⟨Darkness⟩
After the neat and flawless transition, I was able to see and breathe in my mask, I then wear my helmet and put on the built in ear protection as I walk beside Hesh with a matching pace... we we're intending to get to "The Grinder" which is one of the training centers in the base or also known as Baseline.
"... based on what I've heard and been told still, since RED had the collected samples of presumably the blood of this entity, the same chemical residue founded on your corpse back then in the incident," Hesh explains in an already ongoing conversation with me.
"The Auditor was understandably or unsurprisingly driven of finding this entity... utilizing all of RED's Orbital Defense Diagnostics Satellites coupled by some other essential things as well," she said.
"... also with the help of the SCP Foundation, all the effort eventually lead to the enhancement and amplification of RED's ODDS to initiate a full or absolute thorough scan of the entire universe for this thing... unfortunately, nothing resembling the entity and presumably its blood in the entire universe was discovered and identified, the Auditor eventually concluded that presumably it was now in another dimension, plane of existence or reality entirely," she continued.
"Which is worrisome considering what it's capable of... although its purpose is unknown plus theories aside, it is definite that it has malicious and sinister intentions, especially for the Auditor and RED," she adds.
"... what if it was on a quest of wiping RED in its entirety, every alternate reality it came across?" I asked.
"It's possible, all things considered," she replied.
"... troubling, really," I said which she shrug in response.
After a moment of silence between us...
"You seem tense, something wrong?" she asked glancing at me.
"How can you tell?" I replied as I glance at her.
"Does it matter?" she asked.
"No," I replied.
"Then what's wrong?" she asked before glancing at me.
"I can tell that something is bothering you, even if you're concealed behind your equipment, this facade," she adds.
"What are you, anomalous?" I asked which made her laugh.
"Maybe I am, who knows Haunt... *giggle* nah, I just know a lot about you," she replied.
"... are we a couple or something?" I asked.
"... not yet, although I absolutely want us to be... anyway we're getting off topic, what's bothering you?" she replied.
"... I unintentionally helped it... gave it an opportunity to escape uncontested thus any potential likelihood to kill or if not contain it, went with it," I replied.
"... the fact that it's still out there and as well as the concept of how many people will probably die because of it... because of me," I add which made her sigh in response.
After a brief moment of silence between us...
"Yes, maybe things could have gone better and probably should've ended differently... but you've done what you thought was right and what you can, besides you don't have any intentions of helping it... plus it's possible it was the only thing you could've done at that moment, we're only human after all," she said.
"Please don't beat yourself up because of it... alright?" she asked as she looked at me.
"... I'll try not to," I replied smiling a bit before I look at her.
"No, I want you to do your best, trying isn't enough for me," she replied as she looked ahead.
"I'll do my best," I replied which made her smile, contented.
After a bit of silence between us...
"... the mask suits you," she comments.
"... is that a low-key connotation that you don't like my face, you prefer that I wear my mask?" I asked.
"No, it's not like that!" she replied, worried by the thought that I was offended by her words.
"It's just that the less I see your face the more I'm eager to see you unmasked... it's stimulating, to say the least... it suits you, plus your name adds to the cool yet enigmatic factor," she continues.
"... thank you," I replied.
After a moment of silence between us...
"When we get there we'll wait like," she said before looking at her wristwatch.
"We'll wait like twelve or maybe eight minutes in the lounge area of the lobby, considering we're heading there early," she continues.
"... is my name really Haunt Tether?" I asked.
"I don't know, is it?" she replied.
"I absolutely doubt it, who would name their kid Haunt Tether," I replied.
"... I think I know someone who can maybe provide me that information for your sake, I suspect it will be a tedious process hence it will take some time," she said.
"You don't have to," I replied.
"Yet I'll still try, I don't like the concept of only remembering and especially knowing you by your made-up name... even if I've grown used to it," she enthusiastically replied before lightly bumping into me as a playful gesture.
"... if you keep on being generous, amiable, or cordial like that then you're gonna give me a huge amount of debt due to the number of favors that I will owe you," I replied which made her smirk.
"Oh don't worry much... I won't ask a lot in return... besides your pleasant company is enough and I'm keen on wanting to strengthen and develop that," she replied before winking at me.
"... you're too kind for your own good... but luckily for you, I'm daft and principled, at least that's what I think," I replied to which made her giggle and blush a bit.
"Are we still on the right track on the way towards the Grinder or did we miss a turn?" I asked.
Hesh immediately gasped in response and abruptly stopped as she grabbed my right hand, making me stop alongside her as well... after looking around briefly she let go of my hand to then smack her palm onto my right shoulder lightly.
"I was just asking," I said as I look at her which she pouts then crossed both of her arms, grinning in response.
"... digressing onwards," she replied as she uncrossed both her arms then turned around to continue leading the way whilst smirking.
After some time, eventually...
We arrived at one of the training centers of the base that's dubbed as the "Grinder", after confirming Drill Instructor Gaz wasn't here yet, we both decided to wait by the lounge area of the lobby as planned.
"So yeah, I'll be spectating you since the Grinder will test crucial things about you... since I'm your mentor in hand-to-hand combat, monitoring your progression and performance will likely give me ideas or concepts so," she said.
