Chapter 25: Arrival at Site-17

Chapter 25: Arrival at Site-17

Léonard sat comfortably on his couch, his phone in hand, scrolling through social media and news reports. The world was abuzz with discussions of the insurrections and attacks that had erupted in the streets of Paris the previous night. Condolences for the victims flooded the platforms, mixed with demands for justice, anger, and questions about how such chaos could have unfolded so quickly. The internet was ablaze with footage, ranging from the violence itself to civilians running for their lives. Some of the videos even captured the mysterious forces that had intervened to restore order, creating a sense of awe and curiosity among the public. 

He was immersed in a thread analyzing the movements of these unidentified "soldiers" when he heard the sound of a door opening. Léonard glanced up to see his mother emerging from her room, a suitcase in hand. Confused, he put down his phone and watched her with a raised eyebrow.

"Mom, what's going on?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

His mother sighed heavily, her face showing signs of fatigue and a hint of stress. "I have an urgent matter at work that I need to attend to. They need me for the next two weeks," she explained, her voice apologetic.

She set the suitcase down and quickly began asking a barrage of questions, her motherly instincts kicking in. "Have you been eating well? Is the house in order? Are you feeling okay? What about your studies? Are you taking care of yourself?"

Léonard chuckled softly, though he couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness that she had to leave. "Yes, Mom. Everything is fine. I'll be okay, I promise."

After a few more worried questions, she gave him a warm hug and headed out the door, leaving Léonard alone in the house. The quiet settled in after her departure, and after about half an hour, Léonard had an idea. He decided it was time to bring some life into the place. With a grin, he sent out a message to Resh-1's commander through their comms link.

"Could you pick up some food from the city and bring it here?" Léonard asked casually.

There was a moment of hesitation from the commander on the other end. "Sir, we should maintain a low profile—"

Léonard cut him off with a laugh, "It's an order. And make sure everyone shows up."

The commander paused, then replied with a slight chuckle. "Understood, sir."

Within the hour, Resh-1 arrived at Léonard's home, carrying an array of food. With twenty-five members in total, they quickly realized that his small dining table wouldn't accommodate everyone. They scrambled down to the basement and brought up some old tables that had been gathering dust.

At first, the soldiers were a bit awkward, unsure of how to act in this casual setting. But as the meal progressed, the tension melted away. They began to speak more freely, swapping stories, sharing jokes, and enjoying themselves in a way that Léonard hadn't seen before. Laughter filled the room as they passed plates and cracked jokes. The atmosphere became lively and relaxed, as though they were no longer just soldiers but a family sharing a meal.

For the first time, Léonard noticed that these summoned agents were more than just tools of the system—they had hobbies, quirks, and feelings just like anyone else. They joked about their missions, teased one another, and shared small details of their lives that made them more human.

As the evening wore on, Léonard found himself smiling more than he had in a long time. The camaraderie around the table was infectious, and it reminded him of simpler times before the weight of his responsibilities had become so heavy.

The dinner went on for over an hour, with conversations flowing easily and laughter filling the room. It was a rare and cherished moment of peace amid the chaos.

As the laughter from dinner began to settle, Léonard found himself contemplating the next few days. He leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful look crossing his face. He had two weeks ahead of him, and the opportunity that came with them. A sudden thought struck him, and he stood up, clearing his throat to get everyone's attention.

"Gentlemen," he announced with a smirk, "my mother has decided to take a two-week trip, which means I'm free to deploy." He paused for dramatic effect, seeing the curious looks from the members of Resh-1. "Tomorrow, we're heading to Site-17."

The room stirred with excitement, though they tried to remain professional. Léonard continued, "Additionally, in six days, I will need a team of five Resh-1 operatives to deploy under optical camouflage. You'll bring a secure laptop connected to the system with you. This will allow me to make an appearance from a distance to the Palais de l'Élysée."

The men exchanged glances, the gravity of the situation setting in, but also the thrill of it. It was rare that they got to operate in such an open, unrestricted way.

Suddenly, the commander of Resh-1 stood up, slamming his fist lightly on the table with a grin. "We'll follow the boss to the death! There's nothing that can stop our boss!"

