[Darkness]
I wake up, I saw only darkness for the first few seconds as I breathe in the cool air of the room before I exhaled sharply and recoil or flinched because of the sudden horrific overwhelming pain I then felt throughout my body.
My impulsive reaction led me to realize that my movement and current laying position is restrained particularly to lay conveniently on my back on the hospital cot, at the moment my focus was the sheer pain throughout my body.
The way I can describe the pain is like all the muscles in my body were painfully twisting involuntarily whilst there's a multitude of spikes growing within me, conceptually threatening to burst out of me.
In impulsive response I intended to exclaim "Fuck!" but because of the strap that was keeping my mouth shut and covered, my attempt to yell something profane only came out as intelligible.
After a moment of derealization and quietly crying as well as having to suppress my panic...
I managed to rationalize enough to focus much on something else hence I only now acknowledge the alternating light of the color red and green which led to me realizing my vision was blurry to a worrisome extent.
I was in a dim room that was chilling, the room temperature didn't help me maintain my efforts in laying still considering I impulsively shiver a bunch thus a lot of pain as a result.
After a moment...
At this point, the pain was subsiding, although still present it wasn't as potent, but any major movement is met by the feeling of that particular pain and its horrific intensity, there were instances wherein I had to endure it so I can adjust my limbs to be at a comfortable resting position, the pain felt so bad and potent that it deterred me from attempting to struggle free.
After a long moment...
I've grown numb a bit towards the pain enough to stifle most of my pessimism hence I was able to further compose and rationalize myself, it led to me realizing and acknowledging that my memories are fubar to an extent.
I then hear two distinct muffled voices, both are conceptually feminine, the voices are talking from somewhere beyond my line of sight which is somewhere off to my right, audibly they seem to be arguing in a way, but that's just my presumable guess or assumption.
Having to recall that I'm a mobile taskforce unit working for the SCP Foundation and especially considering the uncanny circumstances I'm undergoing, I'm dreadful and fearful than relieved knowing that I'm not alone.
After a brief moment of me quietly contemplating...
I reluctantly decided to trust against it and instead play dead, I let my body go limp with the intent of hopefully looking dead or unconscious like to anyone or anything looking at or viewing me.
I don't know these people if indeed they are even human, plus considering I'm secured or subdued this way for a reason I assumed something sinister... they seemingly haven't noticed me yet or are aware of the fact I'm still alive or awake hence I lay there, still, distracting myself via my thoughts as the fear and anxiety within me kindled.
Eventually...
At this point, the level of coolness of the room temperature is now enticing hence I find it very impulsively compelling or tempting to give in and just fall asleep.
Not long...
I realized the muffled voices were now seemingly gone, I wait a bit more for a deemed length before I concluded that I was now alone, now thankful yet dreadful about the eerie quietness that now has settled.
Even though my ears are like ringing naturally from this I very much appreciate it considering any alternative would either be potentially unpleasant and or terrifyingly horrific... in my mind at the entirety of that moment at least.
As I continue to endure the pain, the thirst, and hunger whilst I'm trying to occupy or distract myself by thinking a lot of things and indulging in those, I then felt light-headed impulsively in response, I smiled, before hoping that it's either a sign that I'll die or that I can finally get some sleep.
Not long...
[Darkness]
My eyes open albeit slowly, my vision for a very brief moment was blurry but after blinking four or maybe three times it cleared enough hence I was able to look at my surroundings relatively clearly, I briefly rubbed my eyes clean then began to reposition myself.
At this point, I'm now sitting up very relieved and confused, immediately acknowledging the fact that I'm no longer undergoing that subdued horrific experience especially when my body now feels no pain when moving.
The room I am in is dim, there's a wall that is entirely made of glass, specifically frosted glass, the lights I assume was from the corridor on the other side shining through which helped me see more of the room's contents clearer to an extent, parallel to where the glass wall there was a metal door that had no doorknob.
I notice a vent in the room which is up in the middle of the ceiling near some lights that are turned off, the vent looked impenetrable enough that I doubt I can get it open forcefully, let alone if I can even reach it.
Moreover, I also notice an AC wall installation nearby and a couple of electrical sockets or outlets on the wall nearby the hospital cot I'm on, some are even on the floor.
I then had this feeling of I'm being watched hence I looked at the glass wall in response to see a humanoid silhouette, the figure was feminine in form or appearance, suddenly the silhouette then turned away before striding to the right presumably to access the metal door of the room I'm in.
Pessimistic that I am, I got up on my feet and ready myself mentally and physically, I put both my fists up and intentionally make it seem like I'm still weak or tired from waking up, meanwhile as I continue to mitigate the kindling mix of both anxiety and fear within me.
The lights within the room then turned on as the metal door retracted upwards from within its doorframe as a means of opening, I recoil a flinch a bit because of the sudden amplification of brightness of light within the room.
My eyes took only a few seconds to adjust ergo I was then able to see a young woman seemingly in her early mid-twenties standing in the doorway with crossed arms.
