Strucker couldn't help but think back to the attempt at finding any information to match what Harlequin had told him. A simple web search had done nothing, coming up nearly empty, worse than empty; it had all been traps.
As they searched about the many organizations mentioned by Harlequin they had found just a tiny bit of information, but it hadn't been useful at all. Though it had ended up confirming his words, since not long after, the place hosting their servers, the place where the search would have pinged, was raided.
Clearly, someone was out there, looking for anything searching those terms, and whoever it was had immense resources and the willingness to use them to keep their secrets.
He didn't know if it was the Foundation, or the other organizations themselves who tried to see who was looking for them, but it was enough to prove that Harlequin wasn't fully lying.
[Flashback]
After the failed search attempts, Strucker decided to dig deeper into his conversations with Harlequin.
"Your information, while intriguing, is difficult to verify," Strucker had said, his tone cautious. "We attempted to find traces of the SCP Foundation and the other groups you mentioned. We found very little, and our attempts attracted unwanted attention. Someone raided our server facility."
Harlequin's eyes had gleamed with satisfaction. "Of course, Baron. The SCP Foundation and these other entities have ways of monitoring such searches. They protect their secrecy with a fervor that rivals your own organization."
Strucker had nodded, acknowledging the mask's point. "So, they are real. But I need more than just vague details. Tell me about their leadership. How are they organized?"
"The SCP Foundation is governed by the O5 Council, a group of thirteen individuals whose identities are kept secret, even from most of their own personnel," Harlequin had explained. "They make all the significant decisions, overseeing containment, research, and the suppression of information about anomalies. Beneath them are various Site Directors and department heads who manage the day-to-day operations."
Strucker had leaned forward, intrigued. "And these Site Directors, who are they? How are they chosen?"
"Site Directors are typically senior researchers or high-ranking personnel who have proven their loyalty and competence," Harlequin had replied. "They are selected for their ability to manage complex and dangerous situations, as well as their discretion. Many come from backgrounds in science, military, or intelligence."
Strucker had absorbed the information, thinking strategically. "What about their security measures? How do they protect their Sites and personnel?"
"The Foundation employs advanced security protocols," Harlequin had said. "Their facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including surveillance systems, automated defenses, and heavily armed security teams. They also use anomalies themselves for protection, creating layers of security that are difficult to breach."
Strucker had considered this. "And their personnel, how are they kept in line? How do they ensure loyalty and prevent leaks?"
"Through a combination of incentives, indoctrination, and fear," Harlequin had explained. "Personnel are well-compensated and often believe in the Foundation's mission. They are also subject to rigorous psychological conditioning and monitoring. Those who pose a risk are dealt with swiftly and decisively."
Strucker had nodded, finding the parallels to Hydra's own methods both interesting and useful. "And these anomalies, what is their ultimate purpose in collecting and studying them?"
"Their stated goal is to protect humanity from these anomalies," Harlequin had replied. "But there are deeper motivations. Power, control, and the pursuit of knowledge. They seek to understand these anomalies to use them for their own ends, much like you would."
[Flashback end]
Each meeting with Harlequin had been a treasure trove of information. Each new bit he told Strucker allowed him to piece the puzzle together and get to the truth of things. And what fascinating truths he was uncovering.
It was amazing to think that there were so many strange beings and objects out there, many just waiting to be found and many still locked up in containment. Yes, he had meticulously gone through the information he had been given, and results had begun popping up here and there.
One had been the confirmation of one of these organizations, well, two to be precise. The Chaos Insurgency wasn't a secret, but one lucky guess wasn't entirely enough for Strucker.
The second had been something far fewer knew about: Marshall, Carter, and Dark. He knew about them due to that auction they held, and after confirming that they were likely the same as the ones Harlequin mentions, he went back to ask him about them.
[Flashback]
Strucker faced the mask once more, his mind filled with questions. "Harlequin, I've verified some of the information you've given me. The Chaos Insurgency and Marshall, Carter, and Dark are real. What more can you tell me about them?"
Harlequin's eyes glinted with satisfaction. "The Chaos Insurgency is a rogue faction, a splinter group that broke away from the Foundation. They seek to use anomalies for their own gain, often in direct opposition to the Foundation's containment efforts. They are resourceful and dangerous, much like your own organization."
"And Marshall, Carter, and Dark?" Strucker pressed.
"Ah, yes," Harlequin replied smoothly. "Marshall, Carter, and Dark Ltd. is a shadowy organization dealing in anomalous artifacts, catering to the ultra-wealthy and powerful. They auction off items of great power and mystery, often with little regard for the consequences. Their influence is vast, and their clientele includes some of the most powerful people in the world."
Strucker nodded, absorbing the information. "And what about someone called Bulwark? They seem to act much like the Foundation does. Ever heard about them?"
Harlequin didn't give an immediate response; it took the mask a few moments before it finally spoke again. "I can't say I have, please, tell me more about them."
And so Strucker told Harlequin everything he knew about the Bulwark, including what he knew about the joint mission to handle those chicken-man hybrid monsters.
Once he was finally done, Harlequin started laughing. "Ahhh, there is no such thing as Bulwark. It is merely the Foundation playing its old tricks, using a new name, new information, maybe even new SITEs, all so they don't risk anyone learning the truth."
Strucker's eyes narrowed as he absorbed this revelation. "So, they're willing to create entirely new identities and organizations to maintain their secrecy. Interesting."
Harlequin's tone turned more serious. "Indeed, Baron. The Foundation's deception knows no bounds. They will go to great lengths to protect their operations and keep the world in the dark."
