RTF-GAMMA-77

RTF-Gamma-77 consisted of:

77-1 - Lt. Marshall Ricks - ex-marine commander, specialized in CQB, covert ops. and hostage retrieval from enemy science and medical facilities.

77-2 - Simon "Gatt" Ling - weapons and demolition expert, specifically requested by 77-1 as his right hand man for this unit.

77-3 - Dr. Natasha Petrenko - combat medic.

77-4 - Donnie Wilkins - climbing, cartography and communications expert.

77-5 - Dr. Rita Campbell - science officer, appointed by Dr. ██████, psychology and paranormal activity specialist.

Standard mission equipment for all RTF-G-77 members consisted of:

1. 75 watt-equivalent energy-efficient flood lamp with battery power capable of lasting 24 hours. (one each)

2. Three extra light-weight battery modules for total of 72 hours additional lighting.

3. Green laser markers and rangefinders. (one each)

4. LED-equipped color-coded vests for positive target identification in limited light conditions. (one each)

5. Three sets of rock climbing equipment.

6. Two compressed enriched air tanks and six masks, capable of providing breathable air for six persons for 72 hours in normal conditions.

7. Three foldable thermal insulation covers.

8. Compact AV recording device with local storage for 48 hours of continuous recording and no streaming capability. (one each)

9. Two standard medkits.

10. Ten 2L water bottles and protein bars for 72 hours of full nutrient supply, or over 100 hours of strictly rationed bare minimum nutrient supply.

Additional and specialized equipment consisted of:

For 77-1:

1. One SigSauer P226 9mm handgun, equipped with suppressor and laser sight.

2. Three additional magazines for handgun, for a total ammo capacity of 60 rounds.

3. Ten Cyalume glowsticks.

4. AV streaming device.

5. Comms headset.

For 77-2:

1. One H&K MP5 9mm submachine gun with suppressor and laser sight.

2. Two additional magazines for submachine gun, for a total ammo capacity of 120 rounds.

3. Ten Cyalume glowsticks.

5. Two shaped charge explosives with remote detonators.

For 77-3:

1. A stretcher.

2. A first-response set of syringes with various substances for patients in critical condition: cortisol, adrenaline, broad-spectrum antibiotics, anesthetics, class-A amnestic, etc.

3. A set of splints for limb fractures.

4. A set of vials for taking probes.

For 77-4:

1. A set of ultra-lightweight high tensile strength ropes.

2. A set of climbing equipment - belayer, shoe spikes, cams, RAD (Rapid Ascend and Descend) system.

3. A high-gain radio station.

4. AV streaming device.

5. Comms headset.

For 77-5:

1. A portable spectrograph.

2. A set of inhalers, loaded with various psycho-modulatory substances: for induction or suppression of fear, anxiety, depression, fight-or-flight instinct, aggression.

3. Comms headset.

BRIEFING

RTF-Gamma-77 and two Foundation staff members enter the briefing room.

Dr. ██████: Ladies and gentlemen, if you're all ready, let's begin. First, a small disclaimer: depending on the outcome of this mission, the object may be considered for a Keter classification, it is entirely possible that those of you with clearance lower than Level 3 will be issued Class C amnestics at the end of the operation. Failure to comply with that directive, if it ever goes in effect, bears the standard Foundation-regulated consequences to which you all agreed when you signed up for a Task Force. With that, I give the word to Dr. Cass, who will be taking over for the duration.

Dr. Cass: RTF-Gamma-77, my name is Dr. Jeremiah Cass. Due to this being a joint military and science operation, sanctioned by the Ethics Committee, I will be assuming operations command from Dr. ██████, who will remain as primary science advisor. Chain of command will be as follows:

For everyone except Dr. Campbell, Lt. Ricks is your superior. In case of him suffering a KIA or MIA, interrupted communication, or is otherwise compromised - as per Control's estimate - I will be your direct superior.

For Dr. Campbell, Ricks is your superior, except in aforementioned cases, or specific scientific duties, in which case Dr. ██████ will be your direct superior.

Everyone with me so far?

Members of the team nod.

77-1: What is our retreat policy? Is that my prerogative, or will it deem me "compromised"?

Dr. Cass: Good question. It depends on objective completion. With Primary Objective completed, full or partial retreat is your prerogative, albeit strongly unadvised. Meaning, you better have some good explanation. Until PO is completed, retreat is not acceptable, unless there's an imminent severe threat, that can't realistically be overcome at the spot. Let me be clear - trading lives is not what the Ethics Committee wants to do here, and this is not a suicide mission by any stretch of the imagination. Aside from that, retreat is also valid if secondary objectives have been completed to control's satisfaction, but let's ease into that, okay? First things first.

You all should be familiar with SCP-087 by now, but to summarize: it's a staircase. It's dark. It's long, and there is - for the lack of a better description - a ghost head in it. What we don't know: How deep it goes. What inhibits light sources. What is the source of observed apparition. How did all of this come to be. Is it related to other known anomalies or entities.

You were provided with the logs of previous exploration attempts with D-class personnel, correct?

Members of the team nod.

As you have read, we lost contact with D-9884 somewhere between the 625th and the 650th flight of stairs. We'd love to give you a more specific estimate, but the video is too dark and shaky, she was running as if the devil's chasing her.

77-2: Yeah, why did you keep sending in inexperienced expendables? It was obvious the thing either messes with their brain, or is simply creepy as hell and civilians can't handle it? What kind of debriefing were you expecting to get from the poor girl after what happened with the man in the previous attempt?

Dr. Cass: The previous experiments were conducted by Dr. ██████ and are not up to debate or review at this point. You got all the materials we got, so let's please focus on the tasks ahead. That being:

- Primary Objective: Locate and, if viable, extract D-9884, preferably alive and conscious.

- Secondary Objective One: Establish foothold around the 650th landing and use it to stage further exploratory expeditions. Gather as much data as possible on the surroundings.

- Secondary Objective Two: Locate the end of the stairwell and/or the source of the crying and other audio-visual phenomenon. Extract if viable.

Estimated mission time is 72 hours. As we don't know if this thing has reality-bending properties, you are over-provisioned for roughly 150% longer stay. Keep in mind that ascending will be much more taxing than descending, and plan accordingly. Your equipment has been arranged with regard to personal requests, 77-1's assessment of the situation, and the fact that you are entering a difficult to traverse terrain. We'd love to send you with full army support down there, but that's just not viable for a 5-member team and area of these constraints. Any questions regarding objectives and equipment?

77-3: How will extraction happen? Do we all climb up with the D-class, and then descend again, or do we split?

