⟨Darkness⟩
I wake up, immediately confused since the room was still dim... normally I would've be woken up by the lights turning on and the wall device nearby that looks like a mix between a PC speaker and a receipt printer will sound off... I then had this compelling motive to wear all my armor or equipment which I did without question... once done, this festering anxiety that's present when I woke up was replaced by contentment... it felt comforting that I'm now protected and concealed.
"How early am I?" I asked in mind intended for Iris as I sat down on the edge of my bed.
"Eleven minutes," she replied.
After a brief moment of silence as I quietly contemplate...
I convinced myself to wait out the whole eleven minutes in my room, especially since I have nothing worthwhile in mind to be doing... I reminisce, dedicating the entirety of this moment to introspect as a result... by this point it's been six months now and I still don't know what my real name is... apparently, I enlisted in RED without giving my actual name... from what I was informed they were fine about it but emphasized that if something happened that involves it and being lost or forgotten, then I had it coming.
... in terms of silver linings, most of my memories have been recovered or have returned, moreover, I've passed the entirety of my reevaluation... Hesh and my squad members were really happy about it... I've been enjoying most of my time outside of Baseline patrolling with my squad; in addition we were one of the only few particular squads that were selected, authorized, and had a functioning schedule to roam and patrol throughout various parts inside the facility of RED, also known as Site Alpha... I learned a lot of stuff as a result.
... about the oddities of what I recall of the world, I was subjected only to an Interview... no, I didn't get to see the Auditor herself which was understandable... the whole experience also reminded me of the O5 Council of the SCP Foundation, the tension and set up I mean... anyway, suddenly, all the lights in my room simultaneously lit up while the wall device that looks like a mix between a PC speaker and receipt printer produced a distinct noise as it dispenses a purple card... according to Hesh this meant that RED is under attack at a dreadful magnitude and level, anyway, the equipment station then made its particular indicating *beep* sound before it opened up, simultaneously, the door labeled "Call Of Duty" also opened up... unsurprisingly I wasted no time to prepare myself hence I stood up intending to gear up.
... the weapon station held and neatly displayed all my organized weapons and the other necessities or equipment of warfare... specifically, I utilized both the provided tactical utility pouch bag and leg bag which as expected already contained particular relevant necessities that I'll likely need out in the field... I integrated both of the provided pistol holsters hence one is now a side holster on my left dedicated for the Deagle while the other is on my utility belt on my hip dedicated for my Glock... I took the Seeknight and placed it on my back before grabbing the Recce 16, utilizing its magpul sling, ensuring it's conveniently dangling or sticking by me... after finishing taking inventory of all the relevant ammunition of my pistols and assault rifle, I then have w compelling motive to bring the combat shovel with me... I stared at it for a bit and I swear for a split second everything was blood red which coupled my experience of goosebumps from out of nowhere.
... without question and complying to my compulsion of needing it, I grab then holstered it conveniently behind me before I went through the open doorway, this led onto a lift... once inside, the door automatically closed before I ascended to the upper level of the living quarters, which is a troop mobilization level... I went out to timely see Hesh across from me, like myself, she just got out of her lift... we both gave a nod in acknowledgment to each other as we made our way to the follow standard procedure... by this point, we were standing on the sideline of the conveniently wide hallway... parallel to the right of me stands Quint, Finch, and Echo, and parallel to Hesh's left stands Brutt, and Burns... we looked at each other intended to see if everyone was all accounted for, which was the case.
A squad then passed in between us hence we all patiently stood there, waiting for them to pass by until there was an opening hence Hesh and I inserted ourselves to lead the way onwards, following behind the squad that just passed by us.
Eventually...
We were now on one of the many big lifts, looking around I see a multitude of squads organizing themselves before a wall of light that's the indication of this scanning process, initiated and went through all of us onboard of this lift in quick succession for a bit before disappearing... the lift then shuddered for a second as the lift's guard rails came up before we began ascending at a fast pace... Echo who's my squad's team leader then called for us to form up accordingly which we did, he then spoke.
"Alright, our objective is to-," Echo announces via our private comms before abruptly stopping in response to all the lights simultaneously and instantly turning off, plus the lift abruptly stopped as well.
... a faint and particular monotone humming sound of the EMP used by our enemies was then heard, fortunately it didn't effect our equipment, and since it was dark I utilized the night vision feature in response which enabled me to see in aquamarine hue... as sudden or abrupt all of it was, the lights and lift then got its power back, as a result I was temporarily blinded because of the sudden amplification of the brightness... after turning off my night vision and when it was manageable I looked around albeit squinting still to realize I wasn't the only one temporarily blinded, Echo then spoke.
"Our objective is to reinforce and help defend Barrier 4, since there's a total of six intervals surrounding Site Alpha, for the sake of any confusion, count clockwise hence it will be the other end," he said utilizing our private net comms.
"We'll be working with three other squads, namely Domino A-9, Domino F-6, and Clover D-11," he adds.
Not long...
My squad began socializing with each other, meanwhile, I looked at the insignia that's on the armor guard of my left arm... the insignia depicts a centipede, although its armored plates are intended to be dominoes... the color scheme used in the entirety of the insignia is black and white... Hesh then came into my peripheral view to my left, standing beside me whilst looking ahead she then spoke... she's 6'10 in height.
"Are you alright?" she asked.
"Yeah... you?" I replied.
"Nervous," she said.
"... understandable," I replied.
After a brief moment of silence between us...
"Is Blank Space one of your favorites?" I asked.
"I fucking knew it," she replied as she immediately looked at me, making me grin in response.
"I played it off like I didn't so that you wouldn't be distracted and or get embarrassed by the thought that I heard you singing, especially during and after our hand-to-hand combat training session," I explain which she nod's in response before looking ahead.
"... your voice is cute and admirable," I admit.
"Sarcasm?" she replied glancing at me.
"Is that a common trait of mine?" I asked as I look at her.
"No, but it doesn't mean you can't be," she replied.
"True but I'm not... I'm being genuine, I do find your voice being as sultry as you," I replied as I looked ahead.
"... or in other words, in your language or vocabulary it means it can undoubtedly make me hard," I continued which as intended made her laugh.
After a brief moment of silence between us...
"I still can't get over that I haven't beaten you in hand-to-hand combat yet," I said which she chuckles in response.
"Yeah, though between us these hands can hardly satisfy me anymore... if you know what I mean," she replied.
"... what?" I asked as I look at her, confused.
She then opened up her mask... specifically in a fast sequence, the forehead part of her helmet unlinked then the integrated protection of her H.P. Mask's eyeholes retracted down to ultimately reveal or expose her eyes... the mask then opened up via conveniently splitting in half... the two major separate integrated parts of the mask conveniently position themselves on either side of her pretty face, exposing it... she smirked then winked at me before she concealed her face then linked the forehead part of her helmet back onto her mask, meanwhile as I spoke.
"Being a bad influence again I see," I comment.
"Welp, I'm not sorry," she replied before snickering a bit.
"... I still question why you seem interested or to put it bluntly seem infatuated about me... like I don't- I don't get it, I don't get the fascination which is bothering," I remark as I look at her.
"Observation and proximity, many times over to say the least... but none in the context of any intimate physicality, *giggle* not yet anyway... also I feel complete being with you," she replied which made me look ahead in response.
"... your seductions and flirtations, subtle or not, I've been honestly ignoring... makes me wonder how come a pretty young woman like yourself ended up working for a dreadful organization such as RED," I replied.
"I got to where I am because of my adeptness in combat, I've earned where I am now," she replied defensively, sensibly offended which I expected.
"My point is that in the context of other people about your quirk or act, slash demeanor... It's dangerous, naively idiotic and you're like shameless... don't get me wrong, I'm hoping my feedback serves your wisdom well," I remark.
"... think about it, if you were to be like that to the wrong person they'll-," I continued before being cut off by her.