[Flashback end]
It hadn't been entirely unexpected. He had suspected something like that. After all, if the Foundation had a splinter group that turned into the Chaos Insurgency, then it wouldn't be much of a surprise if another one turned into Bulwark.
However, it wasn't that complex; instead, it was just the Foundation itself, which had created an entirely new organization to ensure that its secrecy wouldn't be compromised.
It spoke volumes about the amount of resources they had available to them. It made both Hydra and SHIELD seem poor in comparison. Though he couldn't help but feel smug at the same time, Pierce was trying to figure out more about Bulwark, but here he was, knowing the truth and so much more.
Knowing was half the battle, it was said, and he was the one who now knew, so he was the one who was able to fight back against this SCP Foundation. He was also learning a lot about the weapons he could use.
After all, the SCP Foundation itself seemed to have all the weapons needed to bring about its own doom, but the only challenge was finding and removing them from their containment facilities—something that looked easier the more he learned.
While every Foundation facility was undoubtedly well defended, its greatest defense was its secrecy, and now that he had pierced the veil, he would be able to raid its facilities.
Strucker decided it was time to formalize the arrangement with Harlequin. Returning to the containment chamber, he faced the mask with a steely gaze.
"Harlequin, we need to solidify our deal. Hydra will supply you with the host bodies you desire. In return, you will continue providing us with all the information you have on the Foundation and its anomalies."
Harlequin's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Of course, Baron. Our arrangement benefits us both. You provide me with the hosts request, and I will share every secret the Foundation holds."
Strucker nodded. "Though, I still wish to ask you, why the hosts? You don't seem to need them, and why help us, why not just flee?"
Harlequin's smile widened, a sinister glint in its eyes. "Ah, Baron, such an astute question. While I don't need a host, I still desire one, I am a mind trapped in a cage, I wish to be able to move around, to interact with the world, much like a person can."
Strucker regarded the mask with a mix of curiosity and caution. "And why help us? Why not use your influence to escape and pursue your own goals?"
Harlequin's expression turned contemplative. "Freedom, Baron, is a double-edged sword. Alone, I am powerful, but also vulnerable. The Foundation's resources are vast, and their reach is long. Aligning with Hydra offers me protection and access to a network that can support my ambitions. Together, we can achieve far more than we ever could alone."
Strucker nodded, finding the mask's logic sound. "Very well, Harlequin. Our goals align for now. We will provide you with the hosts you need. In return, you will give us the information required to dismantle the SCP Foundation and seize their anomalies."
Harlequin's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "A wise decision, Baron. Our partnership will be mutually beneficial. I will share everything I know about the Foundation, their secrets, their weaknesses, and the anomalies they contain."
Strucker leaned in, his voice low and determined. "Then let's begin. Tell me more about the anomalies, the ones that could be of immediate use to Hydra."
Harlequin's voice took on an eager tone. "There are many, Baron. SCP-076, also known as 'Able,' a warrior of unparalleled skill and resilience. SCP-682, a near-indestructible creature with immense strength and regenerative abilities. SCP-079, an advanced AI with the potential to control vast networks. These are but a few examples of the power contained within the Foundation's walls."
Strucker's eyes narrowed with interest. "And how do we go about acquiring these anomalies?"
Harlequin's smile grew wider. "Each anomaly is contained within a specific Site, heavily guarded and monitored. However, with the right information and strategic planning, their defenses can be breached. I will provide you with detailed layouts, security protocols, and potential vulnerabilities of these Sites. With Hydra's resources and my knowledge, we can orchestrate precise and effective raids."
Strucker felt a surge of excitement at the prospect. "Excellent. We will start preparing immediately. But remember, Harlequin, betray us, and you will find yourself in a containment far more secure than anything the Foundation could devise."
Harlequin's voice was smooth and confident. "I have no intention of betrayal, Baron. Our fates are now intertwined. Together, we will reshape the world."
Strucker nodded and waved for one of his agents to move in, pushing a trolly which had a reenforced glass container, inside which was a strange sample of flesh that seemed almost alive. "And what can you tell me about this?"
Harlequin's eyes gleamed with recognition as it observed the sample. "Ah, SCP-610, also known as 'The Flesh That Hates.' A highly infectious disease that consumes and assimilates organic matter, transforming it into grotesque, fleshy growths. Its potential for creating biological weapons is immense, but it must be handled with extreme caution."
Strucker nodded, pleased with the mask's knowledge. "We found this sample during one of our expeditions. It seemed promising, but we were unsure of its origins or potential applications."
"The Foundation has gone to great lengths to contain SCP-610," Harlequin continued. "The infection spreads rapidly and can overrun an area in a matter of hours. However, if controlled properly, it could be a powerful tool for Hydra. Imagine deploying it in enemy territories, watching as their forces are consumed and transformed."
Strucker's mind raced with possibilities. "And how do we control it? How do we ensure it doesn't turn against us?"
Harlequin's smile widened. "The Foundation uses specialized containment procedures, including extreme temperatures and chemical agents, to halt the spread of SCP-610. I can provide you with the necessary protocols and containment methods to harness its power safely."
Strucker couldn't help but grin; everything was indeed going well for him and his goals, first the mask, the so-called SCP-035, and now SCP-610; it wouldn't be long before he could take the fight to the Foundation and get more of their toys. Not as Hydra, no, he would take a page out of their book; it would be the Chaos Insurgency that would act, bringing down the Foundation and laying one for the rise of Hydra.
A/N
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