Chapter 40: Remember who you are
The Administrator's office, though filled with the same air of authority and precision as always, was far from the typical vision of power one might expect. Seated behind the large, meticulously organized desk was Leonard. His face was hidden behind his signature mask, yet beneath the surface, a sharp mind was processing the information brought to him by the three individuals standing before him.
Colonel Mendoza, Dr. Turner, and Cain were in line, waiting for Leonard to speak. The Administrator's silence heighten the tension in the room. Finally, Leonard, his fingers idly tapping the surface of his desk, spoke with a voice that carried authority despite its softness.
"Colonel Mendoza, I want a full report on the mission. What happened out there?"
Mendoza, ever the soldier, straightened his posture and began his report. "Sir, the mission was going according to plan until SCP-8888-1 came out. We had throught it was contained, or at least manageable, but that turned out to be far from the truth. What we faced was something else entirely."
Leonard's eyes narrowed, his youthful face betraying the seriousness with which he regarded the situation. "Explain."
Mendoza took a deep breath before continuing. "We engaged a group of cultists, followers of the Sarkic religion, but these weren't like any we've encountered before. They were… enhanced, twisted in ways we didn't anticipate. During the fight, Lina—SCP-8888-1—underwent a transformation. It was unlike anything we've ever seen."
Dr. Turner, who had been quietly observing, nodded in agreement. "Administrator, Lina's transformation was triggered by some external force. The energy readings were off the charts. Her physical appearance changed dramatically—her hair turned scarlet, her eyes formed into red, five-pointed stars. She grew wings and unleashed tentacles from her back, forming what I can only describe as a sea of appendages. Most concerning was a mark that appeared on her forehead, glowing red."
Leonard leaned forward, the gravity of the situation evident in his eyes. "This mark… what did it look like?"
Turner hesitated, glancing at Mendoza before answering. "The mark was Sarkic in nature, but more ancient, more powerful than anything we've documented before. It had a resonance with the thaumaturgic energies we've encountered, but it was far stronger, more primal."
Leonard's expression darkened. Despite his age, he had seen enough in his short time as Administrator to understand the implications of what they were describing. "And Cain," he said, shifting his gaze to the quiet figure standing at the end of the line, "I've read the report about your intervention. What exactly did you do?"
Cain, as always, was calm, almost detached. "I used thaumaturgy," he said simply. "An ancient technique, something I haven't had to use in a long time. It was necessary to stop SCP-8888-1 from fully manifesting its power. The spell was a containment measure, designed to suppress the entity's influence temporarily."
Leonard's eyes flickered with a mix of curiosity and concern. "Thaumaturgy… and this is something you've kept from the Foundation?"
Cain's gaze was steady. "It's not something I've needed to reveal until now. The spell I used is a binding ritual, meant to contain powerful forces. It was effective, but as I mentioned, the effect is temporary. SCP-8888-1 is still very much a threat."
Leonard absorbed this information, his young face betraying none of the anxiety churning in his mind. Instead, he nodded slowly. "And the mark on Lina's forehead… it must be connected to this power. We need to know more."
Mendoza stepped in, eager to bring the conversation back to something actionable. "Administrator, what's more troubling is that this transformation, this power, is still inside Lina. It was only contained, not neutralized."
Leonard's mind raced, his thoughts moving quickly through the potential implications. He couldn't afford to show weakness, not now. Despite his youth, the weight of leadership pressed heavily on his shoulders, demanding decisive action.
"Understood," Leonard said, his voice regaining its usual calm authority. "Colonel, Dr. Turner, you're dismissed. I need to discuss something further with Cain."
Mendoza and Turner exchanged a brief glance, saluted, and left the room without another word, the door closing quietly behind them.
Once they were gone, Leonard turned his full attention to Cain. The room felt even more charged now that they were alone. The Administrator's youthful features were sharp with focus as he leaned forward, his gaze intense.
"Cain," Leonard began, his voice low, "what aren't you telling me? What is the real significance of that mark?"
Cain hesitated for the first time, a flicker of something—was it uncertainty?—passing over his usually impassive face. "The mark… it's the Seal of Ion," he finally said.
Leonard's eyes widened slightly. Even with his extensive knowledge, the name carried weight. "Ion… the creator of Sarkicism?"
Cain nodded. "Yes. The mark on Lina's forehead is a direct link to him, to his power. It's a legacy of the Sarkic cult, something that goes back to the very origins of their dark practices. It's a symbol of his influence, and that makes it incredibly dangerous."