"I've always understood that hence why I only do it to you because of the kind of person you are... you see, this is one of the reasons why I've grown to deeply like you... also to tease you," she replied.
"Even if you're too insecure and pessimistic to just give in and indulge in my seduction or flirtations," she adds which I shrug in response.
"Most people would and I wouldn't be surprised, unfortunately for you I'm not most people... besides you're not a buffet Hesh," I retort which made her giggle and grab my left hand.
"I could say the same to you but I'll gladly eat your dick-" she said before I cut her off.
"Jesus Christ," I replied, impulsively as I freed my hand away from her's to facepalm in response which made her laugh.
After a brief moment of silence between us...
"... I'm glad we have an understanding... look, I never meant any insult or offense, besides what sort of logical benefit I can gain or get from making enemies," I said.
"I'm just being transparent, lucky for me you're reliably a grounded yet open-minded person... at least that's what I think," I continued which made her giggle.
"I love you too babe," she replied as she then suddenly albeit gently grabbed my left hand.
"You don't view me as leverage, a thing, or means of clout... as far as I can tell at least... basing from my observations of what I recall, most people are like that nowadays... plus from what I think most are pressured, by whatever that matters to them," I said.
"In my opinion, most are not genuine enough and hallow that they'll have to convince themselves and likely their other it's not built on lies and or doubts-," I continued before trailing off.
"It's like- and especially in the long run... this commitment sets you up for this ramification which will potentially lead you into some next-level bullshit or additional means to get pulped... these new weaknesses that can be exploited and or be used against you... I wouldn't want that, would you?" I add which made her chuckle in response.
"Is that one of your concepts and reasons as to why you're still single?" Hesh asked.
"It's one of the reasons why I have trust and commitment issues... or to put it bluntly why I'm relatively cynical and pessimistic," I replied.
"I see... relevant or rather directed to your cynicism, genuinely I want you to be my first and only... I want to experience the bliss of riding your hard dick without me holding back," she retorts before snickering.
"Oh for fuck sake," I impulsively replied, flustered, which made her giggle.
Suddenly she pulled me towards her which left no gap in between us, afterward she then let out a passionate whisper, a moan, next to my right ear... anyway, immediately after she shoved me away before snickering a bit, meanwhile as I facepalm in response to her mischievous and flustering humor.
"... when I see a genuine couple who are actually happy is when I'll retract my words, maybe even pursue such goal," I said.
"Words can only go so far Haunt, as are expectations," she replied, looking at me.
"... true," I replied.
"... but I don't blame you... especially considering how hurt you are... I understan, although my unyielding love for you will likely cause me to be inconsistent of this understanding," she remarks which made me smile a bit.
"At least you didn't fully closed yourself off to breed, in response to how dark, bleak, and chaotic the reality that we live in actually is... it means I have a chance," she adds which made me chuckle.
"I'm serious," she said as she looked at me which I shrug.
After a brief moment of silence between us...
"It's been six months, I've only managed to come close in beating you in hand-to-hand combat... *sigh* which is fucking ludicrous," I comment.
"... it's not a competition," she replied in comical cadence before I let go of her hand now mindful of the presence of other people.
"I don't know about that, because from my experience it seems like it," I replied as I look at her which made her chuckle and shake her head a bit.
"... we're conversing like we are at a pub or cafe, looks like you're not the only one who's mental here," I said as I tap the side of my helmet which made her giggle.
"What kind of pub or cafe have you been going to, besides I don't mind as long as I'm with you," she replied.
"Even in madness? considering outside will likely be cold, overwhelming, and unforgiving," I replied.
"... aren't we all a little or relatively mad somewhere deep down inside?" she asked.
"... I suppose so," I replied.
After a brief moment of silence between us...
"You've never shared to me about how you ended up working for the SCP Foundation... do you remember how you ended up working for the Foundation?" she asked.
"... yes I remember... but I must've had a good reason why I didn't talk about it or shared it with you... only you?" I replied.
"... as far as I'm aware none of us knows... I just wanna know you better, also considering the likelihood that this day may be our last... please," she said.
"... okay," I replied.
"Hm?" she replied seemingly surprised.
"... I was a private, one particular night during my squad's patrol we were then called to attention via our comms... we were ordered by an authentic yet unknown commanding officer to investigate an area somewhere on the grid of our map... it was then followed up by a threat hence we went there albeit angry and a tad bit scared," I said.
"Eventually, some of us were picked off from behind as we were exploring the area... after a horrific discovery we gave our all to fight the thing that was responsible for the brutal and gory shit we've seen there," I continued.
"Because of our unity and courage... having enough numbers and the countable comrades of mine who sacrificed themselves, just to buy us some time is why we somehow, ultimately managed to kill it in the end... sadly, by the end I was the only survivor left after I had to mercy kill my last comrade... that incident fucked up my sanity," I add.
After a moment of silence between us as I quietly reminisce, in a bit of a trance...
"I was homeless for some time before I was founded thus unjustly and unreasonably subjected to be locked up in an insane asylum... eventually, one day I was called to attention for an interview, I was told that a significant man of authority would like to speak with me about matters... with also an offer," I continued.
"The interviewer offered me a choice to either work for the organization he works for, or otherwise I'll remain in the insane asylum to rot or decay... the SCP Foundation was impressed and took notice of the incident about me and my squad managing to kill an entity we didn't fully understand, let alone were prepared for... the rest is history," I explained.
"... did any of your friends or especially your family help at all or tried to at least?" Hesh asked.
"Nope... they all have given up on me, I was disowned when I was on the spot... plus I was also framed for shit I didn't do considering the unswayed loathing and bullshit feedback I got from my parents and friends alike at the time," I explained.
After another moment of silence between us as I quietly reminisce in a bit of a trance...
"My friends and my parents said I was deranged and an idiot... not the actual words that were spoken but that's two out of the many things that were implied if recall correctly... besides my childhood was tough enough as it is, I believe they regret I was even made... with that said I was not really that surprised they'd jump to the conclusion that I'm a bastard," I continued.
"It's also presumably why the Foundation decided to offer me a choice to work for them as MTF considering my circumstances and status were convenient... to put it bluntly, I've proven myself enough to be a potentially worthwhile addition yet a free risk expendable person... a worthy cannon fodder... I wouldn't be surprised if the Foundation only saw it that way," I add.
"... I'm sorry for asking," she apologetically said.
"At least now you know... plus I got to refreshen the concept about the genuine side of my friends and family of my past life at least," I replied.
"... no wonder why you sound dead inside," she replied before laughing in a way presumably attempting to lighten the mood hence making me grin in response.
"Okay," I replied amused.
"... did you ever find out who's the commanding officer that was responsible for the deaths of your comrades?" she asked.
"Nope... that person allegedly is working for the GOC, theoretically, we were sent there purposely to die for the GOC to have another point or alibi on their belt to be potentially used against the SCP Foundation," I replied.
"... that's what one of my comrades in my time of service in the Foundation said to me about his thoughts about the matter which I kinda believe," I add.
"... I hope I've been enough in making the coldness within you at least a bit more bearable," she replied.
"You've been more than enough," I replied which made her chuckle.
"Now you're just exaggerating," she replied as she glance at me.
"... to an extent, yes," I replied and glance back at her.
"You're welcome," she replied.
"... *sigh* my true family died at that incident," I said referring to the incident that ultimately led me to be recruited by the SCP Foundation.
"Now I'm hoping what I truly have here wouldn't meet the same fate, being ended... otherwise I can imagine that I'll finally break, if I were to survive," I add looking at her which made her look up, thoughtfully, before looking back at me.
After a brief moment of silence between us...
Hesh then suddenly wrapped her arms around my midriff hence hugging me, meanwhile as she rests her head on my left shoulder, she then spoke before I could say something in response.
"I'm worried," she said before I felt her embrace tighten a bit and her grip became a bit more frim.
