I haven't quite decided when tech progression will occur, either at the beginning of the next mission or the end of the last mission, or maybe some mid point, but here it is. Anyone can vote on what technology will be researched next.
I have also added a class of technologies called 'theory'. Essentially, theory technologies unlock multiple new technologies to be researched. Also, if it wasn't clear, old technologies can still be researched.
Cybernetics CompletedWe've done it, soldiers. Combining the world's knowledge of cybernetics with the best researchers in the field, we've created synthetic limbs. These new limbs are by no means better. They're weaker, clumsier, and fragile. But they're something, and we already have some ideas on how to improve them. When a soldier is wounded in the field, we will provide these sub-par cybernetic limbs free of charge.
Cybernetic Limb: -1 to Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance rolls on activities that use that limb. Does not affect stats themselves.
Laser Theory
Our current lasers do not have the power to cut through anyone, let alone on a portable platform. It just isn't possible to store enough energy in a small space. At least, we thought, until you brought in the alien artifacts, agents.
The aliens seem to create their energy at the spot. They use advanced miniature antimatter-matter reactions to create the heat and energy required to fuel the plasma weapons they wield. While we are no where near at that scale, we think we can simulate it on a smaller scale in laser weapons, using fission reactions instead.
MSCR (Massacre)
X-Com's engineers dubbed their latest creation the 'Multiple Scenario Combat Rifle', or MSCR, after extensive tests in VR. The Weapon is completely theoretical-developed by the same people who created the X-10, though it never got any significant attention until X-Com.
The weapon certainly looks like a rifle in all regards, with blocky, angular bullpup design reminiscent of some French Firearms. It's claim to the fame is the unique barrel and ammunition delivery system-the bullets are a revolutionary silicon/titanium alloy-fully moldable, they feel almost like bean bag rounds, but are still quite lethal, if a bit ineffective against modern armor. The MSCR can adjust it's barrel with a flip of the switch-a narrow choke provides a shotgun like effect, a wide one decreases spread and increases range. The soldier has fully two weapons in one.
These innovations come at a cost-ammunition is expensive, clips are small, and such exact specification means that the weapon suffers greatly when firing outside of it's designated range-and actual killing and penetrating power is low enough for veteran soldiers to complain.
With additional research and time, we can put this weapon out of the prototype stage and into agents' hands.
Strange Blue Suit
During operation golden calf, agents recovered a strange blue suit on one of the gray aliens. We are unsure of what its purpose was, the aliens seem to be quite content wearing no outer covering at all in most circumstances. It could be armor, environmental suit, or even a psionic amplifier. We just don't know. We need time and funds to figure out what this suit does.
Gray Alien Autopsy Theory
The Gray Aliens that have frequently shown themselves in our encounters have been slippery. Either they escape or their corpses are too mangled to be of any use. However, during operation Golden Calf, a corpse in near perfect condition was recovered.
We don't know anything about the aliens. We don't know how they breed, how they breathe, what they eat. Nothing. It is critical we get an autopsy going as soon as possible.