Returning to the Nevada facility, Dr. Clef sets to work securing arrangements for Mary and her four children to stay, together, in a livable containment cell, under 24-hour surveillance, and surrounded by reality anchors, in case their collars should ever be forcibly removed. He further secures toys, coloring books, etc. on loan from Sophia's (053) supply, and orders they are to be provided soap, clothes, food, and all other necessities immediately. An act that his collages take quick notice of, especially the 05 council, Dr. Bright, and Dr. Gears who had previously considered him heartless.
Dr. Bright views security camera footage as Dr. Clef runs to and fro securing supplies and personnel. "It seems there is hope for you yet, old friend. You have finally found balance.. Don't you think, D1988?"
Drake nods. "He is very centered. It would appear someone presented him with opportunity and purpose."
Sasha watches these events as the man she had fallen in love with works tirelessly to provide the best possible situation for complete strangers. She can not help herself as she quickly heads to Epon's cell and relays her father's activities.
Epon smiles wide, her eyes filled with pride. "My father is doing such wonderful things for this unfortunate family?! You must take him another letter!"
Sasha nods. "I will be happy to!"
Epon quickly sets to work writing a letter, longer than the previous one, and hands it to Sasha. She then wraps her in a hug. "Thank you for being such a good influence on my father! I have no doubt we will be a happy family one day!"
Sasha pulls back with a questioning look. "How can you be so sure?"
Epon chuckles. "Don't forget that I often speak with 343. However, I will not elaborate on our discussions even to my own father."
Sasha shrugs with a smile. "Every young woman is entitled to at least one secret."
Sasha hurries back with the letter to find Rocky and Dr. Clef discussing Abel. Sasha overhears Dr. Clef give his word that he would do all he can. Timidly she hands him the letter and steps aside.
Rocky thanks him and goes on his way.
Back in Dr. Bright's office, D1988 turns and takes hold of the doorknob. "I must be going. My disciple's training resumes today."
Dr. Bright waves his hand. "Very well. You are dismissed."
Meanwhile, in the hall, Dr. Clef eagerly opens the latter which reads as follows:
Dearest father,
Sasha has told me of your efforts to keep that unfortunate family safe and together. I want you to know that I am so very proud of you! It is with every waking prayer I look forward to our reunion after the shadow of evil has passed. As always, your safety is my biggest concern so I would ask that you continue to befriend Rocky, as he seems like a very good man. Furthermore, he seems to treat his loved ones with a great deal of respect. I have no doubt he will be a loyal friend to you in your darkest times of need.
I love you, father. Please write soon.
Your loving daughter,
Epon.
Dr. Clef's honest smile, as he puts the letter carefully in his pocket, makes Sasha hopeful for the future.
"Thank you, Sasha!" Dr. Clef says softly as he wraps her in his arms and plants a long kiss upon her lips.
"You're welcome, darling." Sasha replies with a happy sigh.
An hour later, Iris and Jennifer watch as Rocky continues his training with Drake. Josie, SCP-529, walks in and quickly makes her way to Iris's side.
Jennifer looks down with a small smile. "Hey, Josie! I still remember the first time I saw her, I thought it was my future sight playing tricks on me."
Iris reaches down and picks Josie up and cradling her. "I know what you mean. Her appearance is very unusual, but otherwise, she is a normal cat..." Iris looks questioningly at Jennifer. "She is normal, right?"
Jennifer nods. "I see no change in her future. It would appear she has an abnormal lifespan though."
"That is fine..." Iris' tone changes to one of playful "baby talk", rasing Josie to meet her eyes. "We love our Josie!"
"Meow!" Josie seems to reply happily.
Drake and Rocky exchange blows as Rocky gets increasingly frustrated.
"Don't give yourself over to anger. It will throw you off balance." Drake says as he lands a blow to Rocky's jaw.
Rocky freezes. "Wait.. what did you say?"
"Don't give yourself over to anger....."
".. It will.. throw you off balance. Balance!" Rocky turns and begins walking away.
"Where are you going?!" Drake asks.
"I just figured out another solution. I have to jump on this one!" Rocky replies.
Just before he can leave the gym his radio goes off. "Mr. *****, we require your presents in the 05 chambers." The old man says.
"Now?" Rocky asks back.
"Now." The old man replies shortly.
Rocky groans as he marches angrily down the hall.
"Does.. he do that a lot?" Drake asks.
"Marching angrily around or being a flippin compulsive airhead?" Iris asks glaring in the direction Rocky left.
"The.. last one." Drake replies.
Jennifer laughs. "All the time. It is like he is constantly working on a puzzle. Once he has a piece in its proper place he gets so excited! It is actually really cute!"
Drake shakes his head. "That can be worse than anger."
Heading down the hall, Rocky sees Dr. Collingwood and 999 heading the opposite way.