"Surely you've dealt relatively far worse, disturbing, and horrific things in your time of service... like what I have during my time in the SCP Foundation," I replied a tad bit nervous and flustered of her proximity.
"I'd rather be fighting people than any of the Keter, Euclid, or generally any SCP really," I continued as I rub her back intended as a soothing gesture.
"No, it's not that... I'm so... so sorry, she replied her voice cracking a bit as a result of her sadness thus making me melancholic as a result.
"No it's okay, you didn't do anything wrong, don't apologize... it's natural to be afraid... as long as we'll look out for each other, all of us should probably be alright... hopefully," I replied as I hug her back.
She reluctantly released me from her embrace, I then subtly looked around immediately, to see and realize that somehow nobody noticed or if not cared what Hesh and I did which I found odd but I was glad, she then spoke.
"I... I hate myself," she then said with sensible melancholy still.
"... I hate myself too," I said which she briefly chuckles then lightly punches my shoulder as an affectionate gesture.
"Hesh, I... I value our relationship or friendship, I never felt this... I don't know, understood and handled before... just in case if one of us dies, I'm admitting that you made my days less bleak and cold," I add which she nod in response before looking away.
"You're welcome," she replied as she looked back at me.
"It truly means and matters to me that you're happy," she continued, genuinely before looking back at me which made me sad but appreciative.
"... how come a depressed burden like myself ended up with a precious gem like you," I replied, flustered.
"You're not a burden Haunt," she remarks, although I couldn't see her face, I'm positive she didn't like how I refer to myself.
"You're a broken man who needs the help and love to recover... fate and chance didn't trust anyone else but me, rightly so," she retorts as she shuffles close to me.
"I'm lucky then," I replied as I gently grab her hand for a second and give it a bit of a squeeze, intended to subtly express my love and care for her.
"Likewise," she replied, genuinely, as she looked at me.
... the lift then arrived at its destination, as a squad we disbanded to meet with the other three squads that are tasked to join us on our endeavor... once complete we all then made our way to our designated vehicles bay... in addition, since we had to go through some particular parts of the base, I got to see the hectic scenery of the mobilization of personnel throughout the base on our way.
After some time, eventually...
We were now outside of Baseline, currently, on a snow road which will lead us to Barrier 4... as to our transport vehicle we were in RED's variant of an MRAP vehicle... I was seated at the back with Burns and Hesh, meanwhile Echo is in the middle compartment with Finch who's currently manning the mounted turret of our vehicle, lastly, Quint is driving the MRAP with Brutt who's at the front passenger seat beside him... as to our placement in the convoy, my squad and I were behind the leading vehicle which is Domino Alpha-9 squad... suddenly our General made an announcement through all network communication.
"Point Rook is occupied of defending their A.O. thus there will be no artillery support at this time, until the situation there has improved for the better there will be no artillery support... I repeat there will be no artillery support, Kingpin out," he said.
After some time...
"Displacers confirmed, some of them can teleport, Barrier 3 is getting overrun-," A soldier then exclaims via all net comms, sensibly distressed, meanwhile as intense gunfire is heard in the background before he was ultimately albeit abruptly cut off.
Eventually...
"Barrier 6 and 3 will be purged, I say again, Barrier 6 and 3 will be purged," Kingpin out," he announced via all net comms.
Shortly afterward...
"This is from Barrier 6, *gunshots* acknowledged, they've got Mags that can teleport as well, *gunshots* we'll keep em busy here in the meantime... Baker A-14 signing off," a soldier then replied in audible distress via all net comms.
"Acknowledged," Kingpin responds.
Suddenly we then hear the distant particularly haunting shrill of RED's combat aircraft flying past us somewhere in the sky above our convoy... it's signature haunting sound is perfect considering it's reputation for being an absolute menace for air and ground combat superiority and effectiveness.
"Mags?" I asked as I looked at Burns.
"Mags are soldiers that are Magnified, these soldiers are either gargantuan in size or relatively gigantic," he replied.
"Mags that are gargantuan in size from my experience typically go melee or carry a specialized gigantic-sized weapon... normally a pistol or shotgun dedicated as their primary," he continued.
"... relatively gigantic Mags like Brutes are normally issued to have a specialized gigantic machine gun or shotgun dedicated as their primary," he adds.
"All variants are well renowned for having high pain tolerance, survivability, and unsurprisingly deadly strength," he remarks.
Not long after...
This "calmness" that settled on our journey so far was then furthered disturbed by intense faint explosions in the distance, specifically coming from somewhere up high in the sky above our convoy, sounded off, ignoring those for now, I then spoke.
"Is there a specific reason why the Monolith loathe RED?" I asked as I look at Hesh.
"The accomplishments of the Auditor, as to what and why then you'll have to ask her personally because she's the only one who knows," she replied.
"Iron Dome Systems are doing work, too bad you guys can't see the fireworks, being bunkered down there and all," Finch then comments via our private net comms.
"Quint and I can see it," Brutt responds via comms.
"Keep your head in the game Finch," Echo responds via comms.
"... will do," Finch responded via comms.
"... hey, I see a recon drone up ahead is that one-," Finch then announces before there's a sudden audible explosion somewhere presumably at the front.
Quint immediately stopped our vehicle, after a couple of seconds Finch then began firing before I heard the sound of our MRAP's smoke dispensers being used, meanwhile as Quint then backs up our vehicle before there's another audible explosion... this time however it was somewhere at the back of our convoy, it was immediately followed by hectic gunfire, notably coupled by the particular shrill sounds of the "Tau Cannons" that were being utilized by our enemies... Finch suddenly stopped firing then went back down into the vehicle presumably to take cover, Quint then stops our vehicle meanwhile as the hectic gunfire audibly intensified.
"Dismount!" Echo then exclaims as Finch went back up to operate as the gunner of the MRAP.
"That fucking drone is dead!" Finch exclaimed.
Meanwhile, Burns opened the back doors of the vehicle to reveal how effective our smokescreens were, absolute zero visibility... I had to utilize the thermal vision of my mask to be able to see... as we got out of our MRAP, I then heard the mounted minigun of our vehicle firing... Echo, Quint, and Brutt then came to view and joined us at the back.
"Burns stay here with Haunt, Finch we're going off-road to the left, keep up the heat," Echo announces via our private net comms.
"Understood!" Finch responds as she continued firing the mounted gun of our vehicle, meanwhile, Brutt and Quint then utilized then threw their smoke grenades somewhere off to the left.
"Friendlies up ahead, they're pinned down, enemies are well dug in but I'm keeping them down," Finch then announces via our private net comms before she resumed firing.
"Hesh and Quint help secure the front, Brutt and I will help clear the back," Echo then said in response.
After all four of them left, Burns closed the right back door and utilized the right side of our MRAP as cover, he peeked then got into a convenient firing stance as he side mantle his gun before firing... his weapon was the KAC light assault machine gun which was the 7.62mm variant... I did the same thing on my end, I saw glimpses of white figures ahead in the distance behind some environmental cover, I utilized my Recce 16 whenever I had what I deemed as a clear shot on a target.
After a long hectic and tense moment...
I certainly hit two hostiles by this point, suddenly one of our allies that's part of our convoy then spoke through our squad network communication.
"Displacers!" the soldier announced.
... In a fast sequence, I was suddenly grabbed on my shoulder then immediately got shot in the back of my head thus I forcibly headbutted the back door of our MRAP as a result... immediately after, I was involuntarily moved to face the direction of Burns just to be then shot by him unintentionally... my left leg then got kicked from under me as I was pulled back thus I fell on the ground on my back... I was unharmed but a tad bit dizzy... anyway, I manage to immediately look at Burns, timely as I look at him, he then dodged to his right as a woman in tactical gear suddenly appeared behind him.
