January 1, 1999, 8:00:00 Hours - Prelude
"Gentlemen, welcome to X-COM Europa, LL division", stated Commander LUEshi. "You were selected for this opportunity because you are the strongest, best-trained we have to offer. Not to mention you were the only volunteers available", he added as an aside, the alert ears of some of the group assembled catching the comment and drawing scowls from those overhearing.
"I'm not going to lie to you. You'll be outnumbered, outgunned, and outwitted. Some of you will not live to see your next birthday. Depending on how things go down, some of you may not live to see next week. Hence, why you are here with me today.
"These, " intoned Commander LUEshi, "will be your best friends, for the time being. This is the XM-1044 Assault Rifle. Single fire, or three-shot burst. Sorry, no automatic fire on these puppies...we want you to be accurate. There is no room for Rambo-wannabes in the field. This is the DD-44 sidearm, which you will not carry in the field. However, they are standard issue around the base. Collect yours before you leave. And this is the HE-pak standard issue fragmentation grenade. You'll love these, I guarantee.
"The rest of the day will be devoted to training with these new weapons. You've already been shown around the base. Hit the target range and throw some lead around. Get a feel for them. There's a blast-chamber available if you want to see the HE-pak in action.
"If you hear this, " LUEshi stated, hitting a bright red button on the wall, causing the lights to strobe red and orange, and a piercing wail to split the relative silence of the briefing room, "that means we're under attack. Haul your ass to the armory and grab whatever's available. You already know what the outbound alert siren sounds like from the alarm tests earlier. If you hear that, report to Skyranger 1 for duty, and you'll be met by an ordinance team at the shuttle bay. For now, get your asses out there and practice. You'll need all you can get, and more.
"Dismissed."
-----> Chapter 2 - It Begins