#fhq.plot

[lieutenanthowell]

ACT I, chapter i, STORY BEAT - Introductions

He wasn't late. Just arriving no earlier, at all, than was remotely acceptable. Because he didn't want to fucking be there. It was nothing more malicious than that. Guin could read a goddamn site map. Could keep himself fed, watered, laundered, caffeinated. When a need arose, he'd hunt down whatever was on the other end of it. Point was, given back the who-knows-how-long this whole affair turned out to be, he'd figure out some better way to spend the time. Wouldn't be hard.

Still, low as his expectations were, Chi-00 managed worse. Ankle-shattering, really. He'd swayed to a stop just inside the door, his scan of the small, settling crowd fixing once, twice. Christ. So. That's how it was. That's just how it was gonna be.

Well. Spared him figuring out a few texts, anyway. Didn't it? No. Not really. He'd never been one for silver linings. That shit was always thin as tinfoil, when you really looked at it.

So he sat. At the back. Nearest the door. Easy to see everything he might need to, from there. Easy to leave, first, after however these my-dumbass-callsign-is-s were done with. Not that it mattered too much, in his case; what the hell could a codename really do for him? Hardly any of his life at all was on record. At least, outside the Foundation itself. And the closest thing he had to connections, people to keep compartmentalized away from all this - if he'd been the kind of moron who figured he could pull that off, which he never was - were here. Or dead. Or gone.

The get-to-know-yous dragged on for a little longer, out there; Guin, he'd set his combat boots flat on the floor and closed his eyes. Against the simmering fluorescent lights, all these eyes he did and didn't know. Didn't do dick for the noise, of course, echoing off the glassy walls of this too-small room. Couldn't close them out, either. Both of them, the last two people he - Christ. Both of them. Vera, with that loved-thin green jacket slung over the chair next to her. Like she was waiting for someone. That someone they'd been waiting for, ever since that night in the snow. And Nadia, wound tighter than any steel trap. Could see that grip she had on herself working all the way up her arms, caught between her teeth, the lock of her jaw.

He'd seen them. They'd seen him. And they'd all have a goddamn year locked into this, to - do their jobs. Together. Again. Shit.

He could do that. Sure. He could do this, too. Wasn't even any microphone in hand, onstage crap. Guin stayed put as the first impressions kicked off, tracking the room's interest from person to person. His own ticked to each face in turn, then away, as he listened to everybody storm or stumble through their introductions. Then - then all that attention settled on his shoulders. He didn't stand. Just spread his hands. Present. Accounted for. "I'm, ah - Dying Breed. Apparently." Which was funny, seeing as... he had something like a laugh about it, anyway. Only vaguely like a laugh. "All you need to know is: I'll do whatever I can to get you out of any trouble you're in. That'll be the case even if I don't like you much. And if all you are is pieces, then - same goes. I'll get something of you home, if I can." He side-slid his jaw, feeling the tug of that still-newish scar, tight. His stare had found the analog clock tick-ticking on the wall; it glared back, like there was something else he was supposed to say, or do, but... God, there was always something. Wasn't there? That's what all that debriefing always came down to, right? That there was always something you should've done different. Would've, could've.

His cut-up cheek twitched - snarl-like, a glimpse of teeth to it - as he lipped a cigarette out of the pack he'd fished from his tac pants. "But chances are you won't hear shit from me until we're in the field in any kind of way. Or unless this place goes to hell." Guin scuffed the low knuckle of his thumb across and around the socket of his left eye, squinting as he considered his matchbook. "So - until then. Uh..." Another toss of his hands, a half-shake of his head. "Watch out." On that dead-flat note, he rocked out of his chair. "Taking a fifteen, boss," he rasped, flicking a loose salute in the general direction of their new commander, presumably. Then he did precisely that.

[foundationhq]

As you login to a work computer at Site-φ’s main base, you notice a new notification in your SCiPNET inbox. As the computer renders the splash image at a snail's pace, you squint at the title. The Phi-thon? It turns out to be a monthly newsletter... but what catches your eye is the announcement of a new member for THE BROKEN SCALES OF THEMIS.

𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒉𝒍𝒚 𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑴𝒆𝒏𝒖

The monthly menu for March, as curated by CHEF DE CUISINE Fulgence Carême, will be available for a limited time alongside the regular menu with meat, fish, vegetarian, as well as vegan options for our staff.

BREAKFAST (6AM - 10:30 AM)

Sausage Royale Croissant Roll with cheddar cheese, beef sausage patty, two strips bacon, fried egg. Garnished with dill and parsley. With spiced ketchup to taste.

Salmon Belly Royale Croissant Roll with wild salmon, crème fraîche, spinach and collard green hollandaise, topped with ikura-style salmon roe and salmon skin cracklings.

Mushroom Royale Croissant Roll (V) with grilled portobello, cremini, and king oyster mushrooms, crispy shallots, onion jam, and a herby rosemary sauce.

LUNCH (12 PM - 5 PM)

Cheese & Leek Croquettes with yukon gold potatoes, confit pearl onions, and black garlic chips.

Soft-shell Crab Tempura Burger with deep-fried whole soft-shell crab, pickled cabbage, sorrel, arugula, iceberg lettuce, ponzu vinaigrette or parmesan mayo. Comes with old bay fries.

Heirloom Tomato Preserve Flatbread (V) with arkansas traveler, aunt ruby's german green, hillbilly, and purple calabash varieties. Comes with olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip.

DINNER (5 PM - CLOSE)

Slow-roasted Pistachio Lamb with mint and pistachio crusted lamb leg, roasted cauliflower and new potatoes, horseradish cream, and truffle-infused gravy.

Pan-seared Yuzu Scallops with hazelnuts, clementine slices, and yuzu beurre blanc sauce. Comes with a light slaw salad.

Crispy Hen-of-the-Woods Mushroom Platter (V) with a medley of grilled wild mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and quinoa-wild rice pilaf. Garnished with walnuts and vegan pesto.

DESSERT Fresh seasonal berries with Chai-spiced Clotted Cream with strawberries, blueberries, currants, blackberries, and gooseberries. Chai spice contains clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and ginger.

Coffee Caramel Frozen Brazo de Mercedes with blended coffee ice cream, peanuts, cashews, and warm caramel sauce.

Vegan Raspberry Coconut Mousse Parfait (V) with silken tofu, agave syrup, raspberries, and layered with vegan dark chocolate cookie crumble, and topped with roasted coconut shavings.

𝑾𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈

All personnel please be advised that there is a WEATHER WARNING in effect from 0100 to 2400 on March 29th; heavy cloud cover is expected to sock in during the early hours, accompanied shortly by freezing rain and sleet. Blizzard conditions should be in full force before 0500. Barring direct orders from Site Director Osterholz or, if applicable, MTFC 𝑆𝑀𝑂𝑂𝑇𝐻 𝑂𝑃𝐸𝑅𝐴𝑇𝑂𝑅, any unnecessary outdoor activities should be curtailed. Remain indoors. Do not be alarmed when blinds are lowered and locked in position; this is normal procedure at Site-φ in the case of extreme weather. There is nothing to see in the snow. You are not missing out.

𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒏𝒖𝒕𝒔 𝒓𝒐𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝒂 𝑺𝒊𝒕𝒆-𝑨𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒆

by SECURITY CAPTAIN J. Kato

How about that forecast, Site-φ! In honor of what’s probably going to be the last blizzard of the spring (don’t hold me to that, I’m no meteorologist! :D) Site Security will be hosting a bonfire at the campground the evening of March 28th. Come get cozy before the storm hits! BYOTTB (Bring Your Own Things* To Burn). *Adhering to all regulations re: flammable substances and safe use of the communal campground, found under Hazardous Materials (Reg. F-451) and Outdoor Recreation (Regs. C-10 through -14) in the Personnel Handbook.

RSVP! →

📍 all muses are welcome to attend this open event, taking place at the on-site campground on the evening of March 28th. These threads may be written whenever you like before the act closes, so long as they are dated to that time! several bonfires will be set and maintained by site-φ security personnel from nightfall to midnight. hot chocolate and non-alcoholic cider will be available; muses are welcome to bring food and/or shredder-ready paperwork, photographs of regrets, evidence of wrongdoings, unwanted papercrafts, and disappointing research to burn. there is also an optional interactive roll for a random [𝙲𝙻𝙰𝚂𝚂𝙸𝙵𝙸𝙴𝙳] element!

𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒊𝒆'𝒔 (𝑰𝒏)𝑭𝒂𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝑭𝒊𝒔𝒉

Following several hospitalizations linked to the most recent serving of Frankie’s Famous Fish last month, all waivers have been destroyed and future shipments of “fish” scratched from the order. Anyone who sees or smells “fish” should report this to Site Security. Site Administration would like to stress and remind personnel not to try Frankie’s Famous Fish at the cafeteria; do not believe the rumors the dish gives you powers if you survive. If anyone has seen Frankie, inform him that the HR Department and Director Osterholz desires a meeting. Immediately.

𝑫𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒏𝒔�� 𝑺𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒓 & 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒃𝒂𝒕 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑨𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕

The Security Department will continue to offer self-defense and weapons handling classes. Additionally, Op. 𝐷𝑌𝐼𝑁𝐺 𝐵𝑅𝐸𝐸𝐷 has been ordered to conduct combat readiness assessments on all members of MTF Chi-00. When asked for comment, he replied: “That so?” and stated that they should “Be on time.” Requests for elaboration were met with a smile, precisely one nod, and what may have been a laugh. Additional, remedial seminars can be arranged with Captain Kato in advance of your assessment.

BOOK A TIME! →

𝐿𝑎𝑏 𝐴𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠

Lab spaces may still be booked through the Head of Research at Site-φ. Please let them know what you intend to research, and be advised that lab space is in slightly shorter than usual supply due to “a Newt-related incident.” Newt, who is a good dog, does not understand what this could be referring to. Neither does anyone else who was in the lab at the alleged time of the incident. Head of research insists that Newt “knows what he did.”

SUBMIT A REQUEST! →

📍 players are welcome to request a lab space for their researchers by contacting rp mgmt. please note that requesting a space as a themis member would immediately jump the line of the other scientists at the site. some themis researchers, depending on their prestige, may be given a full team of lab assistants to aid in their noble pursuit to secure, contain, and protect.

𝑾𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒍𝒖𝒃 𝑺𝒊𝒈𝒏-𝑼𝒑𝒔

The Walking Club, a group of highly-intelligent pack of dogs, is looking for new members! remember — DON’T WALK ALONE. That is a formal directive, not a request. Joining the Walking Club is especially critical given the WEATHER WARNING soon to be in effect; any personnel who need to move between site buildings while the WARNING is active must contact the Walking Club. The correct way to contact the Walking Club is to step through the nearest door, close it behind you,* and whistle as loud as possible. If you are not a good whistler, that is okay! There is no such thing as a bad whistle if you put your heart into it! The Walking Club will still hear you and arrive shortly. *If Newt has chosen you as his walking buddy, you are advised to brace yourself against the door before whistling, to prevent injury.

𝑺𝒊𝒕𝒆-φ 𝑱𝒐𝒃 𝑩𝒐𝒂𝒓𝒅

The following “odd jobs,” which are in no way “odd” or “unusual,” are currently available, on an as-available, non-urgent basis, personnel schedules permitting. Consider being a Site-φ neighbor and lend a hand if you can!

GROW-LIGHT GARDEN ASSISTANT posted by HEAD GARDENER S. Oz Do you appreciate site-acceptable greenery? Do you feel “well”? Do you enjoy communing with the earth, unto which our mortal flesh will someday return, if we are lucky? Join the Grow-Light Garden Staff! BRING: your own garden-ready gloves and/or knee pads. DO NOT BRING: negative energies. Seriously. Do not. For everyone's sakes. EDIT: This position has been filled.

SUPPORT ARCHIVIST posted by HEAD LIBRARIAN and ARCHIVIST Dr. W. Zai While Junior Archivist M. Leitner recovers from unwise choices as regards his seafood intake, the Site-φ archives are in need of additional hands. These hands will, ideally, be experienced in standard archival procedures. EDIT: This position has been filled.

CONTACT NOW! →

📍 players are welcome to pick up supplemental odd jobs during their time at site-φ. you can pick up an odd job by contacting rp mgmt. however, please note that these listings are first-come, first-serve, and muses may be fired from their position if they are unable to fulfill the job’s requirements (posting a monthly prompt). however, these positions may also reveal more of site-φ’s mysteries. there is also an optional interactive roll for a random [𝙲𝙻𝙰𝚂𝚂𝙸𝙵𝙸𝙴𝙳] element!

𝑫𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝑶𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒛'𝒔 𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝑨𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕

𝑹𝑬: 𝑭𝑹𝑨𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑵𝑰𝒁𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵

by DIRECTOR B. Osterholz

Good evening. It has been brought to my attention that our new additions here at Site-φ may be in need of a reminder as to the appropriateness of fraternization among personnel at this highly clandestine installation. To reiterate what was stated during onboarding and in the welcome brochure: “making eyes,” “canoodling,” and/or “partaking in the horizontal tango” with fellow staff members is not allowed at Site-φ. As you all know, the nature of our work demands absolute dedication and focus. Surely any rumors of anyone engaging in such acts on-site are, indeed, no more than crass rumors to razz the newcomers.

