X-COM Chronicle – Entry 28: Brain Pan

Written by: Adam "ManKorn" Korenman, CC2K Video Games Editor

21 October 2015 / Granite Peak / X-COM

The headaches started last night.

They come on quick, flashing white hot at the front of my face and spreading quickly to the back. In seconds I’m in agony, laid out for about ten minutes while the fire finds its way through my brain. And then, just as quickly, it’s gone. 

Dr. Vahlen wasn’t surprised when I told her. 

“After a psionic attack of this magnitude, I’m surprised more of you aren’t showing symptoms. Don’t worry, the headaches will pass in a few days.”

Bullshit. 

I asked around after the third or fourth attack. No one else at X-COM is suffering the way I am. Even the technicians who went under the aliens’ control are back to full condition in the infirmary (they won’t be allowed equipment any time soon). Why me? What made me any different?

We know so little about this power the x-rays possess, and even less about how it works. The mind control seems to be very hit or miss in the field. Some soldiers are immediately affected, while others shrug it off. It’s not 50/50; they’re way more incidents of X-COM operatives losing control. I’ve been hit about a half-dozen times already, but all that happens is a bloody nose and a lot of pain. 

And now this. The attack on the base left more than just the visible scars, though there are plenty to go around. Ewan took a nasty hit and has been down for the count since. I visited him last night, and it was honestly hard to walk in the room. He has tubes going in and out of his body, pumping in or taking out all manner of fluids. Doc says he’ll be OK, but it doesn’t make me feel any better. 

There are holes in the walls that need to be patched, and the Skyranger is still down for repairs. It’s going to be a while before we’re able to get back out into the world. I’m terrified about what can happen while we wait.