A wave of chuckles followed, but one of the younger members couldn't resist. He leaned in with a smirk and said, "Well, except his mom."

The room erupted in laughter again, this time even louder than before. Léonard's face turned slightly red with embarrassment, but he couldn't help but laugh along with them, feeling the warmth and camaraderie that filled the room.

It was a light-hearted moment, one that pulled them all closer, and for Léonard, it was a reminder that while the world around him might be filled with chaos and danger, there were still moments of humor and connection that kept him grounded.

—

Léonard woke up the next morning and contemplated what to wear for the trip to Site-17. After some deliberation, he decided on a dark outfit, including a well-fitted dark suit with the Foundation's logo discreetly packed in his bag. He also grabbed his laptop and prepared for the day ahead.

He and his Resh-1 team, all in civilian clothes to avoid drawing unnecessary attention, climbed into two vehicles for the journey. The Resh-1 operators had their equipment carefully stowed under the seats. Léonard settled into the right-side vehicle, with the Resh-1 commander taking the seat to his left in the back.

The convoy set off, cruising down the winding roads through the forest. The atmosphere was tense but calm—until, out of nowhere, a giant figure emerged from the woods, blocking their path. He lumbered into view, its grotesque form casting an imposing shadow.

Léonard's phone buzzed with a system notification:

[ Ding! SCP-082 "Fernand the Cannibal" Detected]

The team's calm quickly evaporated as SCP-082 charged forward. Léonard and the Resh-1 operatives sprang into action. The Resh-1 team formed a defensive line, quickly setting up a perimeter around SCP-082, who was now roaring and thrashing with brutal force.

SCP-082's massive arms swung wildly, sending trees crashing to the ground as it tried to crush the operatives. One of the Resh-1 team members, armed with a tactical knife, ducked under a swing and slashed at the creature's exposed side. SCP-082 roared in pain, swinging around to retaliate. The sheer force of its blows sent several operatives sprawling, but they scrambled back into position.

Another operative, using a stun grenade, lobbed it at SCP-082's feet. The explosion created a brief opening, disorienting the creature. Seizing the moment, the team launched a coordinated assault. One member tackled SCP-082 from behind, using a rope to bind its arms while others struck at its legs and torso with specialized non-lethal weaponry designed to subdue rather than kill.

Despite the team's best efforts, SCP-082's strength was formidable. It shook off the bindings and flung operatives away with brute force. The battle was chaotic, with members of Resh-1 using every skill they had to avoid the crushing blows and grapple with the enormous entity.

Finally, after a grueling struggle, the combined efforts of the team managed to subdue SCP-082. It lay restrained on the ground, panting heavily, its strength spent. The operatives, exhausted and battered, quickly secured the creature with reinforced restraints.

As they were about to catch their breath, a convoy of reinforcements from Site-Tav in Orléans arrived on the scene. The new team, clad in tactical gear, assessed the situation and began preparations to transport SCP-082.

With SCP-082 now under control and the area secured, the reinforcements began their work. The Resh-1 team, though fatigued, felt a sense of relief as the support team took over the logistics of the creature's transport.

The scene closed with Léonard watching from the sidelines, impressed by the resilience and coordination of his team, and knowing that this incident would be one to remember.

—

The convoy rolled into Site-17's grounds, and the imposing structure of the Foundation's research facility loomed in the distance. As the vehicles came to a halt, Léonard adjusted his dark suit and donned the sleek black mask that had become part of his professional attire. Inside the convoy, Resh-1 members, now dressed in civilian clothes with their equipment stowed away, were preparing for the next phase of their mission.

Upon disembarking, Léonard was met by the swift and efficient team of Resh-1 operatives who had flown in from Lille. Their faces brightened with relief and respect upon seeing their leader arrive safely.

Waiting for them was O5-4, dressed in a sharply tailored suit featuring the Foundation's logo and the designation "O5-4" in white on his chest. He was flanked by twenty Alpha-1 operatives, their presence underscoring the significance of the moment. As Léonard stepped out, O5-4 approached with a warm, slightly teasing smile. "I trust the journey was pleasant ?" he inquired, his tone light-hearted.

