Chapter 50: Nuke is luck

Chapter 50: Nuke is luck

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for solving a major crisis. Reward incoming…]

Leonard's device buzzed with a sense of finality as the notification appeared. He exhaled slowly, still processing the aftermath of the nuclear strike, but the notifications were relentless.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining Site-DE8.]

The details of Site-DE8 unfurled on the screen. The site, a former army barracks near Hammelburg in northern Bavaria, was now under Leonard's direct control. It served as a camouflaged stronghold for the Foundation, disguised as a Bundeswehr and Federal Police training facility, but in reality, it housed numerous Mobile Task Forces (MTFs) ready for deployment across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The site boasted state-of-the-art facilities, advanced weaponry, and armored vehicles, making it a military fortress in all but name.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining Site-DE1.]

Site-DE1 was equally significant. Located west of Bad Hersfeld in Hessen, this industrial park was the administrative hub of the Germanophone SCP Foundation. Above ground, it was hidden behind the guise of small businesses, but below, it housed the Foundation's central data center and administrative offices. Site-DE1 also hosted KIRA, the quantum AI that managed and defended the Foundation's digital operations. It was a site of immense strategic importance, ensuring the integrity of the Foundation's activities.

The next wave of notifications began to focus on the personnel and resources now under Leonard's command.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining Mobile Task Force DE1-ℌ "HAL 1000". x9 Moderate MTF Agents + x1 AI. Mobile Task Force DE1-ℌ "HAL 1000" consists of Computer and AI experts, as well as the quantum AI "KIRA," and is dedicated to the defense against and tracking of digital attacks via internet and intranet on the German Branch's data center and central archive at Site-DE1, as well as tracing and tracking digital anomalies. MTF DE1-ℌ is also responsible for the maintenance of KIRA and its hardware.]

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining Mobile Task Force DE1-𝔏 "Die Inquisition". x30 Moderate MTF Agents. Mobile Task Force DE1-𝔏 "Die Inquisition" is the Germanophone Foundation's combined internal secret service and criminal police. Their duties are to track, apprehend, and eliminate infiltrators and undercover agents of government agencies and other organizations, as well as prosecuting crimes against the Foundation from within, such as murder, treason, SCP theft, or causing a containment breach. Their size, equipment, and the identities of their members are classified. Members tend to investigate undercover and wear full-face masks when in the field.]

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining Mobile Task Force DE8-𝔄 "Tatortreiniger". x100 Moderate MTF Agents. Mobile Task Force DE8-𝔄 "Tatortreiniger," like most of the MTFs from Site-DE8, is camouflaged as a unit of the German Federal Police. Their specialty is mission security in public spaces, following up on the impact of anomalies on the population after large-scale missions, through mass application of amnestics and memetic Moderate MTF Agents, deletion of photos, videos, and other recordings, suppression of anomaly-induced unrest, and also forensics and protection of property.]

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining Mobile Task Force DE8-𝔅 "Räumkommando". x100 Moderate MTF Agents. Mobile Task Force DE8-𝔅 "Räumkommando" is a large heavy-infantry MTF specializing in military tasks such as urban and bunker warfare, as well as combat in open terrain. Heavy infantry weapons are utilized, including mortars, heavy machine guns, and rocket launchers. The unit also specializes in the construction of palisades and firing positions and is capable of acting as mobile infantry, with its own Armored Personnel Carriers and access to Armored Fighting Vehicles shared with MTF DE8-ℭ.]

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining Mobile Task Force DE8-ℭ "Schwere Geschütze". x100 Moderate MTF Agents. Mobile Task Force DE8-ℭ "Schwere Geschütze" specializes in the use of armored vehicles, exoskeletons, heavy weapons, artillery, anti-aircraft defense, and automated security systems. The unit performs military tasks requiring armored units in conjunction with MTF DE8-𝔅. In peacetime, MTF DE8-ℭ is the only permanently deployed MTF that can command the tanks and other heavy military equipment owned by the Foundation, also using more easily concealed guns mounted in truck beds.]

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining Mobile Task Force DE8-𝔊 "Kein Wunder". x20 Moderate MTF Agents. Mobile Task Force DE8-𝔊 "Kein Wunder" is disguised as an Arrest Unit (BFE) of the German Bundespolizei (Federal Police), and specializes in arresting reality-bending humanoid entities. Through genetic and cybernetic adaptation, MTF DE8-𝔊 is able to survive the side effects of portable Scranton Reality Anchors built into their combat gear.]

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining Mobile Task Force DE8-ℜ "Acies Carnifex". x15 Moderate MTF Agents. Mobile Task Force DE8-ℜ "Acies Carnifex" specializes in terminating highly dangerous anomalies, Persons of Interest, or groups. It is to other MTFs what Special Forces are to the army. Members break off all ties outside of the MTF, and carry control chips suppressing both memories of their previous life and distracting thoughts during missions. They always employ technology and gear tailored to their specific tasks, occasionally using mildly anomalous equipment.]

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining Mobile Task Force DE8-ℨ "Samariter". x25 Moderate MTF Agents. Mobile Task Force DE8-ℨ "Samariter" specializes in the rescue of personnel from a wide range of different dangerous situations. The unit often intervenes in the area of expertise of another Task Force, and so it is trained and equipped for a wide variety of situations. To ensure it is always on standby, the unit consists of two 12-person Task Forces.]

Leonard scrolled through the notifications, each one solidifying the massive increase in his operational capabilities. But the notifications didn't stop there.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining The Council of Directors (Direktorenrat). x13 Members. The Council of Directors, also known as the O4, is the governing body of the Germanophone Foundation, consisting of 13 Site Directors and Department Heads. The O4 is the highest authority of the German-speaking branch and reports directly to the O5 Council. The Site Director of Site-DE1 chairs the Council of Directors, headquartered at Site-DE1.]