𝑺𝒊𝒕𝒆-φ 𝑩𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒅𝒂𝒚𝒔, 𝑨𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔

Due to the sheer number of staff here at Site-φ, acknowledgments in the Phi-thon are through user submission. Thank you for celebrating your fellow Phi-thons.

𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑃ℎ𝑖-𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑛 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑤𝑖𝑠ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎… 𝐻𝐴𝑃𝑃𝑌 𝐵𝐼𝑅𝑇𝐻𝐷𝐴𝑌! JUNIOR ENGINEER K. MADDOW, March 4th Happy b-day, K!!! Engi life is the best life! Couldn’t have made that particle blaster without ya! See you at Holly’s, a round on us! — Your pals at Engineering. ASSISTANT RESEARCHER C. VATYA, March 13th The Site-φ Researcher will be 50 this year. Thank you for all your hard work, encouragement, and good humor. From all of us in the 'Pataphysics Wing of Research and Development, we wish our fellow a happy birthday. WELLNESS COUNSELOR J. Oyuun, March 20th “The best gift you could possibly give me is to attend your mandatory wellness assessment. Anything more extravagant would, in fact, be inappropriate, given the nature of our strictly counselor-to-client relationship. But I also wouldn’t say no to more crayons or holographic stickers from that one place in Hōuston…”

MTF CHI-00 OPERATIVE 52 PICKUP, March 20th Happy birthday. From a secret admirer.

If you’d like to announce or contribute to our monthly newsletter, contact the Phi-thon via SCiPNET. →

📍 players are welcome to guest write or submit an in-character announcement for the monthly newsletter by contacting rp mgmt! reach out to us for more details.

Please enjoy a complimentary All You Can Brunch Buffet Ticket from us at the Phi-thon. Please note these tickets are valid for one person for one-time use. As Director Osterholz has advised in previous Phi-thon issues, ticket trading is not permitted on Site-φ.

📌 OOC GUIDELINES & HINTS!

These listings are supplemental features for enhancing your experience immersing into Site-φ’s world. Feel free to interact in any shape or form, be it directly or indirectly referencing them for open and closed starters, pager chats, self-paras... and even doing TTRPG rolls, or conversing with the NPCs 1-on-1! Based on your muse’s movements, new information, features, and subplots may be unlocked as these plot points develop. This game is responsive to you; your actions will directly affect the environment. All in all, however you wish to spend your time at Site-φ, we hope that it'll be a fun and memorable experience!

[lochblocknroll]

There was a bagel looking at him. He swore the blasted thing had gained an invisible eye, located exactly in the center of the thing where the hole usually was. He couldn't see the eye, of course, but he could feel it looking at him. He wasn't about to be deceived by the thing that turned his stomach and set his teeth with the feeling of Plaster of Paris swimming past them like a particularly terrible cream cheese. Nope. He was not about to be betrayed by what he saw and what he knew because what he knew was...

Don't think about it Loch, he reminded himself sternly. Don't even consider it. There might be someone with Cerebro around here and they could be watching you to see how you react. Don't worry. It's fine. You made the needed arrangements before you left, set up funds and vetted everyone as meticulously as you could. How he'd ended up working here, he didn't know but that didn't matter. Loch had done his job. He knew he had. The bags that remained under his eyes were proof enough of that.

But...

But.

How could he be sure █████ hadn't ended up here with him? He'd worked so hard to ensure his sister would be safe and he'd arrived on that helicopter alone, but then hadn't everyone? What if she was here, beneath his feet in some cell too thick even for her to dig through. How could he know, without access to the cameras, the card swipes, the electronic fingerprints everyone leaves behind? How could he know, when he was running blind into a wall?

Loch tried again to empty his mind and fixed that bagel with a death stare he hoped would incinerate it like it was Alderaan. He looked, and tried not to think.

[foundationhq]

DATE & TIME: MARCH 31, 2024.

DECLASSIFIED DETAILS: Director Osterholz receives word from his superiors. Although he protests, there’s no avoiding it. MTF Chi-00’s first mission is underway.

FOR PLAYERS: 𝑎𝑐𝑡  𝑖.  𝑐ℎ.  𝑖𝑖.  (𝑑𝑖𝑠)𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑦  is  live  MAR. 31,  2024. Welcome to the first official MISSION EVENT; this post is part one out of three. Please follow the OOC Requirements for activity. All players' participation is mandatory for this STORY BEAT. There are no SIDE STORIES in this chapter. Godspeed, Themis.

...𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗵𝗲 [𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀] 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹-𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝘀𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀.

STORY BEAT; 𝑀𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑂𝑛𝑒.

“Osterholz  speaking,”  the  grim-faced  director  of  Site-φ  intones,  his  index  finger  lifting  off  a  button  on  the  intercom  system  built  into  his  large  desk.  The  square  device  is  an  abnormal  growth  on  the  bright  walnut  wood,  abstractly  toy-like  in  its  retro  curves  and  pops  of  teal  plastic  against  steel.

“Already?  According  to  the  reports,  some  of  MTF  Chi-00  haven’t  done  Combat  Assessments.”

Anyone  who  would  be  foolish  to  eavesdrop  on  the  Director’s  conversation  would  find  themselves  listening  in  on  a  one-sided  conversation.  Half  of  the  audio  is  seemingly  void  of  observable  sound.  The  Foundation  isn’t  one  so  easily  spied  on,  certainly  not  for  a  project  of  this  substantial  caliber.  Cognitohazards,  like  poisons,  have  beneficial  uses  as  well.

The  Director  shrugs  back  into  his  office  chair,  the  single  comfortable  thing  in  the  suite.  Buckley  Osterholz  is  a  hardy  man,  but  his  husband  Evan’s  insistence  on  an  ergonomic  chair  convinced  him  to  reconsider  the  long  nights  at  the  office.

(You’re  not  getting  any  younger,  Buckley.  Please  get  the  chair  for  me?)

Director  Osterholz  hasn’t  seen  Evan  in  years.

Osterholz  leans  forward  in  his  chair,  irked  by  the  Voice  That  Cannot  Be  Heard.  Damn  data-pushing  bureaucrats.  His  thick  mustache  waggles  as  he  schools  himself  into  indifference.

The  Director  replies  to  the  provocation,  “My  reasoning  is  you’re  not  really  giving  your  Golden  Boy  a  chance  here  to  prep  his  team,  and  yet  you  still  want — my  apologies,  it  wasn’t  my  intention to — that won’t be necessary.  I  understand  my  position  in  Operation:  THEMIS.  I’m  just not sure  that —  Hm.  Alright.  Understood. A  helicopter  will  be  readied  by  the  thirtieth.  When  can  I  expect  my  Communications  Department  to  receive  files  from  Headquarters?”

In  48  hours.

Osterholz  withholds  a  sigh.  With  decades  of  experience  commanding  Mobile  Task  Forces,  he  knows  when  something  is  grossly  underprepared.  If  Themis  hadn’t  taken  the  position  seriously  now,  they  would  have  to  learn  on  the  job.  He  just  hated  that  the  lesson  was  to  survive.

“Right,”  the  Director  says,  “I’ll  contact  𝑆𝑚𝑜𝑜𝑡ℎ  𝑂𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟  and  Chi-00.”

He  reaches  over  and  clicks  the  button  again,  the  leftmost  in  a  row  of  five  on  the  intercom  system’s  panel.  Silence.  Absolute  silence  this  time  around.  Osterholz  finally  sighs,  slow  and  low.

(Deep  breaths,  Buckley,  deep  breaths.  You  know  what  the  Doc  said  about  your  blood  pressure.)

The  Director  unclips  his  pager  and  sends  a  mass  text  to  the  members  of  MTF  Chi-00.

𝕄𝕚𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟  𝕓𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕗𝕚𝕟𝕘  𝕠𝕟  𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕙  𝟚𝟠  𝕒𝕥  𝟘𝟡𝟘𝟘.  𝕄𝕒𝕚𝕟  𝔹𝕒𝕤𝕖  𝟚𝔽.  𝕀  𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝  𝕓𝕖  𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖  𝕥𝕠  𝕠𝕓𝕤𝕖𝕣𝕧𝕖.  -  𝕆.

He  sends  another  to  the  Mobile  Task  Force  Commander,  sympathizing  with  the  arduous  task  at  hand.

𝕀𝕥'𝕤  𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕨𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖.  ℝ𝕖𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕤𝕒𝕝'𝕤  𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣.  -  𝕆.

📌 OOC REQUIREMENTS!

⒈ We will be dropping our official homebrew tabletop rpg game guide on the FoundationHQ Discord server to start building character sheets. Players must contact the admin team on the WORKSHOP channel. To create your thread, click on the spool icon on the top right of the WORKSHOP channel. Please name the thread after your muse's codename. Ping the admin team to start distributing your muse's stat attributes, choosing signature specialty and dire drawback, appointing skills, and designating a phobia.

⒉ Do not date any new threads after MARCH 31. Players may write any backdated threads before the date, but please refrain from speculating future events. The outcome of this mission event will affect the story that comes after. Players are welcome to wrap up any threads from previous chapters. If dropping threads, please contact any thread partners to establish concluding headcanons and write up a short summative ending on the last response.

📍 Character sheet building will be considered an interest check for the game. If a player who has not reached out for an approved hiatus does not contact the admin team to build their character sheet by APRIL 1, 2024 at 11:59 PM PST, they will be on activity check, no exceptions.

Mission-events are time-sensitive and requires the participation of all our players. As stated in our guidelines, we are a limited-run game. Regular inactivity will affect the group. For any questions or concerns, please contact us through 𝑆𝐶𝑖𝑃𝑁𝐸𝑇 𝑆𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡.

Thank you, and we hope everyone is having a good spring break so far!

[foundationhq]

foundationhq event 002. preview

𝚐𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚛𝚎-𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐.

𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒚𝒊𝒏' 𝒔𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒔

𝑰 𝒃𝒆𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒈𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒂 𝒂𝒎𝒃𝒖𝒔𝒉 𝒎𝒆

𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏, 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏, 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏, 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒔

𝑵𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏'𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖?

Below are key clues to the upcoming event, [𝑀𝐼𝑆𝑆𝐼𝑂𝑁: 𝐺𝑅𝐴𝑁𝐷 𝑅𝐸-𝑂𝑃𝐸𝑁𝐼𝑁𝐺], which will commence on MONDAY, MARCH 25. Please feel free to use the FHQ Discord Server's speculation channel to plot and discuss! If players guess correctly while theorizing from these clues, additional information will be declassified when the event goes live.

SILK. Cán năinai, 蠶奶奶. One Denier. Leonard Mascall.

NAME PLATES. Dear esteemed guest...

RSVP, Regrets only.

SUMPTUARY. "Laws made for the purpose of restraining luxury or extravagance, particularly against inordinate expenditures in the matter of apparel, food, furniture, etc."

SPEECH. Speech. Speech. Speech. Speech. Speech.

TROLLING. School's open. Shine your spoons.

CUSTOMER SERVICE. Can I speak to the manager?

LITTLE MARY. Join us for a funeral procession.

A FINE KETTLE.

[text credits.]

Black’s Law Dictionary, Free 2nd ed., and The Law Dictionary.

[photo credits.]

Photo by Joseph Corl on Unsplash Photo by Beth Macdonald on Unsplash Photo by Saile Ilyas on Unsplash Photo by Photos by Lanty on Unsplash Photo by Tara Winstead on Pexels Photo by Tim Cooper on Unsplash Photo by Al Elmes on Unsplash Photo by Fredrik Öhlander on Unsplash Photo by Tony Sebastian on Unsplash

[foundationhq]

DATE & TIME: FEBRUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 23. Various classified times.

DECLASSIFIED DETAILS: The MTF Chi-00 team meets in the 2F of the Site-φ Base of Operations for their first, great challenge: mandatory workplace introductions. Beyond that, it's a simple week of getting to know their surroundings and hopefully, starting to acclimatize into their new lives.

FOR PLAYERS: 𝑎𝑐𝑡  𝑖.  𝑐ℎ.  𝑖.  (𝒅𝒊𝒔)𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏  is  live  FEB.�� 19  -  FEB.  29,  2024. FoundationHQ is now open for interactions! Regular activity requirements will commence today. In our game, players “play at the their own pace,” meaning all that is mandatory for event participation is the STORY BEAT. Other topics and activities listed in SIDE STORIES are recommended to get a fuller game experience, but not required to progress the mainline plot. Free free to use them for jumping off points in starters, threads, self-paras, etc.! Respond as you see fit, and have fun! And watch the world respond to you.

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

UPDATE. ²⁰²⁴ MARCH 1: EVENT EXTENDED TO MARCH 11, 2024.

STORY BEAT; 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠.

You  arise,  the  sun  waking  up  with  you  over  the  strips  of  gray  haze  that  curtain  its  brilliance.  The  wan  daybreak  lights  the  interior  of  your  new  home  for  the  next  three-hundred  sixty-five  days.  It  is  empty,  just  like  your  head.  Since  the  flight  into  Site-φ,  intense  brain  fog  has  rolled  in  and  settled  deep  in  the  recesses  of  your  mind,  nesting. 