Dr. Cass: That will be determined on ground by Team Leader. In case of him being compromised, chain of command rules apply. In case of no communication with any officer, you will have to assess the situation on-site and make your own damn minds, we can't tell you if we don't know what's happening. Frankly, I doubt you'll even find her. She had provisions for little over 24 hours, and it's been another 24 hours since we lost contact. Chances are she is dead or altogether missing.

Final word on some specific procedures: You have different AV and comms equipment. Due to heavy constraints, we just can't load all of you with everything. That is why the majority of you are carrying light-weight local-storage AV recording devices, which we can not observe in real time. So, in case you need additional incentive to not remain down there forever - all the data you record is useless unless you bring it back. Only 1 and 4 have AV streaming devices that we can monitor directly. Also only 1, 4 and 5 have headsets to communicate back with base, although we expect to be able to hear 2 and 3 clearly through other people's microphones. Keep this in mind if splitting in groups down there. 4 is carrying a high-gain radio station. It is linked with your other AV and comms equipment. It allows more reliable connection with Control. Your AV and comms equipment can function independently, however a severely limited range, so we advise you to keep close proximity to 4 at all times.

Additionally, 77-5 - Dr. Campbell - is carrying some medication that will help you overcome anomalous psychosis or paranoia that may be caused by SCP-087-1's presence. The effects are temporary, and quantities are limited. I suggest you do not rely on those, as they are entirely untested in this application, and is unknown if they are capable of countering 1's effects. Also, it is unknown if these won't cause an adverse effect, which is why both Dr. Campbell and Dr. Petrenko are equipped, capable, and allowed to put any of you under, should you start to misbehave. In other words - do your best to keep yourselves, your thoughts and your emotions in check.

77-4: One of those "reality anchor" thingies would've been useful here, can't we get one?

Dr. Cass: Scranton Reality Anchors, first of all: are not designed to negate memetic or psychogenic anomalies; second: are expensive and too bulky for the current environment; and third: have the capacity to erase you from existence if they malfunction in one way or another, so they are only ever used if absolutely needed. And frankly, you are not cleared to even know they exist, let alone request one. Are we done wasting time here?

77-4 sighs.

77-1: How long are we expected to sustain the base we stage at level 650?

Dr. Cass: That depends on how fast you are able to reach 650, along with other factors. It is up to you calculate resources and return trip, according to the situation on ground. The Secondary Objective will be considered failed if no expeditions are launched beyond the 650th. Infrastructure left behind is known to disappear, so your effort will likely be of no value to future expeditions, that is why you must capitalize on it, if possible.

Any further questions?

Team remains silent.

Dr. Cass: In that case, gear up, we have a team that will assist you with your equipment in the staged armory. Once you have radio gear set up, keep constant contact with Control. We expect to hear radio chatter on at least every second flight. Godspeed.

LOG

RTF-Gamma-77, in full gear, stands on ground level landing of SCP-087. The flood lamps illuminate only the first 9 steps. Team is wearing color-coded LED vests.

Radio communication established.

Dr. Cass (C1): Testing radio link. Radio link is good on our side. Please confirm.

77-4: Confirmed.

C1: Establishing designations for record.

Dr. Jeremiah Cass - Control 1 - C1

Dr. ██████ - Control 2 - C2

Lt. Marshall Ricks - Team Leader - 77-1 (color coded Blue).

Simon Ling - Demolition - 77-2 (color coded Red).

Dr. Natasha Petrenko - Medic - 77-3 (color coded Gold).

Donnie Wilkins - Comms and Navigation - 77-4 (color coded Green).

Dr. Rita Campbell - Science - 77-5 (color coded Purple).

Commence comms check.

1(Blue): Check.

2(Red): Check.

3(Gold): Check.

4(Green): Check.

5(Purple): Check.

C1: Mission time 00:00, proceed at your discretion. Good luck down there.

1(Blue): Roger, thanks Control. Here we go.

3(Gold): Wow, it is pretty dark down there.

4(Green): Just as dark as the Cambodian jungle. Not a nice place to be lost, trust me.

5(Purple): So how many of you have actually worked on similar SCPs before?

1(Blue): My and Two's experience is sufficient and classified.

5(Purple): Okay… That sounds reassuring.

2(Red): Ricks may sound harsh, but it's all operational security with him. And let me tell you, once you've been in enough hot zones, you start to appreciate that way more than a sympathetic response.

3(Gold): Boys will be boys. I have worked on a few trans-dimensional SCPs. Nothing with apparitions, though. And I doubt this one is either.

4(Green): Wait, so what, you don't believe in ghosts?

3(Gold): I'm a doctor. Why is that so strange?

4(Green): I thought once you spend enough time in the Foundation, you start to believe anything.

5(Purple): Actually, people who would just "believe anything" are less likely to employ critical thinking, and therefore are less useful in examining SCPs. Jumping to the conclusion that what you're studying is a "ghost" just because the Foundation has a [REDACTED] in Site-███ that [REDACTED]…

C1: Dr. Campbell, Control strongly advises you not to finish that sentence. One, progress report.

1(Blue): We've reached the third platform. Vocalizations are audible. We're moving at moderate pace. With all that equipment, one bad step is a broken neck.

C1: Understood. We confirm reception of vocalizations over radio. Carry on. We will contact you with mission updates roughly every five minutes to track connection status. Mission time 05:00.

1(Blue): Roger, Control.

4(Green): Ok… so ignoring the [REDACTED] in the room, you are a ghost expert? And you do believe in ghosts?

5(Purple): "Ghost" is a pretty broad term, but in short - yes, I have worked with anomalies, that would be considered "ghosts" by a D-class.

4(Green): So what's your take on this thing here?

5(Purple): The "child"? I don't think there is a child down there. The "face"… I don't know. It may be just a projection. So far we have no data of it physically harming anyone. All of the D-class experiments sustained either psychological trauma, or physical trauma caused by their own actions. I believe we'll be ok.

2(Red): How many of your ghosts have been able to interact with the physical world?

5(Purple): Roughly around half. But there is no data to suggest 087-1 is among those.

3(Gold): So how long have you worked for the Foundation?

5(Purple): I don't know. I've been administered amnestics before. I believe my first few projects might have been as a sort of qualified D-class on some high priority SCPs. Thankfully, I passed. My earliest memory of working as junior research assistant for an SCP is of about seven years ago.

C1: Mission time 10:00. Progress report?

1(Blue): We are on the 8th platform. All clear.

C1: Roger.

C2: Keep in mind that the earliest contact with 087-1 happened on the 51st landing. Each subsequent encounter has been deeper down. Technically the thing may appear at the next platform, or you may not see it for 600 more.

1(Blue): Understood.

5(Purple): What about you?

3(Gold): Me? Eight years Foundation employment, ten years as combat medic before that. And almost six years as ER.