Rocky notices the ring on her finger. "Congratulations on your engagement!"
Dr. Collingwood smiles warmly. "Thank you, Mr. *****. Where are you heading?"
Rocky sighs. "To the council chambers.. Say, could you and 999 meet me in my room later?"
"We sure can, but why?" Dr. Collingwood asks.
"I am going to have a little intervention with one of our old problem children. I may need him to be calm when I confront him." Rocky says with a wide smile.
"Got that puzzle piece turn right, I see." Dr. Collingwood chuckles.
"What?" Rocky asks with a confused tone.
"Nothing! We will be there!" Dr. Collingwood waves as she continues on.
Rocky shrugs and shakes his head as he continues straight to the 05 chamber. After entering, Rocky is met by Dr. Clef and Dr. Bright. The three stand side by side before the 05 council.
"Mr. *****, here recently you have tamed some of our worst SCPs. It has come to our attention that you wish to challenge SCP-076 in an attempt to do the same. Is this correct?" The old man asks.
Rocky nods. "That is my intention."
"Dr. Bright, your thoughts?"
Dr. Bright pushes up his glasses and stares forward blankly. "Mr. ***** has shown himself capable, despite our distrust. I believe he has the capability."
"Dr. Clef?"
Dr. Clef smiles. "I have security and transport ready. All I need is your approval."
"Is there a chance of containment breach?" The woman asks.
Dr. Clef shrugs. "Absolutely! However, we are more prepared now than ever before, thanks to Dr. Gears' efforts."
Dr. Bright glances at Dr. Clef. "We would have never considered weaponizing the SRAs had it not been for Dr. Clef's quick thinking during the last containment breach of SCP-938 and reaffirmed in testing with SCP-178."
"As always, we appresiate the continued efforts, especially our prized doctors." The old man says.
Dr. Clef leans forward putting his hands in his pockets. "A little consideration for my parental relationship would be more appreciated!"
"Duly noted.." The woman answers uninterested.
Dr. Clef steps forward angrily but Dr. Bright stops him with a shake of his head.
"As for you, Mr. *****, we are granting this request to transfer SCP-076 to 682's testing arena. We will, however, be reinforcing the arena before this transfer is performed. This may take us a week, so please continue your ethics board tasks while you wait." The woman comments.
Rocky smiles. "I appreciate it."
"You three are dismissed." The old man says as the door opens behind them.
As they exit, Dr. Bright leads Dr. Clef out. As the door closes Dr. Clef whips around and flips the darkness off.
"Fucking asshole BITCH!! Probably wasn't loved enough by her parents!! Pretty hard to have children when you got a stick up your ass!!" Dr. Clef taunts angrily.
Dr. Bright puts his hand on Dr. Clef's shoulder. "We will handle it ourselves. It is not like anyone can stop us."
Dr. Clef grits his teeth. "I just want to punch her in her smug resting bitch face!!"
Rocky places his hand on his other shoulder. "106 might have some free time if you like!"
Dr. Clef glances at Rocky. "I want her to learn her lesson and find love NOT be dissolved into a mummy!"
"Oh, how benevolent of you, Clef!" Dr. Bright chuckles.
Dr. Clef begins laughing proudly. "Yes! I would have made a fine King!"
Rocky shakes his head. "And your daughter is a wonderful princess."
Dr. Clef nods proudly. "Absolute the perfect princess!"
"If you were married to the 'queen of nature', doesn't that technically make you a King?" Dr. Bright asks.
Dr. Clef's eyes open widely and he blinks a few times before answering. "That's.. right. I am a King."
Rocky pats him on the shoulder. "I will do my part, your highness." He then walks off to find 049.
After a while of searching, he finds 049 conducting a light surgery on a D class personnel. It appears that the D class had been slashed across the chest and up the right arm.
Rocky walks into the room. "What happened to him?"
049 sighs. "Lucky bastard was the only survivor of Abel's last little lash out. He decapitated the other six in one swing.. I wonder why he left this one alive."
The D class looks up at Rocky. "Because he had a message for you. He said.. tell him he will die slowly. He also said to tell Iris he was coming for her too."
Rocky smiles. "Couldn't he just write a letter?"
049 shakes his head. "They do not give him access to writing material." 049 finishes up and turns to Rocky. "What can I do for you then?"
"I need to talk to you. I have a proposition you might want to think about." Rocky replies.
"For you, I might consider the craziest of plans." 049 says happily.
"Good, because this will sound pretty crazy." Rocky nods.
The D class grabs Rocky's arm. "Aren't you afraid?! Abel is threatening to kill you, guy!!!"
Rocky looks down with a smile. "Not really. You're the one that should be worried."
As they walk off the D class's mouth gaps open in surprise, but slowly changes to an evil smile. His eyes glow gold for a slight second. "Foolish mortal."