Leonard sat back in his chair, his mind working to process this revelation. The implications were staggering. If Lina was connected to Ion, it meant that the power within her was not just another anomaly—it was something ancient, something that could potentially reshape the balance of power within the Foundation itself.
"Why didn't you tell me this sooner?" Leonard asked, his voice edged with frustration.
Cain's expression softened, just slightly. "Because this is not something that can be easily controlled, Administrator. The Seal of Ion is tied to powers that even I don't fully understand. But what I do know is that it can be used for both destruction and protection. If we're careful, if we manage this correctly, Lina could become the key to controlling SCP-8888, rather than allowing it to control her."
Leonard sat in silence, the gravity of the situation pressing down on him. Finally, he spoke, his voice firm despite the uncertainty swirling within him. "This is a lot to take in, Cain. But I need you to know—I won't hesitate to act if this power threatens the Foundation. You may have bought us some time, but that doesn't mean we're safe."
Cain nodded, accepting the Administrator's words without protest. "I understand, Leonard."
Leonard's gaze shifted to the computer screen on his desk, where the footage of Lina's transformation looped over and over. The image of her with those burning red eyes, the mark on her forehead glowing with ancient power, was seared into his mind. He knew they were on the brink of something monumental—something that could change everything.
"Go, Cain," Leonard finally said, his voice softer now. "We have a lot to think about."
Cain gave a slight nod and turned to leave. But before he could open the door, Leonard's voice stopped him.
"And Cain," Leonard said, his tone serious, "if you ever withhold vital information again, there will be consequences. The Foundation's protocols exist for a reason, and no one is exempt from them—not even you."
Cain paused, his hand on the door handle. "Understood, Administrator," he replied, before stepping out and closing the door behind him.
Leonard was left alone, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on his young shoulders. He stared at the looping footage on his screen, his mind racing with thoughts of what was to come.
The Seal of Ion, the ancient power within Lina, the unknowns surrounding SCP-8888—it all felt like a storm gathering on the horizon, one that could either be weathered or would sweep them all away.
And as Leonard watched Lina's transformation replay again and again, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something far more dangerous than they could have ever imagined.
Leonard remained seated, his eyes still fixed on the screen where the footage of Lina's transformation played in an endless loop. The image of her marked forehead, the scarlet hair, and the sea of tentacles was burned into his mind. The silence in the room was heavy, broken only by the faint hum of the electronics.
Finally, he turned away from the screen and looked over at Graves, the commander of Resh-1, who stood by the door. Graves was a seasoned soldier, tall and imposing, with a presence that demanded respect. His sharp eyes had witnessed countless anomalies, but even he seemed perturbed by what he had just heard and seen.
"Graves," Leonard began, his voice steady but laced with the gravity of the situation. "I need your opinion on this. What's our next move?"
Graves stepped forward, his boots echoing slightly on the polished floor. He didn't rush his response, knowing the weight that Leonard's question carried. He had been in this position before—asked for counsel by someone far younger but burdened with far greater responsibility.
"Sir," Graves began, his voice deep and resonant, "Lina's power is… immense. But it's clear that she's not fully in control of it. To harness that kind of strength, she'll need more than just physical ability—she'll need the right motivation and the mental fortitude to control it."
Leonard nodded, his expression thoughtful. "You're suggesting that she doesn't have that yet?"
Graves paused, choosing his words carefully. "Not entirely, sir. She's strong, no doubt about that. But strength alone won't be enough. She needs a reason to master that power—something to fight for beyond just survival. If we can give her that… then she might have a chance."
Leonard leaned back in his chair, his young face creased with concentration. "And what do you propose? How do we give her that motivation?"
Graves met Leonard's gaze, his expression calm but firm. "Sir, I propose we let Lina see her family. Not directly, but from a distance. Let her see what she's fighting for. It could be the push she needs to find the resolve within herself to control the power of SCP-8888-1."
Leonard was silent for a moment, mulling over the suggestion. The idea was not without risk. Allowing Lina to see her family, even from afar, could evoke emotions that might destabilize her further—or it could be the key to helping her regain control. The stakes were high, but so was the potential reward.
"There are risks," Leonard finally said, his voice measured. "If she reacts poorly, it could trigger another transformation. We'd be putting her family, and possibly others, in danger."
Graves nodded. "That's true, sir. But if she can see them, it might remind her of who she is, or rather, who she was. It could ground her, give her something to hold on to amidst all this chaos. Right now, she's lost in the power she's been given, with no clear direction. Letting her see her family could change that."
Leonard considered this, weighing the pros and cons. His fingers tapped lightly on the desk, a habit he had when deep in thought. The idea of using her family as a motivational tool was unorthodox, but Graves made a compelling argument. Lina needed something to anchor her, something to pull her back from the brink.
