There's so many places you can take XCOM, and each one can be interesting.  I'd like to discuss the ideas and possibilities of an XCOM RP, but whether or not I'll host one remains uncertain (have obligations elsewhere, at the Hallows Inn).  Co-hosting, or passing the RP on, whatever suits us.  I'd like to put our own original touch to it, but still keep it within the boundaries of XCOM.

The initial idea is set in contemporary times.  A small group known as 'the Agency' deals with extraterrestrial sightings, reports, etc.  They firmly believe aliens (Sectoids at least) exist and are on Earth, but they lack the necessary evidence to prove to the world they exist.  But a tourist in Brazil captures a picture of a supposed 'alien' and the Agency questions him.  They then form a small covert tactical team to drop in Brazil, search for this 'ET' and capture it - alive if possible.  If the team can successfully extract the Sectoid, the Agency can present it to world leaders and effectively form the Council, who will then fund the XCOM Project.

The other two ideas take place in different time periods, with already-formed XCOM programs.  One is in the early to late 1900's, whatever interests you guys most.  WWII themes, Cold War themes, 1970's etc.  Or we can go into the future, where XCOM is fighting the aliens in a long war, colonizing planets as they do so.

And a final idea is (post-)apocalyptic.  The aliens attack Earth without warning, and it's up to a group of survivors to take Earth back.  Or the aliens have controlled Earth for a long time, enslaving the humans and forcing them to harvest resources; XCOM is formed as an underground covert operation that seeks to overthrow the alien order.