⟨Darkness⟩
It began when I wake up seeing only darkness for the first few seconds, meanwhile as I breathe in the cool air of the room, Immediately after I exhaled it all back out in a pained wheeze due to the horrific overwhelming pain I then felt throughout my body... my impulsive reaction led me to discover that I was restrained to lay back on presumably a hospital cot... at the moment, my focus was mainly directed to the sheer pain that's throughout my body... the way I can describe the pain is like all the muscles in my body were painfully twisting involuntarily... kinda like a cramp but painfully far worse... it also felt like there were spikes growing within my body, threatening to painfully burst out of me which was what I thought... I then intended to yell "Fuck!" as a vocal means to cope against this torment, to vent out my suffering, but because of the strap that was keeping my mouth shut and covered, my attempt to yell something profane came out as unintelligible.
After a moment of derealization, also quietly crying and suppressing my panic...
I managed to rationalize enough to focus much on something else, at the cost of straining my mind which threatened to pass out on me... anyway, as a result, it's only then that I acknowledge the alternating light of the color red and green, the lights were the reason that I discover and realize that my vision was blurry, to a worrisome extent... although my vision was screwed, I can still tell I was in a dim room... the cold temperature didn't help me maintain my efforts in laying still since I impulsively shiver, thus as a result of such movement led to a lot of pain as a result... It was unforgiving.
After a moment of quietly enduring my suffering...
The pain was still present but wasn't as potent, any major movement is painful and it's even worse that it's met by the same horrific intensity which is unfortunate for me... there were instances wherein I had to endure it so I can adjust my limbs to be at a comfortable resting position... the pain was so horrific and intense that it deterred me from attempting to struggle free... my body was so threatened by this that my willpower and grit was overcome by my instinct to not add more to the pain, unsurprisingly, I had no choice but to heed and submit.
After a long moment of quietly being in deep thought...
I've grown numb towards the pain enough to stifle or smother most of my pessimism by this point... I was able to further ease up a bit more of my nerves and also organize my thoughts, this led me to the realization that my memories are fubar to an extent... suddenly, I heard two distinct muffled voices which were audibly female, talking, although it was beyond my line of sight, the direction of the source was somewhere off to my right... audibly they seemed to be arguing which was what I assumed or concluded at the time... I recalled that I was a Mobile Task Force unit working for the SCP Foundation, with that said, considering the uncanny circumstances I'm undergoing or subjected to, I was dreadful and fearful than relieved knowing that I'm not alone... as to what MTF I specifically belonged to, I don't know.
After a moment as I quietly contemplate...
Convinced by my pessimism, I decided to not risk drawing the attention of anyone, as a result I played dead... letting my body go limp, intended to look dead or unconscious to whoever or whatever is looking at me... I don't know these people, if indeed they are even human in the first place is what I thought... I occupied myself in the meantime via indulging in my thoughts, intending to distract both my fear and anxiety about random subjects, assuming and hoping that they aren't aware that I'm alive and or conscious.
After an uneventful and chilling while as I quietly lay there...
The muffled voices were now gone after what seemed like an intense argument, but pessimistic that I am, I waited a bit more for a deemed length since I doubt that they're actually gone... besides, at the time, if I was indeed being helped I was unsurprisingly unconvinced, after all I was in a dim room by my lonesome, restrained to lay on a bed meanwhile as my body feels like it's about to die or explode whenever I move, and I was also freezing to death... oh and also I was both thirsty and hungry.
After a long moment of silence as I quietly wait...
Ultimately I was assured by this point that I was now alone, even if the extended wait was uncomfortable and unpleasant, I thankful but also dreadful of the eerie quietness that now has settled... although my ears are ringing from this, I was content even if relatively scared, plus I also thought that any alternative outcome would've been much worse or a step up terrifyingly horrific which is what I convinced myself to accept... as I endure the pain, thirst, and hunger I ultimately felt light-headed which made me impulsively smile in response... because I was hoping that it's either a sign that I was about to die or that I can finally get some needed sleep, a break from everything even if it would be only temporary, considering the uncertainties and my uncanny circumstances.