Presumably in anticipation, he timely dodged his head away as to not get shot at the back of his head, they then proceeded to briefly fight in hand to hand combat... a man then suddenly appeared or teleported who immediately rammed Burns which made him forcibly hit our MRAP, meanwhile by this point my hastily grabbing a hold of my assault rifle which was on my chest was fortunately done, utilizing its offset red dot mount to reliably aim... I shot the enemy at the back of his head, specifically the man who rammed Burns.
... unfortunately, before I could immediately transition to shoot the other enemy, let alone reliably aim, I got shot in the face thus I undergo the experience of whiplash due to the impact of the bullet hitting my H.P. Mask... if it wasn't obvious, the weapons of our enemies aren't from this world... I was dazed meanwhile as I heard this audible struggle for a couple of seconds, suddenly the eject failsafe of the back doors of our vehicle made its indicating *beep* sound before I heard the doors eject... it slammed against both the enemy and Burns which interrupted their struggle.
This is confirmed when I look back towards them to timely see the enemy quickly stand up off the ground then throw a grenade into our MRAP, Finch then came into view at the side of our vehicle then shot her before the grenade thrown inside then blow up... immediately after I made my attempt on getting back, unsteadily so thus failing, Finch then dragged me behind the cover of the back of our vehicle whilst I continue my attempts.
"Burns, what the shit was that!?" Finch asked as she drags me behind cover.
"I lost it when I accidentally shot Haunt," Burns replied, sensibly unnerved by the accident, meanwhile as he gets up then joined me and Finch behind the cover of our MRAP.
"Jebus!" Finch exclaims as she looked at me presumably scanning or diagnosing me via her H.P. Mask.
"Alright but in pain," Iris informed me referring to the status of my condition, meanwhile as I gradually recover.
"Just shook," I said intended for Finch.
"Thank fuck," Finch replied, relieved meanwhile as Burns let out a sigh of relief in response.
"Gate Delta has been breached, Gate Delta is compromised over!" A soldier then suddenly exclaims via all net comms, sensibly distressed.
"This is Spectre 2 to Barrier 5, hang tight, we'll be there at approximately ten mikes out," the gunship personnel then announces not long after, through all network communications.
"Copy!" the soldier replied meanwhile as intense gunfire is audible in the background of his transmission on his end.
After a while, eventually...
"Front's clear," Hesh announced via squad net comms.
"Good, plus the recon drone of Clover confirms that we're indeed clear all around, Burns, status?" Echo asked via our private squad net comms.
"Unhurt and still breathing but our MRAP is disabled," Burns responds as I look up in the sky, courtesy of Iris I saw the mini recon drone of Clover hovering above.
"Squad regroup back at the MRAP, out" Echo announces.
Eventually...
We were now all grouped up nearby our disabled APC, plus the smoke all around is still intense or potent hence we were still utilizing our thermals to be able to see... Echo then spoke.
"All three apart from one of our vehicles is either fucked or disabled, the same thing really... out of seven only three are left of Alpha-9, two are left of Foxtrot-6, and Clover lost only three hence they're only eight now," he said.
"What were those shrill sounds whilst we fought?" Finch asked as Echo excuses himself away for a moment presumably to address matters, utilizing network communications or comms.
"Those were Tau Cannons being utilized by some of the enemies," Hesh replied.
"Tao Cannons?" Brutt asked.
"It's the best way I can describe the type of weapon some of those bastards had," Hesh replied,
"Who the hell is Tao?" I heard Brutt mutter presumably to himself.
"None of us in our squad died, that's a miracle," Quint then comments.
"Had some close calls though," Finch replied with a shrug.
"I'm sorry by the way Haunt," Burns said as he looked at me.
"Could've been worse, no worries," I replied.
"Wait, what happened?" Hesh asked which made me worried for Burns.
After a moment of vigilantly socializing...
"We're all going on foot from here, Clover and Foxtrot 6 will be taking the left side of the road as we make our way, meanwhile, us and Alpha 9 will be taking the right," Echo said when he got back to us.
"What about that one MRAP?" Quint asked.
"It'll be left and disabled, otherwise the enemies can further likely hear and see us from a distance," Echo replied as he began to lead the way onwards hence we followed behind.
After a while...
We didn't encounter any enemies or trouble, in addition the distant explosions and gunfire, plus the announcements from our all network communication concerning events and developments of this conflict, had only understandably made us more on edge and nervous... as to my placement, I was at the back end of our formation with Hesh and the two remaining members of Alpha 9... Hesh who was in front of me slowed down to an extent hence I was able to catch up to her, immediately after she then resumed her initial pace to match mine in response... now following beside me she then spoke.
"You good?" Hesh asked.
"Yeah," I replied.
"... being this close isn't in the spacing rule manual," I remark.
"I'm aware Haunt, besides we're in the back of the group," she replied.
"... If I had this, I would put that on my last words quote book," I retort.
"... what?" she asked.
"Nothing, disregard," I replied.
"Point Rook is secured for now hence artillery support is back online, I repeat, artillery support is back online break-... give targets for artillery, Kingpin out," he then announces via all net comms.
After a brief moment of silence between us...
I notice she seemed to be trying to start up a conversation, she's like making moves to say something before abruptly stopping, countable few instances by this point, I then spoke.
"At a loss for words?" I asked which she sighed in response.
"Yeah... I just wanna spend this current opportune moment with you, kinda hard to come up with some bullshit as an excuse to talk to you at the moment," she replied before laughing nervously.
"This isn't a walk in the park Hesh, people died," I remark.
"How could I not be aware?" she asked, looking at me.
"... I'm just saying," I replied as I glanced at her.
"Nothing against anyone, I just find that talking to you soothes me in a way... that's why I'm with you right now," she replied which I nod in response.
"... but don't be expecting a hug from me, we're participating in warfare," I replied.
"... I would love a hug... I would love it even more if it then developed further into something more passionately intimate, undisturbed and unheard," she replied before snickering a bit.
"... what did I do to earn your interest... plus you're nuts- or aren't... seemingly thinking straight," I replied before I glance at her which made her giggle, she then bumps into me as a playful gesture.
After some time, eventually...
Ahead in the distance, I can see the edge of the treeline of this taiga, beyond that is just a wide and open field, Hesh stopped then did the halt gesture which I complied, meanwhile, the rest of the strike team on the other side halted as well.
Not long...
The entire team on the other side of the snow road went into the cover of the trees or the wilderness as the entirety of our team did the same on our end.
After a quiet vigilant moment...
My squad and the two remaining members of Alpha 9 then grouped up behind some cover, Echo then spoke.
"Barrier 4 didn't acknowledge and gave the right response concerning the countersign... stay put and sharp in the meantime since I'll be informing command about this," he said when he got back to us.
"Countersign?" I asked looking at Hesh, meanwhile as Echo went away.
"It's Comet," Hesh replied.
After a while, eventually...
"Alright a gunship is enroute, Spectre 1 will be assisting us temporarily on our mission of retaking Barrier 4," Echo announces when he got back to us again.
"That's rad," Finch comments in response.
"Our enemies already know we're coming considering the ambush, we'll stick to the cover of the wilderness... form a spaced line nearby the edge of the treeline and spot targets," Echo remarks.
"The other team will be doing the same on their end, understood?" he continued which all of us nod in response.
Quint then walked away to relay that info towards the two remaining personnel of Alpha 9 as the rest of us pushed up vigilantly albeit cautiously.
Eventually...
I'm now in position at the edge of the treeline behind some natural cover as I look at Barrier 4, courtesy of Iris, my HUD or U.I then conveniently displayed the specific range of the area of contact, with that in mind I utilized the optic of my assault rifle to observe the fortifications of Barrier 4 that's in the distance ahead... from their equipment alone and even though they're relatively utilizing the cover of the fortifications, they all were no personnel of RED.
After a long tense moment of silence between us all, eventually...
"The individual whom I'm in contact with at Barrier 4 is telling me to hurry up, I replied that we got lit up pretty badly and our vehicles got wrecked," Echo said via our private net comms.