Like  a  cuckoo  child,  a  parasite,  this  sense  of  a  waking  dream  lodges  itself  in  your  higher  cerebral  reasoning,  immobilizing  any  mental  processes  until  you  get  a  sip  of  water,  a  smidgeon  of  coffee,  or  tea...  Then  and  only  then,  your  thoughts  unfurl,  leaving  behind  wrinkled,  indecipherable  reminders  and  memories  of  what  you did  last  night  before  sleep  overtook  you. 

The  alarm  rings,  and  the  bedside  clock  rattles, hopping  between  its  two  stick  feet.  You’re  all  dressed  and  ready  to  go.  You  don’t  remember  washing  or  putting  on  your  clothes.  Whose  face  did  you  see  in  the  mirror? 

A  gunmetal  pearl  Jeep  Wrangler  Sport,  the  car  the  ombudsmen  said  would  come  to  pick  you  up,  creeps  into  view,  rolling onto  the  driveway  of  the  resident building.  You  depart,  wanting  to  arrive  on  time.  Inside,  the  Captain  of  the  Security  Team,  Junichi  Kato,  greets  you  with  a  broad,  gap-toothed  grin.  Although  the  ride  is  pleasant,  you  cannot  harken  any  of  the  captain's  live  commentary.  Your  stomach  churns  as  the  jeep  races  through  the  grayed  landscape  towards  Site-φ’s  principal  base:  a  massive  colossus  of  concrete  and  metal.    

“Great  chat,  by  the  way!”  The  Captain  chuckles  as  he  helps  you  out.  It’s  cheery.  There’s  no  hint  of  sarcasm  or  a  single  blister  on  the  man’s  ego.  Therefore,  the  bright-eyed  sincerity  is  worse;  do  you  tell  Captain  Kato  you  recall  nothing? 

After  check-ins  in  the  lobby  and  passing  through  checkpoint  screenings  —  standard  security  measures,  every  seasoned  employee  of  the  Foundation  knows  this  —  you  receive  your  modified  pager  and  a  temporary  Level  0  Clearance  keycard.  According  to  the  secretary,  the  photographer  rejected  the  headshot  you  sent  earlier  before  your  arrival.  They  wish  to  schedule  a  private  photo  shoot  with  you  later  in  the  week  to  capture  the  “essence”  of  Standardized  Employee  Identification  Cards.  As  you  mull  over  what  that  could  possibly  mean,  the  elevator  dings. 

The  second  floor.  The  office  space  bears  signs  of  recent  remodeling,  showing  that  it’s  cleared  out  and  set  up  for  MTF  Chi-00,  also  known  as  “The  Broken  Scales  of  Themis,”  also  known  as  your  team.  Across  the  hall  is  a  large  conference  room  with  glass  walls.  Someone  has  drawn  the  blinds.  A  man  is  already  sitting  inside  —  legs  crossed,  elbow  propped  on  his  knee,  and  chin  rested  in  the  palm  of  his  right  hand  —  and  he  fixes  his  gaze  straight  at  you. 

Logic  kicks  in;  it  must  be  your  new  commander.  Dark  eyes  track  you  as  you  continue  to  move  forward.  You  pause  near  the  door.  Waiting,  waiting.  Come  on,  get  a  move  on.  Your  will,  that  quiet  but  ardent  nudge  inside  you,  propels  you  forward. 

You  enter  the  glass-walled  room,  and  the  bearded  man  stands  up  to  shake  your  hand.  He  says,  “Mornin’,”  his  tone  is  raspy  but  unexpectedly  soft  and  polite  compared  to  his  casual  attire  and  gruff  appearance.  The  commander  gestures  for  you  to  sit,  and  you  find  one  suitable. 

It’s  silent  but  tense;  the  Commander  looks  downright  bored.  You  feel  it,  the  heavy  fruit  of  compulsory  small  talk  dropping  —  then  the  door  opens  again.  Another  welcome.  Wash  and  repeat.  The  seats  fill  with  bodies,  mouths  exchange  hellos,  and  eyes  start  to  scout  and  hide  amongst  the  ranks.  Some  steeled,  armed  glares  promising  retaliation;  some  wobbly,  seeking  a  guardrail;  sixteen  pairs  orient  themselves  to  the  lone  man  standing, who steps forward. 

“Well...  Guess  I’ll  go  first.”

📌 OOC REQUIREMENTS!

⒈ Post an in-character introduction to the team, no minimum or maximum word limit. This will be your character's first impression to the team! Have fun and format it however you'd like. Dialogue, script, narration, what have you! ⒉ React to others' in-character intros; how does your muse feel hearing their introductions? Players may respond directly to other's tumblr posts via the reply feature, via reblog for a longer form response, send a smoke signal (...maybe not the last one...), and there is no word limit. For these reactions, even one-liners and gif reactions are allowed! Three (3) reactions are mandatory to pass this event check. If you'd like to react to all the muses (we highly suggest doing one-liners, you wacky animal!), special subplots may be unlocked for your muse.

📍 If all muses receive at least three (3) reactions within the event, a huge bonus will be unlocked for the first mission for all members.

SIDE STORIES.

Based on the results of the group's discord theories regarding our first event preview, some side stories have been declassified. Good job, everyone! And there are some side stories which are yet to be discovered by you. Even if some events are “classified,” we hope that our players take a leap of faith and go for what interests them the most! Who knows where that rabbit hole leads...

𝐼𝐶 𝐴𝐶𝑇𝐼𝑉𝐼𝑇𝐼𝐸𝑆, 𝐸𝑉𝐸𝑁𝑇𝑆, & 𝐼𝑁𝑇𝐸𝑅𝐴𝐶𝑇𝐼𝑉𝐸𝑆.

𝒇𝒆𝒃. 𝟏𝟗

INTRODUCTIONS; the members of themis introduce one another, some meeting for the first time, others shying away from too-familiar faces. after first impressions, where does everyone stand with each other?

PHOTO OP; the site photographer would like to take a photo of your muse for their employee identification card at site-φ. it is highly recommended, or you'll be carting around a level 0 clearance card all throughout the base, which may affect access. 📍 players are recommended to either dm or submit photos if they'd like a personalized graphic as well! a sample ID will be posted on the FHQ DISCORD.

TOUR OF THE FLOORS; HR has appointed ombudsperson A.J. to take the themis members on individual and group tours of the main base facilities. the mtf chi-00 team are shown the above ground floors, as well as the basement floors B1F-4F. 𝑆𝑀𝑂𝑂𝑇𝐻 𝑂𝑃𝐸𝑅𝐴𝑇𝑂𝑅 has access to B5F+, and peeked at B6-7F. 𝐷𝑌𝐼𝑁𝐺 𝐵𝑅𝐸𝐸𝐷 has been briefed on B7F's current persons of interest. notably, the guided tour does not enter any of the current containment floors.

RECEIVE YOUR PAGER & WELCOME PACKET. at the end of the day, you receive your pager, your means of remote communications throughout the site. every pager is fitted to be functional anywhere on the mountain, with message storage and also the ability to assign contact names. although it is a secure private communication for staff in the area, be mindful, pager messages can be traced. with your pager, you also get a small welcome basket comprising of a tiny plastic house plant of your choice, a site-φ stationary kit (notebook, writing tools, a small protractor), a bag of authentic german pretzel chips, and an all-you-can-brunch site-φ cafeteria buffet ticket.

𝒇𝒆𝒃. 𝟐𝟎

THE LAKESIDE; 11:48 AM - 6:21 PM. the crater lake is temperate at this time of year. it is temperate every time of the year. the water is great. come on in. [𝙲𝙻𝙰𝚂𝚂𝙸𝙵𝙸𝙴𝙳]

LAB APPOINTMENTS; there are empty lab rooms within the main base for themis' researchers to conduct their own experiments — related to their current work, right? — that can be booked through the head of research at site-φ. just let them know what you intend to research, and immediately jump the line of the other scientists at the site who've been working for their independent lab space all their lives. some themis researchers, depending on their prestige, may be given a full team of lab assistants to aid in their noble pursuit to secure, contain, and protect.

SCiPNET LOGIN SETUP; for those who haven't been in the foundation long, or have avoided the online access terminal, they will be placed in a short seminar to establish and update their SCiPNET logins. SCiPNET is the main mode of sending emails, consulting the database on SCPs, and accessing sensitive files for those with high clearance. if you're looking to send an email to a fellow staff member, you need a SCiPNET account. SCiPNET does not work where there is no Wi-Fi, so the connection to the database is strictly limited to the main base, as well as other smaller operational buildings around site-φ.

𝒇𝒆𝒃. 𝟐𝟏

WALKING CLUB SIGN-UPS; the walking club, a group of highly-intelligent pack of dogs, is looking for new members! the 8-dog squad is here to keep staff members safe while on the ruff trails of the ██████ mountain ranges. they insist you don't go wandering off alone! also that you have a bag of treats!!

DEFENSE SEMINAR; some of themis' esteemed have no experience with hand-to-hand combat, or handling protective arms. for others, it might have been a while. as mtf chi-00's auditing missions may require coordination in the field, or in the case there is an unlikely event of a security or containment breach at site-φ, the security department will be offering self-defense as well as weapons handling classes.

𝒇𝒆𝒃. 𝟐𝟐

CORNER COFFEE; BARB, the barista on the 3F, has a special on days with "repeating" numbers (i.e. the 11th, the 22nd, and the 33rd). come pick up a personalized drink from her before she closes shop. BARB is definitely a person in-the-know of site-φ's happenings, and who knows what she'll say while brewing your drink... *UPDATE: only available for threads dated on the 22nd, will expire after the event closes.

DESDEMONA SEEKS VOLUNTEERS. the quartermaster, DESDEMONA, is thrilled to see site-φ's latest join the ranks. she'll need to take your measurements, as per her profession. however, if you don't mind staying a while after fittings, perhaps you'd like to assist the gentle old lady with a favor? oh, those rumors? don't believe them. there's ample supply of tiger balm in the infirmary. [𝙲𝙻𝙰𝚂𝚂𝙸𝙵𝙸𝙴𝙳] *UPDATE: only available for threads dated on the 22nd, will expire after the event closes.

𝒇𝒆𝒃. 𝟐𝟑

(𝐢𝐧)𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞; a ttrpg interactive game element. for more information, click on the link.

FRANKIE'S FAMOUS FISH; a new shipment has come in via air-drop and you know what that means! frankie's famous fish is on the menu for a limited-time only! don't forget to grab a bib, a waiver, and your favorite brand of antacid tablets! will you take on the deadly challenge? *UPDATE: only available for threads dated on the 23rd, will expire after the event closes.

"MANDATORY" FIRST ASSESSMENT WITH WELLNESS COUNSELOR J. OYUUN; to gauge the mental wellness of site-φ's newest, the HR department has arranged 1-on-1 assessment appointments with oyuun, the wellness counselor. they're not one to strictly abide by a schedule, so they've told you that if they're free, which you can literally see as their office is a glass room suspended in the air of the B1F, you can drop on in. they're not much of a talker, but they know exactly what you need to feel better for that day.

📌 OOC GUIDELINES & HINTS!

Side stories are not mandatory, and are features for enhancing your experience immersing into Site-φ’s world. Feel free to interact in any shape or form, be it directly or indirectly referencing them for open and closed starters, pager chats, self-paras... you can even request to interact with the NPCs 1-on-1! Based on your muse's movements during this event, new information, features, and subplots may be unlocked following the event's conclusion. This game is responsive to you; your actions will directly affect the environment. As for the [𝚁𝙴𝙳𝙰𝙲𝚃𝙴𝙳] event on the FHQ Discord, stay tuned... and hope luck is on your side...! All in all, however you wish to spend your time at Site-φ, we hope that it'll be a fun and memorable experience!

[foundationhq]

foundationhq event 001. preview

𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚔.

𝑫𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒊𝒇 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒐𝒓 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕; 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒈𝒐𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅

Below are key clues to the upcoming event, [𝑂𝑅𝐼𝐸𝑁𝑇𝐴𝑇𝐼𝑂𝑁 𝑊𝐸𝐸𝐾], which will commence on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19 to SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25. Please feel free to use the FHQ Discord Server to speculate, plot, discuss! The full, declassified information will be disclosed when the event goes live.

��𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝐼𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠

𝐶𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑎𝑙 𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑒

𝐹𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑢𝑐𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝐴𝑙𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑜

𝑅𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐹𝑜𝑔

𝐺𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝐵𝑜𝑦

𝑆𝐶𝑖𝑃𝑁𝐸𝑇

𝑃𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝐷𝑎𝑦

𝐽𝑒𝑙𝑙-𝑂

𝐴𝑚𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑠

𝐵𝑒𝑛

[photo credits.]

Photo by Andrea De Santis on Unsplash Photo by Denis Oliveira on Unsplash SCiPNET Web Terminal by Milky_Way Photo by Olena Bohovyk on Unsplash

[foundationhq]

DATE & TIME: FEBRUARY 16. Various classified times.