Not long...
⟨Darkness⟩
My eyes open albeit slowly, after blinking for a bit my vision cleared, I then rub both my eyes before I sat up to be surprised of finding myself now in a different room, also confused but relieved that my painful subdued experience was no longer... the room was dim, notably, there was a wall that's entirely made of glass which was the frosted variant, as a result, the lights from the corridor on the other side obviously provided lighting for me see more of the room's contents... parallel to where the glass wall is, there's a metal door that had no doorknob, moreover, there's a vent in the middle of the ceiling which is nearby some lights that were turned off... the vent looked impenetrable enough that I doubt I can get it open forcefully if I can even reach it to begin with.
... in addition, there's an AC wall installation and a couple of electrical sockets or outlets on the wall nearby the hospital cot I'm on, some are even on the floor... suddenly, I had this feeling of being watched hence I looked at the glass wall in response to see a humanoid silhouette... the silhouette or rather the bodily figure is a woman, this person turned away before hastily striding to the right, intending to access the metal door of the room that I am in... pessimistic that I am, I got up on my feet and readied myself... I put both my fists up and intentionally make it seem like I'm trying to hide the fact that I'm still weak and tired from waking up... meanwhile as I maintain my attempts to unrelentingly smother the fear and anxiety that's building up in mind at that moment.
The lights within the room then turned on which made me squint in response to the sudden amplification of brightness, meanwhile as the metal door audibly retracted upwards within its doorframe as its means of opening to reveal the person on the other side... this person is a young woman, who seemingly appear to be in her mid or late twenties... she stood in the doorway with crossed arms as she looked at me with her cold and steely eyes, fortunately for me her expression then softens... description wise, she has a fit or athletic physique, short dark auburn hair that was in this neat bang hairstyle, and she wore a black and grey camouflaged uniform... undoubtedly pretty and hot looking she is, as a result I was surprised that I immediately found her familiar.
... as to why I was surprised by finding her familiar, I'm an individual who's fond of being alone and unsociable, this is furthered since I was treated and subjected to being outcast for being different and true to myself... different being that I typically kept to myself, I talk less, and I strive to do good... basically I'm withdrawn and introverted... I wasn't fond of having friends, let alone genuine and loyal ones... anyway, I then recall her name which is Hesh, meanwhile her expression transitioned to worry, she then uncross both her arms before she spoke.
"Haunt?" she asked.
"Hesh?" I replied, surprised, meanwhile as I cease looking deceptively tiresome, she smiled in response.
"It's... it's good to see you're healthy and alive... it's been so... so long, ever since-," she said before trailing off, she then hastily walks towards me.
Once close enough proximity, she lunged forward to hug me which caused me to lightly bump the side of the hospital cot behind me as a result... her hug tightened and her grip became a bit firm meanwhile as her head rested on my left shoulder, she then spoke.
"Welcome back, you melancholic bastard... hug me back, please," she said, her voice quivering a bit which caught me off guard of the level of emotion.
I was dumbfounded meanwhile as both my feet and legs were buckled because of her sudden yet surprising way of interaction or greeting, let alone from the level of emotion that's being displayed... since my left hand is free from her embrace I hug her back as requested.
"I can't believe this is real," she comments before I lightly tap her right shoulder twice, intended to express that I had enough of our contact.
"Just... wait, a bit more, let me savor this," she said which I nod response.
After a moment of silence between us...
"Alright, I'm done," she then said as she stopped hugging me and stepped back.
Although she's faintly blushing a bit, she maintained eye contact, looking at me intently, as a result I notice her eyes are a bit teary and were dilated, uncomfortable I looked away which made her chuckle, I was further processing everything in my mind about everything so far
"I'm just really glad that you're back, I'm sure you can tell," she said which I nod response.
After a brief moment of silence between us...
Her smile then slowly gets wider, making me realize that I haven't said anything else apart from her name... as far as I like avoiding talk but because of this tension between us I spoke.
"Yeah, obviously-" I replied before I choked on my spit which made her laugh in response.
Her laughter was special and cute, making me smile whenever I don't cough, she then pats my back lightly and rubs it as I begin to recover from that embarrassing way to start an introduction.