She has a fit or athletic physique, has dark auburn hair, a bit of a bang hairstyle going on, she's wearing a black and grey camouflaged uniform.
She's pretty and hot looking, basically attractive, which was a massive surprise for me that I find her familiar considering I recall myself to be an individual who's fond of being alone... furthermore, I wasn't fond of having friends, let alone genuine ones... I then happen to recall her name, which is Hesh.
Her expression transitioned into worry as she looked at me hence making her uncross her arms.
"Haunt?" she asked with a hint of worry in her voice.
"Hesh?" I replied impulsively albeit genuinely surprised and now no longer attempting to look deceptively tiresome.
Her expression then changes into relief before smiling as she looked at me intently.
"It's good to see you're healthy and alive... it's been so long ever since," she said.
She then approached whilst looking intently and smiling at me, I reluctantly let my guard down a bit whilst still wary considering how skeptical and how strange it's been so far.
"Shouldn't Cognito or info hazards make it so that I should be trivially compelled, otherwise what's the point," I thought to myself as I stare at her lost in thought.
Upon close enough proximity she then suddenly lunge to hug me, because of the push force I lightly bump the side of the hospital cot behind me, her head resting on my right shoulder nearby my right ear as I felt her hug tighten a bit.
"Welcome back you melancholic bastard... hug me back, please," she then said her voice quivering a bit.
I was dumbfounded and confused, also both my feet and legs buckled in response because of her sudden yet surprising way of interaction or greeting, since my left hand is free from her embrace I hug her back.
"What the fuck is happening?" I impulsively thought to myself.
"I can't believe this is real," she adds.
I then tapped her right shoulder lightly a few times with the intent which implied or meant 'okay, enough' which she understood but let our moment drag on for a few more seconds before she let go.
"I'm just really glad that you're back, I'm sure you can tell," she then said before she noticed and deemed herself to be too close for my comfort hence she stepped back and looked at me.
After a brief moment of silence between us...
I notice her smile slowly getting wider, I then realized that I've only been staring at her and haven't said anything in response yet apart from her name, as far as I like avoiding talk but considering the tension between us which I find awkward this forces me to speak up.
"Yeah, obviously-" I replied before I choked on my spit which made her laugh in response.
I found her laughter special, making me smile whenever I don't cough, my coughing was only brief but embarrassing nonetheless, plus considering how cool the air here should be I shouldn't sweat but here I am sweating lightly and feeling a bit of warmth on my back or shoulders as well as on my face, I then notice her grin presumably noticing my signs of reddening.
"C'mon hot stuff," she said before turning away hence I was able to look at her behind as she strode to the open doorway then out.
At this point, I then now only acknowledged that I'm wearing my standard-issued uniform, the color scheme of my camouflaged uniform is a mix of black and grey patches, but my H.P. boots are entirely black, I digress after that instance of realization hence I went out of the room.
Once outside the room and into the corridor...
Hesh was leaning on a wall waiting for me, once she saw me her smile widen before she pushed herself away from the wall then reached into one of her pockets to pull out a keycard, she suddenly throw it at me hence Instinctually I had to practically lean to my right to catch it which I did manage.
"What kind of throw was that?" I asked.
"The Hesh kind," she replied smiling.
I digress in response then looked at the keycard, its chubby compared to what I recall or am used to, plus the aesthetic color scheme of it is both black and orange, but in terms of the font color, it's red.
The letters on it are conveniently small on the keycard, and it read as follows...
Haunt Tether
Designation: Domino B-11
Baseline R.E.D.
The keycard also has these seven tiny glowing green lights on it which are lined up on the very top left of the keycard.
"A bit chubby for a keycard compared to what I'm used to," I comment.
"If you're wondering what are the lights for, it indicates the number of tickets your keycard has," she explains.
"Tickets?" I then asked.
"A normal meal costs two while a snack like a soda you get from a vending machine will only cost you one, each light or ticket has a two-hour cooldown before it'll replenish back one," she replied.
"Rationalize when spending... try not to get fat to put it bluntly," she adds as she closes the distance between us.
"... I'll keep that in mind, thanks," I replied before I inspect my keycard again.
"No problem, now put it to use then to see if it'll work as intended," she said before gesturing at the doorway behind me.
I looked back or in the direction to where she was gesturing to notice a panel, I approached then utilized it via my keycard hence the metal door then came down sealing the open doorway or closing in response.
My peripheral vision then caught sight of the glass wall hence I look at it to see or realize that this side is clear unlike when it's viewed from within the room, the lights in the room then automatically turned off.
My peripheral vision of my right eye then notice a figure beside me hence I glance to see Hesh now looking into the room beside me, I turned to face her direction and she did the same in response.
"According to what I've been informed, although you've recovered, there's this downside, the resurrection procedure, is still in its early stages of development thus as a result to an extent an indeterminate number of your memories have been lost and are unrecoverable as a trade-off of you being resurrected," she explained.