Léonard shook O5-4's hand firmly, acknowledging the friendly jest. "Quite smooth, thank you," he replied with a smile.

The tour of Site-17 commenced with precision and formality. O5-4 and Léonard were escorted through the facility by Alpha-1 and Resh-1, moving through the expansive corridors and high-security areas of the site. The environment was a bustling hive of activity, with staff moving efficiently between tasks and various containment chambers lining the walls.

As they walked, Léonard took note of the staff's reactions. Many employees, upon noticing the high-profile visitors, quickly lowered their heads or stepped aside, allowing the distinguished guests to pass. Despite their reserved demeanor, the admiration in their eyes was palpable, reflecting the respect and recognition of the importance of their visitors.

In one of the hallways, they approached a laboratory. Inside, a young scientist, seemingly in her twenties, was engrossed in her work. She wore glasses and a white lab coat, her attention fixed on her computer screen. The bustling scene outside the lab and the presence of the forty-five armed guards did not seem to register with her; she was wholly absorbed in her task.

Léonard and O5-4 peered over her shoulder, intrigued by her work. The scientist was meticulously typing out a detailed theory on thaumaturgy, her screen filled with complex diagrams and annotations. The two figures observed in silence, their curiosity piqued by the depth of her research.

As the scientist finished typing, she stretched and let out a loud yawn. The sound broke her concentration, and she turned to see the unexpected assembly behind her. Her eyes widened in surprise as she took in the presence of O5-4, Léonard, and the entourage of guards and operatives.

"Oh my goodness!" she exclaimed, her face turning pale with embarrassment. "I didn't realize... I'm so sorry for not noticing you earlier. I didn't mean to be disrespectful."

O5-4 and Léonard shared a chuckle at the situation. "No need to worry," O5-4 said with a reassuring smile. "We were just observing your work. Why don't you tell us about your theory ?"

The young scientist, still a bit flustered but regaining her composure, began to explain her research. "Certainly," she began, her voice steadier now. "My theory explores the concept of thaumaturgy as a system of magical effects that can be measured and analyzed through empirical methods. Specifically, it posits that thaumaturgical phenomena operate on a set of predictable principles that can be quantified using advanced mathematical models."

She continued, detailing how thaumaturgical effects could be categorized into distinct types based on their interactions with known physical laws. "I've developed a framework that classifies these effects into several categories, such as elemental manipulation, temporal distortion, and spatial alteration. By applying this framework, we can better understand the underlying mechanisms of thaumaturgical anomalies and predict their behavior more accurately."

The scientist went on to explain how she used statistical data and observational studies to support her theory. "For instance, I've collected data from various thaumaturgical events and analyzed them to identify patterns that correlate with specific types of anomalies. This analysis has led to the development of a predictive model that could be used for future containment strategies."

O5-4 and Léonard listened intently, clearly impressed by the depth and clarity of her explanation. The scientist concluded her presentation with a hopeful expression, eager for feedback.

"Well, that was quite enlightening," O5-4 remarked, his tone sincere. "Your research has the potential to significantly impact our understanding of thaumaturgy."

Léonard nodded in agreement. "Indeed, it's very interesting. Thank you for sharing it with us."

The young scientist, now visibly relieved and gratified, thanked them for their attention. The tour continued, but the encounter had left a notable impression on Léonard. It was a reminder of the brilliant minds working within the Foundation and the innovative research driving their efforts to understand and contain the anomalies that shaped their world.

The scientist, now visibly more relaxed and encouraged by their feedback, smiled and thanked them. "Thank you both. I'm glad you find it interesting. I've been working on it for months, and it's good to know that it's worth pursuing."

As Léonard and O5-4 prepared to continue their tour, they saw the young scientist return to her workstation, her posture now more confident and her pace brisker.

Moving forward, Léonard and O5-4 were escorted through the various sections of Site-17 by Alpha-1 and Resh-1. They passed by multiple research labs and operational areas, each bustling with activity. The employees they encountered—scientists, researchers, and technicians—each greeted the visitors with a mix of curiosity and respect, often stepping aside to allow them to pass.

