*Knock, knock*
It didn't take long before the door opened in response to her knocking. "Yes, my child?" the voice of a kindly elderly woman came. Though May made notice of the fact that the door wasn't fully opened, and she could see a heavy chain which would stop her from forcing her way inside.
"I'm here seeing some guidance, maybe some relief as well." May said, and while it wasn't the true reason she was here, he was still something she wouldn't mind if it could help her.
There was a pause, and then the door was shut in her face. May stood there confused for a moment before the door opened again, this time entirely.
"Come inside, child. These times are indeed not easy, and we shall not turn away those who need aid," the elderly nun said as she allowed May inside.
May followed her inside and couldn't help but feel that the place wasn't all that great. It just felt so old and dark, lacking the modern touch she was used to in buildings.
Almost as if able to read her thoughts, the old nun spoke. "This place is where we get close to the lord, so it is far removed from the many distractions of the modern world, so please, respect out desire for such a life and don't cause trouble here."
May just nodded, though she wasn't entirely sure if she could keep her word, after all depending on what she found here, she might indeed cause them some problems.
Soon enough, she was led into a small room, mostly bare except for a few clearly religious paintings and some furniture, which was little more than a tiny table and two chairs.
"Please, have a seat while I get you some tea; I find that many people find it easier to speak over a good cup of tea."
And with that, May was left all alone, in that tiny little room, and couldn't help but feel strange about this whole thing she was doing.
She looked around the room, trying to distract herself by doing what she was trained to do, snoop around. She looked at the small, nearly empty bookshelf and saw that, as expected, it was just a bunch of religious texts.
Shaking her head, she just sat down and waited, and it didn't take all that long before the old nun came back. Carrying an old-looking trey with an even older-looking teapot and some cups that seemed to be in dire need of replacement.
She didn't say anything, and she put down the tray or poured them both a cup of tea. She didn't even say anything as she sat down and tasted the tea. She just smiled over at May.
Minutes just passed like that, the two slowly sipping on their tea. In the end, May couldn't handle the science any longer, which was strange considering that she was a spy, but she just found it unbearable and decided to speak up.
"I travel a lot, thanks to my work. It's hard work, but I always found it fulfilling, knowing that I was making a difference. But… not long ago, something happened." She started, not sure how to explain things without truly letting the old woman know too much about her work.
"The task I was given seemed so simple. It was difficult, no doubt, but I thought I knew what I had to do and what I was doing. Thought I was saving people, but in the end, nothing was as I thought."
The old nun just continued to listen and poured some tea for them both. Not judging or pushing her to do anything, just someone to listen to her speak.
"There was this girl… who I was trying to save, or at least I thought I was. But I was wrong; the girl wasn't in danger; she had never been. No, it was the girl herself who was the danger."
May finally decided to forgo the secrecy; she figured that she could use her reaction to measure whether or not there was really an enhanced child here.
"She wasn't a normal child. She had this, this strange power. She could control others, like puppets. She did that to dozens of people, their entire lives under her complete control. So many people died because of her, and in the end, I was forced to take her life."
May told the old woman everything, every detail, every regret, the pain she felt when she realized what was going on, when she had to kill the girl. She told her everything. It was relaxing; she somehow felt the burden on her lighten just a little bit.
The old nun had been listening to it all. She tried her best not to react to the things she was learning about the pretty young woman sitting before her. But it would be a lie if she said she wasn't slightly scared hearing how many lives she had ended.
Even while bearing her heart for the old woman, she had still paid great attention to her. Thanks to her training, she was fairly sure that there likely was some kind of enhanced child around here.
"My child, it sounds like you carry a heavy burden on your heart," the nun said softly. "The work you do is fraught with danger and moral complexity. It's natural to feel conflicted, to question your actions and their consequences."
May looked down at her tea, her fingers trembling slightly. "I've always believed in my mission, in protecting others. But now, I'm not so sure. It's like... how do you know what's truly right?"
The nun reached out and gently placed her hand over May's. "Faith and morality are not always clear-cut. Sometimes, the right path is shrouded in darkness, and we can only rely on our conscience and the guidance of those we trust."
May nodded, appreciating the nun's words but still feeling a sense of unease. "But what if I can't trust myself? What if I've lost sight of what's right?"
The nun smiled kindly. "You've come here seeking guidance, which shows that you have not lost your moral compass. The fact that you are questioning and seeking redemption means that you are still on the right path. It's when we stop questioning our actions that we are truly lost."
May sighed, feeling a bit of the weight lift off her shoulders. "I guess you're right. I just... I don't want to make the wrong decisions and hurt more people."