"... I've also been told is that it's likely most of your memories will come back after some time, apart from some that will not," she adds.
After a brief moment of silence...
She then turned to look at the far end of the corridor ahead of us, before fidgeting awkwardly a bit.
"I know you have a lot of questions and I'll answer all of them to the best of my knowledge, anyway, do you know the way to our part of the living quarters from here?" she asked before looking back at me.
"... nope, but I assume it's over in that direction," I replied and gestured down at the corridor ahead.
"I presume you know where to go from there on out," I continued to which she nodded in response.
"C'mon then, while on the way you can pester me about questions concerning what happened to you," she then said before walking ahead hence I follow beside her whilst my matching my pace.
"You don't seem to be looking forward to me pestering you with questions concerning what happened to me," I then said to which she smiled a bit.
"Considering it will lead me to be reminded of unpleasant memories then yes... I am," she replied.
"... figures," I replied, even though I didn't think of it like that beforehand, but I understood Hesh.
"... how did we meet exactly and are you always this pleasant when you meet someone you know?" I asked.
"I have always been this pleasant to you ever since that moment we had considering... well, you... you know," she replied hence confusing me because I have no idea.
"... anyway," I said digressing to which she chuckles in response.
"What?" she then asked smiling as she glanced at me.
"I recall having to work for the SCP Foundation, is this not the Foundation? I then asked.
"Yes, and you're right about having to recall that you've worked there... as a mobile task force unit if I remember correctly," she replied.
In response, I tensed and clenched my jaw, out of fear that my suspicions about her might be correct.
"Care to elaborate on how I ended up here?" I asked which she nod in response.
"One particular day, you and I were at the shooting range, I remember beginning off with small talk before I eventually lead our conversation to mainly asking you questions about yourself," she replied.
"... you were hesitant at first, then you answered some back but then eventually we got to why you chose to work here at RED," she continued.
"... If I remember correctly, you said that someone who works here at RED offered you the opportunity... you also added by saying that the SCP Foundation let you off easy about your decision to work for RED, at the cost of expunging some specific memories concerning what you know of about the SCP Foundation," she explained.
"Plus obviously at the cost of your employment or position there at the Foundation also," she adds.
"Fingers crossed," I thought to myself, still having some level of suspicion or skepticism.
"You didn't specify who offered you the position but you did mention that she works here?" she adds.
After a moment of silence...
"I don't recall, considering also that my memories are fubar," I replied and shrugged.
"Mhm, right," she replied.
"... you said I was subjected to this resurrection procedure, do you mind telling me who wanted to bring me back to life?" I then asked.
"The Auditor herself," she replied.
"... she's the founder and creator of RED, if I remember correctly, right?" I asked.
"Yes, good thing you still know or remember something of RED apart from me, otherwise, I wouldn't be surprised if you find me suspicious," she replied.
After a brief moment of silence...
"That's excessive or out of character, what reason did she have for bringing me back considering I'm just a plus one? I'm expendable," I then asked.
"What's your presumption?" she replied.
"... I presume it has something to do with what happened to me," I replied.
"Obviously, so eleven months ago... yeah, eleven months ago at some time an entity resembling a humanoid made entirely out of seemingly pure dark matter materialized or manifested in her office," she explains.
"The Auditor somehow luckily managed to get away and ultimately escape, as a result, the entity then decided to focus on wrecking the facility or her life long work instead, if it can't have her," she adds.
"... at some point in time on that same day, that's where we come in," she continued.
After a moment of silence...
I notice a Roomba on the floor cleaning about as we walk past it, I was about to say something intended for her to keep on elaborating but she continued before I can do my intention.
"We arrived at the facility via a helo, we then dismounted at a safe distance before heading inside the facility aka Site Alpha," she said.
"We all had no clue on how to kill it let alone hurt it, as a result, our main objective at the time was either to serve as a distraction and help personnel or cooperate with our comrades in finding a way to combat the entity with effect," she explains.
"... the entity was capable of manipulating reality, anticipating most attacks, able to clip through walls, projectiles either go through it or get absorbed, explosives only nudge it, flashbangs only briefly blind it and a lot of unfair bullshit," she adds.
"... fast forward towards particularly when our co-op with two other task force squads including some brave few on-site personnel were currently engaging it, mainly trying to survive, after a very hectic and tense fight in that particular shambled part of the facility... that fucker collapsed the whole floor beneath us, all if not most of us fell," she continues.
After a moment of silence...
"... should we stop?" I then asked.
"Hm? oh it's fine, I'm alright," she replied.
"I'm just reminded of the fucked up deaths of some people I saw back then, some were fused into walls and other horrific and brutal shit, but I digress... we all fell, I and as well as the few people with me just so happen to luckily land on a surface nearby a drop," she continues.
"... eventually after managing through the shambled bullshit, we got to the ruckus you and some other people were causing whilst fighting this entity... I didn't see it myself but the people who did saw only the moment you tackled it off the drop or underground ravine," she explains.