DECLASSIFIED DETAILS: The MTF Chi-00 operatives individually journey to Site-φ. Disoriented and daunted, the freshly founded team braves forward. This is the advent of their brand new endeavor, the beginning of a new and uncertain chapter - just like every other job they've ever done, for the Foundation. Right?

FOR PLAYERS: Welcome to foundationhq! If we have received your IC blog, you have been added to the upcoming followlist post. Once the followlist is up, invitations to our Discord will be sent out - feel free to introduce yourselves and get plotting! Meanwhile, enjoy our plot prologue. While this prologue is not threadable (as every character was transported to Site-φ alone) consider the [BRACKETED PORTIONS] your first IC musing prompt! Respond as you see fit - a self-para, a journal entry, a list, an aesthetic post... - and have fun!

𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁: 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮 𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆.

It has been hours since you cleared the scan to travel into the Cascadian Mountains which houses Site-φ deep in the heart of its remote ranges. Your phone's been taken — standard security measures, every seasoned employee of the Foundation knows this — along with various contraband deemed unfit to travel with you. Weapons, laptops, batteries, anything that gives a signal of where you are, aloe plants. Did you hear that right? Aloe?

However, the Foundation is not one to be questioned. You climb onto the metal steps of the helicopter, its roaring blades scything the air overhead, and enter. You are the sole guest.

The chopper judders into the air, the thrum of the rotor beating at the back of your skull like a second, stranger pulse. As the flight stretches on, and on, and on, you find yourself frowning, measuring the distance, gauging the direction — and giving up, ultimately, on making sense of your course, eyes screwed shut as the worst headache in your recent, obviously quite reliable memory scrapes away at your sense of space and time. You wrack your brain, anything to stave off the pain lancing at your temples, when [ A SONG FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD STARTS PLAYING, A MELODY THAT REMINDS YOU OF A TIME WHEN YOU WERE A HAPPY CHILD — ONCE. ] Your head plays it through, your lips mouthing the lyrics as the nausea clears. The ringing dissipates with the last note, and a raw urge leaps up in your throat — almost hysterical, breath seized in your chest. Do not forget it, some insensible thought insists. You will need it some day.

You blink, squinting around the helicopter's unwelcoming cabin, all darkly glinting metal and dull plastic and — well, whatever those carefully sealed crates might contain, wrapped in cargo netting and emblazoned with THIS WAY UPs and FRAGILE and BIOHAZARDOUS and DO NOT FEED. Staggering up from the thinly padded seat, you make your way to the back of the cockpit, peering out towards... wherever it is you're going. The mountains —right. There they are, prickling with forbidding, dense trees, darkly green under a searing white-grey sky, all clouds and mist. It's a little much to stare down for too long, so you slump back into your seat, rummage through your carry on bag, and pull out [ A FIDGETABLE, ANALOG ITEM, CAN BE KNIFEY THOUGH YOU BETTER HAVE A GOOD REASON FOR IT TO BE ] and start playing with it to pass the time. Minutes become hours . Hours become more hours.

You wake up with a start. You've been sleeping. "Last stop," the pilot — face unseen, completely concealed behind a dark-tinted helmet that they probably... don't need? — hollers, as if there were any other stops at all. Disoriented, you try to gather your scattered thoughts as the chopper hovers, sinks, sets down at last. For a moment, you're unsure, entirely, of what will be on the other side of the fuselage; [ A PLACE OF GREAT PERSONAL SIGNIFICANCE, BE THAT POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE ], suffuses your senses. Shouldering your bag, you shake off the memory and reef the helicopter door open, eager to be closer to something like solid ground again. The landing pad is rugged, windblown, a scrap of perfectly cleared plateau, the tall undergrowth sheared back from the concrete. An unfamiliar man, mustached and carrying nothing besides the dark bags under his eyes, waits for you. He doesn't smile. You almost give him your name, but he stops you.

"There's a welcome packet for you at your quarters. Maps, important numbers, time tables... Your belongings, what we could get anyway, have already been moved in." His stern gaze ticks side to side, up and down, assessing you for — something. "Get some rest. Freshen up. Stay standing any longer and you're likely to fall over."

He leaves, a firm nod his only goodbye before another site employee escort s you to an incongruous table, paperwork pinned down with what looks like a palm-sized fossil of a trilobite, frozen. You look up, and the Director — at least, you're presuming that was Osterholz — is simply gone, vanished. A.J., your new Ombudsperson, clicks their pen, eager to begin. Are you? Doesn't matter. You're in it up to your still-burning eyeballs, now. Welcome to Site-φ.

[foundationhq]

DATE & TIME: FEBRUARY 23 - ???

DECLASSIFIED DETAILS: On February 23, Site-φ Director Buckley Osterholz passes you in the hallway of the Main Operational Building. He asks you, “Settling in alright?” Without waiting for an answer — or, perhaps, presuming a no from the pallor of your face and the waver of your eyes — he adds: “How were the bagels?” ... What bagels?

FOR PLAYERS: Welcome players to our first TTRPG interactable mini-event, (𝐢𝐧)𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞, an interlude of 𝑎𝑐𝑡  𝑖.  𝑐ℎ.  𝑖.  (𝒅𝒊𝒔)𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏. You will be rolling for your muse for the first time on the FHQ discord channel. The FATE of their memories is in your hands. There is no time limit for this interactive event, but if you'd like to retrieve your muse's memories quicker and lose the brain fog, we recommend you participate sooner than later!

𝗡𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 (τυχόν), 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲 (ἀόριστον) 𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲.

STORY INTERLUDE; 𝑀𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠.

Osterholz  seems…  unconcerned  by  your  bafflement  but  just  as  he  opens  his  mouth  once  more,  the  beeper  clinging  to  his  belt  buzzes.  He  hums  noncommittally as he  lifts  the  small  black  device  to  read  its  screen,  and  then  excuses  himself.  It’s  an  otherwise  innocuous  interaction,  but  you  can’t  help   feeling... strange  about  it. 

Honestly, the bagel thing wouldn't even rank in the Top 100 weirdest moments you've had with the Foundation, so you carry on with your Friday. And you would have probably complete forgotten about it had it not been for what was waiting for you, lurking ahead of the breakfast queue.

Bagels. Plain. And everything. Plain and everything, neatly lined up together on the left side of the extensive bagel bar. Somehow, even with all the different toppings available, your eyes only seem to register the two. “How were the bagels?” He had asked. Why? Osterholz doesn't seem like the type to strike up arbitrary conversations like that and especially not with a topic as random as bagels.

“Interesting  choice.” A sudden pain splits your skull.  Clutching  your  head,  you  find  yourself  dizzy,  and  faintly  nauseous.   Once  you  pull  yourself  together  a  little  bit  you're  barely  comforted  by  the  fact  that  you’re  not  the  only  one  holding  up  the  line.  You’re  probably  just  hungry.

Hours  of  orientation  exercises  later,  your  mouth  still  feels  peculiarly  stale;  the  tap  water  rattling  out  of  your  kitchenette’s  sink  is  glacier-cold,  but  does  nothing  for  the  film  on  your  tongue.  You  drift  asleep,  lips  puckered  with  distaste. Dreams  don’t  come  easy,  but  they  do  come,  eventually.  Strange  ones.  Or  are  these  —  nightmares?

📌 OOC GUIDELINES & HINTS!

Has daily brain fog gotten in the way of enjoying your time at Site-φ? Or would you like to remember the time with Osterholz, and what you had said in the interview that brought you to this place? Do we have an event for you.

To participate, players will roll dice in the interactives channel on the FHQ discord server. The information thread will have the full instructions to use the roll command. Contact an admin when you are ready, and the admin team will create a private thread within the channel. This thread is only viewable to the player and rp mgmt.

Our game employs the FATE TTRPG system, which uses 4 dice per roll, each with a mix of +, −, and blank spaces on their sides. A + adds toward a positive result, a − lowers towards a negative result, and a blank space does not move the scale in any direction. Based on the number of +’s, blank spaces, and −’s, the "outcome" of the event is determined, then interpreted to guide narratively-focused gameplay. The FATE ladder of results ranges from +8 to −4. Your character will have their own set of unique modifiers inspired by their backstory, skillset... and more!

For this interlude, based on the result of your roll, your muse may instantly lose the brain fog and remember the whole interview with Site Director Osterholz, have the occasional disorientation and recall snippets, or stay thoroughly in the dark, recalling nothing. Except, apparently, that Osterholz is really into bagels?

If a player receives a result that does not alter the muse’s current state of memory, their interactions with other player characters or NPCs may help unlock those memories. A submission will be sent to players when that happens. (Please make sure that your submit box is open!) And If you get an especially high roll, there are additional, special outcomes...

DICE ROLL FORMULAS.

As mentioned above, these modifiers to your dice roll formula have been attributed to your character based on the information provided in the application, such as backstory, skills, and work with the Foundation. As this is the start of the game, these are your starting dice roll modifiers! There will be chances to change almost all modifiers based on the participation of the player. We highly recommend players keep track of their muse’s dice roll modifiers, however the rp mgmt will also keep a record in our FHQ discord for group-wide access.

𝚁𝙴𝚂𝙸𝚂𝚃𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴 𝚃𝙾 𝙰𝙼𝙽𝙴𝚂𝚃𝙸𝙲𝚂.

+𝟛 Modifier: muses who have high resistance to memory alteration due to specific experiences and/or cerebral processes. However, it does not mean their mind is infallible - memory loss/alteration may occur, especially if high potency neuroleptics are used.

𝐶𝑂𝑊𝐵𝑂𝑌 𝐺𝑅𝐸𝐸𝑇𝐼𝑁𝐺, 𝐺𝐴𝑅𝐷𝐸𝑁 𝑉𝐴𝑅𝐼𝐸𝑇𝑌, 𝑂𝐿𝐷 𝑆𝑃𝑂𝑅𝑇

+𝟚 Modifier: muses who handle amnestics in their day-to-day operations. While they may not have experience with these effects themselves, their experience and knowledge of amnestics give them advantages, such as knowing mnemonics or other information retention stratagems.

𝑇𝑅𝐸𝐸 𝐻𝑈𝐺𝐺𝐸𝑅, 52 𝑃𝐼𝐶𝐾𝑈𝑃

+𝟙 Modifier: muses who may have experimented with or had applications of amnestics more than once to build a basic level of tolerance.

𝐻𝐼𝐺𝐻 𝐹𝐼𝐷𝐸𝐿𝐼𝑇𝑌, 𝑆𝑀𝑂𝑂𝑇𝐻 𝑂𝑃𝐸𝑅𝐴𝑇𝑂𝑅

𝟘 Modifier: muses who have had recent memory issues or cognitive injuries, are susceptible to cognitohazards, have been affected by memetic damage, or those who have no experience with amnestics.

𝐷𝑌𝐼𝑁𝐺 𝐵𝑅𝐸𝐸𝐷, 𝐸𝐿𝐸𝑉𝐴𝑇𝑂𝑅 𝑀𝑈𝑆𝐼𝐶, 𝐹𝐿𝐼𝑀𝐹𝐿𝐴𝑀, 𝐿𝐼𝑉𝐸 𝑊𝐼𝑅𝐸, 𝑁𝑜.2 𝑃𝐸𝑁𝐶𝐼𝐿, 𝑃𝐸𝑅𝐹𝐸𝐶𝑇 𝑆𝑇𝑅𝐴𝑁𝐺𝐸𝑅, 𝑄𝑈𝑂𝑇𝐸 𝑈𝑁𝑄𝑈𝑂𝑇𝐸, 𝑈𝑅𝐵𝐴𝑁 𝑀𝑌𝑇𝐻.

© IMAGE CREDIT. Stewart MacLean on Unsplash.

TEXT CREDIT. Excerpted from "Indeterminism" web article from Wikipedia.

[foundationhq]

MISSION: SCP-9584.

DATE & TIME: MARCH 28 - APRIL 1.

DECLASSIFIED DETAILS: Tasked with auditing what went wrong in the containment breach, can MTF Chi-00 overcome the hurdle together as a team?

FOR PLAYERS: This log pertains to the events in 𝑎𝑐𝑡  𝑖.  𝑐ℎ.  𝑖𝑖.  (𝑑𝑖𝑠)𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑦; players will work together to piece together what happened and come up with a "game plan" in-character before MTF Chi-00 encounters the SCP and solve the mystery of the containment breach.

This post is part two out of three. Please follow the OOC Requirements for activity. All active players' participation is mandatory for activity check. There are no SIDE STORIES in this chapter.

CONTENT WARNINGS: mentions of death, gun violence, unsettling digital images.

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲! 𝗦𝗼 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴? 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝘁! 𝗜𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲, 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹!

An exterior shot of SCP-9584. Addresses and other information have been censored for this document.

Discovery

Item #: SCP-9584

Object Class: Safe Keter

Before containment, Happy Family Corp. had a 3.4-star rating on various business review sites. Negative reviews often cited that the venue was constantly listed as fully booked despite appearing empty on multiple days, odd or erratic behavior from staff, and notably, “The Happy Family Events Hall” was the last known location listed in various strange missing person reports. Police investigations into these reports have been dropped, specifying that no foul play is suspected.

