Chapter 3: Invisible Force
With the arrival of Heavy Construction vehicles such as bulldozers, forklifts, and mobile cranes the base is now surrounded by thick Titanium, exhausted-uranium layered walls. This upgrade will keep the primitives from breaking anything inside the base, as inside the walls, the construction of proper buildings has started. This mostly includes General Marcus's office, R&D Building, Medical Bay, and Armories. Soldiers can't always carry their weapons on themselves every day, and they need showers too, so a water pumping station is being constructed nearby to pump water to the showers.
MTF Gamma-4 already started drone reconnaissance of the nearby regions, to the East, there is a big body of water most likely a sea, to the south, a series of mountain ranges covers the land. SCP-682's trail is going to the Northern Snowy mountains. Villages and towns have been located North of the FOB, marked as Points of Interests for Foundation operations regarding the local primitive population. And resources, drones fitted with mineral, and ore scanner have detected a large amount of oil and uranium in the southern mountains, establishing a mining outpost will be beneficial for the Foundation's wallet in gasoline and oil for the operation.
Developing and building the base to the very best is the Foundation's current objective, we need to make the base self-sufficient, and environmentally friendly in order to not destroy the ecosystem. With those reasons, solar panels have been brought through for power production of the base, we can't exactly just build a nuclear power plant, as the size would be too large. Other than that, a runway is also being build and an airport with several hangars, this can bring jets into the action and provide air support.
Overall, the FOB is ready for long-term operations, with renewable energy powering everything, and a water-pumping station being built to bring fresh water to the FOB, it's able to sustain personnel for an estimated time of 3 years. That is when we still haven't catch SCP-682, that slippery lizard with its abilities and shitty plot armor. Catching it will be hard as it is intelligence, and can regenerate faster than a bacteria mitosis. And with it situating on the northern icy mountains, getting personnel up there is going to be hard as well.
Despite all of the difficulties, MTF Unit Lambda-3 has already started to form up plans for their unit to go on a scouting mission to the Northern snowy and icy mountains and track down SCP-682, but with the lack of current geopolitical and environmental information about the land here, their plans cannot be set into motion. So, in order for them to put their plan to track down SCP-682 in the Northern Mountains to happen, they set up another plan, approach the local populace and ask them for information about the land, weather patterns, maps, a star chart if possible. With the lack of satellites, GPS and other equipment that needs them cannot operate, meaning, traditional navigation techniques have to be used.
Scientists have been brought over as well, tasked in learning more about the environment, they will go out on recon missions to gather samples of the wildlife in order to identify any possible unknown diseases that might infect the entire Division. This is great, coincidentally, MTF Unit Lambda-3 already plan to launch recon missions of the area to identify possible ambush positions, weak points they can exploit, and get the local populace out of harm.
MTF Nu-7 won't be able to help with the mission as their unit consists mostly of tanks, APC's and IFV's and their current mission are to defend the FOB from primitive attackers. Gamma-4 will be able to help with their drones to provide air cover, some good luck there for Lambda-3. And so, plans are made, in a tent, commander of MTF Unit Lambda-3, Captain Rimmy, meet with the head of Gamma-4. "So, here's the plan mate, you and your drones will scout out the villages we'll be visiting, that includes this one, this one, and this one." He points out the villages on the map in front of them provided by Gamma-4. "Identify any possible ambush points, monitor the villager's movements for a day to see if they could pose any threat to my operatives."
"Affirmative, what else you need?" Head of Gamma-4 asked Rimmy for confirmation. "We got those new drones with the machine guns on it, want some of those to cover you guys?" R&D has successfully developed an attack drone, fitted with an Automatic Gun, unlike UAV's, these drones can support soldiers on the ground beside them.
Rimmy considered it, but they'll just be facing some local primitives, no need. "Nah, we'll be fine." The both of them continue, discussing logistics, time of day the operation will begin, and how many teams. Informed by Rimmy, there will be 6 individual teams visiting different locations on the map. They will bring several SRA in their team, SCRAMBLE Gear, Kant counters, and captured VERITAS equipment from GOC skirmishes against the Foundation.
They were about to finish with their meeting until the alarm blared and a voice calls out from the Intercom. "Attention all personnel, Primitive hostile forces have been identified, stay on high alert." Nu-7 operatives get into their posts, trenches, and vehicles immediately. Rimmy and Head of Gamma-4 rolled their eyes.