"From what I heard still, you were the last one seen alive in that area," she adds.
"Underground ravine?" I asked.
"Yup, even the Auditor herself sounded genuinely surprised when she was informed about it," she replied.
"It's nothing new to you but I've stopped questioning much considering the kind of shit we had to deal with and are aware of," she adds which I nod in response.
After a brief moment of silence...
"How did you all know, that it was me?" I asked.
"After a long hectic moment passed without any conflict, a bunch of strike teams was sent down into the ravine to investigate, they eventually found your corpse... from what I've heard your corpse had this blood-red chemical residue all over you," she explains.
"It bled?" I asked.
"Fingers crossed," she replied and glanced at me.
"What else?" I asked.
"... basing from what I've been told or rather heard still, the strike team followed the trail of the chemical residue which eventually led into a cavern... it ended in a dead-end, the trail stopped in one of the cavern's walls like it had just suddenly disappeared," she replied.
"Presumably, the entity either teleported somewhere else or had phased through and out of somewhere," she adds.
"... how'd you realize that I'd be alive again?" I asked.
"I didn't for some time... until the Auditor announced that the corpses of yourself and the few particular others with you that fought the thing will be subjected to this resurrection procedure and operation dubbed as 50 Blessings," she replied.
"... I think 50 Blessings is a reference about something though I haven't gotten it yet still," she adds.
"How was I considered recoverable?" I asked.
"... I manage to talk to one of the people that had a role in the resurrection procedure," she replied.
"He explained a bunch of concepts and facts which I don't remember much since I understood little, but what I do remember is that the brain must be seventy percent intact or something like that, lastly, the spine must be either intact or in a reasonably good condition," she continues.
"Whatever the fuck that meant, I have forgotten some other things as well but those are two of the fundamentals... that I remember," she adds.
"I may think my corpse and including the particular few were convenient for testing out their newly brought up ongoing project at the time," I then said.
"I can imagine that considering we have no D-Class personnel unlike the Foundation," she replied and glanced at me.
"... there's this saying that the SCP Foundation is not bad but cold, I stand by that," I replied which I notice her seemingly tense in response.
After a brief moment of silence...
"I think that the Auditor wanted to know from you particular bunch about how you guys managed to hurt or injure it enough that it fucked off," she then said.
"I think it's for that reason only you and the countable few were allowed that kind of rare or special opportunity, considering the SCP Foundation and RED have somewhat of the same sort of principles, about particular contexts," she continues.
If you get what I mean or catch my drift," she adds.
After a moment of silence...
"I'm trying to recall, I'm sorry that it got awkwardly quiet there," I then said.
"No worries," she replied then briefly looked at me before smiling hence revealing she has one cheeky dimple.
After attempting to remember anything relevant whilst dodging other thoughts and stuff brewing in my mind, I eventually vividly remember sparks, blinding lights, and someone urgently shouting for me.
"I remember seeing sparks and blinding lights," I said.
"You sure it's connected or erm, relevant?" she asked.
After a brief moment of silence as I contemplate...
"No, but after deliberate thought it's likely," I then said.
"Alrighty then, I'll save you from the process of delivering that info to the Auditor," she replied.
"Thanks... did the others not recall this?" I replied.
"I don't know... it's possible, each answered differently or similarly but since you're alive, it's either the Auditor has still yet to know or want some sort of unified confirmation of what you all collectively remembered, sort of a basis to determine the actual result," she said which I nod in response.
After a moment of silence...
"What are you feeling by the way?" she asked.
"... an occasional tingly sensation at random parts throughout my body... also I feel like as if I've recently been massaged thoroughly all over," I replied.
"That sound's pleasant... perhaps you can give me one if the opportunity arises?" she asked smirking and glancing at me.
"... I think I'll get reprimanded and punished for that... maybe worse," I replied.
"I'm just teasing you," she replied before grinning.
"No shit," I impulsively mutter to myself in response.
A sudden thought then came to mind concerning a context about me and Hesh which I disagree with, thus I tensed in response and attempted to change the direction of our conversation.
"How many were brought back including me?" I asked as she's snickering a bit hung up by her recent teasing.
"Oh um... I don't know, but what I do know is that you're not the only one who was subjected to this resurrection procedure," she replied smiling.
"You and the people who last fought it before the entity escaped are the only ones subjected to this project or operation," she continues.
"... how did you know that on this day, in particular, I'll be waking up?" I asked.
"The people responsible for taking care of you gave me an approximation, considering I was the one who volunteered to claim you... as for how in the hell this approximation was acquired, that's beyond me or my understanding," she replied and shrugged.
We walk and talk for quite some time whilst going through particular parts of the base, she then told me that the name of our base is "Baseline", plus in terms of aesthetics of the base, it's visually neat, convenient, and stunning as well as utilized ingeniously.
Hesh eventually remembered something during our walk and talk hence we both head towards a particular maintenance loadout and equipment center of the base.