"... I added some insults here and there before I ended it, hopefully it was enough that they'll buy it," he adds.
"Hopefully," Burns responds.
After a moment of silence between us all...
"... alright, Spectre 1 is in position but don't shoot yet," Echo then said via our private net comms.
I utilized the optic of my gun once again, aiming via the reticle of my optic that's dedicated to engaging targets at the specified range which my enemies fall under that category... my mask also aided in wind compensation, made me aware of how to adjust my aim via my optic.
"How's Spectre 1 not seen or detected?" I asked in mind intended for Iris.
"Invisibility, the disturbance of clouds and when it fires any of its armaments is when RED's gunships are typically compromised, in addition, no known forms of equipment and armaments in the current meta like radar, thermals, lock-on missiles, and etc can detect it," Iris replied.
"... will we get to see the Shock and Awe in action?" Finch asked via our private net comms.
"... I doubt it, our objective is to retake and secure Barrier 4, it'll probably be the Hell-Raiser only since it'll shred but it won't level the place... but if there are Mags or Brutes present then it's likely Spectre 1 can make an exception," Echo responds.
"Either way Finch, there will still be explosions," Brutt said.
"I'm just hoping that it won't just be little itty bitty ones," she replied.
After a brief moment...
"... alright, safeties off, firing on one," Echo then said via squad net comms.
"... four... three... two... one-" Echo announces via squad net comms before all of us shot accordingly.
... I certainly hit and presumably killed my target, suddenly multitude of explosions peppered the fortifications as well as the inside areas of Barrier 4, there were then three explosions within base audibly caused by Spectre 1's use of the 40mm auto-cannon that's on the gunship.
Eventually...
We're now inside Barrier 4... we were unsurprisingly greeted by the sight of the remains of the dead bodies of all our enemies that were outside during our assault, there was also some evident structural damage... all of us spread out into groups of two or three to efficiently cover more ground in securing all the buildings or structures inside Barrier 4, Hesh was quick to pair up with me hence we're together... after approaching a particular building we intend to clear, we went on either side of the set of double doors which is the main entrance and exit of this structure.
"Ready?" I asked, meanwhile as I adjusted the handling of my gun conveniently so that I'm now dominantly left-handed in utilizing my weapon, to compensate for my current position at the door hence the angle of fire.
"Yeah," she replied as she gave a nod.
I pushed both doors open via the barrel of my assault rifle considering the doors are left ajar, it was dark inside hence I utilized the thermal vision of my mask before I peeked cautiously in to see no one.
"There could be traps like a claymore, keep that in mind," Hesh comments which I nod in response.
We both vigilantly albeit cautiously went inside whilst our guns are up and ready, I switched to my night vision immediately after... although there's an offset red dot mount attachment on my Recce 16, I quickly switched to my Deagle, preferring the relatively small profile and the level of finesse it provides... plus its barrel doesn't go into view around a corner unlike the Recce 16.
Eventually...
Hesh and I killed four enemies and a compact automated mini portable sentry gun, we also disarmed two laser trip mines which were easily detected considering the laser of these mines are easy to spot via our night vision.
"Good thing there weren't any claymores, otherwise we would've spent more of our time... thank fuck, for the evolutionary advancements of tech and equipment," Hesh comments referring to the laser trip mines we disarmed, meanwhile as we both exit the building.
"We're done, what now?" I asked.
"Echo we're done on our end," Hesh said via our private net comms in response.
"Good, just wait for all of us to secure and clear our end, in the meantime stay put and vigilant, out," Echo responds.
"Affirm," Hesh responds.
"This is Spectre 1, we see no hostiles in the surrounding areas, we're at the end of our duration of stay hence we'll be bugging off now, out," Spectre 1 then announces via squad net comms.
"Acknowledged," Echo responds.
"Good luck to all, Spectre 1 signing off," Spectre 1 announced in finality.
After some time, eventually...
At this point, my squad and are grouped up nearby one of the cleared structures in Barrier 4, Echo then spoke.
"We have a new objective, one that requires us to head towards Site Alpha, the rest of the team will remain here and secure the area, our objective, specifically is to assist in securing Site Alpha from within," he said.
"For now, get yourselves sorted out, we'll meet back here after four minutes," he continued before going away hence we all disbanded.
... I remembered seeing an ammunition station in the building where Hesh and I secured hence I went back there with the intent to utilize it.
"Be advised, enemy fast movers have breached the airspace, I repeat enemy fast movers have breached the airspace, break-..." Kingpin then announced via all net comms.
"Baseline's airfield is under attack, Displacers have brought with them some Mags and Brutes break-... all available air units RTB to assist, the entirety of our AA here won't last long which are what they are prioritizing break-..." he continued.
"I repeat to all available air units RTB to assist ASAP over," he adds.
Eventually, after utilizing the ammunition station...
I was about to begin my journey to exit the building when Hesh spoke through the private communication frequency, she gave this to me when we were clearing this building... it was 111.20, we used this medium to communicate freely to each other without having to disturb anyone.
"Haunt, where the fuck are you?" Hesh asked.
"The building where we cleaned house, ammunition station," I respond.
"Convenient, I'm on the way- could you stay and wait there for me, please? besides I want to talk to you considering we have some downtime," she responds.
"... will do," I respond.
"Great, I'll be see you there," Hesh responds before giggling.
Eventually...
We're now inside an MRAP... our seating arrangements are the same as last time, I'm at the back with Hesh and Burns, Finch is in the middle compartment with Echo, lastly, Quint who's driving the MRAP is at the front with Brutt... just when we're about to set off on our journey, the Anti Air System of Barrier 4 sounded off, indicating its detection of a threat about to attack the base, Echo then spoke meanwhile as all of us begin to dismount on our own accord in response.
"Dismount!" he exclaims.
"Find cover now!" Echo then adds whilst all of us disbanded in search for cover.
"Holy shit- holy shit!" I meanwhile heard Finch impulsively exclaim as we all head for nearby cover.
Suddenly the AA system of Barrier 4 then launched three missiles which was immediately followed up by the AA turret of Barrier 4 shooting at the sky directed at the enemy aircraft... there were then audible consecutive series of explosions peppering Barrier 4 for a moment before the enemy aircraft was successfully obliterated, as indicated by the distant explosion somewhere in the sky before the AA ceased it's firing, a soldier, presumably a squad leader then spoke through our squad network communications.
"Beta Eleven, you guys good!?" he asked, worried.
"We're alright," Echo responds.
"We better get moving," Quint then said, hastily heading back to the MRAP hence we did as well.
"We're moving out, good luck to all, Beta Elven signing off," Echo announces via squad net comms.
After some time...
We're on the snow road which will lead us to Gate C of Site Alpha... apparently the base hasn't encountered and fought any enemies yet, according to Echo.
"That's suspicious," Hesh comments concerning an already ongoing conversation with my squad.
"Does the Auditor approves of that kind of ability or does it misalign?" Finch asked via our private net comms.
"She'll probably have put it in her for the future to-do list or something like that," Quint responds.
"... If, there will be a future after all of this still," Burns retorts.
Suddenly our MRAP got rammed-
⟨Darkness⟩
I wake up, pain throughout my body immediately felt as I breathe before abruptly stopping to cough a bit, tasting some blood while at it... I then notice the wrecked internal structure of our vehicle... the impact of where or vehicle got rammed was obvious, plus there were two massive bullet holes on the MRAP... impulsively I then move intending to get up but immediately stopped when the pain threatening spiked in intensity.
"Don't, your healing syringes on your leg bag, please," Iris immediately said which reminded me of her presence.