5(Purple): Wow, at what age did you graduate medical school, six? You look so young, I would have never guessed you're such a hardened veteran.

3(Gold): Heh, thanks!

4(Green): Ling, hear that, we got a girl alliance forming out here. We better start bonding over beer, football and boob magazines right now, or they'll use their combined pink force to take over the team.

1(Blue): Wilkins, I will not have this kind of attitude on my team.

4(Green): Yessir! I was just joking around… What about you, Rambo? How long have you been kicking monsters in the face?

1(Blue): My exp…

4(Green): "…experience is sufficient and classified", come on, man. What kind of O5-eyes-only-top-secret-end-of-the-world crap could I possibly deduce from knowing how long you've worked here?

1(Blue): Fourteen years.

4(Green): Holy shit.

5(Purple): Wow, that is pretty long for a Mobile Task Force, isn't it? The average expected lifespan is…

2(Red): Four years. Yes.

5(Purple): Damn. I guess you're pretty good then?

1(Blue): The men and women I worked with were pretty good. Thanks to them I'm here.

3(Gold): What happened to them?

1(Blue): Which ones? This is the seventh MTF I'm a part of. The third one I lead. Ling here is what's left of MTF-Epsilon-03.

3(Gold): I'm so sorry.

2(Red): We did our job. That's what matters. Their families can live in the normal world. Drive cars. Work jobs. Eat burgers. Not hide under their beds crying like they would, if they knew. The Foundation may be a bunch of psycho bastards, but they're the psycho bastards the world needs. Otherwise we're fucked.

C1: Mission time 15:00.

4(Green): Speaking of the devil…

C1: 1, report.

1(Blue): We're on the 15th platform. We're picking up the pace. No contact.

C1: Roger.

C2: Rita, I'd like you to take some measurements. For reference. Spectrograph, sound and radio.

5(Purple): Okay, Control. Guys, I need you to stop and be silent, just for a moment.

Team halts movement. 77-5 takes a spectrograph reading, while background audio of crying and pleading child is being recorded. After thirty seconds of recording are complete, 77-4 commissions a radiogram. Radio station beeps and whirls for a minute, then transmits readings to Control.

C1: Ok, we got the data, starting analysis. Carry on.

1(Blue): Roger. Come on, guys.

Team starts moving down towards 16th platform. Weak vibrations are felt on the stairs and walls.

1(Blue): Halt.

Vibrations end.

C1: Sitrep.

1(Blue): Vibrations on the entire structure. Clear now. Wilkins, talk to me.

4(Green): The vibrations were vertical. That's not a fault line quake. Felt like landslide or cave-in. Both are theoretically impossible around here, we're on a bedrock. I'd say it's anomalous.

C1: Noted. Confirm on assessment, nothing was felt up here. Proceed with care.

1(Blue): Roger. Air is a bit dusty now, but visibility remains unchanged. We're moving on. Come on, guys.

3(Gold): What do you think that might have been about?

5(Purple): Who knows. That's the first time this has happened on record, and we have no point of reference for anything down here.

C1: Guys, Control here. We have preliminary analysis results. From what we're seeing so far, it seems you immediate environment is pretty well lit. I don't suppose you can confirm that?

1(Blue): Negative.

2(Red): It's darker than 682's ass in here.

C1: In that case we must deduce that the sense of darkness is psychosomatic.

5(Purple): That explains why brighter lights have no effect.

C1: In addition, audio analysis of vocalizations points to a natural source. There are variations in pitch, speed and echo frequency, meaning it is either not automated, or it is a very realistic simulation of an actual child trapped in a stairwell. As for radio waves - we are seeing some ultra-low frequency pulsations coming from below. Not consistent with any known phenomenon.

1(Blue): Understood. Let us know if something else comes up.

3(Gold): Is it possible there's an actual child down there?

5(Purple): It is possible there's something down there that's doing its best to sound like one.

4(Green): So what happens if we find it and it's a child?

1(Blue): Per directive, we assess and extract. The guys on ground level will contain it.

4(Green): What happens if they can't contain it?

2(Red): What happens with any SCP if they can't contain it, man? We're fucked. We shoot it in the fucking head and blow it up with these babies, and if it's still there, we're fucked.

4(Green): How powerful are these things anyway? Like a grenade?

2(Red): Way more powerful, if properly used. One of these could bring the whole building down, if placed on the right spot.

3(Gold): Or the wrong spot. Let's try not to bury ourselves down here, can we?

2(Red): Don't worry, doc, I know what I'm doing.

4(Green): I believe you, however we have no way to deduce anything about this thing's structural integrity. It's plain walls and stairs, no support columns, no doorways.

2(Red): What about you, Wilkins, how long have you worked here?

4(Green): This is my second assignment. Little over two years.

3(Gold): Two years and only two assignments? Where did you get that sweet deal?

4(Green): First assignment was continuous maintenance on some inaccessible safe SCPs. Mostly climbing and wildlands navigation. If it's in the middle of nowhere and generally won't kill you, I'm the guy to clean its cage.

5(Purple): Any specific cases you're allowed to discuss?

4(Green): Let me see… I was running perimeter maintenance on 3847. A little creepy at times. Nothing like what you guys had.

C1: Mission time 20:00, how far down are you, guys?

1(Blue): We are approaching platform 28. No contact.

C1: Roger, we have established your average speed of descent, you should reach 50 in about 15 minutes. Since we've established baseline metrics, radio check frequency will now be 10 minutes. You can keep up chatter if you like.

1(Blue): Roger, Control. Guys, we're pretty deep now, I suggest focusing on our surroundings instead of small talk. From 30 onward we'll assume corner clearing formation. 2, you take left wall, I want light and barrel pointed at every new flight as we approach. I'll take frontal. From this point on, guns are hot, confirm?

2(Red): Roger.

3(Gold): Roger.

4(Green): Um, roger?

5(Purple): Okay.

1(Blue): Three and Five, stick behind us, you are on outlook. Four will watch our backs.

4(Green): If you say so, boss.

1(Blue): Let's pick up the pace a little, I'd like to hit 50 in 10.

Team remains relatively quiet over the next few minutes.

C1: Mission time 25:00, sitrep?

1(Blue): All clear. We're approaching 46.

C1: Confirmed.

1(Blue): Team, slow down and keep quiet. We are approaching initial contact point.

5(Purple): Guys, I think at least one of us should have a calming agent, in case 087-1 turns out to cause psychosis on sight.

1(Blue): Give me the details, doc. What's the expected effect?

5(Purple): Well, depends. You can either have HHDR1, which will negate panic and phobia and will cause calmness, but won't negate depression, and might cause lethargy, or you can have HMDR9, which will negate phobia and depression, but might enhance panic or aggression.