Their tour eventually led them to the cafeteria, a large space filled with staff enjoying their meals. Léonard spotted an elderly janitor, diligently mopping the floor. The man looked exhausted, his face sweaty and tired from a long shift. Léonard felt a pang of sympathy and asked one of his guards for a bottle of water. 

He approached the janitor and handed him the bottle, causing a ripple of surprised and appreciative looks from the cafeteria patrons. The janitor accepted the water gratefully, offering a weary but thankful smile.

Léonard then joined the queue at the cafeteria, standing beside a security agent. The agent, clearly taken aback by the presence of such high-ranking officials, offered to let Léonard go ahead in line, but Léonard politely declined. O5-4, amused by the scene, joined Léonard in the queue, adding to the strange atmosphere.

Eventually, Léonard and O5-4 found a table occupied by a group of security personnel, including the site's head of security. Léonard took a seat next to a young cadet, while O5-4 sat across from him. The conversation at the table was a mix of professional inquiries and casual chatter, with Léonard and O5-4 engaging with the security team about their roles and experiences.

**Chapter 25: The Site-17 Visit (Continued)**

After Léonard and O5-4 had settled at the table with the security team, the atmosphere grew increasingly conversational. The security personnel, initially reserved, began to relax in the presence of their distinguished guests.

Léonard turned to the head of security, a burly man named Captain Henry, and inquired about the daily challenges faced by the site's security team. "Captain Henry, I'm curious—what are some of the most pressing issues you face in maintaining security here?"

Captain Henry, who had initially been a bit stiff, warmed up to the conversation. "Well, Sir, our primary challenges include managing access to sensitive areas and dealing with unexpected breaches or incidents. Security at Site-17 requires constant vigilance, especially given the nature of some SCPs we handle."

O5-4 leaned in, interjecting with a thoughtful expression. "How do you coordinate with the research teams to ensure that everyone stays informed about potential security threats?"

Captain Henry nodded appreciatively at the question. "We have a system of regular briefings and updates with the research staff. It's crucial that we're all on the same page regarding any anomalies or incidents that might affect security. Communication is key to preventing mishaps."

A young security cadet sitting next to Léonard, who had been quiet until now, decided to contribute. "Actually, one of the most interesting parts of the job is how we sometimes have to adapt quickly to new information. For instance, last month, we had a situation where we had to reconfigure several security protocols on the fly due to an unexpected breach."

O5-4 raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "That sounds like a significant challenge. How did you manage the situation?"

The cadet smiled, clearly proud of the team's response. "We worked closely with the research teams to understand the nature of the breach and then quickly implemented new security measures. It was a real team effort, and it reinforced how important it is to be adaptable."

Léonard, interested in the personal side of the work, turned to one of the more experienced guards. "What made you decide to join the security team at Site-17 ? It seems like a demanding job."

The guard, a middle-aged woman named Marie, took a moment before answering. "I've always been drawn to roles where I can make a tangible difference. Working here at Site-17, especially with the high-profile SCPs we handle, provides a sense of purpose. It's challenging, but it's also rewarding to know that we're part of something bigger."

The conversation continued, with O5-4 and Léonard asking questions and sharing stories. The guards and security personnel, who had initially been reserved, became more open and engaged. The discussion covered everything from the logistics of site security to personal anecdotes about the challenges and rewards of their work.

At one point, Captain Henry raised a toast. "To the ongoing efforts of all who work at Site-17 and to the support from the top. Your visit today reminds us of the importance of what we do here."

Everyone raised their glasses in agreement, and Léonard and O5-4 joined in the toast, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the security team.

As the meal drew to a close, Léonard and O5-4 expressed their gratitude for the insights and hospitality. "Thank you all for the warm welcome and the engaging conversation," Léonard said, standing up. "It's been a pleasure to learn more about the vital work you do here."

O5-4 added with a smile, "Indeed, it's clear that Site-17 is in excellent hands. Keep up the great work."

With that, Léonard and O5-4 prepared to continue their tour, having gained a deeper appreciation for the daily operations and the people who make Site-17 function smoothly. The interaction had strengthened their understanding and respect for the site's personnel, making the visit a valuable experience for all involved.