After a bit of recovery...
I was now alright, although embarrassed... under her intense gaze I found myself sweating a little, also feeling a bit of warmth on my back or shoulders and my face, presumably noticing this she grinned then smirked before she spoke.
"C'mon hot stuff," she said before heading to exit the room.
It's only at this point is when I now acknowledge that I'm wearing my standard-issued uniform... the color scheme of my camouflaged uniform is a mix of black and grey but my H.P. boots were entirely black... anyway, I went outside the room, not wanting to annoy or bother Hesh by making her wait... when I got outside, she was leaning on a wall waiting, seeing me her smile widens as she pushed herself away from the wall, she then brought out a keycard from one of her pockets to suddenly throw it at my direction, as a result, I had to practically lean to my right to catch it which I did, I then spoke.
"What kind of throw was that?" I asked, frowning at her carelessness.
"The Hesh kind," she replied, smiling.
Ignoring her seeming indifference, I looked at the keycard, descriptively it was chubby compared to what am used to, in addition, its aesthetic color scheme is both black and orange, apart from the font color of the words present, it was red... the letters on it are conveniently small on the 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 it.
"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 asked as I look at her.
"A meal costs two, meanwhile a snack like a soda from a vending machine will only cost you one... each light or ticket has a two-hour cooldown before it'll replenish back one that's spent," she replied.
"Rationalize when spending... or to put it bluntly, try to not get fat," she adds as she approached me.
"I'll keep that in mind, thanks," I replied.
"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 at the door or to where she's gesturing to notice a panel, after utilizing it via my keycard the metal door then closed down to seal open doorway, my peripheral vision had the glass wall in its coverage, noticing this abrupt lack of brightness I look at it to realize that this side of the glass wall is clear unlike when it's viewed from within the room, moreover, the lights within the room were now turned off... noticing her now standing beside me I face her as she coincidentally turn to face me as well, she then spoke before I could.
"According to what I've been informed, although you've recovered, there's this downside... the resurrection initiation is still in its early stages of development thus as a result... to an extent an indeterminate number of your memories have been lost, unrecoverable," she explains.
"But worry less, I've also been told that it's likely most of your memories will come back after some time, obviously apart from those that will not," she continues.
After a brief moment of comfortable silence as we look at each other...
She cleared her throat before rubbing the back of her neck as she turn to look at the far end of the corridor that's ahead of us, after seemingly fidgeting a bit she then spoke.
"I know you have a lot of questions and I'll answer all of them to the best of my knowledge," she said.
"Anyway, do you know the way to our part of the living quarters from here?" she asked before looking back at me.
"... no, but I assume it's over in that direction," I replied with a nod in the direction of the corridor.
"I presume you know where to go from there on out," I continued which she nodded in response.
"C'mon then, while on the way you can pester me about questions concerning what happened to you," she said before walking ahead hence I follow beside her, matching my pace with her's.
"... 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.
"Since 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 which made me confused because I had no idea.
"... anyway," I said, digressing which made her chuckle.
"What?" she asked, smiling as she glanced at me.
"Nothing... I uh, recall having to work for an organization known as the SCP Foundation, is this not the Foundation? I replied.
"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 which made me tense and clench my jaw, apprehensive 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 led our conversation to mainly ask you questions about yourself," she replied.
"... you were hesitant at first, then you answered some back... 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 added by saying that the SCP Foundation let you off easy about your decision to work for RED," she explains.
"At the cost of expunging some specific memories concerning what you know about the SCP Foundation... plus at the cost of your employment or position there as MTF for the Foundation, obviously," she continued.
"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 asked as she looked at me.
After a moment as I quietly try to recall whoever this person is...
"I don't recall, considering also that my memories are fubar," I said with a shrug.
"Mhm, right," she replied, seemingly bothered by that.
"... you said I was subjected to this resurrection, do you mind telling me who wanted to bring me back to life?" I asked.
"The Auditor herself," she replied.
"... she's the founder and creator of RED, if I remember correctly, right?" I asked.
