# Frustrate the aliens further by determining the next figure in the sequence

The aliens are upset that several humans brushed off their last challenge so easily. They would like to rectify this with a visible demonstration that their grey matter is indeed superior. Help to thwart them by determining the next figure in the following sequence:

You might find that it is easier to determine the pattern than to find the missing figure.

It might not help much, but:

The sequence cannot be continued after the missing figure.

If you are battling to get started, here's an oblique hint:

-- Michael Corleone, in the Godfather II

• I thought that quote was originally from The art of war by Sun Tzu. Is "Godfather" another hint? Do we have an offer "We cannot refuse"? – kanchirk Aug 17 '15 at 0:05
• According to the interwebs, there is no published record of Sun Tzu having ever said this. One would think that he would also have questioned whether enemies are allowing you to keep them closer because they want to keep you closer. The fact that the quote is from the Godfather is not relevant, and there is neither an irrefusable offer nor a horse's head related to this problem. There is however a tenuous sense in which figures can be friends or enemies, that is all. – Marconius Aug 17 '15 at 2:01

Each X square shifts once each step, following a zigzagged path from top left to bottom right (wrapping back up to the top left), as can be seen in this colourised image: