Chapter 32: Sweet Dream ?
Léonard found himself in a disorienting and surreal landscape. The scene before him was an apocalyptic tableau: Site-DE-19 was engulfed in flames and devastation, reduced to a smoldering ruin. The sky was dark with smoke, and the ground was littered with the remnants of once-important structures.
The air was thick with the acrid scent of burning debris and the guttural growls of monstrous creatures. These beasts, with their repulsive, twisted forms and blood-red skin, rampaged through the remnants of the site, attacking and slaughtering Foundation personnel with a relentless, terrifying fury. Their eyes burned with a malevolent intelligence as they continued their rampage.
Amidst the chaos, Léonard noticed a figure standing ominously against the backdrop of destruction. He was dressed in an antiquated Cold War-era business suit, his face shadowed and unreadable. Behind him, a teenage girl knelt on the scorched ground, her body trembling uncontrollably. Her eyes were shut tight, and tears of blood flowed down her cheeks, mingling with the dirt and soot.
In front of her lay a body covered in a grotesque, pulsating organic mass. Léonard's heart sank as he recognized the uniform of the deceased: it was unmistakably that of Omega-7's commander. The sight filled him with a profound sense of dread and sorrow.
The man in the suit slowly advanced toward Léonard. His steps were deliberate, echoing ominously in the nightmarish silence. He extended a file toward Léonard, the cover marked with the stark, clinical designation: SCP-8888.
With a cold, commanding gesture, the man pointed at the weeping girl. His voice was a low, chilling rasp as he said, "She is the key to victory."
As Léonard tried to process this unsettling proclamation, the nightmare began to warp and distort, the images blurring together in a chaotic swirl. The screams of the dying, the roars of the beasts, and the eerie stillness of the man's gaze all converged, pressing down on him with an overwhelming intensity.
The scene around him started to fracture, the edges of the dream breaking apart as if reality itself were unraveling. Léonard's mind struggled to grasp the implications of what he had witnessed, the words and images merging into a nightmarish vortex.
Suddenly, with a jolt, Léonard awoke, drenched in sweat and gasping for breath. The weight of the dream hung heavily on him as he tried to shake off the lingering terror.
As he steadied himself, the glow of his computer screen illuminated the darkened room. Two new documents had arrived in his email followed by a notification from the system.
Léonard, still shaken from his nightmare, hesitated for a moment before clicking on the first document with a trembling hand:
SCP Foundation Special Containment Procedures Document
Item Number: SCP-8888
Object Class: Keter
Special Containment Procedures:
SCP-8888 is currently contained in a high-security, Humanoid containment cell at Site-DE-19. The containment area has been specially designed to withstand extreme physical stress and is equipped with reinforced titanium-alloy walls, an integrated shock absorption system, and an electromagnetic interference generator to disrupt any anomalous manifestations.
SCP-8888's cell must be kept under continuous surveillance by remote monitoring systems, with no fewer than three (3) armed security personnel stationed outside the containment chamber at all times. Access to SCP-8888's containment area is strictly limited to Level 4 personnel and above, with mandatory psychological evaluation and approval from Site Command.
No direct human interaction is allowed unless authorized by the O5 Council. All communication with SCP-8888 is to be conducted via intercom, with a cognitohazard-resistant filter applied to all audio. In the event of an attempted breach, automated fail-safe mechanisms will activate, deploying non-lethal chemical agents designed to incapacitate SCP-8888. If these measures fail, on-site nuclear options are authorized as a last resort to prevent a containment breach.
Any manifestations of SCP-8888's anomalous abilities are to be reported immediately to Site Command. If SCP-8888 enters an active anomalous state, all personnel are to evacuate to a safe distance and initiate Protocol DELTA-73.
Description:
SCP-8888, formerly known as Lina Müller, is a human female of German descent, approximately 16 years of age. SCP-8888 exhibits the ability to undergo extreme physical transformation, manifesting numerous anomalous properties that pose a severe threat to both human life and structural integrity.
In its dormant state, SCP-8888 appears as a normal human teenager, displaying no outward signs of its anomalous nature. However, SCP-8888's emotional state, particularly when influenced by extreme stress or trauma, can trigger a transformation into a monstrous, tentacled entity (designated as SCP-8888-1).
SCP-8888-1 is characterized by the following:
- Physical Transformation: SCP-8888's body undergoes a rapid and extreme metamorphosis, growing multiple blood-red tentacles from its back. These tentacles exhibit high levels of strength, flexibility, and regenerative capabilities.
- Aggression and Vengeance: In its transformed state, SCP-8888-1 displays extreme aggression, particularly towards entities or individuals perceived as threats. This aggression is compounded by a heightened state of rage, likely connected to SCP-8888's past trauma.
- Consumption and Assimilation: SCP-8888-1 exhibits a compulsion to consume the flesh of its victims, incorporating the biomass into its own form and thereby increasing its size, strength, and overall combat potential.
Discovery:
SCP-8888 was discovered following the catastrophic events detailed in Incident Report Lamedh-C-01 (attached). During this incident, SCP-8888 underwent its first recorded transformation, resulting in significant casualties and the destruction of a subterranean chamber previously believed to be an abandoned cavern. Analysis of the site and subsequent interviews with surviving operatives indicate that SCP-8888's transformation was triggered by a combination of psychological trauma and exposure to unknown anomalous stimuli.
The entity responsible for the incident, an unidentified robed male, was also reported to have engaged in ritualistic behavior that may have facilitated SCP-8888's transformation. The status and whereabouts of this individual remain unknown, and further investigation is ongoing.
Addendum 8888-01: Psychological Profile
Preliminary psychological evaluation suggests that SCP-8888's transformations are directly linked to severe emotional distress, particularly feelings of grief, anger, and loss. SCP-8888's mental state is highly volatile, and attempts to stabilize it have thus far proven unsuccessful.
Efforts to engage SCP-8888 in therapeutic intervention have been met with limited success, as SCP-8888 shows signs of deep psychological trauma likely stemming from events preceding its containment. Continued psychological evaluation and support are recommended, though the potential for triggering another transformation remains a significant risk.
Addendum 8888-02: Incident Report Lamedh-C-01
On [REDACTED], Omega-7 was dispatched to a location near the Black Forest, Germany, following the attack of Anomalous entities on Site-Lamedh-C. Upon arrival, the team encountered SCP-8888 in a severely traumatized state within a living, organic structure. The resulting confrontation between Omega-7 and an unidentified hostile entity led to SCP-8888's transformation into SCP-8888-1, resulting in the destruction of the hostile entity and significant environmental damage.
Post-incident analysis revealed that SCP-8888's transformation was facilitated by extreme psychological and possibly anomalous triggers. The event highlighted the necessity for strict containment protocols and reinforced the potential dangers associated with SCP-8888's anomalous abilities.
Conclusion:
SCP-8888 represents a significant threat to both personnel and the surrounding environment, with its potential for catastrophic transformation being highly unpredictable. Continued containment and study of SCP-8888 are imperative, with an emphasis on preventing any further transformation events.
All personnel assigned to SCP-8888 must remain vigilant and prepared to enact emergency protocols at any sign of SCP-8888 entering an active state. The implications of SCP-8888's abilities, particularly in relation to its psychological triggers, are a subject of ongoing research, with the goal of developing more effective containment and stabilization methods.
---
Note: SCP-8888's containment procedures are subject to continuous review and modification as more information about its abilities and psychological state becomes available. All updates to containment protocols will be disseminated to relevant personnel as needed.
—
Leonard's eyes widened as he read the document. The description of SCP-8888 matched the dark and troubling dream he'd just had. The note about her extreme transformation and the associated psychological triggers unsettled him deeply. He clicked on the second file, seeking more answers:
Interview Log
Interviewed: SCP-8888
Interviewer: Dr. Markus Schreiber, SCP Foundation Psychologist
Date: 27/04/24
Location: Site-DE-19, Interview
Room 7B
[BEGIN LOG]
Dr. Schreiber enters the room, carrying a file. Lina Müller, a teenage girl with disheveled hair and a pale complexion, sits at the table, her hands clasped tightly together. She looks around nervously as Dr. Schreiber sits down across from her.
Dr. Schreiber: Good morning, Lina.
How are you feeling today ?
Lina: Nods slightly I'm... okay, I guess. Still shaken up, I suppose.
Dr. Schreiber: That's completely understandable. What you've been through is incredibly traumatic. I want you to know that you're safe here. No one can hurt you, and we're here to help you understand what happened.
Lina: Swallows hard, her voice barely above a whisper I hope so…
Dr. Schreiber: Let's start from the beginning, Lina. I know this is difficult, but can you tell me what happened during that night in the Black Forest ? Take your time.
Lina: Takes a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly We were on a camping trip, just a school thing. It was supposed to be fun, you know ? Just us, the teachers, and the forest. But then... pauses, her eyes staring off as if reliving the moment ...then everything went wrong.
Dr. Schreiber: Can you describe what happened when things started to go wrong ?
Lina: Her voice quivers We heard a scream. It was so loud, so sudden. Everyone was confused at first, but then we saw it... the blood. There was blood everywhere. One of the tents... it was slashed open, and there was a leg just lying there. Oh god, it was so horrible…
Dr. Schreiber: Gently I know it's hard, Lina. You're doing great. What did you do when you saw the blood ?
Lina: Her breathing quickens, eyes wide We panicked. Everyone was running, screaming. Frau Becker, she was one of our teachers went into the woods to look for the missing camper. We waited for her, but when she came back... pauses, her voice trembling ...she wasn't the same.
Dr. Schreiber: Leans forward slightly What do you mean, she wasn't the same ?
Lina: Shudders She... she just stood there, at the edge of the campsite, staring at us. She didn't say anything, didn't move. Then... oh god... tears well up in her eyes ...these hands... they just... tore through her stomach... she chokes on her words ...and this... thing... came out of her.
Dr. Schreiber: Keeps his tone calm and steady This "thing", can you describe it for me ?
Lina: Her voice cracks It was like a monster, blood-red, with a face that looked almost human, but twisted. It started eating her... she breaks down into sobs ...it was eating her!
Dr. Schreiber pauses, giving Lina a moment to collect herself. He offers her a tissue, which she takes with a trembling hand.
Dr. Schreiber: You're very brave, Lina, for talking about this. I know it's not easy. What happened after you saw the creature ?
Lina: Sniffles, her voice still shaky We all ran. I just... I just ran into the woods with Anja. We didn't know where to go; we just wanted to get away from that... thing. But it was like the forest was alive with them. More of those monsters, everywhere... her voice drops to a whisper ...they were hunting us.
Dr. Schreiber: How did you manage to escape ?
Lina: Takes a deep breath We found this cabin, and an old man let us in. He seemed to know about the monsters, called them
"Neo-Sarkics." He was angry, really angry. He tried to protect us, but... pauses, her eyes reflecting the trauma ...they found us.
Dr. Schreiber: What happened then ?
Lina: Looks down, her hands gripping the edge of the table There was a fight. The old man... he fought so hard, but there were too many of them. He told us to run, said there was a military outpost nearby. We ran again, through the woods, until we found the soldiers. They... they saved us.
But I don't know what happened to the old man… her voice trails off
Dr. Schreiber: Lina, the old man's sacrifice was incredibly brave. It's because of him that you're here now. Pauses, looking at Lina with compassion Is there anything else you remember ? Anything unusual about the creatures or the events?
Lina: Thinks for a moment, her face scrunching up in concentration The creatures... they were all focused on us, like they were following orders. It felt... organized, like they were being controlled. And the man in the robe... he seemed to be in charge. He called the old man a "Proto-Sarkic" or something, said they were too weak. Her voice drops to a whisper I don't understand any of it…
Dr. Schreiber: You've given us a lot of valuable information, Lina. We'll be investigating this further, and we'll do everything we can to stop those creatures. Pauses, his tone softening You've been through so much, and you're safe now. Is there anything you need ?
