Incident Video Log Transcript

Date: 1994/05/03 @ 21:02

Action Team: MTF Omega-88 ("The Oathkeepers") , MTF Sigma-66 ("Steel Veil")

Operational directive: Contain outbreak & control information leakage

Team Lead(s): Dir. Ruslav Diaghilev; Lt. Maj. George Hartfield; Lt. Maj. Elia Montserrat

Foreward: The outbreak at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum has been ongoing for approximately 9 hours, and remains localized to the facility. Due to the decommissioning of the Asylum, the majority of the facility has been abandoned and is only a limited risk of information leakage. Foundation assets on-site have cordoned off the area, and initial cover story Epsilon Omicron 5 ("Gas Leak") has been disseminated to local law enforcement.

Omega-88 has been selected due to their expertise in dealing with alchemical anomalies. They have been directed to enter Trans-Allegheny & attempt to contain the outbreak, with Sigma-66 standing by in external support.

[BEGIN LOG]

<Both MTF teams have assembled in front of the asylum, standing a little apart from each other. Dir. Diaghilev steps to the fore and turns to face them. Camera feed is from the point of view of Maj. Hartfield.>

Diaghilev: Ladies and gentlemen. We are facing what might be a full incursion into our world by forces that are utilizing alchemical processes. As such, Sigma-66 will remain outside unless their aid is absolutely necessary. Major Montserrat, your primary responsibility should be the safety and security of the surrounding civilians. Is that clear?

Montserrat: Yes, sir.

Diaghilev: Otlichno. Hartfield, stay close. I will do what I can to nullify the effects of-

<Diaghilev is interrupted by the sound of shattering glass and an extended shriek as someone plummets from the top floor to slam into the ground not far from the assembled teams. Both teams react, crouching to a guard position, weapons raised. After a few moments of stillness, Montserrat directs one of her subordinates to examine the victim.>

Hartfield: So, I guess they know we are here.

Diaghilev: That would be a safe assumption, Major. They knew when I stepped out of the helicopter.

<The agent sent to examine the victim returns shaking his head and says something to Montserrat that is out of audio pickup range.>

Montserrat: Be careful in there, gentlemen. We'll keep a lid on things out here.

<Omega-88 moves up the steps to the door, where they stand to the side as Diaghilev steps forward to lightly place his fingertips against the wood. After a few moments, he nods to Hartfield as he steps aside. Hartfield steps up and pushes the door open, stepping aside to allow three of his team to enter. Diaghilev follows, with Hartfield and the remainder of Omega-88 following after.>

Harris: Fucking Christ…

Hartfield: Stow it, Harris. Walker & Reid, take point. Harris, Gaudreau, & Barnes with me. Welles & Izraz, you're with the Director.

<The camera pans around the room as Hartfield steps further into the lobby. Arrayed along both walls of the entrance hall are the crucified remains of 16 members of the hospital staff. Each of them have been stripped naked, blinded, and have had their tongues nailed to the center of their forehead.>

Gaudreau: What the fuck? Anyone got any ideas about the tongue thing?

Hartfield: Director, what are we dealing with?

<Diaghilev crosses over to the nearest of the crucified staff members, then almost immediately recoils as the person suddenly groans and flexes feebly.>

Diaghilev: Kakogo chyorta! Major, they are all still alive.

<He steps forward again, this time placing the tips of his fingers against the victim's forehead, to either side of the attached appendage. After a few moments, he steps away in disgust.>

Diaghilev: Even if I could do something for so many, this one is already far too gone for it to matter. They did all this to themselves.

<He closes his eyes and draws forth his crozier into his right hand. He begins to mutter something in an incomprehensible language, and all of the crucified staff sag into their restraints.>

Diaghilev: Major, please. Give to them usypleniye. I have taken their pain for the moment.

[Several minutes omitted for brevity]

Hartfield: Point, go. Director, reports indicate that the outbreak should be down there, in the sub-basement. Some unmarked cell.

<The camera angle shifts towards the dark opening to a stairwell leading down. The lights in this area have all completely failed, and the area is lit with dim torso lamps and the tactical lights mounted on the agents' weapons.

Agents Walker & Reid take point and head down the stairs, quickly disappearing from view.>

Hartfield: <After two minutes of silence> Point team, report.

<Two more minutes of silence.>

Hartfield: Damnit. Director, please stay here. Harris, Gaudreau, Barnes.

<Hartfield steps forward and slowly descends into the darkness. After 18 steps, the stairwell makes an abrupt turn and descends another 18 steps to end in what looks like a doorway opening into large open room.>

Hartfield: Director, I'm about to leave the stairwell. I will give the all clear when- Harris! Step back!

<The view swings sharply around, the dim torso lamp illuminating the face of Agent Harris, a glazed look in his eyes as he pushes past Hartfield and walks woodenly down into the room.>

Harris: Can't you hear it, Major? Someone's callin' fa' help. S'gotta be th'others.

Hartfield: Damnit, Harris. I said step back!

<Hartfield attempts to grab Agent Harris, but the agent wriggles free and walks out into the room, disappearing from view.>

Diaghilev: Major, there is tremendous energy emanating from below you. I'm coming down, your team isn't equipped for this.

<Hartfield curses, then steps to the side as Diaghilev brushes past him on the stairwell. After a few heartbeats, he follows out into the room>

[END LOG]

[The remainder of the video log has been expunged due to a virulent visual hazard.]