1(Blue): Two, you are to take the calming agent. Five, you will also give Two the calming and aggressive agent. Two, your orders are, if the rest of us lose control, to inject us with whatever you deem appropriate on spot.

2(Red): Got it.

1(Blue): Also, put your weapon on safe. We don't want panic-induced automatic fire in a tight hallway, ricochets will shred us.

2(Red): Roger.

5(Purple): Ok, here goes.

77-2 uses the inhaler, provided by 77-5.

5(Purple): How do you feel?

2(Red): Fine. Doesn't seem to do anything.

5(Purple): The effect is not noticeable unless in a stressful situation. Trust me, it works. Here are the inhalers. Technically spraying the face could work, but for maximum effect, try to get it in the mouth.

4(Green): That's what she said…

3(Gold): Seriously, Four?..

4(Green): Oh, come on doc, I had to!

1(Blue): Focus, guys. Two, sitrep.

2(Red): I'm fine.

1(Blue): Could you elaborate?

2(Red): Everything is cool. No problems. Safety engaged. I'll spray you with one of these if you start freaking out.

1(Blue): Okay. Team, ready for contact. Move.

RTF-Gamma-77 proceeds at moderate pace down the stairwell.

1(Blue): Control, we're on platform 50. Peeking 51 in 10 seconds.

C1: Roger.

With 77-2 keeping watch on the corner of the next flight, 77-1 pushes to the bottom of 50 and onto platform 51.

1(Blue): Clear. Proceed.

77-2 takes position on the outside wall of platform 51. 77-1 takes point and pushes down the stairs. Flood lamp illuminates a face at the bottom of the flight.

1(Blue): Contact! Nobody move.

C1: Wilkins, team status.

Silence.

2(Red): Wilkins, Control asked you a question.

C1: Ling, team status.

2(Red): Team seems fine. Wilkins is being dumb.

5(Purple): Guys, let's get outta here!

4(Green): What are you looking at me for?

2(Red): Control asked you a question.

4(Green): No, they asked Wilkins.

3(Gold): What's happening?!

2(Red): You are Wilkins.

4(Green): No, I'm Four.

2(Red): Four is a number. Your team code is Four, your color code is Green, and your name is Wilkins.

C1: Ling, sitrep! Now!

2(Red): Contact with 087-1. The entity is static, staring at me.

3(Gold): It's staring at me, though!

5(Purple): Oh, god…

2(Red): Control, entity is capable of making eye contact with the entire team at once. Anomalous property, or suspected hallucination.

C1: Team status!

2(Red): Ricks is on point, steady…

77-2's speech sounds mildly slurred.

2(Red): …keeping eye contact with 087-1. I am… fine. Nat and Rita are on the platform, seem quite disturbed. It's not that scary, it must be affecting them mentally. Besides that, they seem okay. Wilkins is on the previous flight, he's confused. Overall, we're fine.

C1: …Ricks, sitrep!

Silence.

C1: Ling, initiate contact with Team Lead and assess his status.

1(Blue): Status is stable. Contact with entity. No action so far. Appears static.

C1: Team lead, why didn't you respond to previous call?

1(Blue): I don't know what you're talking about, Control.

C1: We asked you for sitrep.

1(Blue): On my end it sounded like you're asking Ling and Ricks.

C1: 1, you are Ricks!

1(Blue): No, I'm One, you just called me that.

2(Red): Control, telepathic properties of 087-1 established. I alone appear immune.

C1: Roger, Two. You are to immediately administer calming agent to One. Confirm?

2(Red): Yes… Confirmed… Control, I feel really light-headed.

C1: Roger, Two, hurry and inject One ASAP.

2(Red): Sure, stand by… So tired…

C2: Two, disregard last! Administer aggression agent to One! Not calming agent! Confirm!

2(Red): Alright, alright…

Unintelligible arguing at Control.

77-2 approaches 77-1 and administers HMDR9 - aggression agent.

C1: Ricks, respond!

1(Blue): Go for Ricks.

C1: How do you feel?

1(Blue): What is this, a therapy session? I have a fucking floating head staring at me, how do you think I feel?

C1: Assess condition of Two, please.

1(Blue): Ling is sitting on the stairs next to me. Seems fine.

C1: What about the rest of the team?

1(Blue): As previous report, idle and useless.

C1: Ricks, listen to me. 087-1 has telepathic and psychogenic properties. You need to end contact in some way and re-assess.

1(Blue): I'll re-assess its ass right now. Come here you ectoplasmic son of a bitch!

77-1 proceeds down the stairs. 087-1 suddenly jerks towards 77-1. 77-1 produces a shot from his firearm. The bullet seems ineffective against 087-1, hitting the wall behind it. However, soon after the shot 087-1 accelerates towards 77-1 and dissipates in the air before making physical contact.

5(Purple): What the hell just happened?

3(Gold): Well… we just got mind-fucked. Don't tell me it's your first time?

4(Green): Guys?

3(Gold): Everyone fall back and regroup on 51. One, two, how are you holding up?

1(Blue): My name is Ricks, for fuck sake!

3(Gold): Wait, wasn't Ricks that other guy?..

C1: Team, be advised, anomalous effects linger after contact. Please someone assess 77-2.

1(Blue): He's fucking sleeping, I don't believe this!

77-5 jumps from behind 77-3 and sprays 77-1's face. 77-1 points his gun at her.

1(Blue): What the fuck do you think you're doing, doc?

5(Purple): Relax, darling, you'll be fine soon.

1(Blue): Oh… so… the relaxing agent neutralizes the aggression agent?

5(Purple): Correct.

1(Blue): Did you… know that before you sprayed me?

5(Purple): Well, no, but you were going berserk, while your nr.Two - and only other armed member of the team - is napping, so I had to try something, or else we lose both operational control and all the "muscle" at the same time.

1(Blue): Good thinking. You'll get a commendation for this. Now wake up Ling, please?

5(Purple): Who?

1(Blue): Sorry. Two. Wake up number two.

4(Green): We've got to go back…

1(Blue): What the hell are you talking about?

4(Green): We're clearly not equipped for this. First contact and we almost freaked out and died.

3(Gold): Kid, we made contact with a telepathic, psychogenic, possibly memetic entity, while on experimental drugs, armed with automatic weapons, in confined space, and we had zero casualties. Statistically, this is the best operation of my career so far. We're fine.

77-5 sprays 77-2 with aggression agent.

77-2 regains consciousness and takes a moment to compose himself.

77 proceeds down the staircase at moderate pace. Next half hour goes without incident. Vocalizations remain distant.