"Okay," I replied.
"... you seem nervous," she comments which made me look at her in response.
"... what if I've never retained my skill or I've lost it entirely, what would happen as a result?" I asked as she looked at me intently.
"... your reevaluation would be extended... I don't know Haunt, besides I absolutely doubt that you lost your touch, considering your finesse concerning your weapons last night, you got this, I'm sure of it," she replied.
"... I appreciate and acknowledge your confidence in me," I replied.
Hesh then fidgets a bit before standing up, she went to sit beside me on the couch as she looked at me intently whilst smiling, she then spoke before I could ask or question her something about us... specifically, how did I manage to befriend her.
"No problem, and don't think it's likely misplaced too, you got this bud," she said which I nod in response... I wasn't fond or used to being supported or shown care like this, let alone having someone who's this admirably patient with me.
"Besides, even if you fail my feelings for you will never change, *chuckle*... whether if you're doing some dumb shit, you're bald or gotten a haircut, I will still want you the same," she adds, looking at me in a bit of a longing trance.
"... acknowledged," I replied, flustered which made her giggle and blush as she looked away.
After a couple of minutes, eventually...
At this point I was now in the training room which Gaz specified or instructed, I looked around to eventually notice that they were both now behind a glass wall on an elevated level overseeing me.
"Alright Haunt, go to the marked area highlighted by orange paint to your right, just wait nearby one of the weapon stations for your sidearm," Gaz said which I complied.
"What sort of pistol did you opt for by the way?" he asked.
"The Glock 45 sir," I replied.
After a brief moment...
I hear a particular monotone sound coming from one of the weapon stations on the wall, it then opened to reveal the neatly organized display of three loaded pistol magazines plus the pistol, which is a Glock 45 that already had practical attachments on it similar to my own... after grabbing the ammo and placing them in my available mag carriers, I then unloaded the mag that's already in the pistol to notice that the bullets within the magazine are different... digressing, I put the mag back in the gun which satisfied my intention, the feel of handling the gun which was my sole reason as to why I took out its magazine.
"All weapons to come at your disposal is from your loadout, set up and customized the way you wanted or intended it to be," Gaz explains as I holster my sidearm reassured that it's already set to safe.
"Now go to station one and aim your pistol downrange," he continued which I comply.
... now in station 1 in the shooting range, I then aimed my pistol downrange whilst gripping it conveniently as I recall it before I set the safety off of my pistol... suddenly there's an indicating *beep* sound before a target popped up... in a fast sequence, I shot it before 3 additional targets pop up which I then shoot... another one then popped up but I didn't shoot it yet, since I was in a bit of a surprise as to how well I'm managing the recoil after four quick consecutive shots... I then continued on or resumed my shooting, also I took the opportunities to perform or execute tactical reloading which I succeeded at.
Eventually...
I stopped shooting when I heard that particular indicating sound, besides unsurprisingly there were no more targets popping up downrange after I shoot the last one up... in terms of spent ammunition, out of 6 only 2 of my overall pistol magazines were spent.
"Good to see you still got it in your system, let's see if you stay consistent by the end of this and hopefully you are," Gaz comments as I set the safety of my weapon back on.
"What assault rifle did you opt for?" he asked.
"The HK416, alternatively the Recce 16 sir," I replied as I holstered my pistol.
"... alright, claim your weapon by the weapons acquisition area," he replied.
Once I was at the weapons acquisition area, a weapon station opened to reveal my Hk416 and Recce 16 that are conveniently coupled by its magazines... I chose the Recce 16, then like what I did to the Glock, I checked the bullets inside its magazine which was different looking but the bullets were similarly built... digressing, I put the mag back on before putting the extra magazines of my gun onto my vest, afterward I utilized the Magpull sling of the assault rifle as I go back to station one, Gaz then spoke.
"This time you'll be shooting targets for about a minute or so, aim your assault rifle downrange when you're ready," he said.
... I found it relieving that I still recall the proper stances, the execution of relevant actions and also the handling of my weapons, as a result I was getting more confident and comfortable.
After a brief moment...
I then aimed my assault rifle ahead before I set its safety off, immediately after, multiple targets then simultaneous popped up... most are stationary but some are moving in a pattern... the pace or rate of me shooting down targets which was particularly in a semi-automatic fashion was slow at first, gradually it increased to an extent as I was getting comfortable and confident against the recoil... there were particular targets on the range that I had to hit multiple times to go down, some were behind cover thus I had to patiently wait for the right opportunity, or had to practically shoot it through cover... in terms of reloading my weapon, I managed better than I thought I would.
Eventually...
All the targets that were currently up suddenly went down which caused me to miss my shot at one particular target as a result, its only then I realized that the session was now done... out of 5 only 2 of my magazines were spent.
"Nice!" Gaz said as I set the safety of my gun back on.
"That was some fine shooting there Haunt," Hesh comments.
"Hopefully I stay consistent," I replied.
"I think you will," she replied.
"We've yet to find out, but it's looking promising," Gaz said.
