XCOM: The B-Team, Chapter 9 – Operation Fading Pyre

THE B TEAM by CHRISTOPHER RUZ Chapter 9: Operation Fading Pyre   Table of Contents XCOM HQ “Alive, Captain Lewis.” Commander Pournelle’s hands were knotted before him on his desk, veins standing out like blue ropes. “We need her alive and talking.” Captain Adam ‘Devil Dog’ Lewis stood rigid, at attention. It was tough for him to maintain the professional facade – he’d never been one for salutes and proper posture, but they’d pinned the medals on his shoulder and now he had to play the part. “Sir.” “The Skyranger will be waiting for an immediate evac. Get her back here ASAP. The information she has on the X-ray’s plans…” “Vital. I understand, sir.” “Good.” Pournelle eased back in his chair, sighing. “God knows we don’t need another incident. After our last VIP pickup went sour… well. You know how the Council is riding me.” “No, I don’t. Sir.” Pournelle shrugged. “Pick your team and get it done, Captain.” Lewis grinned. He already had his list. # They landed in Nigeria just after eight PM local time. Benin City looked quiet from the air, which was a good sign. According to CNN, X-rays had swept through Nigeria two weeks before, killing en-masse and scattering refugees east into Cameroon. XCOM hadn’t provided support during the invasion, but Lewis had yet to be told why. Suicide mission or not, they could’ve done some good. But the wave of violence was over now, with most of Benin City empty. Satellite reports showed scattered […]