"Yes... it's a good thing that you still know or remember something about RED apart from me, otherwise, I wouldn't be surprised if you find me suspicious," she replied.
After a brief moment of silence between us whilst I'm in deep thought...
"That's excessive or out of character... what reason did she have for bringing me back considering I'm just a plus one? expendable," I 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 which is her life long work, if it can't have her," she continued
"... at some point in time on that same day, that's where we come in," she adds.
After a moment of silence as I quietly think...
I notice a Roomba on the floor cleaning about as we walk past it, anyway, I was then about to say something intended for her to elaborate further but she continued before I can say what I intend.
"We arrived at the facility via a helo... after dismounting at a safe distance we head 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, to buy some time... alternatively, 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 seemingly nudge it, flashbangs worked only once and a lot of unfair bullshit... it was one sided," she adds.
"... fast forward towards when our co-op with two other task force squads including some brave few on-site personnel were trying to survive whilst fighting it to no effect... 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 between us...
"... should we stop?" I asked.
"Hm? oh it's fine... I'm alright," she replied.
"I was just reminded of the brutal up deaths of some people I saw back then... some were fused into walls... horrific and fucked up shit... anyway we fell, the few people who were with me just so happen to luckily land on a surface nearby a drop, the rest weren't as lucky," she said.
"... eventually, after managing through the shambled bullshit, we manage to get 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 only nod in response.
After a brief moment of silence...
"How did you did you all know it was me?" I asked.
"After a long hectic moment passed without any conflict, a bunch of strike teams were 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 before glancing 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 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 a resurrection procedure, which is dubbed or known as 50 Blessings," she replied.
"... I think 50 Blessings is a reference to 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 or I got lost... 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 think my corpse, including the particular few subjected to this resurrection procedure were convenient for testing out their newly brought up ongoing project at the time," I comment.
"I can imagine that, RED has no D-Class personnel unlike the Foundation," she replied as she glanced at me.
"... there's this saying that the SCP Foundation is not bad but cold, I stand by that," I replied which made her seemingly tense in response.
After a brief moment of silence...
"I think that the Auditor wanted to know from you particular bunch of how you guys managed to hurt or injure it enough that it fucked off," she 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 which I only shrug in response.
After a moment of silence between us as I quietly try to recall...
"I'm trying to remember, I'm sorry that it got awkwardly quiet there," I said.
"No worries, plus you did nothing wrong," she replied as she looked at me before smiling to reveal she has one cheeky dimple.
After attempting to remember anything relevant whilst dodging other brewing thoughts in my mind...
I vividly remember sparks, blinding lights, and someone urgently shouting at me... my reaction of remembering this even if vague, is that it was too good to be true or rather I was surprised but absolutely glad, anyway I then spoke.
"I remember seeing sparks and blinding lights," I said.
"You sure it's connected or uh, relevant?" she asked.
After a brief moment of silence as I quietly contemplate...
"No, but after deliberate thought it's likely," I 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 that each answered differently or similarly... but since you're alive then 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... I feel like I've recently been massaged thoroughly all over, I feel great," I replied.
"That sounds pleasant... perhaps you can give me one if the opportunity arises?" she asked, glancing at me whilst smirking.
"... 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 about me and Hesh which I disagree with, in response I 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 be resurrected," she replied smiling.
"You and the people who last fought it before the entity escaped are the only ones subjected to this procedure or project," she continues.
"... how'd you know that on this day in particular that I'll be waking up?" I asked.
"The people responsible for taking care of you gave me an approximation since I was the one who volunteered to claim you... as to how in the hell was this approximation acquired, that's beyond me or my understanding," she replied then shrugged.
After walking and talking with Hesh for some time...
At this point we've gone through particular parts of the base which is known as "Baseline", plus in terms of aesthetics of the base it's visually neat, convenient, and stunning, utilized ingeniously... fortunately at some point Hesh remembered something crucial 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 or inspect my loadout or arsenal while at it, she also emphasized that I should be attentive because I will be briefed about my equipment which would be undeniably fundamental during my reevaluation.
Eventually...
"Let's start with your Balaclava," The staff member said.
The H.P. Balaclava.