... I went back to the weapon station to put the Recce 16 and its magazines back in exchange for the HK416 with its four additional magazines, when I was once again back to station one I aimed my assault rifle downrange then set the safety off of my gun... once again it started slow but gradually increased to an extent, especially since my firearm is convenient for automatic firing... I was being dynamic, utilizing transitional bursts and semi-automatic firing... in addition, because of the kind of thrill I got from firing my assault rifle there were two instances that I deemed as being my sloppiest performance in reloading then chambering my gun... in the end, out of 5 only 2 magazines were spent.
"Remember, switching to your pistol is always faster than reloading, though it's that can be subjective... entirely it's up to you in the end, if you're confident that you're fast enough then why not," Gaz said.
"Understood," I replied as I set the safety of my gun back on.
"You better," Hesh retorts making me grin in response.
"Do you have any more guns in your loadout?" Gaz asked.
"The Remington 870 SBS and the Seeknight sir," I replied.
"... the Seeknight will be off-limits, so you'll only get to use your shotgun for now," he said before he gestured towards the weapon acquisition area.
"We'll be proceeding to the next area, don't waste any of your ammunition, also you can carry only one primary thus it's either the HK416 or the Recce 16," he continued, meanwhile as I take inventory of my shotgun.
After a brief moment of silence as I deliberately contemplate...
I chose to keep my HK416 since it's reliably convenient in the context of Close Quarters Battle unlike the Recce 16, besides I want to test it out with the benefit of assumption that the next area is set to be CQB... holstering my shotgun at the back of my H.P. Vest, its handle was located on my left shoulder which was reachable, convenient enough for a fast swap or fast response to equip then utilize it in combat.
"Proceed through the double doors labeled '-2' when you're done," Gaz then said.
I wasted no time and went to the double doors labeled "- 2", I also notice the doors which had a green indicating light on them... after going through the double doors I was now in a wide hallway that's suspiciously longer than normal considering It's only leading to another set of metal double doors...its end was far, anyway my thoughts were then interrupted when I heard an indicating *click* noise behind me, I turned around in response to see that the doors are now closed... a speaker that's located in one of the double doors indicated it's activation of being utilized via a green light before a familiar voice then spoke.
"In this section, you have to make it to the end without being touched by any of the holograms, defend yourself using your weapons," Gaz explains.
"You'll know when you're tagged when the holograms instantaneously and simultaneously vanish, then you'll hear a horn sounding off, good luck," he adds.
... utilizing the versatile magpul sling of my AR, I let it dangle conveniently onto me, I then unholstered my pistol intending to replace its current mag for a fresh one, after holstering my pistol back I then unholstered my shotgun and equipped it by hand before checking if it already had a chambered shotgun shell in it which it did.
"Don't you worry much about putting holes or damaging the structure integrity of the hallway, the bullets that you've been using are made of plastic... at least that's what I think," Gaz meanwhile said.
"There's some stuff in them like a magnet and some other shit, it'll explode on impact without seriously damaging the surface of the walls, conveniently for you, the bullets kill holograms," he continues.
"I'm assuming it's part or relevant to the experience," I thought to myself referring to why I wasn't given the option to refill my ammunition... with this in mind I digressed then took three or two steps forward before a familiar voice spoke.
"Good luck," Hesh said to which I nodded in response at no one in particular considering I'm alone in this long hallway.
After a couple of steps more...
A humanoid hologram spawned ahead of me at the distance, already sprinting it towards me... I let it get close at a deemed effective range for my shotgun before I shot it in the face hence s a result, I got to see a fraction of its death animation and the visual depiction of damage I've done to its head before instantly disappearing, meanwhile as I chamber another shell in my gun... I then to look behind me to see nothing yet hence I continued on at a relatively quick pace... the hallway had this particular eerie quietness that I only hear myself and the subtle sounds of my equipment as I move, considering the situation I'm set up against, my anxiety relatively kindled as a result.
Not long after...
Two humanoid holograms spawned in front of me at the same distance, in response I holstered my shotgun then switch to utilize my pistol hence ending both holograms trivially... I then had this "feeling" or "sense" hence I looked behind me to see a hologram nearing my position, seeing that I have more than enough time I holstered my pistol then switched in favor to utilize my shotgun... I let it get in the effective range of my shotgun before I shot, but it manages to surprisingly dodge my line of fire, in quick succession I shot an additional 2x in response which ultimately killed the hologram.
"Max ammo capacity?" I asked intended for Iris as I pull three shotgun shells out from the side saddle of my shotgun via my free hand.
"Six, hostiles behind you," Iris replied as I begin to load the three additional shells into my shotgun whilst I turn around, heeding her words.
There were three holograms who are in the process of closing the distance between me and them, I load one more shell into my shotgun before I aimed it towards them to kill these threats.
After a couple of minutes of defending myself as I advance onwards...
At this point, I slowed down a bit, worrying about the likelihood of being on top of an upcoming spawn point for those holograms thus to be immediately tagged as a result... although I was low on ammunition, I unsurprisingly strive to be cautious and conservative of how I spend my ammunition.
After a while of trying to survive whilst continuing on...
