News of Dr. Van Leeuwen's success with SCP 0-76-2 had finally reached the higher-ups of the foundation. Five figures sat in a dark lofty room around a crescent-shaped long table, the flashing blue lining around it a feint source of light. They all sat with low-light holo-screens in front of them, projecting a few inches off the table itself. It appeared to be a meeting of some sort, and an important one at that. Their faces were all drowned out by the darkness of the room. Their voices passed across the table to one another in a soft but busy frequency until a sound interrupted it. Beeping began emitting from a strange looking box sitting in the center of the table. A name popped up in lights, hovering above the box in the form of a screen suspended in the air. It was Amalia, calling to make her report no doubt. The five figures now sat in anticipation of hearing in detail the results of her first assignment.
The man sitting in the center reached out to the box and pressed a button to answer the call. Suddenly a translucent bust of Amalia appeared above the box. She appeared to be walking by the sway of her shoulders. The man then cleared his throat before speaking. " Dr. Van Leeuwen! We finally get to speak again, and on good tidings, I hear. You're proving to be more exceptional by the hour."
"I only did my job, Overseer, but I appreciate the commendation nonetheless."
A woman's voice chimed in. "Most of our surveillance footage was damaged in the attack. As a result, we were blind most of the operation. If you don't mind, could you fill in the blanks for us?"
"With pleasure, Madam." Amalia replied.
She appeared to be preoccupied with something, although fully attentive to the conversation. "I confronted the SCP in the second sector of the tunnel connecting to Area 25. Casualties were high, unfortunately."
A mans voice cut in from the far left of the table. "Yes yes, we've seen the numbers. What we really want to know,…is what did you do to stop it. How'd you get it to agree to work with us?"
Amalia had now come to a stop it appeared, unfazed by the man's rudeness. She looks into the camera at them for the first time since the call began.
"Ah, the Admiral, I presume. It is quite the honor to be speaking with so many members of the O5-Head. Are all of you present right now?" She smirked knowing that she was repaying his rashness by making him wait. The man sat back in his chair, with the light from a cigar being the only sign a person sat there at all. The Overseer responded. "We are indeed. But I, as well, am very interested in how you managed to control the situation. Specifically, what methods were employed."
She paused for a moment, appearing to be sitting something down. "Simply put, I merely told him the truth."
The room went quiet for a moment as they all sat in slight confusion. A different male voice spoke out. "Come again? You're saying you merely talked to it? This was a murderous, rampaging SCP, was it not?"
"Given the circumstances, the truth was all that was needed. The SCP was not attempting to escape. It was hunting."
The man leaned in closer, his interest now piqued. "Hunting you say? For what exactly?"
"It seemed the SCP hoped to draw out the agent known as Thomas Shields, who as you know, was K.I.A. Some time ago. I informed him that his hunt was fruitless. He seemed to lose all interest upon hearing this."
The Overseer became reminiscent, "Ah, agent Shields. Now that was a loss felt by the entire foundation. But such is the way of our work. Needless to say, it is the unfortunate reality that similar calls may yet come to pass in the future."
"Unfortunate yes,…but necessary. The same fate we all might have met had he not complied."
"Let me get this straight. You're saying the SCP agreed to help so that we would spare your lives, after murdering half of Area 25's staff? Ridiculous!" The admiral grunted, releasing smoke from his nose like an angry bull. Amalia was realizing the density of their skepticism. She did not care one way or the other if they believe her. It mattered little compared to what she actually accomplished, but having to convince them was bothersome and time consuming in her eyes. She fixed her glasses and once more glanced into the camera, her projection now looking directly at all of them.
"Yes that would be quite ridiculous indeed, Admiral. The SCP agreed to help because he is an immortal with nothing better to do. It was work with me or continue to be put back in his cage. Considering his tenacious nature, the choice was obvious."
The Overseer rubbed his chin in contemplation, a faint grin appearing from the shadows. "I see. It is my understanding that you'll be recruiting one more. SCP 073, I believe."
"That is correct. I am currently in route to meet with the SCP as we speak. So if it is all the same to you, Overseer, I'd like to begin my work."