The nun nodded. "Remember, my child, that no one is perfect. We all make mistakes, but it's how we learn from them and strive to do better that truly matters. Your heart is in the right place, and sometimes, that's all we can ask for."
May took a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm washing over her. "Thank you. I needed to hear that. Though I almost assumed you would tell me that only god could show me the way or something."
To that the old nun just smiled. "The lord can indeed show you the path, but I don't think you are the type of person that would be willing to seek the lord's guidance."
May chuckled softly, appreciating the nun's perceptiveness. "You're right about that. I've never been much for faith. I rely on what I can see and touch."
The nun nodded, her eyes twinkling with understanding. "Faith comes in many forms, my child. It's not always about the divine. Sometimes, it's about having faith in yourself and the people around you. Trusting that, even in the darkest times, you can find your way."
May sipped her tea, the warmth spreading through her, bringing a sense of peace she hadn't felt in a long time. "I'll try to remember that. I just hope I can keep my head clear enough to make the right decisions."
The nun patted her hand gently. "You are stronger than you realize. Remember that you don't have to bear these burdens alone. Seek out those you trust, lean on them when you need to, and don't be afraid to ask for help."
May nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. She finished her tea and stood up, giving the nun a respectful nod. "Thank you for listening and for the advice. It means a lot."
The nun stood as well, walking May to the door. "Go in peace, my child. And remember, you are always welcome here if you need a place to reflect."
May stepped out into the cool evening air, feeling lighter than she had in months. She glanced back at the convent and sighed. She would have to be back, to check out if this child was a danger to themselves or others. But for now, she needed to rest.
-------------------------
Alex smiled as he watched Coulson leave in such a hurry after talking with Stark. Everything was going according to plan; it was only a matter of time now before Tony finished his suit and became Ironman. When that happened, it was time to ensure that he became someone useful to his goals and to the Foundation.
He had to admit that he really had underestimated the reward for SCP-2000. Ruler of my kingdom. For what did a kingdom mean? Well as Alex had learned, it meant anywhere the Foundation operated.
He could now project his mind to any place the Foundation was in control of, or anyplace that had the mark of the Foundation. This allows him to spy on any part of the Foundation, with the sole exception being the secret SITEs belonging to the other O5 members.
But it was still useful as he just needed his men to hide a few tiny Foundation symbols around Stark's home while doing the attack, and now he could see and hear anything happening there and allowing Alex to keep a close eye on not only Tony but also other future assets.
Though there were still a few risks and limitations to doing this, overall, it was now a key part of many of his future plans, allowing him to personally shape many events so they would play out as he desired.
"Now, should I give Pym the final push… or should I allow him to play around a bit longer?" Alex mused to himself as he drew his mind back to his body.
After all he was well aware of what Pym was up to. And the only reason he hadn't made any moves yet was because if he tried anything, he was sure that Pym would clam right back up. Yes, he was someone who needed to be dealt with carefully.
Still, his usefulness was growing smaller by the day. Sure he was no doubt one of the brightest minds in the world but each new Foundation SITE brought new bright minds into it, minds who were already set on working for the Foundation.
So as they slowly decoded his works, slowly learned the secrets of his Pym particle, well there would only be so long before he would either have to dedicate himself to the Foundation, or be made to disappear.
"Hopefully, you aren't stupid enough to resist what is to come, Pym; I'm willing to give you one more treat; after that, you better wag your tail for me, or your daughter will be taking your place." Alex said as his thought projection looked down on Pym. Who couldn't see nor hear him.
Alex had to admit that while he liked the Ant-Man in the Avengers, he had little love for Pym, even less so for his attempts to rescue his wife. Somewhat, that was no doubt a requirement to fully earn his approval, and with SCPs popping up all the time, well, there wouldn't be a shortage of zombies already, so he didn't want the quantum kind to either.
The only hope Pym had for ever seeing his wife again was if that was somehow important to stopping Kang, something Alex couldn't remember if it was, which meant that he would need to figure out the risks of things.
But overall, things weren't looking too hot for the old man's dream of getting his wife back. He would really need to impress Alex somehow to be allowed even to attempt such a thing, though Alex still hoped to get some use of out of his brilliant mind before that.
After all, in one universe, Pym had taken down all of the Avengers to avenge his own daughter; he could do impressive things when his mind was determined, which Alex hoped he could somehow use.
If you want to read up to 10 chapters ahead or even get the chance to pick what SCPs get summoned, or just support me, visit my p.a.t.r.e.o.n.c.o.m / SCPsystem