I was now halfway in reaching the middle of the hallway by this point... as to any notable new developments, my shotgun has run out of ammo and most of the humanoid holograms are now capable of cheekily feinting to their benefit or dodging my line of fire... moreover, there were now two new holographic entity variants that's introduced... the crab or spider-like entities thus its hitbox is small, lastly the armored humanoid variants... their armor is highlighted red and they take more bullets to kill unless if i hit them in their weak spots which glowed orange... wherever I hit the holograms in general now mattered unlike from the beginning bit where it was a one-shot one kill, I also notice that the speed and quantity of the holograms are now relatively increasing.
After a while of trying to survive...
At this point, after I kill the threats that's in front using my assault rifle, I then hastily switched to my sidearm as I looked behind me to address the holograms there, I shot conservatively whilst backing up temporarily... as hectic and tense as everything has been was, with the help of Iris I managed to reach halfway towards reaching the end... I was doubtful but I didn't give up, preferring to lose in combat whilst giving it all my effort.
After a very hectic and tense moment...
Instantly and simultaneously all the holograms in my line of sight disappeared thus I missed my shot that was intended for a hologram as a result, an indicating sound then blares before I heard speakers turn on from somewhere, a familiar voice then spoke.
"That's a bummer but you've made it this far which is cool, congrats Haunt!" Hesh said, happy for me.
"I can tell you were giving it your all which is what I like to see, *giggle* since unsurprisingly you looked hot while at it," she continued.
"I didn't even see the one that got me," I said, intended to make her digress about that line of comment.
"It was one of those little things, it was on the ceiling in your line of vision but only this time you somehow didn't notice it," she replied.
"How'd you know?" I asked.
"I was watching the whole time, duh," she replied.
"I was caught up in the moment, I can't reliably rationale and focus with a lot in mind and happening," I replied.
"Mhm, obviously and understandable," she replied before giggling.
"I bet the same thing will happen if we're both alone in a room and I confronted you bare noh?" she asked.
"I'd- Gaz you listening to this?" I then asked flustered which made her laugh.
"He's in the other area already waiting for you, in particular for you to be tagged," she said.
"Oh," I replied before I notice a couple of Roombas have now been introduced in the hallway, which were currently cleaning about.
"This course is designed to be unwinnable by default, the closer you are to the end the faster the respawn and speed of the holograms will be... you only needed to be touched once plus the fact that you lack ammunition, I doubt you'll succeed," she explains.
"... so this is a lesson about inevitability?" I asked.
"Inevitability and resolve are the wisdom to be learned from this course... look at you, managing this far under such dire circumstances, without even having to call it bullshit or complain... anyway see you in the next area Boo," she replied.
"Boo?" I thought to myself.
I then realized that she gave me a nickname out of nowhere, I shrug in response then holstered my pistol, once I was sure that my assault rifle is conveniently on me I jog the remaining distance between me and the end... at some point during my jog to the end, I attempted to recall my name only to fail... I remembered nothing in particular, digressing I kept on moving hoping that my memories, especially the ones that I want to have, will return at some point in time.
Eventually...
I reached the end of the hallway and went through the double doors to enter the next area, once I was through the doors then closed automatically behind me before a speaker turned on, a familiar voice then spoke.
"Took you a while, I was starting to think that you managed to reach the end without getting tagged somehow, anyway, how was the game of tag champ?" Gaz said.
"Unsettling and hectic," I replied which he nod in response.
"Alright, in front of you are ammunition stations," he said.
"You brought your keycard with you right?" he asked.
"Yes, I brought it," I replied as I took out my keycard from a convenient pocket on my combat vest.
"Excellent, ammunition stations such as these can be found throughout RED's outposts, Site Alpha, and here in Baseline," he replied.
"Guards and us the PMC are the only ones that can utilize these at our discretion via our particular type of keycard, with that said utilize one," he adds.
I complied, after I utilized my keycard the ammunition station opened to reveal a dedicated weapons rack compartment as well as for the ammunition of weapons, amply so.
"If for some reason you threw away all of your mags after reloading, plus if you have a shotgun, the ammunition station will require a scan of your weapon for it to conveniently identify then provide to you the right type of ammunition," he said.
"Place all the spent or used magazines of your weapons in the ammunition rack compartment, so that they can be refilled back back to their maximum capacity," he continues.
Since I had all my magazines with me, I conveniently placed all of them in the ammunition rack, afterward I put my shotgun in the weapons rack before I pressed the button that's labeled "Push and Hold", as a result, the weapons and ammunition compartment simultaneously retracted back within.
After a brief moment...
It opened with an indicating *click* sound, I retrieved my restocked magazines and my weapon... since my shotgun only had its side saddle to carry its ammunition, I only carried six out of all the shotgun shells the ammunition station provided for me... after I retrieved my keycard from the station it closed afterward with an indicating *beep* sound in response, I then tucked my keycard back into its safe spot in my vest.
"The next area is through the double doors to your left, not the right one," Gaz said.
The new area led me into a room that notably leads down a lower level where there's an open doorway leading into a hallway... since I was still standing nearby the now-closed doors behind me, a speaker then turned on before a familiar voice then spoke.
"Alright, you'll be going through what's known as a hazard course... according to Hesh you've already been informed of the capabilities and how to utilize your equipment, which is good... unless if you weren't listening or paying attention at the time," Gaz said.
After a brief moment of silence, I then realized I had to respond to what has been said, hence...
"I'm aware," I replied with a nod.
