Outsider Shard (EU2012)

Outsider Shard

Analysis of the alien shard has revealed that it is indeed organic in nature, although not "alive" per se, somehow it continues to resonate within a specific range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Despite several attempts at disabling the alien known as the "Outsider," each was met with the same result - the target "dematerializing" within an instant. With no explanation for this phenomenon, the research team was left with little to study in terms of the Outsider itself. However, having now analyzed this shard, it seems that may not be the case. In an effort to reduce any potential interference from known terrestrial signals, we placed the shard into the "harmonic dampening chamber,"a device conceived of by Dr. Shen. With outside noise brought to a minimum, it took little effort to detect a very distinct signal...the source of our shard's "hum." While we have a number of theories, both the Research and Engineering teams seem to be in agreement... the shard itself is acting as some form of communications relay. Although purely speculative, we've also considered the possibility that the Outsider itself is merely an extension of the shard and its function. Dr. Shen believes with sufficient time, he may be able to develop a device or "key" that mimics the shard itself, giving us a means to locate the source of the signal.

Source: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (2012) Research Archives

Grey Market Description

This shard is all that remains of the disabled Outsider. It seems to hum with energy.

Source: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (2012)

Notes

• The Outsider Shard is retrieved after you've captured an Outsider with the Arc Thrower.
• Research completion allows production of new item: Skeleton Key, required to progress in the Storyline.