Finally, Leonard stood, the decision made. His movements were deliberate, filled with the gravity of what lay ahead. He had made many difficult choices in his role as Administrator, but this one felt particularly heavy, given the unknowns surrounding SCP-8888-1.
"Alright," Leonard said, his voice carrying a note of finality. "We'll arrange it. I want Resh-1 in place. If anything goes wrong, we withdraw immediately."
Graves inclined his head in agreement. "Understood, sir. I'll coordinate with the rest of the team to ensure everything is in place."
Leonard nodded, feeling the weight of the decision settle on his shoulders. He had to believe that this was the right choice, that allowing Lina a glimpse of her past life would help her regain control. But even as he made his way out of the office, accompanied by Graves, the unease in his gut remained.
As they walked through the dimly lit corridors of the facility, Leonard's thoughts remained fixed on the image of Lina, her eyes burning with the power of an ancient, forgotten god. He knew that they were playing with forces far beyond their full understanding. But if there was even a chance that this could work, it was a risk he was willing to take.
As they reached the elevator, Leonard turned to Graves one last time. "Prepare the team. We'll make contact with her family tomorrow."
"Yes, sir," Graves responded, his voice steady. "I'll handle it personally."
Leonard gave a final nod as the elevator doors slid open. The plan was set in motion, and there was no turning back. Whatever happened next, it would be a pivotal moment—not just for Lina, but for the Foundation as a whole.
The doors closed behind them with a soft click, and the two figures descended into the depths of the facility, each lost in their thoughts, knowing that the days ahead would test them all in ways they could scarcely imagine.
---
Lina's sleep was plagued by a nightmare, a vivid loop that replayed the moment of Alvarez's death over and over. Each time, the horror intensified, the scene becoming more unbearable until it reached a crescendo that wrenched her from sleep. She awoke with a start, her heart pounding in her chest, her breath ragged as she tried to ground herself in reality.
Her eyes darted around the room, her mind struggling to shake off the lingering remnants of the dream. She was in her cell, the familiar cold gray walls closing in on her. But something was different. Her gaze fell upon a figure seated on a chair across from her bed the Administrator, his presence unmistakable even with the signature mask covering his youthful face.
Six guards from Resh-1 stood silently behind him, their eyes hidden behind dark visors, but their attention unmistakably focused on her. The sight of them, combined with the Administrator's unnerving calm, filled Lina with a deep unease. She sat up slowly, her muscles tense as if expecting some kind of reprimand or worse.
The Administrator's eyes, barely visible through the slits of his mask, regarded her with an intensity that made her drop her gaze to the floor. Silence hung heavy between them, the weight of unspoken words and unresolved emotions pressing down on her.
Breaking the tension, he spoke, his voice cool and measured. "Alvarez survived. He's currently in the medical wing, recovering."
Lina's head snapped up at his words, her eyes wide with surprise and relief. For a moment, a genuine smile broke through the cloud of fear and uncertainty that had been hanging over her. Alvarez was alive. The weight of guilt that had been suffocating her since the battle eased slightly.
But as her eyes met the Administrator's once more, her smile faded, replaced by a sense of dread. The Administrator was not known for casual visits or idle conversation. The fact that he was here, in her cell, speaking to her directly, meant something significant was at play.
Seeing her reaction, the Administrator chuckled softly, a sound that seemed almost out of place coming from him. He tossed a bundle of clothes onto her bed. "Get dressed, Lina. We're going out."
His words took a moment to register. "Going out ?" she repeated, her voice tinged with confusion and apprehension.
The Administrator simply nodded, rising from his chair with a fluid grace that belied his age. The guards remained motionless as if they were extensions of his will, ready to move at his command. Lina hesitated for a moment, but then reached for the clothes—a simple pair of jeans, a pullover, and some sneakers. She dressed quickly, her mind racing with questions about what was to come.
When she stepped out of her cell, she was met with a sight that made her breath catch. The entire corridor was lined with Resh-1 operatives, their presence a stark reminder of the power the Administrator wielded. They were an elite unit, known for their efficiency and ruthlessness, and now they were here, escorting her for reasons she could only guess at.
The Administrator gave a small nod, and the group began moving down the corridor. Lina fell in step behind him, her heart pounding in her chest. The silence of the Resh-1 operatives was unsettling. It was as if they were ghosts, shadows that moved with an eerie synchronization.