"... I'll take your word for it, but just in case, you can always ask Iris for help," he replied.
"Your only objective is to reach the end of the entire course, although it's simple as it sounds, don't let your guard down," he continued.
"Are there like puzzles in this course that I'll encounter?" I asked Iris in mind.
"Nothing complex but it can be intense or dreadful," Iris replied.
"... I doubt that I can solve everything on my own," I comment in mind.
"I'll be with you every step of the way Haunt," Iris said.
"Proceed down then into the hallway when you're ready," Gaz meanwhile said.
Once inside the hallway I immediately realized it's like the hologram course, the hallway was suspiciously long and it leads to a set of double doors which is at the end... the difference however was that the hallway was littered with props, I then heard the indicating noise of doors confirming it's now closed and locked hence I looked behind me to expectedly see the closed doors, immediately I notice that these doors are bulkier or reinforced, unlike the typical normal ones that are used throughout Baseline or the base... suddenly, I then heard a different distinct noise coupled with the sound of rushing water, pessimistic thag I am, I immediately attempted to sprint towards the end of the hallway.
... some parts of the floor, walls, and even ceiling then opened to reveal reinforced grates that were introducing water into the hallway which was quickly starting to fill up... because of the props that are in my way, the rate of the water filling up and the overall length of the hallway, I knew I won't make it as intended, as a result I was impulsively paralyzed by fear as I stood there, taking in the dreadful view before I spoke to Iris with sensible fear in my voice.
"My mask has a breathing apparatus feature right?" I asked.
"Yes, it's only good for about eleven minutes," Iris replied.
"Because of the rules of this course, I can only hack the system to empty the hallway, but only after its all filled up," Iris adds, meanwhile as the water level is beginning to reach my chest.
"... I'll assume there's a failsafe... hack it only if we've reached the end," I said.
"Understood," Iris replied.
"When fully submerged, activate the tethering feature, it'll help your mobility," Iris continues.
"I can't activate the tethering feature considering my delimitations, I'm strictly set to inform, analyze, highlight, hack other equipment and technologies," Iris adds.
"I can activate the features of my equipment via my mind yes?" I asked.
"Yes," Iris replied.
I then activated the breathing apparatus feature of my mask, I knew I succeeded because of a convenient notification... specifically my U.I. or HUD displayed "11:70 - Oxy"... at this point the water level has now reached my temple, just a side note I am 6.11 in height... anyway, on a whim, I decided to swim onwards intended to make it halfway, but because of the props of all sorts that are in the way which made it difficult to progress, ultimately I gave up... suddenly, the lights within the hallway turned off hence now it's completely pitch black, I begin to calm myself in mind as a result.
⟨Darkness⟩
"... don't panic otherwise it'll-... I have time to spare, we can manage comrade," I said to myself, hopeful, intended to organize my thoughts and remind myself.
... I guessed that my face mask has a night vision feature hence I follow through with the thought command and it turns out I was right, I was able to see conveniently in the dark in aquamarine hue... I then activated the tethering feature of my equipment and clothing hence a small convenient buffer Icon appeared on my U.I. or HUD before I felt my clothing and my armor constricts conveniently onto me, moreover, all the air inside my clothing and equipment except the portion of my face which my mask covers are forced out, Instantly I see a multitude of bubbles coming out of me for a second before the tiny buffer Icon then disappeared.
"Tethering enabled," Iris then said.
I was confused for a second as to why I wasn't descending onto the floor, I then realized it's because I'm stuck on the ceiling of the hallway.
"Shit," I said, impulsively.
I turned myself around then stood up on the ceiling which made me dizzy in the process, afterward I turned off the tethering of my boots then pushed myself onto the ground thus I harmlessly banged the back of my helmet on the floor as a result... I reactivate the tethering of both my boots then stood up before l made my way onwards, the tethering feature enabled me to conveniently stick to the floor surface and move on efficiently through the liquid... the only downside to this is that whenever a prop made contact with any part of my body after a bit, it will then relatively stick to that part.
"Fucking props," I impulsively comment with a sensible mix of fear and a tad bit of anger as I kept on moving.
I then disabled the tethering on both my arms, as intended I was able to peel and puck the props that were stuck to me off, plus I was able to more reliably clear my way as a result of this decision.
After some time, eventually...
I've reached the other end of the hallway to be expectedly greeted by locked double doors... at this point, the duration timer indicator on my HUD displayed "3:22 - Oxy," not long after another second was deducted from it, I then notice a panel nearby the door which required a keycard to open.
"Empty the hallway," I said intended for Iris as I begin to push away any nearby props.
"It's a tedious process so this will take a while for things to settle as intended," Iris replied.
"... I'll vibe then, you don't mind do you?" I said with a tad bit of sensible fear in my voice because of the limited time I have and the water.
"Nope hence listen or sing to your heart's content... besides I can mute my hearing of you and set it so that we both can only communicate via the mind," Iris replied which made me smile in response.
"Playing Out Of Touch by Hall and Oats," Iris then said.
⟨Music Plays⟩
I waited as I listen to the Instrumental part of the song... I recall or remember the lyrics of the song hence in sync with it playing I started singing when the singer eventually does... wanting enough of a distraction... I then heard a brief groan of metal and water flowing but I digressed and kept on singing to calm or distract myself, just to also pass the time without boredom and concern nagging me.