I complied then grabbed one from my leg bag, I brought it up to my line of sight, meanwhile as my hands were visibly shaking... I was seeing if the syringe was broken, thankfully, it wasn't hence I flick down its switch with my thumb to reveal its needle with an indicating *click* sound... I looked at my body and initiated a diagnostic scan of myself via thought command... after a second, it highlighted an area on my chest, Iris then informed me or made me aware about my injuries via her trivial means... the means of being informed was conceptual, it was effortless and absolute, as intended I instantly comprehend the severity of my condition which was unsurprisingly worrisome.
"Make sure the needle penetrates the garment before injecting, otherwise your suit won't register, analyze, then apply it for your sake," Iris reminds.
After utilizing the healing syringe, I was about to return it in my leg bag when I abruptly stopped because of the sudden horrific and overwhelming pain in my body, this pain was originating from where I injected myself... it was so bad that my impulsive reaction made me go into a near fetal position as a means to cope, thankfully this experience was only for a couple of seconds before all the pain subsided, to be replaced by this cool or minty comforting sensation... ultimately I was now breathing without any difficulty and my body was relaxed... this feeling of puking and the dizziness subsided gradually subsided as well.
"Vital signs, good, you can move now," Iris said as I let out a sigh of relief.
... I got up then peeked through one of the massive bullet holes in the vehicle to see the outside winter environment, also the slope which leads onto the snow road up ahead... I intended to grab my holstered Seeknight to only realize and discover that it's gone, worried, I begin to look inside the wrecked vehicle for it to no success.
After a moment of quietly contemplating, deliberately...
I resorted to this tactic which I used at some points during the time wherein I was still a Mobile Task Force Unit working for the SCP Foundation, if it weren't for it I doubt that I would still be alive right now, hence I was hoping that it'll serve me well enough once again... I was holding a flashbang on my left hand conveniently so that in an immediate trivial action I can take off its pin then utilize it, meanwhile on the other hand I was holding my Deagle... yes, it's still a risky setup but I trust my past experience enough... my plan was to blind whatever is likely waiting for me outside then book it towards nearby cover, from there I'll just improvise, if I do manage to get to that point... yes I had doubts but I courageously went with it, anyway, I approached the back doors which was slightly ajar.
After a moment of silence as I gather enough courage...
I pushed the door open as fast albeit as subtle as I can with the YOLO and "I don't give a fuck by this point" concept in my mind, at a glance there was nothing waiting for me hence I immediately went outside to be furthered assured by this, evidently seeing only the winter wilderness all around... I hastily holstered my Deagle and flashbang onto my H.P. Vest then equip my Recce 16... I distanced myself away from the wrecked MRAP and got behind some natural nearby, all the while maintaining my vigilance and composure or courage... our vehicle fell into a little clearing in this taiga, I then utilized my comms whilst on edge and high alert.
"This is Tether, over?" I asked through our private net comms.
"Haunt we're on our way back, stay sharp and stay put out," Echo responds.
"Will do," I respond as I vigilantly look around whilst staying put.
After a while of quietly waiting...
I then had this "feeling" hence I looked back towards the wrecked MRAP to timely see three enemies teleport nearby it, thankfully they were oblivious or unaware of me... although this will compromise myself, I decided to take them all out thinking it's best.
After a bit as I quietly contemplate and also observe my enemies...
By this point I already had an idea which was slightly adjusted when the pair opened up the back door of the wrecked and overturned MRAP, it's s then I executed my plan of action... I threw a flashbang which relatively went inside the MRAP but in front of the pair as intended, it exploded ergo blinding the duo within, immediately after, I peeked out from my cover to shoot the enemy who was looking off to the wilderness in the head before shooting the pair that were blinded.
"Haunt you good!?" Echo then asked via our private net comms in response to presumably hearing the gunshots, I impulsively neglected this considering what had just transpired.
In a fast sequence, an enemy suddenly appeared in front of me who instantly elbowed my face, he then grabbed my assault rifle and forcibly press it against my chest as he immediately pressed the barrel of his pistol on my neck... fortunately, managing in quick response, I impulsively headbutt his face which luckily caused him to unfortunately miss his shot... yes, by mere inches only... the force and sound of the gunshot was dreadfully sensible nearby the right side of my face.
... the enemy staggered back as a result of being headbutted which was a convenient opening, driven by impulse I hit him on the neck with my left hand before transitioning my jab to grab him by the collar of his clothing, immediately I followed it up with a headbutt again to his face... afterward, whilst I'm holding onto the collar of his clothing, I unholstered my Deagle via my right hand before I shot him in the face... for a second I saw the gruesome or brutal fucked up state of his face as a result before his corpse falls to the ground away from me.
There was blood and presumably tiny chunks of his head are visibly on my mask which I ignored for now... alert and prioritizing my safety, I relocated behind some cover... once I deemed it relatively safe I then took a fist full of snow before I rub it on my mask which cleaned it... I then heard something sliding down towards the direction of the slope hence I stood up and aimed my firearm in that direction to see Hesh, Burns, and Echo... relieved but on edge, I moved out of my cover, they hastily approached.
"Where's-" I said before being cut off by Echo.
"Dead," he said as Burns unholstered my Seeknight before giving it back to me which I conveniently kept.
"Its ammo is spent, had to take down a Mag real quick," Burns then said which I nod in response.
"Let's move, the ruckus must've likely attracted some attention," Echo said.
Eventually...
I'm at the back of the group as we make our way to Gate C, in addition, the traffic concerning comms has been hectic thus again we're on our own for now... suddenly Hesh who's in front of me then slowed down hence I was able to catch up to her, she then matches my pace.
"How are you?" she asked as she glances at me.
"I'm alright," I replied.
After a brief moment of silence between us...
"What happened?" I asked.
"... I was leading the Mag that was responsible for wrecking our MRAP away, Quint and Finch tried to help, meanwhile, Brutt chose to stay behind since all three of you were unconscious," she replied.
"Quint and Finch ended getting killed by Mag, meanwhile, Brutt managed to lure away a team of enemies that were intending to search for our wrecked vehicle and kill any survivors," she explained.
"... Brutt got killed but he managed to buy enough time for both Burns and Echo to wake up, luckily to catch up to me and help me... the rest is history," she continued.
"... I should apologize for being unconscious for far too long," I said which she shook her head briefly in response.
After another brief moment of silence between us...
"The pigmentation of our enemy's skin is unnaturally grey and they have this seemingly plus or cross outline, centered on their face... are we dealing with a cult?" I asked.
"Nope, but a certain aspect of madness," she replied.
"... there was a point in time wherein apparently they only had four fingers too," she adds.
"... they changed their minds?" I asked.
"Maybe for our adversaries, but I doubt everyone adopted it," she replied which only gave me more questions, but I digress.
After a brief moment of silence...
"... I thought I lost you," she said as she looked at me.
"... you almost did... lucky for me lady luck said no to death for my sake... for now at least," I replied.
"Good... that means I still get to experience what it's like hugging you," Hesh retorts.
"... hugs huh," I said rhetorically before I glanced at her.
"I think everyone at some point needs one... besides for me, it has always felt right to commonly give you so," she said glancing at me.
"Are you sweating your tits off just so you will come off as wholesome much?" I asked.
"Oh shut up," she then replied before she bumps into me as a playful gesture.
After some time, eventually...
We're vigilantly waiting at the edge of the treeline behind some cover... Gate C is visible from the distance of this field of expanse that's ahead of us, according to Echo, the base sent out controlled snowmobiles that'll be driven to our location for us to utilize to get the base.
"We'll likely be picked off if there are impeccable enemy snipers somewhere in the area, readily waiting for someone to traverse the kill zone," Burns comments.
"Let's just hope that there's either none or they're a bad shot, besides we will be fast on those snowmobiles," Echo replied.
"... I guess it's better than being blown up in a high-profile vehicle like an MRAP or helicopter," Hesh retorts.
"My thoughts exactly," Echo replied.
Not long after...
We saw the snowmobiles approaching from the distance, when they reached our position we utilized them and wasted no time heading towards the base.
After a while...