This was to get my equipment and to check out my loadout or arsenal while at it, she also emphasized that I should be attentive because I will be briefed about my equipment.
Eventually...
"Let's start with your Balaclava," The staff member said.
The Balaclava.
"It's in a way a bit thick considering the components or the science and engineering in it, it's practically bio-hazard proof to an extent, concerns about any relevant bio-hazards can be neglected," he explains.
"The balaclava will also autonomously and automatically regulate the temperature or conditions within for the sake of the wearer's convenience," he adds.
The balaclava was then handed to me hence I then wear it, the balaclava covers my entire head leaving only my eyes exposed, its default color scheme is dark.
Moreover, there's a simple lock mechanism or function that's on the Bridge of my nose, unlocking it exposes the bottom half of my face, moreover, the balaclava is also designed to be conveniently linked or locked onto the innermost rim of the turtle neck part of our uniform.
"Purposely made and designed for the sake of convenience, comfortability, and protection," he remarks.
"Like your balaclava, your uniform is also the same, although it distinctly possesses more complex sciences and engineering in it, which I don't fully understand," Hesh adds which I nod in response.
The H.P. Mask.
(Hazardous Protection Combat Mask)
"It has integrated 'Plot' armor protection, flat but practically yet conveniently angled, frontally wise, the eyeholes of the mask has a first layer of protection of integrated "Plot" platings which are then followed by two protective layers of glass behind it," the staff member explains.
"Like the balaclava, it's practically bio-hazard poof, it autonomously and automatically regulates the temperature or conditions within for the sake of the wearer's convenience," he continues.
"In addition, because of its practical and structural design, the mask ended up looking intimidating in nature, which is a bonus I think," he adds.
"Plot?" I asked looking at Hesh.
"Yeah, Plot," Hesh replied amused.
"It's an unnaturally light yet very tough albeit resistant metallic material which is only artificially made and founded here in RED," the staff member explains.
"As to why RED or specifically the Auditor named the artificially made metallic material as Plot, it's probably because of her sense of humor," Hesh adds before the staff member handed me my H.P. mask.
After conveniently putting the mask on or utilizing it the mask then suddenly constricts itself onto my face presumably locking or linking itself onto my balaclava with an indicating *Click* sound.
For a second I was unable to breathe in it, as well as see hence making me panic before suddenly in a smooth and neat instantaneous plus simultaneous transition, I was able to see and breathe in the mask.
The breathing condition and way I see through the mask is phenomenal... the best way I can describe it is that my mask is non-existent but still sensible on my face.
"Oh, this is, yeah," I impulsively surprised.
"Cool huh?" Hesh said in response grinning which I nod in response.
"In the context wherein breathable air is non-existent or not conveniently enough there's a feature in your mask which when activated, the mask will produce or create oxygen conveniently fast enough for you to breathe," the staff member explains.
"Keep in mind the duration of this feature will only be good for eleven minutes," he remarks.
"Also in terms of the bi-products when you breathe in your mask under such contexts, the mask has got it all under control for your sake, hence don't worry," he adds.
"What's the reason for the relatively angled armor?" I asked.
"It in a way relatively increases the likelihood of bouncing off bullets away from your armor or a tweak to increase your armor thickness," the staff member replied.
"Theoretically?" I replied which the staff member just shrugged in response.
"It works on tanks, if I recall correctly," Hesh said.
"I'm an armored infantry unit, not a tank," I replied.
"Doesn't mean you can't tank bullets," she replied.
"... I'm certain anyone who will stab you on your face, let alone on the angled part of your armor, plus considering how tough Plot is he or she will likely fuck up as a result," the staff member then adds which I nod in response.
After a brief moment of socializing...
We digressed from our conversation then proceeded to my helmet.
The H.P. Helmet.
(Hazardous Protection Combat Helmet)
"The helmet has integrated 'Plot' armor protection, as you can see it has built-in retractable hazardous protection combat ear-muffs, it's essential concerning hearing protection, external hazard protection and for comms," the staff member explains.
"The retractable part that's angled on your helmet, frontally wise, is to be locked or linked to the forehead or temple part of the wearer's mask, it serves as another layer of protection... as a bonus, it can also be utilized to headbutt which can be devastating to the receiver," he continued.
"It's bio-hazard proof, and regulates the temperature or conditions within for the sake of the wearer's convenience," the staff member adds.
The H.P. Helmet was then handed to me hence I put it on, after wearing the helmet and putting on the ear-muffs, it then constricts conveniently hence linking or locking itself onto my balaclava with an indicating *Click* sound.
"Your mind is connected with your equipment hence you should utilize specific and particular features of your equipment via that way," Hesh remarks.
"I think it's best via example," the staff member suggests which Hesh nods in response.
"... I know how much you like spending most of your time listening to music or songs of your preferences, so let's focus on that," she said which I nod in response.
"... think of a song that you'd like to vibe or listen to, you need to identify directly, specifically, and explicitly what you want to vibe to," Hesh explains.