Rimmy talks to Head of Gamma-4. "Seriously, I can't understand this shit! They're just primitives! What are they going to do? Make the entire base disappears from thin air?" He complained, his argument is correct though, these are just primitives they are facing, no need for heavy countermeasures to repel their attack.
Gamma-4 shook his head in disagreement. "Can't take any chances, my Aussie friend, this is a new world we're in. Reality-benders might even be common in this world." He explained to Rimmy, this IS a new world, Reality-benders, and wizards might be common. With the appearance of dragons or more specifically wyverns in the attack on Ginza, wizards being a real entity is not too far-fetched. "Anyway, we already discussed everything right? I'll have my drone operators scope out the villages you mentioned." He said to Rimmy while getting out of the tent, he turns his head. "You prepare your Operatives; we'll start once this entire thing blows over." He leaves the tent, leaving Rimmy to clean up the tent all by himself.
Personnel immediately got into positions, with Commanders of each MTF Unit participating in the operation gathered inside a newly built concrete building, with a large tv screen in front of them showing live footage of a drone that is sent out to gather info on the enemy. "Ridiculous, they still haven't given up after everything they went through?" Division leader of Nu-7 commented on the enemy forces.
"Well, ironically, we're the same." Codename: Quebec leader of MTF Beta-7 answered. "We went through hell and back trying to contain and understand SCP's, yet, we still haven't given up on our motives."
Division leader glances over, and look embarrassed. "Well… My point is, they still haven't realized that this is a meaningless battle. They won't stop us, they won't defeat us, but they still try."
"Why are we even gathering here? Let Captain R manage the defenses!"
"Yeah, why are we gathering here anyways?"
"You look there." He points at something on the screen. "That flag and that one tell me if they're different."
"They are, does this mean?" Quebec said, holding his chin.
"The Empire has called for aid."
"And? What are you trying to say?"
"I- ugh… Nevermind, let's violate the Geneva Conventions then."
"YES! My favorite!" Division leader yelled pumping his hand to the air.
2 Hours Later
It has been two (2) hours since the primitive forces have been identified, everyone is on edge. We caught several of their scouts trying to scope out the base, we dealt with them very easily. And now, it might be a real attack, drone operators reported soldiers to stand in line and formation ready to attack the FOB. Luckily, Nu-7 has brought through SPG's to help with the defense, this will be a quick and painless battle, well, for us that is.
"Enemy forces marching forward." An Observer reported over the radio, the SPG's ready their guns, their barrels pointing straight at the sky. "enemy forces in the range of artillery in… 5… 4… 3… 2… 1… NOW!" The guns fires, sending High-Explosive payload towards the enemy. The SPG's change their trajectory to cover the entire area, and fires again. It's raining fire, the first round exploded, destroying their ranks and routed them into disarray. As the rain of fire continues, screams of pain and yelling echoes throughout the hill of Alnus, limbs, and heads torn apart from bodies, some completely disintegrated, either way, it's an easy victory. "Enemy forces annihilated."
Operatives ease up their grip on their weapons, some let out a sigh of disappointment. Some were really anticipating an interesting fight when brought into a new world, their expectations were too high when orientation said Dragons and wyverns exists, thinking that they will have a heroic fight against a large fantasy lizard, technically we already have a large fantasy lizard, we're trying to recapture it right now.
[-]
Meanwhile, Site 17.
Site 17, Agent Terry walked the halls leading to SCP-343's chamber. In his hand, is a clipboard filled with documents regarding SCP-4902 and the recent events that have taken place there. He is ordered to ask SCP-343 about SCP-4902, anything, from its history, to its purpose. SCP-343 "God" Has been very useful, his information has helped the Foundation with a lot of things from the past decade, so they hoped he can help them with this matter too.
He finally arrives, he stands before the door and enters. He is greeted with a cell completely furnished in up-scale, Old English style, complete with a roaring fireplace. SCP-343 is spotted sitting next to the fireplace, drinking tea and reading a book. "Excuse me, mind if I come in?" Terry asked politely.
SCP-343 noticed Terry and put down his book and cup of tea. "Yes! Of course, sit down I'll prepare you another cup of tea." Terry sat down on the couch, as God places a teacup on the table in front of him and snapped his fingers, immediately, tea materialized inside the cup. "Now, what are your questions for today? I see you bring many documents regarding the Gate!" Terry smiled first, and look through the documents.
"Thank you for the hospitality as always." He thanked God; god nodded. "I have a few questions I would like to ask; you already know what these questions are about." God nodded.