1(Blue): Control, we've reached the 89th landing. Confirmed visual on the hole.

Video feed confirms a hole, seemingly identical to the one encountered by D-9884.

C1: Understood. Mission time is 01:08:00. Observe, take measurements, and proceed.

Team shines lights down the hole. Perceived vision range remains consistent with the rest of the stairwell. No light is observed at the bottom of the hole. Green lasers seem unable to reach bottom or walls of the hole. Rangefinders report depth at about 4.3 kilometers.

1(Blue): Four, how much rope do we have?

4(Green): About 1km of total length.

5(Purple): Control, if we lower the spectrograph along with the lasers 1km into the hole, won't you be able to construct an approximate model of the inside?

C2: Seems possible. Good call, Campbell.

5(Purple): Who?

2(Red): Mate, are we the only ones who remember their names?

1(Blue): I suppose it has to do with the psycho… sprays, or whatever they're called.

5(Purple): But… my name is Purple, it has always been.

C2: Ok, Purple, disregard this topic for now. You need to attach the spectrograph to the end of the rope, along with the lasers, pointing at random directions and at random angles. Once they are securely attached, lower the rope into the hole and start turning and swinging it, for maximum coverage. We'll let you know when we have sufficient data, shouldn't take longer than ten minutes.

Team proceeds to build improvised spectrograph-laser beacon. 77-4 connects ropes for maximum length. 77-2 proceeds to lower the device in the hole. 5 minutes later maximum rope length is reached at roughly 990 meters from landing 89. Team starts swinging and rotating rope. Spectrograph data stream provides control with timed estimates of light waves, reflections and amplitude for each laser. Roughly 12 minutes later, a 75% complete estimate of the inside of the hole is modeled by mapping software.

C1: 77, we have a rough map of the cave. It appears between 4 and 4.5km deep, cylindrical-shaped with incline of about 10 degrees, bearing 229 when descending.

1(Blue): We have no compasses here, bearings aren't of much use.

C1: The back wall of the landing you are currently on, if we assume the staircase is as straight as it appears, should be bearing 200-ish. Meaning the cave extends roughly 30 degrees to the front-right, when facing the wall. The entrance is not centered, you are closer to the slope. Also, not sure if this is a spatial anomaly, but the cave takes place where the rest of the stairwell should be.

4(Green): See, shoulda had an anchor…

C1: The cave appears somewhat smooth, although not unnaturally so. The bottom, however, appears glass-smooth. Control suggests, if possible, examine this cave as part of secondary objective. Whether now or upon establishing of base is up to Team Leader, but remember - there might still be a girl in need of medical aid down there, so time is of the essence.

1(Blue): Roger. Come on, guys, pull this thing up and prepare to move on.

5 minutes later the mapping device is extracted and disassembled, and 77 moves down the next flight of stairs.

1(Blue): Control, we have a problem. The stairs are gone.

C1: We're seeing it too. Is this landing 90 that appears to be missing?

1(Blue): Affirmative.

C1: Please try to shine on the stairs to landing 91 through the railing.

77-1 shines his floodlight across the railing, revealing only darkness.

1(Blue): That seems to be gone too.

C1: Alright, fall back to 89 and wait one.

77 falls back to the hole entrance and waits for instructions. 10 minutes pass.

C1: Mission time 1:49:00. Alright, we believe the stairwell collapsing into the cave was the "quake" you guys felt earlier. Thanks to the cave's incline, you still have the means to descend. The slope is roughly 1100 meters down from your current position, but you can reach it at around 200 meters at an angle. So if you let a rope down with one of you, preferably Four, he can swing, reach the slope, and attach some fixing elements to allow the rest of you to climb down. The slope is rough enough to allow controlled descend. If you are ok with this plan, we'd like you to try it.

4(Green): Sounds possible. At what angle is the 200 meters contact point?

C1: Um… around negative 20.

4(Green): That's too aggressive, we'll contact at 300 meters, which means I'll have to use 400-ish meters of rope. That means we'll have around 500 meters remaining, as once it is fixed, this part will remain here. We can use the other 500 and a series of cams, for safer descend.

C1: Sounds like a plan, four, you know what to do.

77-4 fixes one end of the rope with a series of devices, to the edge of the hole, the railing, and the stairs of the upper flight.

3(Gold): God, don't you just wish that wailing would stop, just for a moment? It's driving me up a fucking wall!

4(Green): Ironic, it's about to drive you down a wall pretty soon.

3(Gold): I love how you keep your sense of humor while a little girl is crying for help. Classy, Green, real classy.

5(Purple): Gold, I really don't think there's an actual girl down there. I know, as a medic, it's your higher calling to help people in need, but you need to keep your head clear here. This isn't ER, this is quite possibly not even Earth anymore. The likelihood of a human child down there is minuscule.

3(Gold): So you think this is a dimensional gate of some sorts?

5(Purple): I can't say, all I know is we haven't seen anything yet to exclude that possibility.

3(Gold): Well, if so, isn't it possible that there's a temporal anomaly at the bottom of this thing, and a kid got lost in it at some point?

5(Purple): Sure, it's possible, but you need to tell apart possibility from probability. It is 100% possible, but experience shows that SCPs very rarely are exactly what they appear to be.

2(Red): Well, I'm with Nat on this one, it is getting pretty annoying.

3(Gold): What's a "nat"?

2(Red): You… nevermind.

4(Green): Ok, guys, I think we're ready. I'll rappel down, swing to the slope, and attach the rope. Then you follow, one by one.

1(Blue): You gotta leave the radio behind. Two will descend last, he'll pick it up. We don’t want to lose contact with Control if the rope breaks or…

4(Green): Something jumps and eats me? I suppose you're right.

77-4 leaves behind the radio station and starts to lower himself into the cave where the missing staircase is. 5 minutes pass.

4(Green)(over comms headset): I've reached the end of the rope. No monsters so far. Problem is, I have no sense of direction down here. One of you must swing the rope on the correct axis.

2(Red): Alright, let's see. Bearing 229 is that way, meaning… like this…

77-2 leans over the edge while holding himself with his feet to the railing, and is further held by 77-1 by his vest. 77-2 starts jerking motions on the rope in direction roughly perpendicular to the expected cave slope.

4(Green): Yep, I'm feeling it, baby, rock me harder.

2(Red): You really are an annoying prick, Green, you know that?

4(Green): Yeah, I was told during the divorce hearing.

2(Red): I'd really like a word with whoever deemed you stable enough for MTF duty.

4(Green): They had no choice, little Red riding hood, how many experienced climbers do you think even apply or qualify for a job at the Foundation? Come on, put your back into OWWWW!

1(Blue): Green, status?