"Then, in mind, follow it with a thought command that you wanted it to play right now," Hesh continues.
I managed to follow through hence a miniature musical note then appeared conveniently on my U.I. or HUD. before a distinct soothing feminine voice then spoke.
"Playing Space Song by Beach House," she said.
[Music Plays]
In response, I glanced around a bit only to see the same number of people as before, there was nobody nearby that could've said that to me especially in that distinct voice.
"Something wrong?" Hesh asked.
"There's an A.I?" I replied as I gestured to my Headgear.
"Oh yeah, her name is Iris, she will be your dedicated albeit personal A.I. companion or assistant, don't worry much about her capabilities, she's loyal and benevolent," Hesh replied.
"Wait... talk more about Iris," I said.
"Oh, um... basing on what I've heard, Iris passed or excelled concerning the Turing test, I've also heard that the Auditor made Iris originally for a completely different intended purpose," she explained.
"... but she eventually decided it was not enough and deemed it best if Iris will be a personal companion or assistant residing within the equipment of a personnel instead, which was the right call," she continued.
"In addition, according to the Auditor in the context of A.I. or specifically Iris, misalignment is virtually unlikely or to none," Hesh adds which I nod in response.
"Sorry for being brash there, just stumped at the fact that the ear-muffs autonomously excels at being a practical convenience," I said.
"Wait till you experience it in actual warfare, you'll be blown away, well, hopefully not get blown by me," she replied then winked at me before grinning.
I immediately look at the accompanying staff member with us in response, he just shrugged then gave me a double thumbs up in response.
"Am I able to casually converse with Iris?" I asked.
"Yup," the staff member replied.
"It can be vocal or via the mind," Hesh adds.
"Iris?" I asked in mind.
"Yes?" she replied in mind which awed me.
"Have we met before?" I asked in mind.
"In a way, I'm not the same Iris that accompanied you during the Incident, but I do remember and know you Haunt as if nothing happened," Iris replied in mind.
After another moment of socializing...
I digressed and lowered the volume of the song I'm vibing to as we proceed to my combat gloves.
The H.P. Gloves.
(Hazardous Protection Combat Gloves)
"It has integrated 'Plot' armor protection and makes your punches are lethal, same shit as with your previous equipment it's bio-hazard proof and it regulates the temperature or conditions within for the sake of the wearer's convenience," the staff member explains before he handed to me my H.P. gloves.
"It needs to be locked or linked to the rim or locking mechanism in the wrist portion or part of your uniform," he said as he tugs his uniform's sleeve.
"I somehow recall or remember how to," I said.
"How convenient," Hesh replied.
"Yup," I replied as I link or lock my left glove on conveniently which made an indicating *Click* sound.
From the looks of the gloves not only is it armored looking but you can also see that you wouldn't want to be at the end of it when I start punching, I curled my left hand into a fist to see how it looks.
"Yeah, I wouldn't want to be at the end of your fist when you start punching," the staff member comments which I nod in response.
After another moment of socializing...
We then proceeded to my combat vest.
The H.P. Vest.
(Hazardous Protection Combat Vest)
"It has integrated 'Plot' armor protection, in the back, it has this tactical convenient backpack set-up, function-wise, bio-hazard proof, like your previous equipment it autonomously and automatically regulates the temperature or conditions within for the sake of the wearer's convenience," the staff member explains.
"It has four dedicated magazine carriers for a primary weapon, whether it be an assault rifle, sub-machine gun, or a sniper, the only exemption is a machine gun," he continues.
"It also has two additional for your secondary weapon or sidearms, plus you can conveniently integrate an additional pistol holster on the left side of your combat vest right where your left ribs are if you wanted to," he adds.
"The back of the H.P. Vest is well armored to an extent that getting shot there isn't worrisome, unless if we're talking about overkill conventional means and types of weaponry, like an HMG, a cannon, or even a rail gun which wouldn't destroy your suit of armor but your body concealed within," he remarks.
The H.P. Vest was then handed to me hence I utilized it, after putting on the H.P. Vest conveniently or properly it then sensibly constraints presumably linking or locking itself onto my uniform conveniently with an indicating *Click* sound.
"All of this seems like a hassle to take off especially when I'm in a hurry," I then comment before wearing my H.P. Mask and H.P. Helmet back on.
"You can unlink or take off your equipment via the mind," the staff member replied.
"What if my equipment is fucked and I can't unlink it via my mind?" I asked.
"Each equipment has these manual unlocking mechanisms as a failsafe measure if when unlinking your equipment via the mind fails or doesn't work," the staff member explains.
Hesh then went close to me then began showing me the locations of each of the manual emergency unlocking mechanisms of my equipment and how to properly utilize the mechanisms to achieve the intended outcome.
Eventually...
"Thank you," I said after she was done.
"No problem," Hesh replied smiling before stepping back.