"It's in a way a bit thick considering the components or the science and engineering behind it, practically bio-hazard proof to an extent that concerns to general bio-hazards can be neglected," he explains.
"The balaclava also autonomously and automatically regulate the temperature or conditions within for the sake of the wearer's convenience and comfort," he continued.
My 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... 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 has the same, though it distinctly possess more complex sciences and engineering 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, although only relatively it's ample hence frontally wise you're sure to bounce off projectiles... as for the eyeholes of the mask, it has a first layer of protection of integrated "Plot" platings which are followed by two protective layers of glass behind it," the staff member explains.
"Like the balaclava, it's practically bio-hazard poof, lastly autonomously and automatically regulates the temperature or conditions within for the sake of the wearer's convenience or comfort," he continues.
"... because of its practical and structural design, the mask ended up looking intimidating in nature, which is a bonus," he adds which I nod in agreement.
"Plot?" I asked looking at Hesh which made her smile.
"Yeah, Plot," she 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 my face or utilizing it, the mask 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 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 quality of seeing through the mask is remarkable and phenomenal... the best way I can describe it is that my mask is non-existent but still sensibly present on my face.
"This is-" I impulsively comment, surprised, before Hesh cut me off.
"Cool huh?" she asked, grinning, which I nod in response.
"In the context wherein breathable air is non-existent or not enough there's a feature in your mask which when activated, will automatically produce or create oxygen conveniently fast enough for you to breathe like nothing happened," the staff member explains.
"Keep in mind that the duration of this feature will only be good for eleven minutes," he remarks.
"Also in terms of the bi-products when you breathe 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.
"In a way, it relatively increases the likelihood of bouncing off bullets or projectiles in general, off your armor... basically it's a tweak to increase your armor thickness," the staff member replied.
"Theoretically?" I asked which the staff member shrugs in response.
"That application 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, especially when you're wearing the full set of H.P. grade armor and equipment," 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 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 to proceed to my combat 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, which is essential for hearing protection, external hazard protection and 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, this serves as another layer of protection... as a bonus, its also designed to support of being utilized to headbutt, which is devastating to the receiver," he continued.
"Like you're previous equipments, It's bio-hazard proof in general and regulates the temperature or conditions within for the sake of the wearer's convenience," he said.
The H.P. Helmet was then handed to me hence I utilized it, after equipping the helmet and putting on the ear-muffs as intended, 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 she 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 only 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," she explains.
"Then, in mind, follow it with a thought command that you wanted it to play right now," she continues.
I managed to follow through hence a miniature musical note then appeared conveniently on my U.I. or HUD, specifically to the top left side, a distinct soothing feminine voice then spoke.
"Playing Space Song by Beach House," she said.
⟨Music Plays⟩
In response, I glanced around a bit to see the same number of people as before, Hesh noticing then spoke with a concerned look on her face.
"Something wrong?" she asked.
"There's an A.I?" I replied as I point to my head.
"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," she 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, which is fortunate for us," she continued.
"In addition, according to the Auditor in the context of A.I. or specifically Iris, the outcome of "misalignment" is virtually unlikely or to none," she adds which I nod in response.
"I apologize for being brash there... I was just stumped at the fact that the ear-muffs excels at being a practical convenience," I comment.
"Wait till you experience it in actual warfare, you'll be blown away... well, hopefully not get blown by me," she replied before she winked at me then grinned.
Immediately I look at the accompanying staff member with us, it's either he seemingly didn't get her implication or choose not to because he just shrug then gave me a double thumbs up in response.
"Am I able to casually converse with Iris?" I asked, digressing.
"Yup," the staff member replied with a nod.
"It can be vocal or via the mind," Hesh adds.
"Iris?" I asked in mind.
"Yes?" she replied in mind.
"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.
After another moment of socializing...
Digressing, I 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 enhances your punches lethality... as for the addendums, 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 linked and locked to the rim or locking mechanism in the wrist part of your uniform," he said as he tugs his uniform's sleeve.
"I somehow recall how to," I replied as I equip both my gloves.
"How convenient," Hesh replied.