"Very well. We won't take up anymore of your time doctor. Best of luck." The Overseer reached out to hit the end call button. At the same time Amalia was tapping her earphones to do the same. She had come to a large door at the end of a long, white corridor. It was bright with lights running through the spaces between tile and panel. Screens scrolled information pertaining to whatever door they were beside. Feint announcements could be heard echoing through the halls of Site-17; the building which housed SCP 073, codename Cain. She took a moment to remove her glasses and rub between her eyes. A voice came from behind her.
"Do you enjoy being scrutinized by rodents? They reference me as if I were never human. They view you as a pawn to use and discard. I don't understand your motives."
It was Abel, minimally restrained and walking a few paces behind. Behind him were two SCP agents, heavily armed and unwilling to take an eye off of him. She turned and looked him in the eyes. "Does their perception of what you are bother you?
He grit his teeth at the question while looking away. "Your attempts to pry into my heart are wasted. You will find only scorched earth. Of that, I can assure you."
"You struggle to understand me, no? The urge to understand someone is natural. It is the reason I pry. I understand that you were once human." She turns back toward the large door, reaching up to her eye to widen her eyelids as she began typing a code into the wall panel. A beam shot out from the panel, going directly into her iris. It scanned her for a moment, then a small light on the panel turned green. A voice emitted from the wall above the door.
"Welcome Dr. Van Leeuwen."
The lining around the door turned green as well while they slowly reseeded into the frame around them. Amalia continued on, followed by Abel and the two agents. The energy on the other side was a tranquil bustling. Agents and scientists alike went about their jobs with a lighter air than most facilities in the foundation.
"This other SCP. Who,…or what is it?" Abel asked, glancing around the room in disgust.
"It's better you see for yourself, I'm afraid." She replied stopping at a glass door that looked like the entrance to a large garden. Two agents stood outside the door, although they did not seem very diligent in their duties. One of them stepped forward. "Dr. Van Leeuwen. We weren't expecting you to arrive so soon."
"Is there a problem, agent?" She responded.
"N-no ma'am. It's just,…well SCP-073 is not here at the moment. I believe his last known location was the cafeteria."
"You mean you do not keep him contained?"
"I know its standard protocol to keep all SCP's within their confinement areas, if they can be confined at all, but an exception was made for 073 on account of his well behaved nature. It may seem strange, but he's actually a pleasure to be around. Even helps out with work around the facility. Guy's got a talent for advanced tech, and botany if you can believe it."
"That would explain the botanical wonderland that is his containment area." She replied going through the notes on her holo-pad. "I've read all of his files. They said nothing about being able to roam freely."
The agent leaned in closer with his hand close to his mouth. "Higher-ups aren't really privy to it, but the staff love's having him around. So let's keep it our little secret, hm?"
Amalia was unsure what to think of this new information. She was immediately flooded by all the risks for allowing something like this, but as she looked around, she noticed that things were moving as they should. Nothing was on fire or exploding, and no one had even a hint of anxiety on their faces. It was quite the opposing situation to Abel getting loose. The agent stepped to the side. "If you want, you're welcome to wait inside for'm. He loves visitors. I imagine he'll be back shortly. He can't leave his plants unattended for too long."
"Is that so?" She responded, slowly stepping into the seemingly vast containment cell. It was full of all manner of flora, accompanied with a very complex irrigation system that seemed to work autonomously. It had small rivers running in different directions, separating certain plant life from others. Stone walkways guided them into the center of it all, where there was a stone table with benches around it. The air was fresh, sweeping a different scent under her nose with each passing breath. She turned to the two agents in her company who were just about to follow her inside. "Sorry gentlemen. I'll be going this alone. Things might get a bit messy. You understand."
"But ma'am,…" an agent replied. He was nudged by the other agent who then shook his head, telling him to let it go. The agent took a breath, and stepped away from the door. "As you wish, doctor." The glass doors closed, and she turned to walk further in, with Abel just ahead of her. He hated all of the thriving foliage around him. Some even looked alive enough to actually lash out and attack him, or so he imagined. He found himself stopped dead in his tracks before long. Amalia continued inward a bit before noticing Abel had fallen behind. She turned and lowered her glasses. "Are you not coming? Don't tell me you're afraid of a few plants?"
"I'm afraid of nothing…" He folds his arms, seemingly insulted. "Lets just say I don't want to be provoked into killing one of these things."
