VIDEO LOG

NOTE: MFT CHARYBDIS is a cybernetically augmented four-person unit, part of an organization known as the Centre. Audiovisual footage was gathered from each CHARYBDIS operative and compiled into one abridged transcript.

CHARYBDIS operatives appear unaffected by the anomaly. Whether this is related to their extra-universal origin, a memetic hardening developed during their training, or some other effect is as-yet-unknown.

After the start of the Event, Mobile Task Force Eta-4 (“Begone Thoth”) recommended that CHARYBDIS proceed to Outpost-24-B and remain there until the cessation of the Event. While travelling to Outpost-24-B, an overwhelming force of Type-BE entities engaged CHARYBDIS, forcing the team to abandon operator Leah Řezník (CHARYBDIS-3). Fully transformed Type-BE entities discovered Outpost-24-B about 4 hr later.

[BEGIN LOG]

C-4 Haruki: Sir, they're attempting access to the main entrance. Can't we do something about it? [She motions punching actions.]

C-1 Quinn: Eta-4 told us to keep indoors, C-4. You can do your punching when we figure out what in the Leviathan's asshole is happening. Capisce?

C-4 Haruki: See, this is why I should've brought my new drone! I could clobber those Deviants from within the comfort of these air-conditioned walls. [She continues motioning punching actions.]

C-2 Jaedan: Are you sure about us staying put, Quinn? When the birdbrains find a way to burst in here, we'll be packed like sardines. I'd rather be stuck out there than in here, you know.

C-4 Haruki: Caught between some birdbrains and a hard-head? I don't know about you, but I embrace death's sweet release.

C-1 Quinn: [To Eta-4 over comms.] Eta-4, is the Moon still being weird?

E-4 Lead Keshrayuth (COM): Affirmative, although… By Medila's grace, it's left your kind unmarred. If only we could test–

C-1 Quinn: So, you're saying we're green to engage?

[Pause.]

E-4 Lead Keshrayuth (COM): Yes, but I require your efforts at Site-18 ASAP. The other half of Eta-4 is stationed in the Midwest investigating the monument, so right now, I need all the resources I can get.

C-1 Quinn: Roger that, E-4 Leader. [To CHARYBDIS.] C-2, C-4, let's link up with C-3 and then get back to base. [To C-3 Leah over comms.] C-3, are you there? You're never this quiet. You're usually yammering your mouthpiece off.

C-3 Leah (COM): I'm here, Cap. Can't make too much noise, they're close.

C-1 Quinn: What's your position?

C-3 Leah (COM): Abandoned farmhouse, edge of Wakeford. They're squawking, waiting for me to come out.

C-1 Quinn: Hold your position, C-3; we're coming to get you!

C-3 Leah (COM): Hurry!

[CHARYBDIS exits Outpost-24-B and flies toward Leah's location by use of back-mounted rocket packs within their suits. Multiple Type-BE entities follow.]

[After a 2-min flight, CHARYBDIS approaches the farmhouse. C-1 Quinn and C-4 Haruki land on the roof and hold position. C-2 Jaedan attempts to dodge a Type-BE instance in mid-flight and crashes through the farmhouse wall.]

C-4 Haruki: Watch your tail!

[Three entities pursue him.]

C-2 Jaedan: Shit!

[Jaedan struggles, lifting debris off his person.]

C-2 Jaedan: Yeesh, these things reek. [To Leah over comms.] Leah, you there? Come out; I don't fuck around with hide-and-seek, you know?

C-3 Leah: Right above you, Jae Jae!

[Leah dives from the rafters and lands atop an entity. A second entity swipes its talons at her, scratching her suit. She strikes it before a third entity tackles her.]

C-2 Jaedan: Nobody ever mentions how terrible things will smell after the world ends, do they, Leah?

[The second entity screeches while Jaedan combats it. Two more entities enter the farmhouse and engage with Jaedan. Leah wrestles free from the third entity.]

C-3 Leah: Oh my Thoth, they do reek!

C-2 Jaedan: Come on, you heard what the bird lady said — don't invoke the name. That gives him, like, powers or some shit. [He dispatches the third entity and kicks it away.] Listen: Between you and me, I don't remember half the things she's told us.

[Three more entities enter the farmhouse and attack both Jaedan and Leah.]

C-3 Leah: What do you want? We have nothing for you! Leave us alone!

C-1 Quinn (COM): What in the depths is going on down there? It sounds like an illegal cockfight. C-2, grab C-3 and fly the damn coop!

[Leah uppercuts a nearby entity and dispatches it with ease. She turns and connects her fist with another entity's face, which crumples inwards. Five more entities enter.]

C-2 Jaedan: We punch one and two more swoop in to take its place. You know, I liked it better when we faced Selachians. [He pummels an entity, and Leah incapacitates it.] They kept us on our toes, but it felt so good knowing how much of a difference we were making.

C-3 Leah: While you reminisce, I'll worry about not getting turned into bird feed, thanks. Let's go!

[Leah kicks over a stack of hay bales, and the pair flies through the wall and onto the roof.]

[A nearby entity follows the pair and perches in a stationary position atop the roof. It folds back its wings while vocalizing a high-pitched chirping sound in Jaedan's direction.]

C-4 Haruki: Jaedan, I think he likes you!

C-2 Jaedan: [To the entity.] Okay, hear me out. We can't take you home. That's against protocol. So, either you leave right now, or my boys over here will send you to Kingdom Come. [He showcases his arms, flexing.]

[Leah inspects the entity. It displays feathers with a brown colouration and bears copious amounts of jewellery that dangle from its neck and arms.]

C-3 Leah: He doesn't look so scary. What do you think, Cap, can we keep him?

C-1 Quinn: At the bottom of a deep dark hole, sure! [He laughs.] You know, we haven't actually recovered one of these things yet.

C-2 Jaedan: So what? I don't want it!

C-1 Quinn: [Over comms.] E-4 Lead, we've encountered a non-hostile Type-BE entity. Permission to take it into custody?

E-4 Lead Keshrayuth (COM): Very well, but hurry. I'd like to restrict today's operations to today. We're still unaware of what implications this anomaly might have at night.

C-1 Quinn: You heard the lady. C-2, grab the Deviant. Let's get back to base, team!

[END LOG]

CLOSING REMARKS: I'm not sure if the Black Moon howls, but I do know the Blue Moon screeches.