"The Gate or you people call SCP-4902. I'm sorry to tell you that, I do not have any affiliation in the creation of the Gate." Terry tilts his head.
"How so?" Terry asked. "We thought you created everything in the universe?"
"That is correct my child, but I do not create everything, some are created by you, Humans. cars, I do not create that, all man-made objects are not created by me. And the Gate is one of them, it is created by another entity."
"And what is that entity?"
"Hardy, humans will say that she is a goddess, like ones in Greek mythology. But she is real. I created her and her other companions to let them take control of a single world to see what they will do."
"Wait a minute, do you mean a Planet? Like ours?"
"Yes, like Earth, similar to Earth. I let those fools to have control of everything on the Planet, an experiment you may say. Like all imperfect beings, they all have their own opinions on the matter. Hardy wanted to turn the world into a hellish wasteland, Emroy wanted to make an unstable world where civilizations will turn on each other and wage war for his enjoyment and entertainment. Some of them have good intentions, but I know the evil inside of them.
That's why I limited their powers, they can affect the world, but it will cost them energy, and their energy is gathered from their follower's prayers. I heard that Hardy is gaining followers, that will be troublesome." He explained to Terry, Terry writes everything down on a piece of paper he brought along with him, this is crucial information. "Once in a decade, Hardy will open the gate to a new world, bringing more lifeforms to the world they watch over. And looks like she has connected it to Earth"
"Are these entities dangerous?"
"Yes, but no at the same time. They can affect the world, but to blink an entire city out of existence require their entire life force. Your base of operations is fine. But I must warn you, catch SCP-682 from Falmart, and quickly, that abomination will destroy all life on that continent if you don't capture it."
"We are trying sir, but it's position make it hard to approach."
"Then bring out all of your weapons, tactics, and contraptions to make it easier. Its escape is not your fault, I still trust the Foundation to recapture SCP-682."
"Thank you for believing in us." Terry finished the tea. "If you don't mind, I still have several more questions in my mind regarding the subject, may I stay for a little longer?"
God answered with a smile. "Of course, you can have all the time you need."
[-]
Meanwhile, Site 17.
Site 17, Agent Terry walked the halls leading to SCP-343's chamber. In his hand, is a clipboard filled with documents regarding SCP-4902 and the recent events that have taken place there. He is ordered to ask SCP-343 about SCP-4902, anything, from its history, to its purpose. SCP-343 "God" Has been very useful, his information has helped the Foundation with a lot of things from the past decade, so they hoped he can help them with this matter too.
He finally arrives, he stands before the door and enters. He is greeted with a cell completely furnished in up-scale, Old English style, complete with a roaring fireplace. SCP-343 is spotted sitting next to the fireplace, drinking tea and reading a book. "Excuse me, mind if I come in?" Terry asked politely.
SCP-343 noticed Terry and put down his book and cup of tea. "Yes! Of course, sit down I'll prepare you another cup of tea." Terry sat down on the couch, as God places a teacup on the table in front of him and snapped his fingers, immediately, tea materialized inside the cup. "Now, what are your questions for today? I see you bring many documents regarding the Gate!" Terry smiled first, and look through the documents.
"Thank you for the hospitality as always." He thanked God; god nodded. "I have a few questions I would like to ask; you already know what these questions are about." God nodded.
"The Gate or you people call SCP-4902. I'm sorry to tell you that, I do not have any affiliation in the creation of the Gate." Terry tilts his head.
"How so?" Terry asked. "We thought you created everything in the universe?"
"That is correct my child, but I do not create everything, some are created by you, Humans. cars, I do not create that, all man-made objects are not created by me. And the Gate is one of them, it is created by another entity."
"And what is that entity?"
"Hardy, humans will say that she is a goddess, like ones in Greek mythology. But she is real. I created her and her other companions to let them take control of a single world to see what they will do."
"Wait a minute, do you mean a Planet? Like ours?"
"Yes, like Earth, similar to Earth. I let those fools to have control of everything on the Planet, an experiment you may say. Like all imperfect beings, they all have their own opinions on the matter. Hardy wanted to turn the world into a hellish wasteland, Emroy wanted to make an unstable world where civilizations will turn on each other and wage war for his enjoyment and entertainment. Some of them have good intentions, but I know the evil inside of them.
That's why I limited their powers, they can affect the world, but it will cost them energy, and their energy is gathered from their follower's prayers. I heard that Hardy is gaining followers, that will be troublesome." He explained to Terry, Terry writes everything down on a piece of paper he brought along with him, this is crucial information. "Once in a decade, Hardy will open the gate to a new world, bringing more lifeforms to the world they watch over. And looks like she has connected it to Earth"
"Are these entities dangerous?"