Due to the peculiarity and frequency of these cases, Foundation personnel were instructed to investigate the Happy Family Corp. location in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. At the time of its original discovery, it was believed that SCP-9584’s anomalous behavior was tied to the Newmarket location; however, after it breached containment on 3/18/2024, that conclusion was proven false.

“The Happy Family Events Hall,” located at the Brookstone Mall Plaza in Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada, opened on 3/19/2024. The property owners were contacted but could not give definite answers as to who had leased the space, citing that all transactions had been done via the Facebook “Marketplace” and PayPal. Investigations into the accounts in question did not lead to any useful results.

Summary of Previous Special Containment Procedures:

Due to the successful containment of the anomalous properties associated with SCP-9584 at its physical location in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, the primary focus of the containment measures centers on the maintenance of the Masquerade Protocol and the minimization of civilian interest in the locality.

The property containing SCP-9584 was acquired by the █████████ ███████, a subsidiary of the Foundation. It has subsequently been reclassified as Outpost 716B due to the impracticality of relocation. Both the building and its parking area are now enclosed, inaccessible to the general public, and subject to continuous video surveillance. In addition, two (2) armed security personnel maintain round-the-clock vigilance, with rotating eight-hour shifts, to ensure the security of the premises.

The surroundings of Outpost 716B have been deliberately organized to minimize visibility from external vantage points. Construction equipment and materials have been strategically positioned in front of the numerous glass storefronts. A fabricated narrative has been disseminated, asserting that redevelopment activities at Outpost 716B were suspended by the Newmarket City Authority following the discovery of asbestos during a routine inspection. It is imperative that all personnel stationed at Newmarket consistently uphold this fabricated narrative when discussing Outpost 716B with civilians.

Besides these measures, Foundation web crawlers should continue monitoring The Happy Family Events Hall’s social media accounts for any possible breaches or mentions of the business by civilians in or outside Newmarket.

Mobile Task Force Psi-7 (“Home Improvement”), under the command of the Site Head Researcher Mink, has been designated as the primary unit responsible for maintaining containment procedures related to SCP-9584. Once every two (2) weeks, personnel stationed inside Outpost 716B must perform all duties per the Masquerade Protocol.

As the procedure of the Masquerade Protocol requires maintaining a constant cover story, D-Class testing is currently prohibited.

Following the successful implementation on ██/██/████, the utilization of D-Class operatives in the Masquerade Protocol has been sanctioned. However, owing to the volatile nature of SCP-9584, only exceedingly cooperative D-Class personnel should be considered for this role. It is strongly recommended that preference be given to D-Class with a proven background in performance arts when selecting candidates. In the absence of such individuals, those with a keen interest in acting, theater, or improv may serve as temporary alternatives until more suitable participants can be secured.

UPDATED - Revised Special Containment Procedures:

On 3/18/2024, a containment breach occurred, resulting in the reclassification of SCP-9584 to Keter status until further notice. The specific anomalous properties and inadequacies in the former containment protocols are presently undetermined.

A few days after, Foundation agents documented the rediscovery of SCP-9584 at the Brookstone Mall Plaza in Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada. Following the acquisition of the property by a real estate Foundation Front, known as the █████████ Group, all remaining tenants were either evicted or bought out of their leases.

An encompassing perimeter around the property has been secured with fencing and is currently subject to 24-hour video surveillance. Two (2) distinct guard stations have been established at opposite ends of the property, ensuring the presence of at least one (1) guard at each post at all times. Additionally, a minimum of two (2) guards perform patrols of the grounds during eight-hour shifts. It is imperative that security personnel stationed at the guard posts deny access to SCP-9584 to civilians. Security are to justify this action by citing safety concerns arising from ongoing construction activities.

Foundation personnel dressed as construction crews will simulate working on the property from 0600 to 1900 hours. Construction equipment and materials have been strategically placed around the property to limit visibility from outside the perimeter. Additionally, a false storefront has been constructed in front of SCP-9584’s entrance to disguise the coming and going of MTF units and researchers.

Any unauthorized individuals approaching SCP-9584 claiming to have RSVP’d to an event at the “Happy Family Events Hall” should be detained for further questioning by Lead Researcher Kowalsky, and auditing Containment Specialist Solanki.

MTF Sigma-5 ("'; DROP TABLE taskforces --") has been tasked with monitoring and containing SCP-9584 online presence on social media sites until SCP-9584 can be fully re-contained. Members of MTF Kappa-10 (“Skynet”) and MTF Mu-4 (“Debuggers”) have also been contacted to assist in locating small business social media pages that SCP-9584 has infiltrated.

Description:

SCP-9584 denotes all anomalous phenomena and entities associated with the Happy Family Corp., including its members, its physical location, and its online presence on social media websites.

The Happy Family Corp. is a small event-hosting business that exhibits a currently unknown spatial and memetic anomalous effect. SCP-9584 spontaneously manifests in small towns in commercially zoned properties that are abandoned or not in use. However, it appears that SCP-9584 will only materialize in one location at a time. Investigations into how SCP-9584 gains control of these locations are ongoing.

Once SCP-9584 appears in a location, it will begin advertising its venue on local social media pages. It will then search for social media groups or communities that focus on networking and building comradery among the local privately owned businesses. In the case that no such pages exist, SCP-9584 will create one. SCP-9584 will then insert itself into these communities and build rapport with civilian businesses, frequently interacting with their social media posts, leaving positive reviews on their pages, and recommending them to their own following. Once SCP-9584 has built goodwill in these communities, it will begin posting “open invite” get-togethers at its own storefront. Though the reason SCP-9584 facilitates these gatherings is still under investigation, it seems to specifically target small business owners and those who these types of companies may employ.

Once a group of at least 6 (six) people has RSVP’d to an SCP-9584 gathering, the next phase of its anomalous behavior begins. These events are designated as 9584-α events and proceed as follows:

One (1) hour before guests arrive, SCP-9584 begins a “warm-up” phase to prepare the location for visitors. Humanoid entities, designated as SCP-9584-A, dressed in the uniform standard for waiting for staff in black tie events, begin to appear from “Employees Only” rooms.

These instances of SCP-9584-A will begin to prepare the events hall for guests. Although the layout changes from location to location, the inclusion of a buffet-style spread, sitting areas, and a small stage have been observed in both confirmed instances of SCP-9584.

At the hour mark, two (2) instances of SCP-9584-A will unlock SCP-9584 and wait near the door. Once guests begin to arrive, these instances of SCP-9584-A will greet any person approaching SCP-9584, ask for a name, and then cross-reference a guest list before allowing them to enter.

All other instances of SCP-9584-A will stand near the stage until guests filter in. They will then beginning to perform duties standard to waiting staff. Outside of initial greetings, general pleasantries and anything necessary to complete their work, instances of SCP-9584-A will not speak unless spoken to.

Guests are allowed to socialize for roughly 2-3 hours before their attention is directed to the stage area. An instance of SCP-9584-A, dressed in formal clothing, will introduce themselves as a member of “The Happy Family” and thank everyone in attendance for coming. It then will give a speech for no more than 15 minutes, speaking of the importance of family and community and how theses topics are vital to running a successful business.

This instance of SCP-9584-A will conclude its speech by welcoming the guests to its “Happy Family” and will request a final round of applause. Once the speech has concluded, it will mingle with the guests until the event’s scheduled end.

Approximately 20 minutes before the event’s conclusion, a random "wait staff" instance of SCP-9584-A will go to the stage and alert guests that the event is coming to a close. It will then encourage attendees to take as much of the remaining food as they’d like.

Following the exit of the last civilian guest, SCP-9584 will go through a “cool down” phase. An instance of SCP-9584-A will lock SCP-9584’s doors, and then all instances will proceed to collect and clean the events hall. Once finished, all instances of SCP-9584-A will disappear via the “Employee Only” rooms.

Addendum-01:

If fewer than 6 (six) people have RSVP’d, SCP-9584 will manifest instances of SCP-9584-A to fill the guest list until there are at least fifteen (15) “guests” in total. Instances of SCP-9584-A vary widely in age, ethnicity, and gender. It should be noted that these entities bear a striking resemblance to missing persons reported in locations where a prior instance of SCP-9584 is suspected or confirmed to have occurred. However, at this time it is unclear whether or not these manifestations have any relation to these missing persons other than the visual resemblance, as no instance of SCP-9584-A has been removed from inside of SCP-9584. Until further research can be conducted, the question of whether SCP-9584-A are created by SCP-9584 or if they are gathered by some other means cannot be conclusively answered.

INTERVIEW LOG-9584-1:

On ██/██/████, Lieutenant Grant Zhao of the Newmarket, ON RCMP was interviewed to provide insight regarding some of the missing persons reports associated with SCP-9584. Lieutenant Zhao was informed that this interview would be used as part of a true crime podcast focusing on missing persons in Ontario.

Interviewer: Agent Marcus De Smit.

[BEGIN LOG.]

Interviewer: Before we begin, I would like to thank you again for taking the time to conduct this interview with us, Lieutenant Zhao. Lieutenant Zhao: Just make sure this doesn’t get tied back to me, yeah? Interviewer: Of course. My colleagues and I pride ourselves on our commitment to secrecy. Lieutenant Zhao: Okay, just know that I’ll hold you to that to the full extent of the law if we get any more harassment over this, you hear? Interviewer: Sure. Let’s start with the first question, shall we? Could you explain why your precinct has stopped investigating the missing persons reports associated with The Happy Family Events Hall? Lieutenant Zhao: It’s simple. It’s not our job to assist with civil disputes. Especially if no crime has been committed. Interviewer: I see. A lot of the families would disagree with you on that. Do you have any reason to believe the theory that these missing persons are being held against their will? Lieutenant Zhao: [Laughs] No, nothing would make me jump to that conclusion. And, despite what the public may think, the police have no legal right to detain an adult just because their family and friends disagree with a choice they made. Interviewer: What do you think of Mr. █████████'s claims that The Happy Family is a cult and they brainwashed his brother? Lieutenant Zhao: It's pure speculation and I cannot comment on it either way. But even if "The Happy Family" is a cult, there aren’t any laws against those existing if there is no probable cause that a crime is being committed. There’s nothing we can do, legally speaking. [Pause] I know that this isn’t the answer those families wanna hear, but they have to come to terms with the facts, and the fact is that those “missing people” [Lieutenant Zhao lifts his hands to perform “air quotes”] are where they want to be. A legal adult cannot be “missing” if they’re of sound mind and left on their own accord. Interviewer: Okay, that’s all we needed for today. Thank you for your time, lieutenant.

[END LOG.]

Addendum-02:

After various expeditions inside of SCP-9584, it appears that all instances of SCP-9584-A will remain docile unless they witness guests engage in majorly disruptive behavior to 9584-α events. It should be noted that the response carried out by instances of SCP-9584-A varies based on the seriousness of the offense, and they will attempt to de-escalate before becoming hostile. However, once an instance of SCP-9584-A is in a hostile state, all other instances will also show hostility towards the same target, regardless of whether they were present for the instigating action. How individual instances communicate information to each other without speaking is currently unknown at this time.

The behavior known to trigger an aggressive response from instances of SCP-9584-A is as follows:

Engaging in instances of SCP-9584-A or another guest in a physical act of aggression. This includes threatening or attempting to Intimidate instances of SCP-9584-A or another guest.

Attempting to enter any area of SCP-9584 that is marked as “Employee Only” or otherwise inaccessible to guests.

Attempting to remove an instance of SCP-9584-A from SCP-9584.

Attempting to disrupt the speech given near the end of the event or purposely damaging property inside of SCP-9584.

All instances of SCP-9584-A will remain hostile toward a target until that target leaves or is removed from SCP-9584. This aggression continues if the same target attempts to reenter SCP-9584 during the same expedition. While SCP-9584-A is not immediately hostile to a “banned” target if they attempt to enter SCP-9584 on a different day, the target will be barred from entering SCP-9584. SCP-9584-A will become immediately hostile if any attempt is made to enter by a “banned” target.

Addendum-03:

MASQUERADE PROTOCOL

Foundation personnel in groups of no less than five (5) and no more than fifteen (15) must enter SCP-9584 dressed in formal civilian clothing. These personnel members are equipped with communication devices and visual/audio recording devices that constantly relay a live feed to Outpost 716B.

Foundation staff deployed into SCP-9584 are required to participate as a guest and may not exit SCP-9584 until the event's conclusion or if they are asked to do so by an instance of SCP-9584-A.

All personnel scheduled to enter SCP-9584 will be given an individual cover story prior to deployment. While engaging in conversation with each other or any instances of SCP-9584-A, it is imperative that these cover stories are maintained for the entire duration of the expedition.

While inside of SCP-9584, personnel may partake in the food and refreshments provided by SCP-9584 as testing has shown that these items are not anomalous. Additionally, instances of SCP-9584-A have shown signs of agitation if the provisions provided remain untouched by guests.

Once the speech begins, personnel should give it their utmost attention and must refrain from speaking unless prompted to by the instance of SCP-9584-A giving the speech. Polite laughter and clapping when appropriate are highly encouraged.

After being alerted that 20 minutes remaining before the conclusion of the event, Foundation personnel may begin to exit SCP-9584 at staggered times.

