project Lead Strong immediately after emergence. The effect of this imprinting was subsequently reinforced by ensuring that the subjects are only fed whilst in the presence of their imprinted parent.

The subjects have proved noticeably more docile than their ADVENT counterparts although attempts to interact or train the subjects have proven unsuccessful. Of note, after an estimated 2 weeks from emergence, the subjects become especially aggressive in the presence of their imprinted parent.

Testing conducted under secure laboratory conditions has concluded that the subjects are not suitable for use by XCOM. Any attempt to utilise them in the field would prove a danger to both civilians and XCOM personnel.

Recommendation: All further testing to be suspended. All subjects to be liquidated immediately.

Addendum: Further analysis of ADVENT data has provided further insight into Chryssalid development, including their latent aggression towards their imprinted parent. According to ADVENT research notes, Chryssalids cannibalise their 'parents' shortly after maturation.

END OF REPORT


XCOM-ANL-17H0

XCOM Research and Development Department - Research Summary Report

Author: Technician Lewis Stone

Subject: Investigation into Identification 'Faceless' Infiltrators

Abstract:

Summary of research data provided by human outpost 'Hopes Refuge' (Refer to XCOM-ARC-28E0 for original transcript of research data)

Due to the presence of Faceless operatives infiltrating multiple human settlements, effective countermeasures for their detection are to be developed.

The use of animals (Primarily trained dogs) has been investigated for use in identifying Faceless. Prior to the invasion the use of animals for such purposes was widely investigated and universally adopted worldwide by governments and militaries. The use of such animals for the identification of Faceless has been varied.

Experimentation determined that scent was the strongest indicator of a Faceless. Although unrecognisable by humans' suitable animals e.g. Canines, could be trained to identify and investigate the unique smell of the Faceless. While preliminary successes have been noted in identifying infiltrators, after elimination of the Faceless the canines have a tendency to lick the resulting pool of unidentified slime. While no long-term effects have been identified, it has been noted that ingestion of the slime results in what could be compared to a hallucinogenic state in canines.

Recommendation: Further refinement of training required prior to large scale use.

END OF REPORT


XCOM-ANL-69S1

XCOM Research and Development Department - Research Summary Report

Author: Technician Noah North

Subject: Investigation into Ambush Techniques against ADVENT troops

Abstract:

Investigation has been conducted into ambush techniques against ADVENT troops to support resistance and XCOM operations. Results so far have been mixed.

Attempts to lure ADVENT troops with speakers playing metallic clangs (Trash cans), sobbing children or hushed whispering have been met with immediate gunfire and grenades. It has also proved difficult to conceal the electrical signal of the speakers from the ADVENT MEC's advanced sensors array.

Any attempt at using food or other basic human needs has proved entirely unsuccessful. It has not yet been confirmed if it is even necessary for ADVENT troops to eat. Reconnaissance of ADVENT facilities have so far identified no living facilities other than those staffed by humans.

Recommendation: Further research to be suspended.

END OF REPORT


XCOM-ANL-67T9

XCOM Research and Development Department - Research Summary Report

Author: Technician Lucas Bright

Subject: Development of Laser Rifle

Abstract:

The 'Laser Rifle', reverse engineered from retrieved alien technology, is intended as a replacement to the standard assault rifle for frontline strike team members. An initial prototype was developed in collaboration between the XCOM Research and Engineering divisions. A live fire test was devised as a demonstration of the mature prototype.

The test was conducted in the XCOM firing range under the direction of Senior Test Engineer Albert Barnes (See XCOM-TST-09553 for full details of test procedure and bespoke tooling). The prototype was mounted on the bespoke rig to allow for remote firing capability. Once pre-test checks were completed all XCOM personnel vacated the firing range and the test was initiated remotely from the control room.

Immediately following the remote activation of the prototype there was an extreme flash of light followed by a dense cloud of smoke. The automatic fire suppression system was activated and emergency response teams were dispatched. The situation was declared safe shortly afterwards by the responding Emergency Controller. No casualties or structural damage were recorded.

Upon post-test inspection of the prototype, it was identified that the stock of the weapon had been liquidated by extreme heat into a molten slag. There were no impact marks or other scoring on the target to indicate the weapon had fired successfully prior to the malfunction. Initial root cause was proposed that the weapon had malfunctioned and exploded without firing.

Subsequent investigation of the testing area identified a significant burn mark on the safety shield located directly behind the prototype. A review of the high-speed recording of the test concluded that the mark on the shield, and the damage to the prototype, was the result of the prototype successfully firing in the opposite direction of the intended target (Through the weapons stock).

A detailed review of the design, including partially built prototypes, identified an inherent design flaw in the firing mechanism assembly. The firing chamber which discharges the energy from the power of source to form the laser could be installed in both a forward facing and backwards facing orientation. This incorrect assembly was made more likely to occur due to there being no discernible features to assist correct assembly.

The overall determination is this design flaw presents a safety critical error due to the possibility of incorrect installation making the weapon potentially as harmful to the operator as the intended target.

Recommendation: Design for Manufacture Assessment to be undertaken prior to any further testing.

END OF REPORT


XCOM-ANL-02X9

XCOM Research and Development Department - Research Summary Report

Author: Technician Amanda Small

Subject: Distillation of Spirits using Alien Materials

Abstract:

The XCOM Research Division, in conjunction of XCOM Internal Security, was requested to support the investigation into the disappearance of a large number of alien materials from secure storage. After a security search was undertaken by XCOM internal security, an estimated 34% of the materials had been recovered. Although it could not be definitively established, it is believed that the remining 66% of the unaccounted materials had been distilled into bootleg spirits by members of the XCOM Strike Team.

Analysis of a recovered sample of what the Strike Team has taken to referring to as 'Xenoshine' is detailed below:

60% Proof

26% Alien DNA

6% Liquid Elerium

3% Lysergic acid diethylamide

3% Meles Meles Testis

2% Unidentified

Recommendation: Dr Albright has requested any relevant information be recorded for the purposes of future scientific investigation and potential disciplinary procedures.

END OF REPORT


XCOM-ANL-79J1

XCOM Research and Development Department - Research Summary Report

Author: Research Assistant Rupert Davy

Subject: Alien Rituals

Abstract:

Multiple occurrences have been identified of XCOM Strike Team members performing gatherings involving the ritual sacrifice of alien remains. The purpose of the rituals is purportedly to appease the alien gods and ensure the continued gifting of their enhanced Psionic and Genetic abilities to the Strike Team.

Addendum by Dr Albright: Far more likely to be the Strike Team pissing around again.

Recommendation: None. It will only encourage them further.

END OF REPORT


XCOM Rule 1256: The unique abilities of the Genetic, Psionic and MEC soldiers are the product of advanced XCOM science and technology, not gifts from the alien gods. There is no need to sacrifice to them to gain/maintain these unique abilities.

XCOM Rule 1257: While XCOM is accepting of the religious beliefs of its staff, the following practices are now banned:

Necromancy - This includes all uses of alien remains for ritualistic purposes.

Pyromancy

Dracomancy - Next one to attempt to use Dr Vahlen for this purpose will spend the night in the alien containment facility.

Moromancy

Dictiomancy

Pygomancy / Rumpology - Corporal Stroud's claim that Captain Walker is a master practitioner as the biggest arse on base has been upheld as insubordination.

Human Sacrifice

Alien Sacrifice

Black Magic

Witchcraft

Curses - You cannot curse a superior officer in the hopes of a promotion.

Writing messages in alien blood (Please, let it just be alien blood) on the walls.