"Yup," I replied as I link or lock my left glove on conveniently which made an indicating *Click* sound, I then balled my right hand to be a fist to see how it'll like.
"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 a moment of socializing once again...
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... same shit, it's also bio-hazard proof and 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 magazine carriers dedicated for an assault rifle, sub-machine gun or a sniper, the only exemption is a light machine gun of course and a shotgun that isn't mag fed... but it isn't limited to only your primary, your mag carriers are designed to hold any ammunition of a weapon as long as it's a magazine," 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 armored to a level that getting shot there is pointless... unless if we're talking about overkill conventional means or types of weaponry like an HMG... although getting hit by such armaments wouldn't destroy your armor, your body however that's concealed within will be... yeah, that's how tough Plot is," he remarks.
The H.P. vest was handed to me hence I utilized it, once my combat vest was now conveniently or properly equipped, it then sensibly constraints linking or locking itself onto my uniform with an indicating *Click* sound.
"All of this seems like a hassle to take off especially when I'm in a hurry," I 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 unlinking your equipment via the mind fails or doesn't work," the staff member explains.
Hesh then went close and began showing me the locations of each of the manual emergency unlocking mechanisms of my equipment, plus also 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, don't worry dude, you're basically like an armadillo but absurdly durable and tough when equipping your full set... the only thing you need to worry about is the force of impact of a weapon or forces of nature like reality," 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 disigned to support that, hence not only are we incredibly tough and durable, we're also nimble that would caught any our enemies off guard," Hesh explains.
"In the span or duration of your entire reevaluation, you'll eventually encounter training courses that require parkour... worry less concerning your mobility in the context of your equipment, as it was one of the things that's considered," she adds.
"That's convenient," I replied.
We then proceeded on to my armor guards or protection dedicated to both my arms and legs.
H.P. Arm and Leg Guards
"Has Integrated "Plot", practically and conveniently angled, generally 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 frankly 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'm not complaining," 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 which I only nod in response before I 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," she said before grinning.
"Hopefully I'll stay consistent," I replied.
"I believe that you will," she replied which made me smile a bit.
The BCM Reece 16 (Custom).
"Optics looks cool and new, though I don't recall," I comment.
"Courtesy of one of the many products founded and created only here in RED," 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 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," she replied.
The Remington 870 SBS (Custom).
"I like the side saddle on it," I comment.
"Yeah, it's neat looking yet purposely tactical," she replied.
"Hopefully I still remember how to utilize it, tactically reloading," I said.
"We'll find out during and after your reevaluation, but believe that you will," she replied.
"Fingers crossed," I replied which made her smirk.
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 before smiling.
"That was brash of me to say?" I asked.
"Yeah, kinda," she replied, grinning.
The Deagle L5 (Custom).
"If I remember correctly this shoots 357 magnum 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 RED built specifically to kill tanks or if not incapacitate them severely in one shot, it has three fire modes which are guided, shoot and forget, lastly 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 your 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.
"At least, you're conveniently aware," 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're aware or haven't thought 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 made her grin.
"If you're disarmed hence 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, with good reason if you recall," she replied before grinning which I shook my head in response.
"I don't like the idea of getting beaten up especially by you," I replied.
"Suck it up buttercup, It's already scheduled... besides, maybe not long after the start of our training session, you'll knock me out," she replied before 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 longingly with low lid eyes.
As a result of her staring at me, I notice her dark brown eyes dilate before she suddenly broke eye contact, she then briefly shook her head as she giggled a bit.
"You done?" I asked, flustered.
"Yes," she replied smiling before she lightly punched my right shoulder as a playful gesture.
Once I was done putting my weapons back, we both indicated our leave to the staff member who 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 neutralizing the entirety of the SCP-610 outbreak in Siberia... the GOC deemed RED trustworthy not long after that success," Hesh explains.
"The reputation of RED only grew further as time went on especially considering the organization's accomplishments, such as neutralizing anomalous entities who were nothing but a lingering threat and just a bane," she continues.
"... entities such as SCP-073, SCP-682, and SCP-2339 which were all reasonably and understandably deemed by humanity, us, as unlikely to be eliminated or expunged from existence," she adds.