Incident Case No: 562

Description: 

On 3/18/2024, after █ years of containment, SCP-9584 violently breached containment. The source of the breach remains unknown, however, four (4) D-Class Masquerade Protocol Agents, five (5) Security Officers, two (2) Staff Researchers, and one (1) Containment Specialist, all from MTF Psi-7 (“Home Improvement”), were found dead. Five (5) Psi-7 operatives have been reported Missing in Action (MIA). After the breach, MTF Psi-7 Site Head Researcher Mink documented that Outpost 716B and the Newmarket location had lost all anomalous properties.

Then, on 3/19/2024, email newsletters circulated to local businesses in a 5 km radius around Unit [REDACTED] at the Brookstone Mall Plaza in Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada. All visiting online traffic have been intercepted by data officers from MTF Sigma-5 ("'; DROP TABLE taskforces --"), MTF Kappa-10 (“Skynet”), and MTF Mu-4 (“Debuggers”).

The following individuals registered for the social networking event to be held on 3/31/2024:

A used-car emporium dealer

A family-owned furniture store manager

A food truck owner

A tax accountant

A wedding planner

A repair shop owner

A landscaper

A dogwalker

A bed and breakfast owner

A bookshop owner

These local entrepreneurs were detained by Foundation agents on 3/19/2024, and have been relocated to safe houses for monitoring and further questioning.

fig. 1 - a censored version of the email newsletter's landing page. The message reads as follows: calling small bussiness [sic] owners interseted [sic] in self improbement [sic] and net working [sic]! happy family co will be hosting a semynar [sic] 'for sucess [sic]' as well as celebrateing [sic] the gran [sic] opening of our new locaton [sic]!! plese [sic] come and enjoy our compeny [sic] and free unlimted [sic] boffet [sic]. form [sic] our family to yorus [sic], thank you for bieng [sic] apart [sic] of our story!

MTF Psi-7, upon the discovery of the new SCP-9584 location, sent MTF Corporal Dieter Karter to Hawkesbury, ON, with reinforcements. The team initiated an armed combat search and rescue (CSAR) mission on 3/19/2024 at roughly 9:40 PM local time.

Supervising the mission from the outside command point, Cpl. Karter reported "hostile activity" from SCP-9584. There was a skirmish leading to gunfire. Three (3) rescue team members, namely Task Force Operative Massimo Vito Niccolo, the five-man party's Captain, became MIA; however, there were no casualties. The two remaining members cited to "not remember" what happened inside, seemed to be a trance-like state for a few hours after. They have been sent to monitoring.

On 3/20/21, Cpl. Karter requested backup personnel and a Class 10 weapons ordnance. The Ethics Committee denied the ordnance but granted extra personnel. A second rescue attempt, involving 10 members, took place on 3/21/2024 but was met with failure. Task Force Operative Lucia Inès Muñoz was reported MIA.

The Foundation's Department of Internal Affairs assigned Containment Specialist Vihaan Solanki to the site on 3/22/2024, after the sudden medical collapse of Site Head Researcher Mink. Solanki's review of the third rescue attempt on 3/23/2024 were reported to Internal Affairs without the knowledge of Cpl. Dieter.

Addendum-1A:

[The following are transcribed text messages from Containment Specialist Vihaan Solanki's cell phone on 3/23/2024.]

[End of transcription]

- 11:13 PM: overlooking their self-made reports, i am unsure if they [MTF Psi-7] are following masquerade protocol...

- 11:18 PM: tried to talk to the cpl again about what happened in the initial breach. very little data and sparse notes, which is unlike dr. mink. no d-class around personnel since then.

- 11:31 PM: the cpl is not interested when i say that we should re-examine the location, what changed from the previous iteration, why there aren't any casualties after the initial breach from the newmarket location. something happened in the first breach that is affecting the behavior of scp-9584, i'm sure of it

- 11:32 PM: by the way this rescue mission did not have any MIAs, which i am thankful for. i told cpl. we should stop going into SCP-9584 for the time being. the rescue team is exhausted and says they do not remember what happened inside. but cpl is obsessed with getting his people back asap. wants to get them before "brainwashing."

- 11:39 PM: will try to implement my proposed containment procedures without cpl. scp-9584 isn't "hostile" as the cpl reported, but i don't know if this will last if we keep poking at it.

Containment Specialist Solanki's proposed Containment Procedures were unsuccessful. Solanki decided, with Foundation approval, message SCP-9584 and schedule a business meeting on 3/24/2024, ahead of the 3/31/2024 Social Networking Event.

However, MTF Psi-7 were notified due to a miscommunication with MTF Sigma-5. Cpl. Dieter did not agree to Solanki going in alone and assigned him a task force operative to accompany as a bodyguard when "meeting" SCP-9584.

Solanki entered the location at 1:24 PM local time with his chaperone. However, SCP-9584's instances did not appear, and both Solanki and the bodyguard exited the site within an hour. Solanki did not experience any brain fog, however his bodyguard reported not to remember any events.

Cpl. Dieter reported Containment Specialist Solanki for "needlessly endangering the mission" and requested his removal for insubordinate behavior, whereas Solanki requested the Foundation to re-assign the Cpl. Dieter as the Head Commanding Officer.

On █/█/████, the Ethics Committee contacted Site-φ Director Buckley Osterholz, assigning the auditing task to MTF Chi-00 ("The Broken Scales of Themis").

They are to arrive on-site of SCP-9584 on 3/31/2024.

Personnel file of Cpl. Dieter Karter.

Personnel file of Containment Specialist Vihaan Solanki

Personnel file of Task Force Op. Massimo Vito Niccolo

Personnel file of Task Force Op. Lucia Inès Muñoz

📌 OOC REQUIREMENTS!

⒈ Players are welcome to continue any old threads or post prompts from previous chapters, as well as flashbacks, as long as they do not coincide with the same date of this event. As decided by the group, this event will be a LIVE WRITING event, meaning that there will be a scheduled date and time for all members to write together online, similar to a standard tabletop session. Members will be notified of the schedule on the Discord server.

⒉ Roleplaying and writing for this chapter's event will be on the FHQ Discord Server, in the #MISSIONS forum channel. Players will be writing together as a group, and every active member will be expected to be on Discord in the appropriate mission thread within the selected timeframe. If a muse is exempt from the group mission due to hiatus, they will not gain any information or experience associated with that event, as they were not there. Further details can be found in the FHQ discord server!

₃. Missing two (2) group sessions in a row will lead to a member's withdrawal from the game.

Mission-events are time-sensitive and requires the participation of all our non-hiatus players. As stated in our guidelines, we are a limited-run game. Regular inactivity will affect the group. Similar to tabletop experiences, there is a turn order in the event. 

For any questions or concerns, please contact us through 𝑆𝐶𝑖𝑃𝑁𝐸𝑇 𝑆𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡 on Discord.

📍 A summary of the group event will be posted to the main at the session's conclusion. All attending members will receive experience perks, and may receive subplots based on their actions in the event.

© IMAGE CREDITS. Template 63 on deviantart (link unavailable), Dorset Realty, ACS Anomaly Classification System, ACS Animation by EstrellaYoshte, Corporate Event Invitation by Freepik.

© TEXT CREDITS. Lyrics from "Wilkommen" from Cabaret (1972).

[foundationhq]

> 𝙸𝙽𝙿𝚄𝚃 𝚁𝙴𝙲𝙴𝙸𝚅𝙴𝙳 𝙵𝚁𝙾𝙼 𝙿𝚁𝙾𝙵𝙸𝙻𝙴𝚂.

file [𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚝-𝟶𝟶𝟸-𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠] has been updated.

> 𝚞𝚜𝚎𝚛 🅟

[lieutenanthowell]

𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒐𝒇 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒉 𝒂𝒊𝒓, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒆, 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒔𝒏𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.

“𝐴𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒? 𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑓—”

“𝑅𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑥. 𝐻𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠𝑛’𝑡 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑡…”

𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑣𝑜𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑠, 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑔𝑟𝑢𝑓𝑓 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑦, 𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑎 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑚𝑜𝑘𝑒𝑟’𝑠, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑑𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑑, 𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑖𝑡’𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑦𝑜𝑢, 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑟. 𝐻𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟, 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚; 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ.

“𝑆𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑘 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒’𝑠 𝑎 𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑘𝑒𝑒𝑝 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑦.”

“𝐵𝑢𝑡—”

“𝑆ℎ𝑢𝑡 𝑢𝑝.”

𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑎 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑐ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑎𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑒. 𝐶𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠, 𝑦𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑟𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑟, 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑏𝑏𝑦, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑡 𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑-𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛 𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑦. 𝐴 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑚𝑒𝑠ℎ 𝑏𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜 𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑦 𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑠 𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢. 𝑂𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑐𝑢𝑝𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒. 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑐𝑟𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎 𝑠𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑑𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑠ℎ; 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑢𝑝𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑒: 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑏𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑘, 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑘𝑦.

𝐴𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟, 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑙𝑖 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑝𝑠 𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒, 𝑎𝑠𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢’𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑎 𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑡. 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒, 𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑦𝑜𝑢’𝑟𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠. 𝑊𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢’𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑙𝑦, 𝑦𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔…

There were few things Guin trusted like his gut. So when his gut sent him trailing after whatever the hell that half-caught conversation had been, he went. Double-timing down a couple flights of stairs and slowing himself, a tug on the chain, heel, as he swung through the stairwell door and across the ugly-ass glass-and-steel lobby. He didn’t stop, even when all he found was a couple empty chairs and a table of dirty dishes; more like he circled. Carefully - not just the one table. Too obvious. Around the patio and back. Nose wrinkled, eyes narrowed. Wasn’t much to see; hadn’t been much to hear, but... something. Fucking something.

[foundationhq]

> 𝙸𝙽𝙿𝚄𝚃 𝚁𝙴𝙲𝙴𝙸𝚅𝙴𝙳 𝙵𝚁𝙾𝙼 𝙿𝚁𝙾𝙵𝙸𝙻𝙴𝚂.

file [𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚝-𝟶𝟶𝟷-𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠] has been updated.

> 𝚞𝚜𝚎𝚛 🅟

[foundationhq]

DATE & TIME: FEBRUARY 16 - MARCH 16

CHAPTERS: 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑜𝑚𝑠𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑟𝑢𝑙𝑒, (𝒅𝒊𝒔)𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, (𝐢𝐧)𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞, & the 𝒑𝒉𝒊-𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉 𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒖𝒆.

FOR PLAYERS: our chapter debriefs are broad summaries of key narratives featured in the listed chapters for players as well as lurkers to follow our story! the admin team utilized players' surveys as well as own notes to create this digest. if you'd like a plotline to be added to this summary, please contact SCiPNET Support on our server. Thank you!

CONTENT WARNINGS: the embedded links contain mild and implicit references to blood, violence, death (incl. parental), gun imagery, PTSD, trauma, religious imagery. Reader discretion is advised.

THE LIGHTS OF DEAD STARS REACHED YOU.

The flight into Site-φ was an affair of superposition, entropy, and Nirvana’s ��Heart-Shaped Box.” A mechanical palanquin ferrying the feather destined for psychostasia. 289.6 grams, 284.7 grams, the average weight of the human heart for men and women aged 31-40. Ancient deities wondered how did these souls tip the scales? The answer, dazed and confused.

Severed from Dike, Themis hobbled into lands of snowdrift fir peaks, minimalist architecture, and Jeep Wranglers. Foggy days and dreamless — was it, really? — nights plagued the first few revolutions of the clock. But there was no time to process, not when the hazy light spilled its milky dawn on Orientation Week.

The many faces of the Foundation’s approbations of justice braved each other in a tempered glass menagerie. Mobile Task Force Commander 𝑆𝑀𝑂𝑂𝑇𝐻 𝑂𝑃𝐸𝑅𝐴𝑇𝑂𝑅 addressed the unwieldy handful with cumbersome effort, a grunt unused to the crown thrust upon him by the Ethics Committee.

“I can assure you whatever you've heard is not true — unless it's nice, in which case it is one hundred percent true,” His laugh fell upon the silent company; those who heard about the Committee’s favorite workhorse glowered, and the unaccustomed shifted in their seats, aware enough to sense a shadow in jest. Only a single, fervent apostle listened in rapt attention.

“That being said, I would recommend that everyone try to limit the amount of unnecessary information that they choose to disclose going forward. The Committee has a lot of enemies, so you all need to prioritize your safety. That's all.” The Commander cautioned his group, hoping they’d take some stock into his cue. It’d become an unsuspecting wish ungranted by the stars.

“Who wants to go next?” 𝑆𝑀𝑂𝑂𝑇𝐻 𝑂𝑃𝐸𝑅𝐴𝑇𝑂𝑅 asked. The quiet settled. He restrained a sigh in his throat. “Don’t all jump up at once.”

Whereas veterans of the game eyed for who would make the first move, the initial introductions opened with one of the Foundation’s newest. Hot off the fire, the distracted 𝑄𝑈𝑂𝑇𝐸 𝑈𝑁𝑄𝑈𝑂𝑇𝐸 sprang to life when the group coordinated their focus to him — all but nominating him their paper candidate.

“Well, going off of this very unpleasant attention,” the man pointed out, bobbing up to stand and ditching it to sit again, “…My name's Loch, Doctor Loch, if you want to be an ass. If you're my abuelita, I'm Doctor Matias Rojas, but I don't see her here, so I'm just going to stick with Loch. I really wasn't listening to the format here, so fuck it! I'll freeball it.”