"My stomach feels unprotected, considering I have no magazines in these carriers, yet," I comment as I briefly pat the magazine pouches of my combat vest.
"Behind the mag carriers there are Plot platings on or rather in it as well," the staff member replied.
"Our uniform has these Plot platings inside it coupled with some other sciences and engineering stuff... also mobility wise the entirety of our equipment is conveniently tweaked to support that, hence not only are we incredibly tough and durable, we're also nimble," Hesh adds.
"In the span or duration of your entire reevaluation, you'll eventually encounter training courses that require parkour hence you should worry less concerning your mobility in the context of your equipment, as it was considered," Hesh explains.
"That's convenient," I replied.
We then proceeded on to my armor guards or protection dedicated to both my arms and legs.
H.P. armor protection for both arms and legs.
"Has Integrated 'Plot', practically and conveniently angled, practically bio-hazard proof, autonomously and automatically regulate the temperature or conditions within for the sake of convenience," the staff member explains.
"To think this is our standard issued military equipment as infantry... our equipment isn't normal, I'm saying it's too advanced and anomalous to an extent," I said whilst putting on the armor pieces of my right arm specifically onto my forearm and upper arm.
"Yeah, it's hardcore," he replied with a shrug.
"Pretty much, considering the Auditor wants all of us to be effective enough as well as increase the odds of us succeeding in resolving something... besides why wouldn't she, failure is a learning experience but isn't typically beneficial and fun," Hesh adds.
"I find it strange and excessive considering I'm just expendable," I retort.
"I'm gonna borrow a quote from a movie, hence my retort will be, live long and die-hard," she replied.
After another moment of socializing...
We then proceeded to my personally customized weapons.
The HK416 (Custom).
"I like how it's the short-barreled variant," I said inspecting the gun by hand.
"There are sample empty mags for a reason," Hesh remarks.
I nod then utilized the AR to test my finesse and my ability to tactically reload my weapon.
"It appears that you still got it in your system," Hesh said grinning.
"Hopefully, I'll stay consistent," I replied.
The BCM Reece 16 (Custom).
"Optics looks cool and new, though I don't recall," I said.
"Courtesy of one of the many products founded and created by and only here in R.E.D." the staff member replied.
"A neat optic," I said whilst utilizing the optic on the AR.
"Hell yeah brother," he replied.
He was then called by one of his colleagues hence he excuses himself to presumably check some equipment or machinery hence I and Hesh acknowledge his leave.
"Which one out of the two do you think I used during the incident?" I then asked.
"I think it was the HK416 since it's more convenient for CQB," she replied.
"Do we all have the same loadout?" I asked.
"No, not really," she replied.
The Remington 870 SBS (Custom).
"I like the side saddle on it," I comment.
"Yeah, it's neat looking yet tactical," she replied.
"Hopefully I still remember how to utilize it via tactically reloading," I said.
"We'll find out during and after your reevaluation," she replied.
The Glock 45 (Custom).
"I like the KKM barrel on it," she comments.
"Yeah," I replied
"... you need to work on your social skills," she comments.
"Probably... but in the context of only between both of us socializing, you don't mind carrying do you?" I replied.
"For you, I don't mind considering I've grown fond of you," she replied smiling.
"That's brash of me to say that ain't it?" I asked.
"Yeah, kinda," she replied grinning.
The Deagle L5 (Custom).
"If I remember correctly this shoots 357 magnum cartridges or erm, bullets," I said.
"Yup," she replied.
"... I remember most of these weapons as well as some of the attachments," I comment.
"Probably because it's your original and official Loadout, in terms of the attachments on your weapons your past self was the one responsible," she replied.
"Explains why I like the guns in general," I said.
The Seeknight.
"I don't remember this," I then said.
"It's a product of R.E.D. built specifically to kill tanks or if not incapacitate them severely in one shot, it has three fire modes which are guided, lock-on, or the typical point and shoot hence it's good for both AT and AA," Hesh explains.
"Two shots with that thing would be reasonably considered overkill considering its ammunition, unless if you missed the first shot of course," she adds.
"Do you remember how to properly utilize the Seeknight?" she asked.
"... I'm only aware of backblast... that's it, for now at least," I replied.
"That's convenient," she replied.
"... I still think these provisions are excessive... like what If I died before I can even utilize all of my shit, it would just be a massive waste considering a guy like me has this inevitable likelihood of fucking up that badly," I replied.
"And you don't think they are aware of this?" she asked.
"... I think they are," I replied.
"... I'm not complaining or anything, I'm just curious about the thought process behind such a decision," I continued.
"I understand, but believe me or not this is how it is, for now at least, unless if something new pops its head out... let's put your weapons back, I don't have all day hence we should go," she replied.
"If there's an op' or a mission should I get my weapons from here or no?" I asked.
"No, of course not, your weapons will be conveniently delivered to your room via your equipment station... but under only the rightly of circumstances and context which requires you to be equipped," she replied.