4(Green): Motherfucker. Just smacked the slope. Alright, easy now, here we go. First cam is in place. We're lucky with the wall, seems even a newbie climber can survive it. Let me fix this a bit more stable, and you can start moving.

1(Blue): Alright, Wilkins, do your thing.

4(Green): For the last time, my name is Green!

The rest of 77 receive word from 77-4 that the rope is sufficiently secured, and start climbing down. 77-1 goes first, followed by 77-3 and 77-5. 77-2 goes last, after picking up the high-gain radio station. After one hour of controlled descend, the team reaches the bottom of the cave.

1(Blue): Control, we're at the bottom.

C1: Mission time 03:11:00. What's your situation?

1(Blue): Team is in good condition. Lighting conditions remain unchanged, it's still dark. The floor surface is indeed glass-smooth, similar to the cut in the wall at landing 51. Since our target landing 650 doesn't seem to exist anymore, we'll set up base camp here and examine the cave. Status of Primary Objective is inconclusive.

C1: Agreed. Focus on Secondary Objective until data is uncovered on the condition or location of D-9884. Then we'll run a new priority assessment. Control out.

77 establishes base camp at the cave floor, directly underneath the rope. Team runs a supply estimate and rations food and water for 2 day stay, and estimated 12-hour climb back. 77-5 reassembles the spectrograph-laser mapping device and leaves it running at base camp. Control builds a 99.9% complete mapping of terrain in 500m radius around base camp. Map establishes the expected semi-rough wall composition, and mirror-smooth floor, with the exception of a single 6m x 10m region about 300 meters from base camp. At roughly MT 05:45:00, an expedition consisting of 77-2 and 77-5 is launched to ascertain the nature of the region. 77-2 is equipped with 77-1's live AV-streaming device.

1(Blue): Control, two and five have left base camp.

C1: Two, five, comms check.

2(Red): Check.

5(Purple): Check.

1(Blue): Mission parameters - establish nature, apparent anomalous properties, and threat level of unmapped region. Keep constant radio connection. Do not enter unmapped region. After 10 minutes of no contact, we will launch a rescue party. Don't count too much on it, though, and be careful out there.

2(Red): Roger, boss. Purple, did you bring the spectrograph?

5(Purple): Of course. Initial mapping shows this lines up perfectly with the top end of the stairwell. I bet it's a continuation of the stairwell.

2(Red): So that would mean this entire cave happened after the thing was built?

5(Purple): It's a possibility.

2(Red): It looks artificial though. Perhaps something went wrong with it, perhaps 087 suffered some sort of malfunction, causing this weird hollow thing to appear in the middle of it.

5(Purple): Or it may be another SCP or a group that interfered with it. Either way, we're getting close.

2(Red): Control, entering visual range now.

C1: Roger, standing by.

5(Purple): …Oh, really?

2(Red): Control, Five was right, it is the staircase again. It starts right off from the floor. It's smooth cut.

Video feed, albeit a bit degraded from distance, clearly shows a laser-fine cut in the concrete of the staircase and the metal railing. The entire surface that is part of the cave floor is converted to glass-smooth material. The rest of the staircase appears ordinary.

5(Purple): No.

2(Red): What's wrong?

5(Purple): No, I… I don't know… We've got to get out of here.

77-5 starts stepping away from the stairs.

2(Red): What's wrong, talk to me.

5(Purple): It's… it's all wrong, it's… it's messed up. Oh God. That's not natural.

2(Red): Well, we're in an SCP, of course it's not natural…

5(Purple): No, you don't understand! This is wrong.

2(Red): Ok… alright, look. We'll go back. Ok?

C1: Two, we would like…

2(Red): Control, shut up for a second, please. Purple, look at me. We're going back. We'll go away. Okay?

5(Purple): Yeah.. Yes. Thank you.

2(Red): In order to go away, we must first do this.

77-2 sprays 77-5 with a mixture of HHDR1 and HMDR9. 77-5 appears to immediately calm down and enter a relaxed, but cognitive state.

5(Purple): Oh. Right. Thanks!

2(Red): No problem, Purp. How are you feeling?

5(Purple): Much better. I don't know what that was… I'd like to get some readings from those stairs.

2(Red): We're not supposed to enter them.

5(Purple): Well, we're supposed to ascertain their anomalous properties…

It becomes apparent on record that 77-5 speaks in a higher pitch than normal.

5(Purple): …and its threat level. And that's where the threat is, isn't it?

2(Red): I suppose so.

1(Blue): Two, no, return to base now.

5(Purple): You're a big boy with a big gun, you'll keep me safe down there in the dark, won't you?

2(Red): I… Yeah… I sure will.

5(Purple): Well…

77-5 steps on the first concrete step beneath the cave floor level and takes 77-2's hand in hers.

5(Purple): Come on, then.

1(Blue): Two, Five, what the actual fuck is wrong with you, get on with the mission objective!

5(Purple): Ooh, I am about to get on an objective alright!

77-5 rips out AV equipment from herself and 77-2. Video feed shows the dark floor.

C1: Control here, One, please go and get those fools.

3(Gold): No, wait. Control, this started after Red sprayed her with the calming agents. Both of them. Both Red and Blue were also sprayed. If the anomalous property manifests through a reaction of these chemicals, you'd be sending Blue in a… well… in a threesome, essentially. Me and Green are the only ones who haven't had that thing sprayed on us yet. We should go get them.

C1: Good point. However that leaves One… or Blue, as you call him, alone at base camp, and under the effect of the meds. Not advisable. Control insists that all of you go together. You may administer anesthetics to One if he is affected. Does that sound like a plan, One?

1(Blue): Affirmative, just please don't overdose me.

Rescue team consisting of 77-1, 77-3 and 77-4 arrive at the new staircase. The first landing is dark, but sounds, consistent with an intense sexual act can be heard. 1, 3 and 4 wait at the top for a minute.

3(Gold): Blue, how are you feeling?

1(Blue): A little frisky, but considering the soundtrack… I don't think I'll jump you, though, don't worry. I think the effect is weakened. Ling must have breathed in some of the mixture when he sprayed her, it was pretty close range. I'm fine.

3(Gold): Alright… Green, you go first, I've got to keep this one under supervision.

4(Green): Guys… I don't think… This feels weird. This feels…

3(Gold): It is weird, they're fucking like hamsters on cocaine! Just go.

4(Green): No, that's not what I mean. Something… Something's off.

1(Blue): Oh for fuck sake, come on Three, let's get these kids outta there.

77-1 picks up his discarded AV streaming device and rushes down the staircase, immediately followed by 77-3. 77-4 remains at the entrance.

Video feed shows 77-2 and 77-5 with eyes glowing in a dim white light, naked, engaged in sexual activities. 77-2 notices 77-3.