"All personnel of Gate C, enemy IFVs and APCs are heading to your location, our forces are spread thin thus nobody was able to eliminate or if not thin them out, break-... it's a full-on assault heading towards your doorstep," Kingpin then announces via all net comms.
"All available air units that can assist or address these threats please do so, good luck to all, out," he adds.
"That's not good," Hesh then comments via our private squad net comms.
"No shit," Burns responds.
Eventually...
We made it to the line of defense which is a corralling perimeter outside of Gate C, we were then called to attention and approached by a soldier as we stopped and parked our snowmobiles.
"We need all the help we can get, even if people get down and under so will the enemy if we'll lose control up here," the soldier said, Echo then looked at us in response.
"... I'm down, how about you Haunt?" Burns then said before looking at me which I nod in response as I got off my snowmobile.
"Hesh?" Echo then asked before looking at her, which made her look at me.
"... It's an opportune moment," Hesh replied after she shook her head a bit before she gets off her snowmobile.
"Thank you, follow me," the soldier then said as he leads the way hence we follow behind after him.
After a while...
My squad and I have positioned ourselves somewhere in the line defense in a particular yet deemed subtle location... the defense line is a series of convenient yet fortified trenches that also led into some bunkers at some point, to shelter people against air to land-based attacks like mortars and airstrikes... the line defense had four main trenches, my squad and I were in the second one... also I was offered the opportunity to utilize the Denel NTW 20 which is an anti-material rifle, I gladly agreed.
After some time, eventually...
Mortars then began hammering the line defense before becoming more relentless albeit dreadfully on point... we all took cover in a nearby bunker with my squad and some other fellow comrades.
Eventually...
The mortar bombardment suddenly stopped before our enemies began deploying smoke out into the battlefield, in the direction of their assault... switching to thermal vision I saw a lot of white figures or heat signatures from afar, notably a line of vehicles that were now moving towards us.
"They're advancing," a soldier comments nearby.
"No shit captain obvious," a soldier nearby replied.
... suddenly there's an eruption of chaotic gunfire throughout the defense line, startled, we all immediately look around to see enemies appearing throughout... Hesh suddenly got grabbed from behind, she headbutted the enemy in the face via the back of her head in response, meanwhile as I equip my Deagle to shoot that enemy in the face, afterward I then shoot another enemy nearby the trench.
After a moment of hectic combat and retaliation...
Suddenly a couple of very loud audibly distinct gunshots are then heard, I got to see why because there were now enemy Brutes in the line defense, involved in the ensuing chaos throughout the line defense.
After a brief necessary moment of retaliation...
I went back and grabbed the anti-material rifle which I've left in the same spot the moment that the enemies appeared throughout the line defense, suddenly the entirety of Gate C's Anti Air Defense System then blared briefly before audibly firing.
Not long after...
A series of harmful explosions then occurred throughout the line defense which let out an immediate intense cloud of red smoke... it contributed to us holding out because it's actually a kill agent, advantageous for us since we have masks unlike most of our enemies... since my squad and nearby friendlies were enough, I was able to effectively utilize the Denel NTW 20 uncontested as a result.
After a tense and hectic moment...
At this point, I've managed to certainly kill three Brutes, whilst I was in the process of reloading the gun, two enemy Mags suddenly appeared in my line of sight, fortunately from a distance... luckily their backs are facing my direction and they were focused on other people in the line defense... the Mags then begin shooting towards Gate C, as emphasized by the loud gunshots of their weapons.
"Kill those Mags now-" a soldier suddenly exclaims via squad net comms before being cut off.
... after mantling my gun and aiming, I then shot one of the enemy Mags at the back of its head which wasn't enough to kill it, but before it could face my direction I shot it again which killed it... the other Mag then faced my direction in response to his friend getting killed from behind, I then shot which unfortunately hit the side of its mask thus the bullet of my gun bounced off to the side... I duck down behind with my gun as I hastily begin to reload, luckily, I wasn't detected presumably because of the camouflage of my equipment and that there's a lot of things happening still... when I heard it shoot I immediately knew I wasn't compromised since I was still alive.
After I reloaded my gun then mantled my weapon conveniently again, I timely saw the enemy Mag fall dead on the ground, killed by my allies somewhere in the line of defense... suddenly, a streak multitude of explosive rounds peppered the line defense and as well as some parts of Gate C... these incoming fire was coming from the kill zone of the line defense, evidently so when I turn to see the moment the enemy IFVs in the distance come out from the cover of smoke, advancing at a steady pace whilst shooting.
"Enemy IFVs at the front!" a soldier then exclaims via squad net comms.
I got behind cover and just stayed down for a deemed length, because I had this "feeling" that my head would be crushed in if otherwise... when this sense of dread subsided, I peeked out to mantle my gun conveniently then aimed... Iris then informed me via her effortless conceptual or fathomable means about the anatomy of the enemy IFV that I've got my sights on... she also added the likelihood of the bullet penetration, as a result I instantly knew where to aim for then shoot, reliably to have an effect... I shot twice at the enemy the vehicle which as intended disabled its ability to shoot via its main gun, suddenly most of the enemy IFVs are then blown up because of my allies utilizing their Seeknights.
After some time, eventually...
We've managed to defend against the entirety of that assault, we had a lot of casualties both in the line defense and inside Gate C, moreover, at this point my squad and I were now in the inside perimeter of the base, Echo then spoke.
"Alright get yourselves sorted out, we'll meet back here after three minutes before we'll go inside Site Alpha," he said before he left.
"... that skirmish was insane... peek highlight of my entire combat career right there," Burns comments before he stood up then walked away.
"Welp, he's not wrong, things like that tend to happen, but, only in Battlefield," Hesh said before she looked at me.
"Making it seem like war is not that bad," I replied as I look at her, disturbed.
"Lighten up a bit," she retorts.
"Can't, this war and casualties," I said.
"... welp, I tried," she replied before she grabbed my hand then led me somewhere.
Eventually...
We're now on one of the lifts of Site Alpha dedicated for tactical insertion or deployment to operate in the facility... I got to utilize an Equipment Station before this hence my Recce 16 and Seeknight were now gone, replaced by my custom Remington 870 SBS and my HK416.
"The route leading to the rendezvous point should be clear, once we get there we'll assist one of the many squads that are there since we're only four left," Echo said, meanwhile as Hesh went beside me to intertwine her hand with mine.
"Are you good?" I asked, surprised as I glanced at her.
"Yeah," she replied with a nod.
After a brief moment of silence between us...
"... what made you join RED?" I asked.
"... the opportunity gave me a new yet additional sense of purpose... let's be real Haunt, most of us came from dark backgrounds before we ended up working for organizations such as RED or like the SCP Foundation," she replied.
"True, I understand... what's so bad about your's then?" I replied, looking at her.
"... I was... homicidal... to an extent... and in a way psychotic, yeah," she replied before I notice her grip on my hand became firm a bit.
"... you certainly changed, I hope... if so then I'm proud of you," I remark.
"Not entirely... keep in mind, if you die then who I am now would be gone," she remarks.
"That's a lot of pressure," I replied.
"... sorry but can we talk about something else, please?" she asked as she glanced at me which I nod in response.
"Sure... what do you want to talk about?" I replied.
"... I don't know... like, uh... what games which you recall does this ongoing incident remind you off?" she replied.
"Video games?" I asked.
"Yes," she replied.
"... Post Scriptum, Squad, and Arma," I replied, complying with the direction of the conversation.
"... honestly, I'm not familiar with these games but, how come?" she replied looking at me.
"Because of team play and the warfare," I replied.
After some time, eventually...
We've made it to the rendezvous point, currently, we are in a wide and spacious lobby area... we were greeted by a hectic scene, people were guarding sealed doors, addressing personnel, tending to the wounded... we were then approached by someone who appears to be in a hurry before suddenly, in a fast sequence, we heard screams which were immediately followed by an eruption of gunfire... looking at the direction of the source of this ruckus, there were now two enemy Mags which were accompanied by some enemy Brutes.