𝑄𝑈𝑂𝑇𝐸 𝑈𝑁𝑄𝑈𝑂𝑇𝐸, once a prisoner of the Foundation and their Sincere Comrades and Partners, tore any metaphorical script issued by his MTFC. The ex-freelance hacker’s skills lay in technology, computers, and software, and he had a vested interest in cryptids like interdimensional Bigfoots. A feint of the heart, the Doctor-not-known-as-Doctor-Loch was committed to keeping in line (while scribbling outside it as much as allowed) to protect his family.

Concluding his proclamation with a sweet shout-out to his cannibalistic pet fish, Hannibal, 𝑄𝑈𝑂𝑇𝐸 𝑈𝑁𝑄𝑈𝑂𝑇𝐸 drew the first of many palms to the frown lines on 𝑆𝑀𝑂𝑂𝑇𝐻 𝑂𝑃𝐸𝑅𝐴𝑇𝑂𝑅’s face. “Ay... Hijo de puta, what did I just say—?”

The consequent orator was a return to Foundation form, versed in regulations and checkmarks. 𝐸𝐿𝐸𝑉𝐴𝑇𝑂𝑅 𝑀𝑈𝑆𝐼𝐶, a modest doctor hailing from the likes of Harvard Medical School and John Hopkins Hospital. She opened with a breezy greeting, “Good morning. I’m Dr. Vera Nair. Elevator Music. Or Dr. Elevator Music, if we’re feeling formal.”

But even soft whiskey-brown eyes on the gentlest doe hid the ancient and unbreakable vigor to ensure survival for their progeny.

“I will use every tool in my arsenal to keep each of you alive,” promised 𝐸𝐿𝐸𝑉𝐴𝑇𝑂𝑅 𝑀𝑈𝑆𝐼𝐶, listing her maxims for doctor-patient conventions. Follow her directions. Do not lie to her. Cover her when she’s working on a teammate. “And for the love of all that is holy, if you must get shot, don’t get shot in the head.”

While the doctor ended on a light-hearted note of three truths and no lies, easing the transition to the next presentation, the unspoken clefs in her lyrical words held a dirge for love lost. Two figures of her past kept their lips sealed like 𝐸𝐿𝐸𝑉𝐴𝑇𝑂𝑅 𝑀𝑈𝑆𝐼𝐶 had for them.

That stillness could not be said for the next speaker. Desiring a grand moment to paint the greatest speeches among her co-workers, 𝐹𝐿𝐼𝑀𝐹𝐿𝐴𝑀 took to the stage. Her notebook audibly snapped shut, transforming into a clapperboard in her head. The starlet scientist spoke, “How heartwarming it is to see so many lovely new faces and charmed to be acquainted with a few of you once more.”

Despite losing her laptop and, thus, her PowerPoint presentation, the infamous researcher wasn’t short on visuals, whipping out her personalized index cards with gilded embossing. Unbeknownst to her captivated-ish audience, 𝐹𝐿𝐼𝑀𝐹𝐿𝐴𝑀 shuffled through the notes with invisible trepidation; her bright demeanor masked the loss of her late parents, Dr. and Dr. Rasquinha from the Department of Mythology and Folkloristics, having known them longer as myths and legends than people.

𝐹𝐿𝐼𝑀𝐹𝐿𝐴𝑀’s index cards instructed her through her speech, prompting for playful little winks, contemplative work ethic pauses, and thought-provoking and inspirational insight that her team would think about for a lifetime. Say it proudly, the card encouraged the showing in delectable orange ink.

The researcher ended her act by inviting the team to contact her, “For any further curiosities, compliments or conversations, please do not hesitate to come and find me. I, Flimflam, would be more than happy to oblige. However please reframe from chitchat with me before my morning cuppa and my evening tea- both important daily rituals where I require my personal time… I look forward to working harmoniously with you all. My lovely team.”

She held for applause and/or standing ovation, but there was none. Critics mentally griped, lost along the meandering scenic route of 𝐹𝐿𝐼𝑀𝐹𝐿𝐴𝑀’s broadcast, or plain tired of the extravagant production of it all. Among them, one in particular expressed her calm judgment in a stare.

Another Themis initiate took the ship’s helm, similarly breezy in their approach like their predecessor, minus the 24-karat bells and whistles. 52 𝑃𝐼𝐶𝐾𝑈𝑃 of previously the Disinformation Bureau broke bread with her new team with seasoned acting, “My name's a bit of a mouthful, so it's easier for all of us if you knew me as Midge. Though, in here, my alias is 52 Pickup — a bit of a mouthful, too, really. Pursuant to protocol, I suppose you could just call me fifty-two.”

The agent humored her age, her display purposefully affable and innocent. To regale, they slipped in a few harmless truths: “…I play the piano, I’m a chain smoker, and I like owls.” 52 𝑃𝐼𝐶𝐾𝑈𝑃 moved on, waving off the spotlight to return to her seat without a preamble. Their unassuming appearance and casual approach worked to great effect, garnering genial interest from ingenue researchers to the perfectly malcontent.

But a few noticed the poker player’s tell, the notes in between the acts. However, their hunches couldn’t be further from the truth. Tucked in the pages of 52 𝑃𝐼𝐶𝐾𝑈𝑃’s notebook was a transplant — a ripped page from another bound tome. The agent smiled in their seat as the next ones introduced themselves, full names and all. 52 𝑃𝐼𝐶𝐾𝑈𝑃 wouldn’t call herself an “enemy of the Committee.”

It was more like a nemesis.

𝐻𝐼𝐺𝐻 𝐹𝐼𝐷𝐸𝐿𝐼𝑇𝑌 was no stranger to the term. In fact, it felt almost suited for the ex-lead Researcher of Site-120’s Thaumatology Division. He had been keeping low since the incident that nearly crippled their career, acting as the model employee for the past three years. The imminent progress toward his unyielding ambition was once again within reach. Shyness was no longer an option.

After all, he wasn’t timid when he received his Ph.D. in Biological and Biomedical Sciences from Harvard. No, the Foundation had sought him out like a heat-seeking missile. When his genius and their ample providence collided, it had been fireworks.

“Greetings, I’m Stephen Wilson. Call me Steve.” The senior supporting researcher had practiced that warm hum, making it sunlight. “…Please don’t be afraid to seek me out for any of your reality-warping needs.” 𝐻𝐼𝐺𝐻 𝐹𝐼𝐷𝐸𝐿𝐼𝑇𝑌 grinned, knowing none were the wiser on what he was capable of.

In fact, some were absolutely besotted with him, others quietly impressed. How droll. Introductions had used to terrify the man — God, as well, in a way. And now, both could be conquered — overruled.

Could the same be said of his sermon’s successor?

Nadia Atalanta, not 𝐿𝐼𝑉𝐸 𝑊𝐼𝑅𝐸, was a bundle of nerves cut loose. Bouncing around departments and mobile task forces since a premature end to a tailor-made role, the reputable tactical response operative found her latest post within the Ethics Committee’s pet project. A position she held with contempt.

“I guess you're supposed to call me Live Wire but I'll probably be a lot nicer if you just go with Atalanta. I've been with the Foundation almost twenty years now, so I can't wait to get the engraved gold watch for that anniversary.”

She made no alms to acquiesce her new coworkers; if anything, it felt like cosmic punishment to face the man who ghosted her among a field of strangers. She had to hold it together and pretend nothing was wrong, that it wasn’t all too familiar to her introductions with the chauvinistic MTF Xi-13. A part of her knew she wasn’t giving Themis a fair shake. However, she had decided.

“If you need me, don’t.”

In 𝐿𝐼𝑉𝐸 𝑊𝐼𝑅𝐸’s mind, her one and only team, Delta-5, was the one she left behind through a series of tragedies. Ever since her brother Mark’s mysterious death surrounding a containment breach that should have never happened, 𝐿𝐼𝑉𝐸 𝑊𝐼𝑅𝐸’s life stopped alongside him. Her previous fast-tracked career halted as she became a pinball rattling around in the machine of the Foundation's Mobile Task Forces.

A former teammate, a military man, a fellow soldier, the architect of one of her little heartbreaks, 𝐷𝑌𝐼𝑁𝐺 𝐵𝑅𝐸𝐸𝐷 sat stony-faced. And the woman 𝐿𝐼𝑉𝐸 𝑊𝐼𝑅𝐸 had shied from, the field doctor, the woman she had dispossessed… 𝐸𝐿𝐸𝑉𝐴𝑇𝑂𝑅 𝑀𝑈𝑆𝐼𝐶 gazed back, saddled with the complicated emotion of dealing with an ex-husband’s sweetheart, one of the people who had left her a widow.

Wow. Sounds like a proper drama on the telly, innit? At the end of the table, unknown to all of this, was 𝑃𝐸𝑅𝐹𝐸𝐶𝑇 𝑆𝑇𝑅𝐴𝑁𝐺𝐸𝑅. He’d tell you they’re an ordinary bloke, a no-name security guard who happened to have been a blind hire for the Foundation’s Site-91. Someone who didn’t aim high, kept their head low, and tried to avoid being killed by something beyond the realms. How he got picked among the Foundation’s talented vets was inconceivable.

𝑃𝐸𝑅𝐹𝐸𝐶𝑇 𝑆𝑇𝑅𝐴𝑁𝐺𝐸𝑅 had actually tried to bomb their Themis interview, and he wasn’t above giving it another go if it meant fewer responsibilities and hassles, along with their life intact. “Not to alarm you, mates, but I am literally the equivalent of a mall cop sitting with you MI6s. The deadliest thing I’ve ever wielded was a heavy-duty torch.” They said, “No hard feelings and such if I'm not a fit.”

Either an act of selfishness or selflessness, the disclaimer about their experience sent a wave throughout the team. 𝑆𝑀𝑂𝑂𝑇𝐻 𝑂𝑃𝐸𝑅𝐴𝑇𝑂𝑅’s facepalm count ticked another on the board. “Ay, no me digas…”

52 𝑃𝐼𝐶𝐾𝑈𝑃, however, enjoyed the absurd comedy of errors… There was no way the Ethics Committee would have made such an overstep by hiring a greenhorn for this project. Was there more to this 𝑃𝐸𝑅𝐹𝐸𝐶𝑇 𝑆𝑇𝑅𝐴𝑁𝐺𝐸𝑅?

In contrast, 𝐷𝑌𝐼𝑁𝐺 𝐵𝑅𝐸𝐸𝐷 was as transparently veteran as they came. However, the experienced soldier’s resume spoke of nomadic gray wolves migrating to and fro a smattering of frontline task force appointments with a history of bucking against the bureaucratic grain.

Here in MTF Chi-00, it was no different. Arriving no earlier than was remotely acceptable to the mandatory meeting, he sat through my-dumbass-callsign-is, and get-to-know-you’s with disinterest. He couldn’t wait to leave from the noise and haunts of his past.

“I’m, ah - Dying Breed. Apparently.” Who knew the Ethics Committee had a sick sense of humor? A grin stretched on his scarred face before the severity of his following statement. “...I’ll do whatever I can to get you out of any trouble you’re in. That’ll be the case even if I don’t like you much. And if all you are is pieces, then - same goes. I’ll get something of you home, if I can.”

It was a promise intended to be upheld, one to which those who knew him could attest. But before anyone else could read any sentimentality behind it, 𝐷𝑌𝐼𝑁𝐺 𝐵𝑅𝐸𝐸𝐷 pulled out a cigarette and snarked, “But chances are you won't hear shit from me until we’re in the field in any kind of way. Or unless this place goes to hell.” 

Volunteering a fifteen-minute break for himself without the input of his new commander (and told to come back within five), the tactical operative strode off to the exit, unfazed by surprise admirers and the inquisitive theorists. But something gave the hunter an uncanny sensation when he reached the glass door.

There was a subtle break in the impassive face of the Suit by the door. Something within 𝐷𝑌𝐼𝑁𝐺 𝐵𝑅𝐸𝐸𝐷 repulsed. Fuck that look. 

The cavalier airs of the veteran’s exit and re-entry overshadowed the next speaker. №2 𝑃𝐸𝑁𝐶𝐼𝐿 faded in the background. The Site-17 Surrealistics researcher simply did not talk. It was hard to. The brain fog from the flight coming in, the numerous psychiatric evaluations she had cleared prior, the experiment that had gone wrong, and something further, in a place far away, tinged in sepia… Then nothingness. Again. Nothingness. 

The crowd eyed her, not knowing what to make of the stoicism. Some did. Regrets washed over 𝐹𝐿𝐼𝑀𝐹𝐿𝐴𝑀, self-monikered reaper of dreams. She had used №2 𝑃𝐸𝑁𝐶𝐼𝐿’s starlight to fuel the golden glory of legacies she could not bear to bury. She had done that to her best friend. 

On the other side of the table, a man saw through the twinge within №2 𝑃𝐸𝑁𝐶𝐼𝐿's tranquility. About six months and twenty-three days earlier, 𝑂𝐿𝐷 𝑆𝑃𝑂𝑅𝑇 had known a different woman. And he was set on rescuing her from drowning in her mind.