"I'm sorry…I fail to see the difference."
"If I use force of any kind on anyTHING,…this necklace of yours will explode and kill me, am I correct?"
She turned with a satisfied shrug in her shoulder. "I'm glad to see you remember how it works. Suit yourself I suppose. I won't be long."
She continues down the path that seemed to stretch on for miles. Her heels meeting every stone with a brisk clicking. Her stride always commanded the attention before she arrives and after she leaves. It was becoming an annoying familiarity for him. The smug air about her that says "she knows she'll get whatever she wants". He had to wonder if she planned for him to hang back all along.
After a few minutes of walking, Amalia found herself at the centerpiece of 073's labyrinth. The stone table sat under a large irrigation lamp. Still shaded by the tall and leafy plant life surrounding it, resembled a nice picnic area on a breezy day. On it sat a silver tray with all makings for a tea party, assembled to what seemed like more obsession than perfection. She took a seat on one of the benches, and had a look at her surroundings. Things seemed all too serene as she took in the scenery. That's when she heard a voice softly slip through the bushes. "Are you enjoying my garden?"
She turned to see a man in similar stature to Abel. It was Cain, making his way through the brush. His skin was lighter than his brother's but not without the same type of markings. Only his were blue in contrast to Abel's red ones. He had short and wavy hair, stopping at his jawline. It was of a sandy mustard color, falling in front of his blue eyes as he leaned down to pass under a large hanging leaf. His arms and legs appeared to be mechanical in design. She had already read about their purpose in his files. They apparently help to mitigate the corrosive nature of his actual limbs. Despite this fact, it appeared he yet retained one hell of a green thumb.
"Yes it is quite,…remarkable indeed."
He chuckled a bit before sitting down on the bench opposite of her's. "You looked so peaceful sitting there. I almost didn't want to disturb you."
"I appreciate the consideration, but I am here on business you know."
"Yes I am privy. I was informed by the guards outside right before I slipped back into my quarters."
"Slipped back in?" She asked, slightly puzzled.
He smirked at her confusion while pouring them both some tea. "There is,…a back door to my containment cell. To my knowledge, O5 knows nothing about it. And the staff here apparently intend to keep it that way. It's how I slip back in unnoticed.
"I see,…" She responded, glancing around the room for anymore infractions she might not have noticed.
He placed a cup down in front of her on the table. He stirred his with a small spoon in silence, waiting for Amalia to give him something other than cold formalities. Her scan soon came to an end, and finally she focused her attention to the conversation. She took a short breath, then proceeded. "Do you,…know who I am?"
He paused. This was an odd question coming from an SCP operative. They normally only want to talk about you, the SCP. He took a sip of his tea while looking at her, then down into the cup with a bit of amusement. "I've heard whispers,…of an agent that apparently walked right up to my murder frenzied brother and yelled SIT BOY,…all to remain intact afterwards."
"I see the staff also likes to divulge classified information to you as well."
"Don't blame them, doctor." He said placing his elbows on the table. "I'm constantly probing them for info. I like to collect data you see."
Amalia takes a sip of the tea, pausing in surprise at the taste. It was gentle, vibrant, and sweet, unlike most teas she's had over her lifetime. She sat the cup down and began to gather her words. "I wouldn't put it quite so bluntly, but yes. I'm here today to,…"
He cut her off before she could finish. "Look I think I got an idea of what you're here to ask of me. And I can't help you."
This caught Amalia off guard. She knew there might be some push back, but so abruptly was a surprise. "May I ask why?"
"You want me to team up with Abel. Not sure for what,…but whatever it is, its not a good idea. You see our pasts are,…complicated."
"I know all about the bloody nature of your past. I was not aware it still had such a hold till this day. What are your feelings toward your brother?"
He sat his cup down and buried his face into his clinched hands while looking away. "I bare no ill will toward my brother. Not anymore, but,…he will most certainly harbor it for me. It's understandable really. What I did was unforgivable."
She pondered for a moment, taking in all the factors. She wanted to be delicate in this instance. Abel simply needed a rabbit to chase, but Cain would require something more in the way of convincing. "Would you reconsider if he were willing to play nice?"
He smirked. "I highly doubt th-."