2(Red): Oh, Purp, look! Who would've thought we'd find Gold down here!

5(Purple): Oh, perfect, she's perfect! Come here, Gold, play a little "doctor, doctor" with me!

3(Gold): Alright, baby, ask and you shall receive.

77-3 approaches 77-5 from behind and puts her in a head lock, at which point 77-5 apparently reaches climax. 77-3 uses the moment to inject her with anesthetics. 77-5 loses consciousness. 77-3 throws the syringe to 77-1.

3(Gold): Your turn!

77-1 catches the syringe and injects the rest of the anesthetics in 77-2, who also loses consciousness. 77-3 and 77-1 proceed to drag 77-2 and 77-5 out of the stairwell and onto the cave floor.

4(Green): Are they okay? Are they dead?!

3(Gold): They'll be fine. In fact, I think that's close to the best they've ever felt. Come on, help me get them dressed. We gotta move.

4(Green): Agreed, this place gives me the creeps.

77-1, 3 and 4 quickly dress up 77-2 and 5, gather any scattered equipment, and head back to base camp.

C1: Mission time 06:30:00. Sitrep.

1(Blue): I think everyone should respond to that individually. I'm fine, a bit tired.

2(Red): I have no idea what the fuck happened. Control, did you see anything?

C1: We saw too much.

3(Gold): I'm okay. The new staircase gives off a very repulsive vibe.

5(Purple): I thought it was romantic…

4(Green): You are all nuts. I'm locked 5 kilometers underground with a bunch of crazy people.

C1: Okay, here's the revised plan. You will have two hours rest. Drink plenty of fluids, even if that means compromising rationing - you've got to clean up those chemicals. After rest and detox, One and Five will head down the staircase, followed after 5 minutes by Two, Three and Four. You are to proceed 100 floors down. If no accidents occur and nothing of significance is found, you are to head back to base camp, do recon of the far side of the cave, and then exfil. Confirm.

1(Blue): Confirmed.

C1: In case anything interesting happens on the staircase, we'll assess.

2(Red): I got to assess a bit, I think…

5(Purple): God damn it, Red…

C1: Enjoy your rest, Control out.

Two hours pass without incident.

C1: Mission time 08:35:00. Sitrep.

1(Blue): Team reports 100% efficiency. Toxins seem to dissipate in accordance with Control's estimates. We are ready to proceed.

C1: Good to know. Need re-briefing on the plan?

1(Blue): No need. Me and Five go down first, tailed by the rest in 5 minutes. Go down 100 levels. If no incident, retreat, scout cave, and exfil. If incident, improvise.

C1: Affirmative. Proceed when ready.

1(Blue): Alright, guys, everyone up for this?

4(Green): Let's go.

Team nods.

77 proceeds to staircase entrance. 77-1 and 77-5 begin descend.

1(Blue): Ok, we're on the first landing. Nothing out of the ordinary. Proceeding down the second flight.

Video feed shows the second landing is significantly larger than normal. It extends into a room of roughly 10m x 10m area. Visibility reverts to normal, illumination by flood lamps lights up the entire room. The pleading vocalizations are immediately identifiable as in close proximity.

1(Blue): Control, are you seeing this?

C1: We are. Move carefully.

77-1 moves slowly into the room. Upon looking around, video feed shows that yet another flight of stairs continues further down into darkness. 77-1 moves towards the far wall of the landing. The wall appears to be covered with reflective liquid similar to mercury, that is moving in calm, random fashion, consisting of both ripples and bumps. The wall emits uneven dim white light. The sound appears to be coming from the other side.

1(Blue): Ling, keep your eyes on that stairwell, please.

2(Red): Sure thing, boss.

77-2 assumes position on the top of the descending flight of stairs and readies his weapon.

1(Blue): Purple, what's your take on this?

5(Purple): It appears to be some sort of a barrier. No way to tell if spatial, temporal, both, or other. Spectrometer says it emits on almost every frequency, especially short-wave UV.

3(Gold): Short-wave UV? It's a germicide then? Could that be this place's version of decontamination protocol? I should take a probe…

77-3 takes out a vial and approaches the wall. Upon touching the wall, the liquid immediately flattens into a perfect mirror surface. It reflects all members of the team, but not the room. Instead, it shows a chamber roughly the size of a baseball field. The chamber contains five visible, assumed total of six, sarcophagus-shaped objects with dimensions of approximately 20x7x5 meters. The objects are arranged in circle, facing a center column. 77-3 appears to have switched places with her reflection, the reflection appearing as a transparent hologram-like apparition on the staircase side of the mirror. 77-3 seems confused to see other team members on the other side of the mirror. About 5 meters behind 77-3, the body of a young woman is seen lying curled up on the ground - assumed to be D-9884. Vitals can not be established. 77-3 appears to notice D-9884's reflection and turns around.

1(Blue): Ling, assume command.

77-1 walks towards the mirror and upon contact, also switches places with his reflection, the reflection is again projected as an apparition in the staircase room.

77-3 has reached the body. Upon touching the body, the wall immediately transforms into a regular concrete wall, losing all transparent and reflective properties. Contact with 77-1 and 77-3 is lost. The room is once again consumed by darkness. Pleading vocalizations stop.

2(Red): God damn, what the fuck now…

5(Purple): They're in there.

77-2 touches the wall - no effect manifests.

2(Red): Purp, how do we get them out?

5(Purple): The gateway seems to have closed… No idea…

2(Red): Ricks, respond. Ricks. Nat, respond. Gold? For fuck sake, Green, can that thing be boosted?

4(Green): The radio station?.. Yeah, but it will run out of juice sooner. We may lose contact with Control.

C1: You are allowed to modify the station and attempt to restore contact with One and Three. If that fails, you are to exfil immediately. Copy?

2(Red): Copy. Green, time?

4(Green): It's by design, I just have to flip a switch. Gimme a second. There, done.

2(Red): Ricks! Are you there? Natasha! Anyone, respond!

Radio receives audio of rapid heartbeat and a low cracking noise for 5 seconds, after which goes back to silence.

2(Red): Alright, plan B. Control, are you reading me?

C1: Go for Control.

2(Red): I'm blowing up this son of a bitch.

C1: Two, the area has already experienced one seismic even, we strongly advise against this course of action.

2(Red): They may be right over that wall for all we know! We have to try! Green and Purple - you are to retreat back to the rope. The top staircase should be stable enough. The glass bottom of the cave should absorb the shock. Even if it doesn't, it's not likely to translate to the upper structure. Go now, double time.

5(Pruple): Wait…

2(Red): Go, for fuck sake, I'm not leaving them behind, but I'm not exposing you to this either. Go. That is a direct order.