"Shake it up is all that we know, using the bodies up as we go, I'm waking up to fantasy, the shades all around aren't the color we used to see, broken ice still melt in the sun, and times that are broken, can often be one again, we're soul alone and soul really matters to me," I sang.
I then quit my singing when the water level has reached down to my neck, Iris then spoke in response to my thoughts.
"It's safe to breathe within the hallway," she said.
In response I deactivated the breathing apparatus feature of my mask hence the displayed timer disappeared, suddenly I felt my mask vibrate a bit as it made an indicating monotone sound.
Eventually...
The water level is about to reach both my kneecaps, I then deactivated my mag or tethering feature before I took out my key card to then utilized it on the door panel, in response it just made a dismissive indicating *beep* sound... I waited until the water level is now negligible, joking in mind of the thought that "what if the doors considers the wet hallway, props, and myself as a water hazard"... anyway, I utilized my keycard on the panel again to be greeted by an indicating *beep* sound, but this time it wasn't dismissive in tone, the metal doors then made noise indicating of its opening.
Eventually...
I'm now in the adjacent room of the hallway as both of the metal doors behind me are closing, in front of me is a glass wall which is where both Gaz and Hesh are.
"Iris, is it a pass?" Gaz asked.
"Yes," Iris replied.
"Good, considering fear is a good and typically a powerful motivator, you managed which is good," he said.
"Probably not if it weren't for Iris, I would've drowned otherwise," I replied which made Hesh's smile widen.
Upon noticing me watching her she then smirked in response as she looked at me hence I shyly looked away, Gaz then spoke.
"Let's proceed to the next area," he said before gesturing to the right which had another set of double doors.
... continuing on, it led me outside onto a platform, moreover, it's currently windy and snowing out here... plus judging by the setup or setting and the fact that the wide and spacious platform is conveniently on a cliffside, I assumed what would be my next challenge hence I then spoke.
"For fuck sake," I said, impulsively, in response to what I will be doing next as I look at the cliffside momentarily.
I then looked around to notice the whole landscape as far as I can see is arctic or winter in nature... looking back at the cliffside, from what I can see and tell is that the its stone for the most part, there were also jutting out parts here and there on it and some patches of snow and ice... I then obviously noticed that the entirety of armor and clothing changed color and appearance of texture, conveniently to match or to reliably be capable of blending in amongst the external environment I'm in or exposed to, as a result my camo is now a mix of arctic white and light shades of grey.
"That's tactically neat," I comment.
"Cuttlefish?" Iris then asked in my mind.
"It uh... reminds me of their ability," I replied.
"... Iris where in the world are we?" I asked whilst viewing the breathtaking view of the arctic landscape, wilderness, or environment in the background once again.
"Somewhere in Antarctica," Iris replied.
"Antarctica... then why is there-" I said before being cut off by a feminine voice calling out from behind me.
"Hey Haunt!" she yelled.
Considering the wind I wouldn't be surprised if I had to yell too, I face the source to see both Gaz and Hesh standing on an elevated grating walkway, I then gestured a thumbs up at both of them before I pointed to myself then up to the cliffside, they both nodded and gestured a thumbs up in response.
"We'll see you on the other side!" I hear her yell before she points somewhere on top of the cliffside.
I gestured an "Okay" towards them before turning back to face the cliffside, thinking about the conditions out her unsurprisingly didn't help my confidence, it tested my courage.
"... good thing the only thing wet about me is my layers of protection... that sounded very wrong and weird," I mutter to myself which I briefly shook my head in response.
"So, tethering?" I asked intended for Iris.
"Yup, also slow and steady," she replied.
"... is there anything on this cliffside that will or likely cause problems whilst I work ourselves up?" I asked.
"... nope, nothing can tamper your contact with the cliffside when climbing, the only concern or hazard is the wind, how you climb, and especially your fear," she replied.
"So as long as I can grab shit and hold on I should be fine," I impulsively said to myself.
"I recommend you making trial climbs necessarily near the platform you're on now so that you can work out how you wanna climb, as well as what works best for you, generally to get yourself acquainted with the circumstances you'll be overcoming," Iris suggests.
"... wilco," I replied before activating the Tethering feature of my clothing and equipment, heeding her recommendation.
After some time, eventually...
I managed to reach the end of the course, it was a spacious opening on the cliffside... yes, at some points during my climb there were time's wherein I thought I was gonna lose my grip somehow and fall to my death... the wind unsurprisingly didn't help, anyway, after reaching the top I immediately put some distance between me and the edge by crawling away from it...when I was now at a deemed safe distance away from the edge of the cliff I turned off my tethering then lay there on the ground, absolutely thankful and relieved that my heart, anxiety, and dreadful thoughts can now sttle at last since I finally made it.
After a moment of quietly calming myself...
I hear the sound of mini rotors of a drone, suddenly a speaker turned on and a familiar voice spoke.
"C'mon lad, on your feet, you're not done yet," Gaz said, I look up in the direction of the source of the voice to see a quadcopter drone hovering above me, I got up hence it back off conveniently.