"Yes, but no at the same time. They can affect the world, but to blink an entire city out of existence require their entire life force. Your base of operations is fine. But I must warn you, catch SCP-682 from Falmart, and quickly, that abomination will destroy all life on that continent if you don't capture it."
"We are trying sir, but it's position make it hard to approach."
"Then bring out all of your weapons, tactics, and contraptions to make it easier. Its escape is not your fault, I still trust the Foundation to recapture SCP-682."
"Thank you for believing in us." Terry finished the tea. "If you don't mind, I still have several more questions in my mind regarding the subject, may I stay for a little longer?"
God answered with a smile. "Of course, you can have all the time you need."
[-]
Long story short, Terry has gathered a lot of information from SCP-343. There are gods that control the land, but the way 343 described them and their powers, they are no more than Green-type Reality Benders. This is good news, but it does cause some problems. When the gods gathered enough energy, they might fiddle with Foundation operations on Falmart or change 682's behavior to be more aggressive, and even immune to our current sedative. We do know that SCP-682 is intelligence and sapient, meaning it can make deals with the gods of Falmart, the Foundation must prepare for anything at this point.
The gods have different roles, Death, Life, Music, Blacksmithing, The Underworld, The Forest… All too crazy to be true, but according to SCP-343, they're real. But he also informed Terry that the Foundation might be able to negotiate with them, when they want, or needed to, they will take over a person's body and talk directly to the mortals on Falmart. But Terry can't think of something a god or gods would want or need, wealth? No… Technology to their subjects? But 343 say that they don't want to give their subjects technology beyond the Medieval age, for reasons today's society already practiced, technology means knowledge, and knowledge can change their beliefs.
This entire subject has made Terry's mind explode, so he let the O5 take care of the thinking and move on to his next mission, transport some D-Class from the nearest prison. Sounds easy enough, and so, with several of his companions, he got into the armored car and drove to the prison where he needed to pick up the prisoner. A convoy of armored cars formed, passing several small towns in the middle of the American dessert on their way to the prison. His close female friend and work partner, Agent Jill, drove the armored car he's in.
They wore civilian clothes; Terry wore a bomber jacket with a T-Shirt underneath saying "I love Democracy" and blue jeans. Agent Jill wore a Leather Jacket with an American flag on its right shoulder, a plain black T-Shirt underneath and a black pair of jeans, both of them wearing black sunglasses. "You know, we look badass with these clothes on," Terry said to Jill, commenting on their civilian overalls.
Jill chuckled and gave Terry a smile. "Unless we get jumped by an anomaly, we'll be dead in seconds without our gear," Jill said back to Terry. "But yeah, we do look badass." The prison is now in view, following the road, they pulled up in front of the prison entrance and exited their vehicles. A group of odd-looking individuals is now walking to the guard booth. The security guard, of course, look confused when he is approached by Agent Jill. "We're here to pick up the package."
The security guard shook his head and chuckled. "Sorry, visitation's closed!" he said. Jill is disappointed, hoping to immediately go back with the new D-Class in tow. "Go back tomorrow." The guard continued. But his radio turned on, a voice talks through it.
"Lucas, who is that?" The voice asked the security guard.
Calling back through, Lucas the Security guard answered. "Don't know chief, a group of people riding black vans, looking' like 'bout to rob a bank or sum 'in "Lucas answered his superiors.
"Lucas let them in for Christ sake! Don't you read the report I gave you!? Let them in dumbass!" Lucas jolted back from the sudden change of tone from his superiors.
With a sigh and confused mind, Lucas opened the gate to the prison. "Go on in." The group of Foundation agents entered the prison, and they are greeted by their contact.
"Well, well, well. You guys finally came, come, these guys are eager to leave." He led the group into a room with 5 individuals seated on foldable chairs wearing regular prison orange jumpsuit. "Well, here they are. They aced the test you guys sent out, weird if you think about it… They finished a test; they go out of prison!" The group gave their contact the eye. "O-ok then, I'll leave you guys be." He then left the room leaving the group with the ex-prisoners.
Terry went straight to the point with the now new D-class personnel. "Let's go, you guys are going with us. Stay close, and don't try anything…" The 5 prisoners are then guided back to their convoy of vehicles and are transported back to Site 17 to work 1 month with the Foundation, and then set free with their criminal records cleared.