Part 14: X-COM SOLDIER BRIEFING for February 28 - SQUADDIE CLEARANCE LEVEL

X-COM SOLDIER BRIEFING for February 28 - SQUADDIE CLEARANCE LEVEL


With the addition of our second research laboratory, we have been able to set aside some time to catch up on the more pressing needs of our soldiers. It has become clear that with the aliens sending larger and better equipped UFOs at us the current state of our operations will not suffice. More powerful weaponry is needed. Survivability of our soldiers must be increased. Thus, we have completed the designs for two much-requested items.



Utilizing alien alloys and custom manufactured for each soldier, the personal armor suit is expected to absorb and/or deflect at least one shot from the aliens' plasma weapons. The weight is kept manageable so as to not slow down soldiers. Unfortunately for some of our soldiers, this requirement means we had to limit the protection available in the rear quarter.



The personal med-kit is much improved over the standard first aid kit. Synthetic skin bandages can be applied to plasma wounds to stop bleeding and transfer painkillers directly in the affected area. A separate system for injecting painkillers is included, as well as a stimulant to keep other soldiers alert. To prevent any possible stimulant or pain-killer abuse, the med-kit requires the use of two hands and has fingerprint ID technology. Therefore the med-kit cannot be used one's self, it can only be used on another soldier.

With the end of our second month, we have received new funding.



The disastrous mission in Tokyo did not have a great effect on our funding nations. Japan (along with the US and Russia) helped found X-COM and know how important it is to keep us well funded.

Two things to note - Brazil and the US did not increase our funding. Brazil's excuse was fear of another terror attack on South America, while the US made no comment. The other noteworthy item is the decrease in funding from India.



The Indian government claims the drop-off of UFOs in the local region as proof that we've "won" the war already.



Our data indicates that the aliens have simply moved elsewhere.

An unfortunate truth is that since the X-COM project has started, there are only four soldiers who remain alive and on active duty. Study of the reasons for their survival may give future soldiers and recruits a precedent of what it really takes to be successful and remain alive.



Sergeant Sugary has survived more missions than any other soldier. We believe this to be the fact that his role as a heavy fire specialist prevents him from charging head first into dangerous situations (such as UFO breachings). However the lack of kills is causing some of X-COM's leaders to reconsider our use of the auto-cannon.



Captain Terashell has more kills than any other soldier. His outstanding accuracy certainly helps him but as we have seen in previous missions being a front line soldier is very dangerous. The addition of med-kits to the standard gear will hopefully keep soldiers like Terashell from spending too long in the medical bay and prevent deaths from wounds in the battlefield.



Squaddie Zander can best be describe as Terashell-lite. He never charges into dangerous situations without backup, but needs more training to become a more effective soldier. The wounds he suffered in Japan have caused him to miss a lot of missions.



Squaddie Taylor is the most recent non-rookie soldier in the X-COM ranks. While he at first glance does not appear outstanding in any area any soldier with a kill-to-mission ratio over one deserves respect.

With armor and med-kits at our disposal, the only glaring weakness of our equipment is our weaponry. Our laser weapons, while powerful, have not proven themselves as a truly destructive weapon. As of this writing our scientist are attempting to understand the workings of the aliens most powerful plasma weapon. It is our hope that understanding this device will finally turn battles greatly into our favor. In the meantime we wish all our soldiers luck, and will be issuing armor to each of you as soon as it is available.


X-COM Head Scientist,
Dr. Reis Markus

SELECTED FAN ENTRIES BELOW








AND NOW, THE SINGLE WORST ENTRY OF THE THREAD, SAVED UNEDITED FOR YOUR AMUSEMENT