The corridor seemed to stretch on forever, each step taking them closer to an unknown destination. Finally, they reached the parking area. Several black, unmarked vehicles were parked in neat rows, their engines idling softly. The air was thick with tension, the kind that precedes something monumental.
Lina's first instinct was to get into one of the cars at the rear, hoping to maintain some distance from the Administrator. But as she moved toward one of them, a Resh-1 operative blocked her path, his expression unreadable behind the visor. He motioned toward the car where Leonard was already seated, the door held open by another guard.
Realizing she had no choice, Lina swallowed her anxiety and climbed into the car, her nerves on edge as she sat down beside the Administrator. She turned her head away from him, her eyes fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. The German landscape was familiar, but the unease in her chest made it feel foreign, distant.
From the corner of her eye, she could see the Administrator looking out of his window, seemingly lost in thought. His silence only added to the tension, making the air in the car feel thick and stifling. Finally, unable to bear the oppressive quiet, she glanced over at him. To her surprise, the Administrator was already looking at her.
She quickly turned her head back to the window, trying to hide her discomfort. Her mind raced, thoughts tumbling over each other as she tried to make sense of why they were here, what he wanted from her. But the Administrator was an enigma, his thoughts and motives often shrouded in mystery.
After a moment, the Administrator put away his phone, breaking the silence. "How are you feeling, Lina ?" he asked, his voice lacking the cold detachment she had expected.
His question caught her off guard. She hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "I… I don't know," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I feel… lost. And afraid. Afraid of what I did, of what I might do. I don't understand this power, and I don't want to hurt anyone else."
The Administrator's expression remained unreadable behind his mask, but she sensed that he was listening intently. "Your power is formidable, Lina. But it's not the power itself that defines you—it's how you choose to use it. Right now, you're letting your fear control you."
Lina clenched her hands in her lap, her nails digging into her palms. "It's not just fear… I miss my family. I've been away from them for so long, and I don't even know if they're safe. I feel like I'm losing myself."
For a long moment, the Administrator said nothing, the car filled only with the sound of the road beneath the tires. When he finally spoke, his tone was softer, almost contemplative. "Family… can be a powerful motivator. It can give you strength, but it can also make you vulnerable."
Lina didn't respond. She continued staring out the window, trying to make sense of her emotions. The familiar streets and buildings of her hometown suddenly came into view, stirring memories she had tried to keep buried. Her breath caught in her throat as she recognized the city—her city. The place where her family still lived.
The car slowed to a stop in front of an unremarkable building, blending in with the surrounding structures. It was a place she knew well, a place she never thought she would see again. The Resh-1 operatives exited the vehicle first, scanning the area before Leonard stepped out, followed closely by Lina.
They made their way to the entrance, taking an elevator to the roof. The ascent was silent, the tension palpable as Lina struggled to keep her emotions in check. What was happening? Why had he brought her here?
When they finally stepped onto the roof, the wind greeted them with a cool embrace. Lina walked to the edge, her heart pounding as she took in the view of the city below. So many memories, so many emotions threatened to overwhelm her. She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath.
The Administrator watched her, his expression unreadable as always. The wind tugged at his clothes, but he stood firm, a silent observer to the turmoil playing out within Lina.
"Why… why did you bring me here?" Lina finally asked, her voice barely audible over the wind.
The Administrator didn't answer right away. Instead, he walked to the edge of the roof, standing beside her. After a moment, he turned to her, his gaze steady. "You needed to see this. To remember who you are, what you're fighting for. This place… it's a part of you, just as much as the power you possess. Don't let one overshadow the other."
Lina looked at him, trying to find the words to express the storm of emotions inside her. But before she could speak, Leonard continued, his voice tinged with something she hadn't expected—empathy.
"This power, it's dangerous. But you're not alone in this. We'll find a way to help you control it, to ensure that you don't lose yourself to it. But you have to want that too, Lina. You have to believe that you're more than just a vessel for this power."
Lina swallowed hard, her throat tight with emotion. "I don't know if I can… but I want to try. I don't want to hurt anyone else, and I don't want to lose my family."
The Adminstrator nodded, his gaze shifting back to the city below. "Then we'll start with that. But understand, Lina, that this path won't be easy. There will be times when you'll be tested, when everything you believe in will be challenged. But if you hold on to who you are, to what truly matters, you'll find the strength to overcome it."
Lina stared at him, searching for some sign of insincerity, some hint that this was just another manipulation. But all she saw was the cold, hard truth in his words. She knew the road ahead would be difficult, filled with uncertainty and danger. But as she looked out at the familiar cityscape, she felt a spark of hope—small, but real.
"Thank you," she whispered, unsure if the Administrator even heard her.