I was then rammed me aside by Burns which knocked out the air out my lungs for a bit as a result, plus I was sent away down onto the floor... immediately after this I heard something hit him which was then instantly followed by the sound of a flatline, indicating his death... perturbed by all the commotion and suddenness, I looked back at Burns to see his dead body, meanwhile as smoke grenades and flashbangs were then audibly utilized... I made my attempt to get up before I was then assisted from behind whilst being dragged by Hesh towards the direction of a nearby opened doorway where Echo is... once we're both through the open doorway, Echo then closed the doors behind us, meanwhile as the gunfire, especially the loud gunshots caused by the weapons of the Mags and Brutes audibly intensified beyond that door.
"... let's go," Echo said as he hastily leads the way hence both Hesh and I followed him from behind.
"We'll undoubtedly encounter enemies along the way, so stay sharp... in a way, we're going AWOL at this point but everything's gone to shit," Echo continues as we all hastily stride onwards.
I didn't question our motives, objectives, and where we were going at the time... we've gone through various parts of Site Alpha encountering both enemies and allies along the way... we undoubtedly had a few close calls like I almost fell to my death at some point, moreover, I saved Echo via killing the Brute in time before it can presumably crush his head, Hesh almost got shot by a Mag... we encountered a Golem which was new to me at the that time, it was is armored to the point that it's bulletproof all around, Hesh told me that it's a Mag variant after we killed it... there were also instances wherein I got to witness Hesh and Echo in combat, both of them were impeccable... like Burns ever since he dodged a bullet, I was beginning to think they are anomalous, but I chose to stay silent about it.
After some time, eventually...
We were all low on ammo, but we made it to the place Echo and Hesh strived to get to, with me tagging along oblivious of our actual end goal... at this point, we're in an ominous yet spacious room that had a lot of equipment and machinery... relevant technological and machinery necessities are strewn about, notably there were five cylindrical containment chambers in the room which got my attention... after looking around for a moment, confused and a tad bit skeptical of why we're here.
"Haunt, come up here please, I'm in the control room," Hesh asked.
"This is Nexus 2, we're purging Baseline, I repeat we're purging Baseline, the base is compromised-" a soldier then exclaims through all network communications before being abruptly cut off.
... when I arrived in the control room, I see Hesh utilizing one of the consoles or computer terminals, she then looked at me before she spoke.
"This is dumb and idiotic, I'm aware but... I'm gonna open one of the containment chambers specifically the one labeled The Diode-" she said before I cut her off.
"That's a fucking bad idea," I said, impulsively.
"The Monolith is bent on ending RED, what's inside may not help us but would potentially serve as an obstacle, Site Alpha is being overrun Haunt," Hesh replied.
"As much as I find all of this stupid, I have to agree with her Haunt," Echo said from behind hence I took a step back and looked at both of them in disbelief, to an extent.
"... is it only me?" I asked.
"If you didn't interrupt me then I would've told you that you'll be accompanied by Echo!" she exclaims which startled me.
"... I-I'm sorry... I've already hacked into the system, according to Iris, if I end my connection to the safeguard it will expunge all the data in the terminal rendering it useless as a result," she said.
"If I've known about it in advance I'd let Echo hack it instead of me, this fucking sucks," she continues.
"What the fuck are we gonna do after you've opened the containment chamber?" Echo asked.
"I don't know... if whatever is inside is intelligent or rational then convince it in a way that it should treat us as friendlies," Hesh replied.
"And if it's animalistic or unreasonable?" I asked.
"... then get back here in one piece," Hesh replied with an audible hint of melancholy.
"... what if we just let loose all five and just bail- why even the one that's labeled The Diode?" I replied.
"Because according to the information provided here as well as the Auditor's addendums in the terminal, this is our best bet," Hesh replied.
"... I'll get to it then... I'll see you down by the containment chamber Haunt," Echo said before leaving.
"This is suicide," I comment, impulsively.
"... we all had it coming to begin with... It sucks that it couldn't be any longer, even more so that I'm forced to be here instead of being with you," she replied.
After a brief moment of silence between us...
I let out a sigh before it's only then that I realize that I've spent or rather used up all my flashbangs during our long and action packed journey to get here, I noticed Hesh has still got two of her own hence I spoke.
"Can I borrow one of your flashbangs? I've used all mine," I asked.
"Yeah, sure," she replied hence I approached her.
After I unholstered one of the grenades or flashbangs that's was on her H.P. Vest, she then suddenly grabbed onto my right forearm, startled by her quickness and the suddenness I immediately look at her.
"... please don't die," she said, saddened.
"... I doubt there will be ample time for caution," I replied before I shrug.
She held me for a moment longer before she let go... I was then about to say something to her but I ultimately choose not to... I just went out of the control room and met up with Echo.
"This is it... let's hope we don't fuck up badly," Echo said when I was now beside him.
"... surely whatever is inside doesn't remember the uniform and equipment its capturers wore," I said sarcastically.
"... maybe if we combine our hope the outcome will be favourable... you ready?" Echo asked as he looked at me.
"... we'll see," I replied which he nod in response.
"... we're ready," Echo said via our private squad net comms.
"Alright... opening it," Hesh responds.
I had the flashbang conveniently ready to be utilized on my left hand whilst I'm utilizing my pistol, specifically my Glock 45 via my right hand.
"Lady luck, I hope for your blessing and help," I thought to myself rhetorically.
... the containment chamber opened to reveal nothing inside apart from the setup that it should contain and restrain a person... suddenly, it turned on as it let out an audible yet monotone humming sound before it's then accompanied by other audibly amplifying sounds.
"Bad news-" I comment as I looked back at Echo to realize he's not there beside me anymore.
Immediately, I looked behind me to see him now standing next to the entity... the description matches what Hesh described to me about the one responsible for attacking RED and the reason for my past death... it's a humanoid entity made up entirely by dark matter, this entity is ethereal in nature, resembling a bit of a kindling flame... the only difference is that its eyes were glowing grey... surprised, I raised my gun intending to shoot but I couldn't pull the trigger, let alone move as intended... all my weapons were then removed apart from my combat shovel which was still sensibly holstered behind me... I was then involuntarily put inside the containment chamber via telekinesis, once inside conveniently the restraints held me in place... Iris was unresponsive to me which furthered my feeling of being betrayed... I then felt the telekinetic force, disappear before a familiar voice then spoke via my comms, specifically the private network or channel.
"I'm sorry Haunt... I'm so sorry," Hesh said, genuinely melancholic.
... I stared at the entity with full contempt, but even then I couldn't reliably maintain it considering the thoughts of melancholy and fear that were stirring in my mind at that moment... this betrayal was breaking, somewhat familiar in a way also... compared to any of my experiences of being betrayed by people in the past, this one stands above all the rest because of how it deeply cut me, certainly unrecoverable... especially considering someone who I deemed one of a kind, special and invaluable had a hand in this outcome, my fate.
"It's been an honor serving with you Haunt," Echo said with a nod before he out of my line of sight, I then disconnected all communication from anyone via thought command which worked, although Iris still wouldn't respond to me.
"It has been a long time coming Haunt," the entity, who is a she then said.
This entity which is a spirit then resided within me before the door of this containment chamber closed hence all I could see was darkness... I was afraid no doubt as a tinge of my anger or rage began to kindle within me about everyone and everything.
"I'm the Auditor, we'll talk again after this, in the meantime just give in and relax," she said via my mind or telepathically.
... I was perturbed and speechless... I then felt gradually exhausted as streaks of neon lights suddenly fill my vision, meanwhile this particular eerie static noise gradually amplified which ultimately became deafening, my vision fluctuates before I inevitably-
⟨Darkness⟩
⟨End of Recording⟩
Next: "Conniption."