"Copy... where to now sir?" I asked as my heart is beating relatively fast still.
"Go through the metal door that's ahead of you," he replied before the drone moved aside, I made my way to the door that's ahead of me as instructed.
"... did anyone die on that particular course?" I asked Iris in mind.
"I can't say," she replied.
"So yes?" I asked.
"I can't say," she repeats hence I digress dreadful but happy I got past that challenge.
At this point, I've reached it but there's no access panel for the door.
After a brief moment of contemplating...
It's then I realize that I have to let Iris open it for me, it took only a second before the metal door finally opened... once inside I was led into a room, after the door behind me then closed l looked around, confused for a couple of seconds before I eventually look up to see the set up to climb up again, a speaker from somewhere up top came on then an audible familiar voice then spoke.
"Don't be a smart ass and climb the wall with your tethering shite unless if you wanna get tased, trust me the dose will be horrific," Gaz said.
"Acknowledged," I replied before I begin my way up.
... in summary, I had to utilize some pipes, vents, and other things that were conveniently in the way that can help my progress to ascend... there were instances wherein I had to jump off some ledges to grab a hold onto some higher ones, pulling my weight up, relying on my grip, footing, and balance, you get the point.
After a while, eventually...
At this point, I've now reached the very top of the course, staring at a ladder that leads into a vent which is on the ceiling, there's this gap in between hence I have to practically leap for it so that I can proceed.
"... Christ I hope I can make this," I impulsively thought to myself in response.
At that moment, pessimistic that I am, I imagine myself being unable to grab the ladder properly hence I fell thus I'll be reset halfway and start all over again.
After a brief moment of contemplation and gathering enough confidence...
I then jumped for it, as a result, I was able to grab ahold of the ladder, I then ascended into the vent utilizing it whilst thanking myself in mind for not failing... once inside the vent, I found it conveniently lit up by red lights and also spaced in here, it wasn't as bad and cramped as I thought it would be which I was glad.
After a while...
I encountered fork sections of the vent wherein out of three passages, one is the way forward and the other two will lead you to a dead-end... I encountered these 4x during my crawl-through, out of 4 only two I managed to guess correctly, the other two instances wherein I failed ended up annoying and irritating me as I backtrack as a result... I never had claustrophobia but that experience was kinda off-putting.
Eventually...
I see that the far end of this vent goes downwards which also had a green light on it, guessing it must be the exit I continued on, eager to finally end this experience... when I reached it, I looked down to be rewarded by the truth... there's a built-in ladder mechanism on the vent hence I unlock its lock mechanism which caused the ladder to reach as far down as it can, I then repositioned and reorient myself conveniently to be able to safely and reliably utilize the ladder before I descended... it wasn't long that I notice the ladder didn't reach down to the lift below.
"You gotta be shitting me," I said, impulsively and irritated.
"An immediate transition to roll after impact is recommended, otherwise although you won't be injured, it'll be painful," Iris remarks.
After a brief moment of deliberate contemplating...
I drop down then conveniently rolled upon landing to mitigate the force or impact of my landing, a speaker then audibly turned on before a familiar voice spoke.
"How was the trip?" Hesh then asked as I stood up.
"Annoying and uneventful," I replied which she chuckled in response.
"I see what you did there," she replied.
"What?" I replied, confused to what she's talking about which made her giggle.
Suddenly, I heard a brief mechanical noise before I felt the lift under me shudder briefly, the lift then began descending at a conveniently slow pace immediately after.
"This will take a while for the lift to reach the specified course so you have this moment to relax," Gaz said, which I didn't trust hence I remain standing up, after all this is all a test.
After a while, eventually...
The lift stopped before the elevator doors opened, continuing on I was led me into a room that had a wall installation station or unit, though it's different looking and it's labeled "Repair Station", I then heard a speaker turned on before a familiar voice spoke.
"From its label alone, this is a repair station, like ammunition stations it can also be found on particular parts of RED's outposts or FOBs, Site Alpha, and here in Baseline," Gaz said.
"It's just the matter of finding one, a related note, your guns must be freezing, considering they've been wet then exposed to the arctic conditions outside, you better get them checked out," he continued which I nod in response before I approach the repair station.
"That red thing right there, that's a lense, the station will need a scan of the thing you wanted to be fixed or be cleaned up via that," he said.
"Particular tools and weapons are only compatible... mind the indicating highlighting scanning light of the station, by the end of the scanning process if it turns green it means that thing is compatible, otherwise red," he adds.
"When you've got all the things you wanted to be scanned done, just click the button labeled confirm, afterward put the weapons and or tools- things in general conveniently into the repair station," he explained.
"Once done, click the button that's labeled process for the intended outcome," he continued.
After a brief moment of waiting...
I got all my weapons and ammunition conveniently back in good and pristine condition, Gaz then spoke.
"The next area is to your right, through the set of double doors," he said.
I went through the double doors which led me to a small room... in front of me there was this metal door which is the variant that's commonly used in the base, a speaker then turned on from somewhere before a familiar voice then spoke.
"This will be a timed course hence the faster you get it done the better, there will be targets throughout your way and you'll know when you've cleared an area of all enemy targets when you hear a non-dismissive indicating sound, otherwise continue on with a clearing failure," Gaz explained.