At that point radio contact with RTF-77 is lost for approximately 44 minutes. At around MT 09:11:00, seven minutes after contact is lost, seismology center in proximity to SCP-087 reports a light reading consistent with C4 detonating underground. At around MT 09:48:00 crackling sounds are heard on radio frequency, designated for contact with RTF-Gamma-77. At around MT 09:50:00 contact with the remnants of RTF-Gamma-77 is established.

4(Green): Control? Are you there? This is Green.

Crying and pleading is heard in the background.

C1: Four? What happened? Where are you?

4(Green): We're up on the staircase. Platform 89 or whatever… That crazy son of a bitch blew it up…

C1: Four, we are hearing the crying vocalizations again, can you confirm?

4(Green): What? No, that's Purple.

C1: Is Two with you?

4(Green): No, aren't you listening? He fucking blew himself up, that's why she's crying.

C1: Clarify, you are saying 77-2 is KIA, is that correct?

4(Green): Yeah. Well, no, I can't really be sure, but that explosion was fucking huge.

Crying and wailing continues in background.

C1: Ok, so it's just you and Five? One and Thee are still behind the gate, and Two is presumed KIA?

4(Green): That's right. Tell us what to do, I don't… I jerry-rigged that thing with flood lamp batteries, I don't know how much juice it has left, we may lose contact any moment.

10 seconds of muffled dialogue in Control.

C1: Exfil immediately. Climb up at careful pace. Do not overstrain yourselves. Take rests every 20 platforms. This mission is over. Save whatever equipment, probes and records you can.

4(Green): So we're leaving them?

C1: Their fate is in their own hands now. Come up. Over.

Contact with 77 is once again lost. Roughly two hours later a loud banging is heard on ground level door. 77-4 identifies himself and the door is opened. 77-4 and 77-5 extract successfully from hot zone and are debriefed. Amnestics are not issued, but 77-5 is kept under anesthesia for an unknown period of time due to fragile emotional state.

Over a period of 2 weeks following Exploration IV, several members of the staff and students from the [REDACTED] campus reported knocking at a variable rate from the interior of SCP-087. Initially, the science team assumed 77-2 may have actually survived and reached the surface, but object failed to identify himself or produce a coherent signal or knocking typical to a human being in distress. Once enough statistical data on the knocking was gathered, over the course of two weeks, the team picked a time at which it was least likely the entity producing the knocking would be present at the ground level door, and dispatched a team to perform express insulation of the door. The operation was synced, timed and executed to perfection over the course of 11 seconds. The gate was opened, industrial-grade insulation foam and sealant were sprayed over the internals and all contact surfaces, and the door was closed. Construction team members were prohibited from looking at the staircase. No incident has been recorded since. 77-2 was never recovered.

At March 11, ████ - almost a year after the events of Exploration IV, the bodies of RTF-Gamma-77 members One and Three were discovered by natives, at 7,600 meters above sea level, near a cave entrance on the south-eastern slope of mount Nanga Parbat in Pakistani Himalaya (roughly ████ kilometers from SCP-087's location). Autopsy revealed cause of death as severe hypothermia. Their equipment was salvaged, albeit severely damaged by cold and humidity. Video was too degraded to be salvageable from local storage, however after over a year of processing and reconstruction, audio clips were salvaged. After the recovered audio files were examined by Level 4 staff and elevated to O5 attention, along with the full mission log, an executive ban of any test and exploration activities regarding SCP-087 was issued.

SALVAGED AUDIO

3(Gold): What happened?

1(Blue): It just vanished… I don't…

D-9884: What happened? Who are you? Where…

Audio stream destroyed beyond reconstruction.

D-9884: No! You must leave! He can see you! He's inside my head! Get… Get him out! Please, please, I can't… Please, pl…

1(Blue): Who's inside your head? Cal…

Audio stream destroyed beyond reconstruction.

D-9884: …trying to get out… I mean, he's been trying to get in, but now that he's in, he doesn't… I don't know, I don't get it, please, I wanna go home, I just wanna go home!.. I did what you people asked, please! Please let me go home now!

1(Blue): Doc, can we give her something to calm her down, just a bit, not put her unde…

Audio stream destroyed beyond reconstruction.

D-9884 screaming.

3(Gold): What the hell is happening, I don't get it..?

1(Blue): What did you give her?

3(Gold): Nothing, just a mild…

D-9884: I see! I see!

Voice of D-9884 sounds heavily distorted and in severe pain.

D-9884: A way out… [STATIC] …████ years. Such a disgust… [STATIC] …insult to the primordial…

Audio stream destroyed beyond reconstruction.

1(Blue): Who the hell are you?

D-9884: Took my name and now asks it, filth. You will know soon. You will carry soon, when it dies. It is weak already. You will carry and I will feed on your fire.

Sudden loud distortion.

Audio stream destroyed beyond reconstruction.

1(Blue): …the glass is broken! The way is shut! You're not getting out, you son of a bitch! Not through us, not through anyone! Game over!

3(Gold): Ah! Let go!!

Gunshot, consistent with 77-1's issued handgun.

Cracking and rumbling.

Unknown: Trespassers.

Voice of Unknown sounds deep and echoing, but clear. Frequency analysis shows much less frequency variance than normal for a human.

D-9884: The old one has woken. Your [REDACTED].

Unknown: Not here.

Loud thud.

Audio stream destroyed beyond reconstruction.

D-9884: …can have no hope… [STATIC] …falls the seventh pillar, the cracks I feel even here, the cracks in the ch…

Loud thud.

Audio stream destroyed beyond reconstruction.

Unknown: …do not belong here. Not like him. He belongs far… and deep. But he knows now. The age of shadows has begun. She is gone too. My slumber can not resume. I will die.

1(Blue): Can't you help us get out?

Unknown: You can not. Cells are unreachable. Bottom of the ocean… Mouth of volcano… Highest mountain peaks, under deepest rock. We do not leave. Within these cells, we are interlinked.

3(Gold): Is there no way to travel to another cell? Even one on a mountain peak would be better than this. Maybe the Foundation could pick up a beacon…

1(Blue): We don't have beacons.

3(Gold): That we know of! What we do have are these! These have to get out. Somehow. Some way. They must know!

Unknown: Sacrifice. Noble. I understand. My life is forfeit. You are different, fireflies. But maybe still children enough. After all, you passed our temple's… [STATIC] …strong of mind and of heart. My link may…

Audio stream destroyed beyond reconstruction.

Loud wind howling.

3(Gold): …cold. Where are we? Can't descend this, it's vertical.

1(Blue): They'll find us. They must. T…

Audio stream destroyed beyond reconstruction.