Braving her own set of waves was the plucky 𝑈𝑅𝐵𝐴𝑁 𝑀𝑌𝑇𝐻. Setting on her maiden voyage in a world that far extended her post with Gamma-6, she felt out of place by how grand the role given to her was and how little the orientation was shaping up to be. The warm comradery of her old seafaring mobile task force was replaced by prejudgment, even derision, in some of these glances around the table.

The levity of her past buoyed her thoughts, and 𝑈𝑅𝐵𝐴𝑁 𝑀𝑌𝑇𝐻 shook them off. This wasn’t a hole to get buried in but an opportunity. Mustering up all of her excitement, she introduced herself to her new life. “I'm a little less Bigfoot,” she quipped, referencing 𝑄𝑈𝑂𝑇𝐸 𝑈𝑁𝑄𝑈𝑂𝑇𝐸, ”And a little more deep-sea mythology. Think I get more seasick on land than on a boat at this point.”

A bright smile hiding her nerves, one of the Foundation’s newest members ended her speech with, “Don’t think we’ll be finding Scylla or Charybdis out here, but I’ve got you covered if we do.” Her sweet nature gathered the group, some pitying her innocence while others reveled in a kindred spirit.

The ensuing lector honed in on the deep-sea operative’s specialty. Was there a possible connection to the ARC in Antarctica? But there was no time to ponder that now — not when it was their turn on the proverbial mic. 

They braced themselves. 𝐺𝐴𝑅𝐷𝐸𝑁 𝑉𝐴𝑅𝐼𝐸𝑇𝑌 was not looking forward to introductions. He actually considered it the worst part of meeting new people.

But a few already recognized the man, a height of 6’10” notwithstanding. 52 𝑃𝐼𝐶𝐾𝑈𝑃 and 𝑂𝐿𝐷 𝑆𝑃𝑂𝑅𝑇 knew of the engineer from their past missions, and there was that other scientist from Site-120 within the group… A very familiar face by way of 𝐻𝐼𝐺𝐻 𝐹𝐼𝐷𝐸𝐿𝐼𝑇𝑌.

In terms of science acumen, there was another mind on the opposite spectrum of the two, a researcher notorious for his heart. Though a spot of dizziness hindered him, the AEED junior researcher, 𝐶𝑂𝑊𝐵𝑂𝑌 𝐺𝑅𝐸𝐸𝑇𝐼𝑁𝐺 pushed through to greet his new fellows.

“Hey everybody! I'm – Cowboy Greeting?” The call sign is something he's unused to, and the man places an addendum, “But Seth's fine, whatever you prefer. It's, uh – well...”

The newly-christened 𝐶𝑂𝑊𝐵𝑂𝑌 𝐺𝑅𝐸𝐸𝑇𝐼𝑁𝐺 was a newer acquisition by the Foundation, their previous social work and nonprofit policy evolved to match intra-departmental affairs and policy reviews; a suitable candidate for Themis, by all means. It almost felt fated, then. And perhaps there was more than just trivial coincidence that 𝐶𝑂𝑊𝐵𝑂𝑌 𝐺𝑅𝐸𝐸𝑇𝐼𝑁𝐺 would end up at the Foundation...

Fittingly, the crowd's reaction to Seth-𝐶𝑂𝑊𝐵𝑂𝑌 𝐺𝑅𝐸𝐸𝑇𝐼𝑁𝐺 was quiet, with more intrigue on the basis of the call sign.

For others, social work popped and lingered in their minds, a reminisce of soap after the bubbles. Whereas 𝑈𝑅𝐵𝐴𝑁 𝑀𝑌𝑇𝐻 hoped for that this room and all its inhabitants didn't drain all the caring away, 𝐷𝑌𝐼𝑁𝐺 𝐵𝑅𝐸𝐸𝐷 bristled, inundated with a memory of decrepit couches, battered blinds, and a steel-gray haired woman posing the question: Where's your mom?

(And, without fail, the Watcher looked at him, SCP-4891. Peering as a peer. Wondering what would happen this time.)

Next to the sitting 𝐶𝑂𝑊𝐵𝑂𝑌 𝐺𝑅𝐸𝐸𝑇𝐼𝑁𝐺 was his partner-in-research, the equally anxious but conversely excited doctor, 𝑇𝑅𝐸𝐸 𝐻𝑈𝐺𝐺𝐸𝑅. The two had been whispering throughout introductions, indulging the brief vice of workplace gossip; the epitome of a matching set if the crowd ever saw one. A smile on his lips, he extended line — a connection — to the folks surrounding him.

“I'm Rohan. Just Rohan, please. Dr. Abbasi if you feel especially professionally compelled, but really I'd prefer if we kept things more casual and friendly... You're welcome to call me 𝑇𝑅𝐸𝐸 𝐻𝑈𝐺𝐺𝐸𝑅 if that feels right to you, but you might have to say it a few times to get my attention.” The good doctor explained with a grin, his cheer noticeable that even the solitary №2 𝑃𝐸𝑁𝐶𝐼𝐿 took heed.

“I'm in my seventh year at the Foundation, but it's all been on the research side of things... I'd be more than happy to go into details... as Seth knows I can go on all day about it and then some, but I'll spare you all the gory parts and give you the rundown...”

What 𝑇𝑅𝐸𝐸 𝐻𝑈𝐺𝐺𝐸𝑅 more than excelled in: lab work, neuroscience and pharmacology, amnestic applications in animal and humanoid SCP recovery; he lacked in experience with the Foundation’s other, the militaristic shadow that tinged all of the organization's experiments. In a way, that naivete never really dispersed, and with it came a notorious reputation among the more conservative minds of thought. This researcher would doom them all by consolidation and sympathy of the SCP threat.

Many marveled at the arrival of another big-profile researcher. Whereas 𝐺𝐴𝑅𝐷𝐸𝑁 𝑉𝐴𝑅𝐼𝐸𝑇𝑌 saw a younger self, 𝐻𝐼𝐺𝐻 𝐹𝐼𝐷𝐸𝐿𝐼𝑇𝑌 wasn't listening too closely (at first). But when mentions of amnestics popped up, the scientist knew that there would be a benefit or more if he and 𝑇𝑅𝐸𝐸 𝐻𝑈𝐺𝐺𝐸𝑅 struck a workplace friendship.

However, to one relationship savvy mind in 𝐹𝐿𝐼𝑀𝐹𝐿𝐴𝑀, she could not help but notice just how close the 𝐶𝑂𝑊𝐵𝑂𝑌 and the 𝐻𝑈𝐺𝐺𝐸𝑅 were. Awwwwww talking about Seth Cowboy Greeting during speech…there has got to be something going on there!!!! She jotted her notes, eyes wide with imagination. Tree Hugger + Cowboy Greeting = Bromance?? Tree Hugger + Cowboy Greeting = Dating??? <3 <3

“Onto the next.” Tree Hugger concluded, leaning back into his seat to hear 𝐶𝑂𝑊𝐵𝑂𝑌 𝐺𝑅𝐸𝐸𝑇𝐼𝑁𝐺's encouraging whisper, “Killed it, man. We so got this.”

Lastly, at the end, (at the start) of the circular table was 𝑂𝐿𝐷 𝑆𝑃𝑂𝑅𝑇. A simple, nondescript field agent from Iota-10. One of the best, as noted on his pristine work record. One of the best, as none could really tell you anything of the man. A symbol of the Foundation, made to be invisible.

“...I would request that you all please refer to me by the appointed codename-slash-callsign, 'Old Sport,' as it is one of the precepts of Chi-Zero-Zero.”

The agent requested, soberingly de-personalized compared to all of his predecessors. The air stilled, the building's exhaust fans going silent as a bullet point resumé spoken in an almost artificially generated phrase, with no tonal indication of humor or severity, filled the drab meeting room. It had been said that true neutrality didn't exist, and yet, Themis was witnessing it firsthand.

“I have a multitude of hobbies and like various things. Additionally, I have very few dislikes. I look forward to working with everyone until the very end of this assignment or until reassignments. Thank you.”

The rest of 𝑂𝐿𝐷 𝑆𝑃𝑂𝑅𝑇's presentation took no longer than two minutes, the shortest introduction on the Themis team by far. Contrastingly, emotions ensued from the mild agent's audience. Some of confusion, others of annoyance, and one even postulated there was a murderer in the midst.

But it was 𝐶𝑂𝑊𝐵𝑂𝑌 𝐺𝑅𝐸𝐸𝑇𝐼𝑁𝐺 that felt something prick at his head, disturb his stomach... He knows he has never met someone like Old Sport before, the way the man talks is surreal. But something about Old Sport's face. Something was there.

52 𝑃𝐼𝐶𝐾𝑈𝑃, as well, noticed the tidbits of information packaged with the agent's bland transparency. 𝑂𝐿𝐷 𝑆𝑃𝑂𝑅𝑇 had mentioned the Decommissioning Department, a facility known to be the few who oversaw eliminating SCPs out of existence, as if he was talking about some volunteering he did over the summer. Yes, something was up with the man, and her keen attention caught it — a sliver of disposition that was free from the agent's persona.

Two pairs of hands intertwined with a promise.

MEMORY IS AN IMPORTANT, IMPERMANENT THING.

The Themis operatives have holes in their memory upon arriving to Site-Phi, and the talk of bagels don't help much. As a safety measure during the Themis Interviews, the Foundation administered amnestics from Research and Containment Team Δt to induce memory loss for candidates in case of information leaks, and Osterholz's trigger word has wide-spreading effects throughout the team.

Those in the Foundation who have high resistance to memory alternation have been proven to regain their memories with no issues, such as 𝐶𝑂𝑊𝐵𝑂𝑌 𝐺𝑅𝐸𝐸𝑇𝐼𝑁𝐺, 𝐺𝐴𝑅𝐷𝐸𝑁 𝑉𝐴𝑅𝐼𝐸𝑇𝑌, and 𝑂𝐿𝐷 𝑆𝑃𝑂𝑅𝑇.

While others who handle amnestics in their day-to-day operations may not have experience with these effects themselves, their experience and knowledge of amnestics give them advantages, such as knowing mnemonics or other information retention stratagems. These people slowly understand the state of their mind in the likes of 52 𝑃𝐼𝐶𝐾𝑈𝑃, 𝐸𝐿𝐸𝑉𝐴𝑇𝑂𝑅 𝑀𝑈𝑆𝐼𝐶, 𝐻𝐼𝐺𝐻 𝐹𝐼𝐷𝐸𝐿𝐼𝑇𝑌, 𝑄𝑈𝑂𝑇𝐸 𝑈𝑁𝑄𝑈𝑂𝑇𝐸, 𝑇𝑅𝐸𝐸 𝐻𝑈𝐺𝐺𝐸𝑅, 𝑃𝐸𝑅𝐹𝐸𝐶𝑇 𝑆𝑇𝑅𝐴𝑁𝐺𝐸𝑅, and 𝑈𝑅𝐵𝐴𝑁 𝑀𝑌𝑇𝐻.

But Themis operatives with recent memory issues or cognitive injuries, who are susceptible to cognitohazards, or have been affected by memetic damage, or those who have no experience with amnestics feel even more sick, more confused, more lost... like in the case of 𝐷𝑌𝐼𝑁𝐺 𝐵𝑅𝐸𝐸𝐷, 𝐹𝐿𝐼𝑀𝐹𝐿𝐴𝑀, 𝐿𝐼𝑉𝐸 𝑊𝐼𝑅𝐸, №2 𝑃𝐸𝑁𝐶𝐼𝐿, and 𝑆𝑀𝑂𝑂𝑇𝐻 𝑂𝑃𝐸𝑅𝐴𝑇𝑂𝑅.

SOME ARE NOT ENOUGH TO ASCEND THEIR HUMAN COIL.

Near the end of Themis' acclimatization period, a new candidate in the form of 𝐴𝑈 𝐹𝐴𝐼𝑇 was slated to join the team. One of the Foundation's newest investments, a whistleblower within RAISA who took down her own father. She would be an asset, the Ethics Committee believed. And so they sent her, Vivien, without as much as a heads-up to their so-called favorite.

𝑆𝑀𝑂𝑂𝑇𝐻 𝑂𝑃𝐸𝑅𝐴𝑇𝑂𝑅 woke up wearily to his beeper and met the news with the enthusiasm of a man jolted from sleep in the early hours of morning.

Her foray into her introduction goes well enough, the scent of coffee masking fear and expectation... until it can't.

Themis, before it leaves to its first mission, fractures a little at the edges. Resolutions weaken, minds fray, and spirits break. 𝐸𝐿𝐸𝑉𝐴𝑇𝑂𝑅 𝑀𝑈𝑆𝐼𝐶, №2 𝑃𝐸𝑁𝐶𝐼𝐿, 𝑈𝑅𝐵𝐴𝑁 𝑀𝑌𝑇𝐻, and even 𝐴𝑈 𝐹𝐴𝐼𝑇 herself find that they cannot go on...

There shall be many more. The Foundation has expected this. This is what Humanity has signed up for.