"Open the door and go through when you're ready, the timer will start when you get to the first area of contact, good luck and stay sharp," he adds.
I readied my HK416 before approaching the metal door, I then utilized my keycard on its panel hence it retracted upwards within its metal door frame as its means of opening, after putting my keycard back into its safe spot on my vest, I went out to the first area.
After some time, eventually...
At this point, I've reached the end of the course which also displayed my time in green numbers, contented, I went through the set of double doors which led me to the same room where I utilized the ammunition stations, a speaker then came on before a familiar voice then spoke.
"You managed to only kill two civilian targets, but all things considered it's an exception I can take... your performance throughout each course proved that you are still capable, well done," Gaz comments.
"We're done hence backtrack to the shooting range, place back every weapon and magazine you have into the weapons station accordingly for inventory and processing, we'll both meet you back at the lobby," he continues.
"Will do," I replied as I begin backtracking.
Eventually...
I went back to the lobby of the 'Grinder' where Gaz and Hesh are waiting for me at the lounge area, when I approached them, Gaz then spoke.
"I did my part and said enough so I'll leave you both be," Gaz said glancing at both of us.
"Good job Haunt," he adds looking at me, he gave a nod to me then to Hesh before he left.
"Yes!" Hesh then said as she fist-pumped before transitioning her act to lightly punch my chest as a gesture of affection.
"I knew it," she continued then poked my chest or H.P. vest.
"Thank you for believing," I replied, happily, which made her smile.
"... oh yeah, you forgot to mention thus you were unable to test your other sidearm, your Deagle by the way," she said smiling.
"... shit," I replied surprised, moreover the anxiety within me started to kindle a tad bit, meanwhile Hesh chuckled in response.
"The entirety of your reevaluation isn't done yet hence no worries, you've still got some days to grind, besides it's not like you'll die as consequence," she said.
"Good," I replied relieved.
"Your reevaluation in its entirety will test you in multiple aspects, like your psyche and some other stuff... but for now let's go grab our lunch together," she continues.
She suddenly hugged me then grabbed my left hand subtly before she led the way onwards, holding my hand in hers as I follow beside her.
After a moment of silence between us...
"... we're somewhere in Antarctica right?" I asked.
"Yup," she replied.
"Then why is the landscape or environment different?" I asked.
"What do you mean?" she replied, looking at me confused.
"I don't recall there to be Taigas existing in Antarctica and some other things... basically, it's different from what I know or recall... call me insane but I'm certain of this," I replied.
"... looks like your contact with that entity did something huh?" she asked.
"What do you mean, how come?" I asked.
"... you tackled the entity off a drop hence maybe in the duration of both you and the entity falling together considering also the likelihood of contact," she replied.
"I think it may have somehow likely by accident shared to you a body of knowledge," she said, thoughtful.
"As it panicked and possibly was attempting to initiate a process or something... look, I-I don't know, I'm spewing bullshit of what I think at this point," she continued before letting out a sigh.
"... It's alright... I'm glad to hear your take on it," I replied as I look at her which made her blush a bit and smile in response.
"You know... since your memories are fubar, you don't know much about me as a result yes?" she asked whilst looking at me intently, I looked back at her in response to notice her eyes dilate a bit.
"Yes, why?" I replied which made her smirk and look at me with low lid eyes.
"... there are other ways to get to know me, why not we skip lunch for now and stop by in my room... to expedite in getting to know more about me, in a fun and passionate way," she said sexily before squeezing my hand a bit.
... I was speechless, I shook my head in response which made her laugh a bit, I then tried to pull my hand away but she didn't let me, she then spoke before I could.
"Relax, I was just messing about," she said, blushing a bit.
"I don't know," I replied, unsure of how to respond which made her smile.
"Well, for the most part I was just messing about," she retorts with a shrug before grinning and looking at me.
"... I can't handle this well," I retort which made her smirk.
"You can't handle me yes, I know," she replied which made me sigh, she laughed in response.
After a brief moment of silence...
"... anyway, maybe the Auditor might have answers... do you want me to tell her if the opportunity arises?" she asked.
"... yeah, it's for the best, I hope I won't regret my decision and end up in a procedure or operation that's, worrisome," I replied.
"Yeah," she replied before I felt her grip on my hand tighten a bit before she caresses my hand via her thumb.
"... is the menu in the mess hall or rather the cafeteria the same as before?" I asked to digress or change the subject.
"... yeah," she replied, sensible worried still.
In response, on a whim, I planned to show my face to her then say something in the lines of...
"The Auditor is a busy woman... the potential scheduling of her meeting with me will add time, hence there's still this likelihood for you to beat me up in hand to hand combat," I thought.
"Besides the information I have could lead or contribute to a benevolent end," I intended to add.
Me planning to say this to her was intended to hopefully lighten the tension, relatively or to make her smile at least, somehow... although I was hesitant thinking it wouldn't help at all.
After a very brief moment of silence between us...
At this point, I gathered enough of my confidence and that I convinced myself to be committed, following through with the thought command to open my mask hence in that familiar neat and flawless transition-
⟨Darkness⟩
⟨End Of Recording⟩
Next: "The Red Herring."