Final Words

Krotyla decided to talk with Wychin again. It was well aware that it didn't have long to live. The pack of C4 strapped to the inside of its vest, as well as Captain Wychin's exact words left no room for misinterpretation. However, it knew information vital to the Cold Force's cause. Wychin had to be told.

When it found Wychin, he was sitting in a tent, preparing for an upcoming battle. He glanced up at Krotyla and said with a sneer, "You again?"

"Yes, sir."

"Well? What do you want?"

"Nothing, sir," Answered Krotyla calmly.

"Then get out of my tent!"

"No, sir. I need to tell you something."

"Well, I don't wan to hear it, whatever it is. Leave. Now."

"No, sir. I cannot. I must warn you."

"Then warn me already! Damn sectoid..." Wychin shook his head.

"Okay. You suspect the General's motives, yes no?"

"I already told you that."

Krotyla nodded. "And you have every reason to. Do you have any idea why the aliens attacked your planet?"

Wychin hesitated. "I... well, to wipe us out, I suppose."

"And what would they gain?"

"Another world to colonize."

"That's not why, sir."

At that moment, Poole walked into the tent. He looked quizically at Krotyla and turned to speak to Wychin. "Sir, the troops are ready."

"I'll be right out." Wychin waved him off.

"Yes, sir." Poole saluted as he left.

Wychin turned to face Krotyla again. "Make it quick," he snapped.

"Yes, sir. As I was saying, the aliens did not attack to wipe out the human race or take over Earth. They came to... incorporate... the human race."

"I'm sorry?"

Krotyla looked puzzled. "I see no reason why you should be. But anyway, the attack on Earth was a-- what is the word?-- a test. X-Com passed beautifully-- and almost did more than that."

"This is crazy," interrupted Wychin, "If we passed their test, as you say we did, why are they trying to wipe us out?"

"It's standard procedure. They find a race, test it, and incorporate it if it passes, and wipe out all natural specimens. All of their citizens and soldiers must be developed artificially."

"Why?"

"Because not only knowledge is implanted by the psionic curcuitry of alien reproduction."

"I see. Ideas and beliefs as well?"

"Precisely. Do you see where I am going with this?"

Wychin thought for a moment. "The general!"

Krotyla nodded grimly and turned to leave.

"Krotyla!" barked Wychin, "I haven't dismissed you!"

Krotyla turned.

"I have a few questions now," Continued Wychin.

Krotyla said nothing.

"How did X-Com come so close to winning?"

"Psionics. They developed tests to find the strongest soldiers and only used them in battle. The strongest humans are far stronger than even the best Ethereals. There are two such on your team."

Wychin nodded. "And do all races put up fights like we have?"

"No. No other race has fought on so long. But there are other resistance groups."

"Okay. One more question-- how important was Cydonia?"

"Not very. Its entire purpose was the attack on Earth. It is probably being rebuilt even now."

Wychin nodded again. "I suppose you want your life spared for this information?"

Krotyla paused and looked deep into Wychin's eyes. "No."

At that, Krotyla left.

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Written on March 18th, 2000 by Joshua Day AKA Krotyla