"The reason why the weapons are here is to give you insight about your Loadout and role in the squad, in a way, plus lets you interact with your arsenal," she continues.
"Don't worry you'll be using your loadout as well as your equipment during your reevaluation for the sake of consistency," she adds.
"Hopefully, I haven't lost my touch," I said.
"Speaking of touch, I'm looking forward to it," she replied.
"What?" I replied as I immediately looked at her which she grinned in response.
"If you are disarmed and had to resort to melee or hand-to-hand combat, it's vital to have experience and refined skill, I'll teach you by beating you off rightly since I'm your hand-to-hand combat mentor," she replied grinning.
"I don't like the idea of getting beaten up, especially by you," I replied.
"Suck it up buttercup, I've already scheduled it, maybe not long after the start of our training session, you'll knock me out," she replied smirking.
"I hope so, considering your eagerness to-," I said before being cut off by her.
"Beat you up, get close and rough with you?" she said looking at me intently with low lid eyes.
I notice her dark brown eyes dilate before she suddenly broke eye contact then briefly shook her head as she giggled a bit.
"You done?" I then asked flustered.
"Yes," she replied smiling before she lightly punched my right shoulder as a playful gesture.
I put my weapons back then both of us indicated our leave to the staff member that accompanied us before continuing our way towards our particular living quarters in the base.
After a moment of walking together...
"RED has gained the trust of the SCP Foundation first, then the GRU Division P after the organization neutralized the entirety of SCP-610 outbreak in Siberia... the GOC soon deemed RED trustworthy not long after that," Hesh explains, I was impressed especially about the feat in Siberia.
"The reputation of RED only grew further as time went on especially considering the organization's accomplishments, such neutralizing anomalous entities who were nothing but a lingering threat and bane, like namely SCP-073, SCP-682, and SCP-2339 which was reasonably deemed unlike, which I understand why by the way," she continues.
I was genuinely speechless by what she just said in response, I didn't know much in detail at the time but I certainly recall the concept of all three to be dreadful and virtually unkillable.
After a moment of silence...
"You seem tense, do you remember any of the three SCP's that I've mentioned?" she then asked.
"... yeah, I recall all three to be virtually unkillable," I replied.
"Looks like the Foundation didn't entirely expunge all of your relevant awareness about what you know," she comments.
"It seems so," I replied.
"... what does RED stand for, acronym wise?" I asked.
"RED in the context of Site Alpha or the Facility stands for Research, Explore, and Develop... but separately in the context of us the PMC or our base aka Baseline, RED stands for Resolve, Expedite, and Defend," she explained.
"... me being offered an opportunity to work here must've been shocking," I said.
"The best of the best are here," she said which made me question my worth.
After some time, eventually...
After walking through the conveniently wide corridor of the Living Quarters of LQ-7 We are now in front of the Metal Door that leads into my room.
"Most various parts of the base will have these paint lines on the walls which are dedicated means of guidance, you can use those if you are looking for a particular place or part of the Base," she said in an already ongoing conversation with me.
"And if there aren't?" I asked.
"Then you'll have to socialize or to put it lightly ask questions, interact with people," she replied smirking.
"Great, my strong suit," I said unenthusiastically before she gestured towards the door across from my own.
"That's the door to my room," she said as she proceeded to gesture to the other five doors nearby ours in a sequence whilst naming the occupants.
"That's the room of Quint, Brutt, Finch, Burns, and lastly Echo's," she said as she gestures to each door sequentially.
After a brief moment of silence between us...
"Anyways, I'll see you tomorrow, besides I haven't eaten my dinner yet so I have to go," she then said which I nod in response, she then hugged me hence making me tense.
"Goodbye for now then," I said.
"For now," she replied as she pulls away from the embrace before she steps back then bit her lower lip.
She sighed before she punched my shoulder lightly then nod at me before turning around and leaving.
I utilized my keycard via the panel to the door of my room hence it retracted upwards from within its doorframe as a means of opening, meanwhile, simultaneously the lights within automatically turned on which enabled me to see the contents of my neat room.
My room had the following contents:
- A pull-up bar coupled with a mat and dumbbells.
- A comfy bed.
- A metal table coupled with a stool.
- Three flower pots.
- An AC wall installation.
- A wall Installation closet containing all my uniforms or clothing in general.
- An equipment station.
- A door that leads to my bathroom which also had a laundry station.
- A metal door labeled "Call Of Duty" didn't have an access panel hence confusing me with its purpose.
- A vent that's in the middle of the ceiling of my room.
After examining the contents of my room I then took my armor, H.P boots, and balaclava off then placed them conveniently nearby at the foot of my bed.
I then lay on my bed before dimming the lights via flicking off the switch which was beside this wall installation device which looked like a mix between a PC speaker and a receipt printer, both were conveniently nearby the bed.
I lay there in the dark pondering or reminiscing plus having to occasionally reposition myself for the sake of comfortability and convenience before I eventually-
[Darkness]
[End of Recording]
Next: "Reevaluation"