... although my memories are fubar, I was genuinely speechless by what she just said... I didn't know much in detail at that time but I certainly recall the concept of all three being dreadful and virtually unkillable.
After a moment of silence between us whilst I'm quietly in deep thought...
"You seem tense, do you remember any of the three SCPs that I've mentioned?" she then asked.
"... yeah, I just 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 of the Foundation," 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 known as Baseline, RED stands for Resolve, Expedite, and Defend," she explained.
"... being offered an opportunity to work here must've been shocking and unexpected for me," I said.
"The best of the best are here," she said which made me question my worth in mind.
"Did I do something remarkable, sometime in the past?" I asked which she shrug in response.
"You never told me, so I don't know," she replied.
"What's your guess?" I asked as I glance at her.
"... hm, maybe you killed a supernatural entity somehow," she replied.
"... does RED function like the GOC?" I asked.
"Maybe, I don't know dude," she replied.
"... I'm surprised that both the Foundation and GOC are harmoniously in agreement and alright in being allied to RED, together," I remark.
"Why?" she asked.
"If I remember correctly these two organizations aren't friends... I don't know why specifically at the moment, since my memories and knowledge are lacking," I replied which made her smile.
"Worry less, most your memories will come back, I'm sure of it," she replied which didn't really settle my pessimism.
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 intended as a means of guidance," she said in an already ongoing conversation with me.
"You can use those if you are looking for a particular place or part of the Base which you don't know yet," she continues.
"And if there aren't?" I asked.
"Then you'll have to socialize or to put it lightly ask questions, interact with people... or you could always find me to go with you, I absolutely don't mind," she replied before smirking.
"I'll keep those in mind," I replied.
"But socializing is my strong suit, don't you think?" I rhetorically and unenthusiastically asked which made her grin and shook her head in response.
"Then just find me, we'll go together," she said before she gestured towards the door across from my own.
"That's the door to my room," she adds 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 continued as she gestured to each door of my squad members 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 said which I nod in response.
"You didn't have to starve yourself for me," I said, frowning a bit which made her chuckle.
"You're right, but I choose to, for you babe," she said before pressing herself to me, flustered and caught off guard by this, I stepped back as I gently push her away.
"Aw, what's wrong?" she asked before pouting.
"... nothing," I replied which made her smirk for a bit.
After a bit of silence between us, as we stare at each other...
"Anyway your dinner is waiting to be consumed, hence goodbye for now then," I said which made her giggle a bit.
"For now," she replied before hugging me once again.
She then pulled away from the embrace albeit looking sad a bit... she then steps back before she bit her lower lip... after letting out a sigh she punched my chest or rather H.P. vest lightly as a gesture of affection before she nod at me.
"See you soon Haunt," she said.
"I'm sure you will but until then, happy eats to you and goodnight in advance," I replied which made her chuckle before she leaned in to peck my cheek or rather my H.P. mask before leaving.
After a bit of quietly watching her leave...
I utilized my keycard via the panel of the door to my room hence it retracted upwards within its doorframe as its means of opening, meanwhile, simultaneously the lights within the room automatically turned on which enabled me to see inside... the room was immaculately clean and organized hence I was immediately happy and contented, once actually inside the room, the door behind me automatically closed.
... my room had a pull-up bar coupled with a mat and dumbbells, comfy bed, 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... moreover, there was a door that leads to my bathroom which had a laundry station, a metal door labeled "Call Of Duty" which didn't have an access panel which confused me of its purpose... lastly, there's a vent that's in the middle of the ceiling of my room.
After taking a shower and getting clothed...
I placed my H.P boots and balaclava conveniently nearby at the foot of my bed before I dimmed or darkened the room lights via flicking off the switch that was nearby, beside this wall installation device which looked like a mix between a PC speaker and a receipt printer... I lay there comfortably on my bed, pondering or reminiscing about various stuff that's bothering me in mind.
After a while of occasionally repositioning myself for the sake of comfortability, eventually-
⟨Darkness⟩
⟨End of Recording⟩
Next: "Reevaluation."