He was cut off by the sound of someone approaching. A voice called out. "Doctor woman,…How long is this going to take? Are they coming with us or not?"
Cain's face immediately filled with dread. "You brought him here? You shouldn't have done that!"
Before she could respond, they both saw Abel approaching the table. His eyes widened at the sight of his brother sitting with the doctor. At first he could not even form words. His teeth clinched tightly together. Veins in his neck began to bulge. "YOU!"
Amalia immediately stood up to try and talk to him. "Abel you have to calm down!"
It was too late. Rage had already began to take hold. The red aura engulfed his pupils, leaving fiery pits in their place. Soon it covered his entire body. His breathing was becoming erratic, almost like it was feeding the dark energy. He slowly held out his arm, never taking his eyes off of Cain. "I've been waiting a long time for this."
Suddenly tiny black grains began to appear, circling around his arm. They began to flow down to his fingertips into the form of his large blade. Then a loud beeping sound began emitting from his collar, followed by a robotic voice. {WARNING: UNAUTHORIZED USE OF ABILITIES…WARNING}
"Abel you have to calm yourself NOW!"
He was no longer in control. The rage had fully taken him by storm. The beeping grew more intense. Cain immediately jumped in front of Amalia and threw his arms up. A bright light then began shooting out of the collar as Abel drew back his blade. Before he could lunge at Cain the collar exploded, sending blood and sinew in every direction. It covered everything near them, the plants, stone tiles, even Cain himself. Amalia had fallen from the explosion, but she was unharmed. She took a moment to look around. Everything was covered in blood, with body parts strewn into the plants. She began to stand up, removing pieces of Abel from her clothing as she did so. That's when she heard laughter. It was Cain, covered in his brother's remains. He stood up straight while removing a piece of intestine from his hair. He began chuckling a bit more as he threw it to the ground.
"Is something funny, 073?"
He took his time to answer. The look on his face seemed almost reminiscent. "You see doctor, this is all too familiar for me. Standing here,…covered in my brother's blood like this. Reminds me of the day I betrayed him."
Amalia grabbed her clipboard off of the ground, using her lab coat to wipe the blood away. "Does that day haunt you?"
He turned to look at her. "Haunt isn't the word. That day has lived with me for millennia now it seems. I let darkness into my heart,…and it drove me to take my brother's life. My own brother,…and for what?"
He clinched his fist in anger while falling to his knees in the pool of blood. He had dealt with the torment of taking his brother's life all this time. Knowing that he was the reason that Abel's spirit had become so vengeful was weighing heavily on him it seemed. Amalia stepped in front of Cain while fixing her glasses. She took a deep breath and looked him in the eye. "I know that the dark things we do in the past never really leave us. I understand how you must feel about what's become of Abel. But if I had to blame anyone,…Its the god that chose to play favorites."
Cain's eyes widened at the remark. He wiped the blood away from his face as he looked up at her. "You,…don't think me a monster for what I did?"
"You were played against your brother in a game where no matter who won, you would both still lose. What kind of god plays his children against each other for his favor? Were both contributions not in his name? What good does it do to reject one or the other?
Cain thought about her words. It's the first time anyone had ever said such a thing to him, especially about god. Strangely enough, it seemed to have lifted a bit of the weight from his shoulders.
"I hear you doctor. Your words are kind, but I don't think my brother will see things the way you do."
"You let me worry about Abel. He'll come around to the idea. I just need you ready for action. Put all this guilt behind you for now. You two aren't serving selfish gods anymore. We're going to do something that will help others instead. In fact, I've already got our first mission lined up. So get yourself together."
Without giving him a chance to respond, she began walking toward the exit of the containment cell. Cain watched her walk away slightly confused. He hadn't agreed to anything, yet it felt like he would soon have work to do. "Doctor, where are you going?"
"To make another collar for your brother before he wakes up." She stopped and turned back to look at him. "Oh and Cain,…have you ever been to an IKEA?"
He looked up curiously. "You're referring to the SCP correct? Im sure you know that I'm not allowed to go much of anywhere. All I have is data on it. I've never been, I'm afraid."
She smiled as she continued walking. "Oh don't worry love. You're going to absolutely love it I'm sure."
Chapter End -