Saw the Strongest Will Bending

Back at the base, while the device from the overseer ship's bridge was taken to the lab, the hyperwave relay went ballistic. Entire fourth level was shaking and small rocks were falling from the ceiling.

[HYPERWAVE RELAY ROOM TRANSCRIPTION]

Chief Engineer: Shut it down, now! The structure is not holding and we are going to bury ourselves here!

Dr. Vahlen: NO! This will not be shut down.

*gun safety click*

Hipster: I think it's best yo--

Dr. Vahlen: *glares at Hipster* ABSOLUTELY NO! This thing will be shut down over my de--look! It's settling!

[TRANSCRIPTION ENDS]


For the first time, Dr. Vahlen was adamant about her decisions and almost in a rage comparable to a lion mother protecting her cubs, she rejected all attempts to shut the relay down. Suddenly, the relay calmed down, readings went back to normal as if nothing had happened. Then came the earthquake. The earth was trembling somewhere deep inside, from no particular direction at all.

[MISSION CONTROL TRANSCRIPTION]

XCOM Central: I think it's best you get up here to come and see.

Dr. Vahlen: On our way.

[TRANSCRIPTION ENDS]

On the geosphere, something had appeared. An UFO almost the size of Europe was floating above the east coast of Brazil. It could not have always been there as it would have been impossible to miss. There it was, sending pulses on the hemisphere around it, and that had to be the source of the earthquake felt in the base. Ten thousand miles away.

[MISSION CONTROL TRANSCRIPTION]

Branca: What the hell is that?

Dr. Vahlen: It must be the mothership, it would not make any sense otherwise.

Chief Engineer: There is no way we can approach that with anything, not even a Firestorm. If anyone got any good ideas how to deal with that, now would be the time.

*long silence*

On-board PA System: Psi lab cycle complete.

Dr. Vahlen: Let's go!

[TRANSCRIPTION ENDS]

At the psi lab, the pods had started their cooldown sequence. First soldiers to drop to the floor were Ironside and Helldorado. They were alive, but exhausted beyond point of staying conscious. Last, 44 fell on his knees and held steady. Harmony Lad felt like he did not know his sniper partner any more, 44 seemed so...alien. Then 44 lifted his head and stared at the spectating crew. His eyes were emanating slight bluish hue.

[PSI LAB TRANSCRIPTION]

44: I feel...like...different. I can see you all so clear...don't worry, Harmony Lad or others.

Harmony Lad: Holy shit!

[TRANSCRIPTION ENDS]