Anything we can do to help you ?
Lina: Looks up at Dr. Schreiber, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and hope I just... I just want to go home. I want to forget all of this…
Dr. Schreiber: Nods understandingly
We'll make sure you're taken care of, Lina. You're safe here, and we'll help you recover from this. You've been incredibly brave, and we're all here to support you.
Lina nods, a small, fragile smile forming on her lips as she clings to the hope that things will get better.
[END LOG]
Note: Lina Müller is currently undergoing psychological evaluation and treatment for trauma resulting from her encounter with Unknown Entity. Further investigation into the incident is ongoing, with special attention to the presence of Neo-Sarkic entities in the area. Lina's testimony has provided crucial insights into the nature of the threat, and containment measures are being updated accordingly.
—
[Ding ! New Group of Interest Discovered - Esoteric Order of the White Worm
*The term "Neo-Sarkic" has been identified in your recent document. This group is linked to the Esoteric Order of the White Worm, a dangerous and hostile Neo-Sarkic cult. Relations with this group are classified as highly antagonistic.]
Léonard leaned back in his chair, eyes wide as he finished reading the interview transcript. The details were harrowing—an innocent school trip turned into a nightmare, with blood, monsters, and a ritualistic cult. His mind raced, struggling to process the gravity of what Lina had witnessed. His heart tightened at the mention of her broken plea to go home, to forget everything.
The system notification pulled him from his thoughts, the words "Esoteric Order of the White Worm" glaring on the screen. A chill ran down his spine. He'd heard of the Sarkic cults in passing but never encountered them directly in his work. The realization that they were involved—and hostile—made the situation even more dangerous than he initially thought.
"Neo-Sarkics... White Worm..." he muttered to himself, trying to make sense of it all. The pieces were coming together, but the picture they formed was far from reassuring. He took a deep breath, bracing himself for whatever horrors the second document might reveal.
Léonard's fingers hovered over the keyboard, he made up his mind. He quickly navigated to the secure communication interface and selected the O5 Council's contact list, settling on O5-4. As the secure line connected, a familiar voice greeted him.
"Boss," O5-4 began, his tone stern but laced with concern, "how can I help you ?"
Léonard wasted no time, his voice calm but resolute. "I've just finished reviewing the latest documents, including an interview with SCP-8888—Lina Müller. The situation is worse than we anticipated. The Neo-Sarkics are involved, specifically a group called the Esoteric Order of the White Worm. This isn't just another containment issue—it's a full-scale threat."
There was a pause on the other end of the line before O5-4 spoke again. "We'll need to handle this delicately. I'll coordinate with Site Command to reinforce containment protocols. But, Boss, you need to stay out of this one. We can't afford to lose you. We have personnel on-site who can manage this-"
Léonard interrupted, his voice firm. "No. I'm going to Site-DE-19 myself. This isn't just another assignment. We're dealing with an enemy that has clearly marked its intentions. I need to be there, to oversee the operation and to personally ensure that SCP-8888 is handled correctly."
"Boss, please think about this. You don't need to be on the front lines for every crisis. The risk is too high—"
"I've already made up my mind," Léonard cut him off, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I'm going to meet Lina Müller in person. I'll take command of the operation. The risks are irrelevant compared to what's at stake."
O5-4 hesitated, knowing Léonard well enough to recognize when his decision was final. "Very well. But be careful, Boss. This isn't just another anomaly. The Sarkics… they're different."
"I know," Léonard replied quietly, before ending the call.
Immediately, he opened another secure line, this time to the commander of Mobile Task Force Resh-1. The commander answered swiftly, his voice crisp.
"Commander, prepare the fastest transport to Site-DE-19. I'm going to the front myself. We leave as soon as you're ready."
"Understood, sir. We'll have the transport ready within the hour," the commander responded without hesitation.
Léonard ended the call and leaned back in his chair for a moment, his mind focused and unwavering. There was no turning back now. The mission ahead was fraught with danger, but he knew it was the only way forward.