Here we go, then! Hmm, would probably benefit from a beta-reader, but... well, patience has never been my strong suit.
A clone at X-COM
excerpts from MISAKA 10035 journal
Today MISAKA 10035 has arrived to X-COM headquarters, along with nineteen sisters, in order to fight extraterrestrial life forms. MISAKA 10034 expressed irritation at the fact that the selection of active units called for combat was apparently done by numerical order, rather than by a randomized algorithm. I agree this would have been optimal. Nonetheless, the Network finds the current situation far preferable to the Level Shift project. Shooting a target that does not automatically reflect all projectiles should be a novel experience.
MISAKA 13240 interjects through the Network that we do not know if the enemy has no such ability. She is correct. I hope nonetheless this is not the case.
We have been showed the barracks. It is a nice place. Better than the old underground complex we were in, at least. Much better than being kept in stasis. Not quite better than the place MISAKA 15867, who is currently resting on a beach, is in. I believe this what people would call 'unfair'. Nonetheless, these accommodations are satisfactory. MISAKA 20001's motion to ask for a karaoke machine is overwhelmingly defeated by the Network.
We are issued familiar F2000R compact assault rifles, as well as ballistic vests, in order to prepare for coming operations. That last item is new. We were never offered any sort of protective equipment during the Level Shift project. Consensus within the Network agree that it probably would not have helped. We are being told that additional tools will be provided once X-COM get the necessary funding. It is our understanding that most of the financial resources that could have been allocated to the organization are currently being used to find if it is possible to open a black hole in the middle of the city, if bathing human beings in radiations is likely to give them esper powers, if it is possible to recreate extinct saurians using fossilized mosquitoes, and if it is possible to make better coffee machines.
Some of our sisters think this is a blatant display of skewed priorities, but we are still trying to achieve consensus on that one. Black holes are an interesting phenomenon to observe, though opening one in the middle of a city seems objectionable. MISAKA 20001's interjection on the 'awesomeness' of dinosaurs is duly ignored.
***
The commander arrived today. Apparently, she was kidnapped and forced to assume the position. This seems like a strange way of doing things, but other sisters inform me they have heard this is not an unusual practice in Academy City. At the very least, not asking seems to be standard policy. That corroborates personal experiences. We were definitely not asked if we wanted to participate to the Level Shift project. I am not currently able to talk to her, since I received orders to move out for our first operation. MISAKA 20001 thinks she is nice, but we have learned she thinks everyone is nice until proven otherwise. We shall remain vigilant.
I am currently taking combat position along with units 10032, 10033 and 10034. MISAKA 10033 has been issued demolition charges. I argued in vain against the unfairness constituted by her hogging the explosives all to herself, but my complaints were ignored and classified as 'whining' by the Network. I have terrible sisters. At least, I have a grenade. Explosions make comforting noises and are pleasant to look at. Eh eh eh.
All units are in position. The commander is asking for status report.
"MISAKA 10035, taking point. Approaching the Academy City bank." I state with firm determination.
I refrain to state that out loud, despite thinking this would be welcome additional informations for informed command decisions. We have been told that superfluous communication was to be avoided during combat, and our protests that it was entirely necessary for better clarity were ignored. Once again, we are victims of the reactionary forces of Academy City, unable to comprehend the need for clearer speech patterns. There will be a reckoning one day, yes.
Engaging combat operations.
***
I am back at X-COM headquarters alongside units 10032 and 10033. MISAKA 10034 remains have been safely collected. From a purely logical point of view, the mission is a resounding success. A 75% survival rate is far superior to the usual 0% the Network is accustomed to. I still believe I would have liked that rate to be 100%. The other sisters agree. MISAKA 10032 and 10033 seem uncertain on how to react to the fact they still enjoy their continued existence despite being scheduled to die before Misaka-10034. I am not sure how to help. Polling the Network suggests that relevant experts have said hugging is an advisable course of action, but neither I nor my sisters have much experience in it.
Many confusing emotions are currently circulating through the Network. We do not find them pleasant.
I am also currently injured, a plasma blast having impacted my shoulder. The ballistic vest took the worst of it, which is good. It is still quite painful, though not as painful as being torn inside out by the Accelerator. Or being crushed by concrete thrown by the Accelerator. Or having your limbs severed by- MISAKA 20001 has requested that I stop transmitting these thoughts through the Network. I shall comply.
***
I am still recovering from the wounds sustained during operation Electric Dawn. It is quite boring. At least we have been provided new electric-proof couches. Those are quite comfortable. I was also satisfied to learn medical matters are handled by the individual known as [Heaven Canceller] or [Doctor Gekota]. The Network agrees this is satisfactory. However, we also have been made aware that the engineering department is being led by an individual affiliated to the Kihara family. Further research taught us his prime achievement was raising the Accelerator. We do not believe this to be a positive trait. Plans to neutralize him have been drafted, but the Network agrees we should not act upon them until proof of immediate danger. We do not know what the official's reaction would be.
MISAKA 10038 suggested we ask for new sets of clothes, but have yet to provide an adequate response when asked why - the argument of 'it would be a new experience' was considered insufficient, as new experiences have proven to not always be positive things in the past. The motion was nonetheless approved, if only to gauge the official response. There is concern that our superiors will react with anger ; in our experience, angered superiors come with an increased death toll. Yet we believe it is better to find out sooner rather than later if such requests carry the risk of getting us killed. All present MISAKA units are currently preparing for combat in case there is a violent response from Academy City.
MISAKA 20001 informs us that the requisition order is in the process of being approved. The Network reacts to the news with interest.
Emboldened by this success, MISAKA 10032 suggests that we try getting a kitten under the pretence of improving morale. MISAKA 20001 protests that a kitten
would improve morale, launching a heated debate among the Network on the morale-boosting properties of kittens. I am not certain for myself, but shared memories tell me that kittens are soft and funny to look at. Maybe those attributes are linked to raised morale somehow. I think I would like to find out.