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining the Division of the Ethics Committee at the Germanophone SCP Foundation (AEDF). x5 Members. The Division of the Ethics Committee at the Germanophone SCP Foundation (Abteilung des Ethikkommitees bei der deutschsprachigen SCP-Foundation, AEDF) monitors and advises the German-speaking branch, warning the O4 about grievances, reporting directly to the Ethics Committee or O5, with some limited opportunities to intervene directly if other mechanisms should fail.]

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for reaching Level 10]

[Ding! It has been detected that the host meet the requirements for a update of the system. Update Progress: 0%…]

The notifications finally came to a stop, leaving Leonard to absorb the sheer scale of the power and responsibility he now held. The weight of these new roles settled on him, but so did a sense of exhilaration. He was no longer just a high-ranking member of the Foundation—he was a central figure in its operations, with the resources to influence the fate of the entire German-speaking region.

But with these new assets came new challenges, and Leonard knew that the enemies of the Foundation would not rest. As he prepared to step into his expanded role, he couldn't help but smirk at the thought of what lay ahead. The game had changed, and now, he held much more cards.

Leonard barely had time to comprehend the immense power now in his hands when the atmosphere shifted drastically. In the distance, the sound of coordinated movement became increasingly louder, a rapid rhythm of footsteps pounding the ground. The sound soon transformed into the unmistakable rumble of a large group advancing towards him and Lina.

Within moments, the elite Resh-1 unit materialized in front of Leonard, forming an impenetrable wall between him and Lina. Their presence was commanding, a living barrier that radiated both authority and control. The agents behind Resh-1, equipped with standard-issue tactical gear, raised their weapons in perfect synchrony, each one aimed directly at Lina. The air became thick with tension as the agents fixed their eyes on her, their expressions hidden behind reflective visors, their weapons unflinchingly steady.

One of the leading agents stepped forward, his voice stern and unwavering, "SCP-8888, you are under arrest for treason and the attempted murder of a Class-A personnel. Do not resist."

The words struck Lina like a physical blow, their weight almost unbearable. Her mind raced, trying to process the gravity of the situation. The accusation of treason and attempted murder clashed violently with her instincts, creating a whirlwind of fear and confusion. She had always been loyal to the Foundation—how had it come to this? The reality of the situation began to sink in, and with it, a rising tide of panic that threatened to overwhelm her.

The agents advanced, weapons still trained on her. Lina's thoughts scrambled, seeking a way out, but her mind was clouded with fear. Her breath quickened as she struggled to find clarity, to understand what she should do next.

The entire world seemed to hold its breath, waiting for Lina's response.

The moment hung in the air, thick with tension, as weapons remained trained on Lina. Her heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing as the weight of the situation bore down on her. The air was electric, the silence nearly unbearable, when finally, the Administrator stepped forward, his presence commanding attention from everyone around.

"All charges against SCP-8888 are hereby dismissed and forgotten," Leonard's voice rang out, clear and decisive. It was an order, not a suggestion.

The agent who had earlier leveled the accusations against Lina visibly stiffened. His lips parted, the beginnings of a protest forming, but before he could utter a word, two members of Resh-1 moved. They didn't need to speak. Their advance alone sent the message. The agent swallowed hard, his protest dying on his lips as he took an involuntary step back. The Resh-1 members, silent and imposing, returned to their positions, their eyes never leaving the agent as if daring him to push the issue further.

Seeing the situation for what it was, the agent relented, lowering his head slightly in acquiescence. Leonard's authority was absolute, and the reminder that it could be enforced with violence, if necessary, was crystal clear.

With the immediate threat neutralized, Leonard's attention returned to Lina. His eyes, sharp and unreadable, bored into hers. "Regroup with your squad" he ordered, his tone giving no hint of his thoughts or feelings.

Lina, still shaken, nodded quickly, her mind struggling to keep up with everything that had just transpired. She turned on her heel, her steps unsteady as she made her way back toward her quarters. Her heart hammered in her chest, not from the threats made by the other agents, but from the sheer enormity of what had just happened. She had been at the precipice of something terrible, and the Administrator had pulled her back.

But why? The question echoed in her mind as she walked away, a question that, for the moment, she had no answer to.

As Lina disappeared from sight, Leonard's communicator buzzed, the sharp sound cutting through the fading tension. He pulled it from his coat, glancing down at the new report that had come through. His eyes narrowed as he read the words.

A significant convoy of Bundeswehr vehicles was advancing from the East. They were estimated to arrive at the forest within 40 minutes. This was a development that could unravel everything the Foundation had worked so hard to contain. The Bundeswehr would be walking into a scene they were utterly unprepared for, risking exposure of the Foundation's operations. 

Leonard's expression hardened as he began issuing rapid orders through the communicator. "All units, prepare to administer Class-A amnestics to the Bundeswehr soldiers who got knocked down. Ensure they are left within the forest, completely unaware of what has transpired here."

He paused, considering the logistics, and then added, "Once the amnestic operation is complete, I want the entire forest evacuated. All Foundation personnel are to return to France immediately. Leave no trace of our presence."

As the orders were relayed down the chain of command, Leonard allowed himself a moment to take stock of the situation. Today had been far more chaotic than he had anticipated, with variables spinning out of control at every turn. There were implications here that would need to be addressed, but for now, securing the area and ensuring the continued secrecy of the Foundation's operations took precedence.

---

The scene shifted abruptly to the interior of a small, dimly lit tent, its canvas walls rustling softly in the faint breeze. Inside, a GIGN operator stirred awake, the world around him coming into focus slowly, as if through a thick fog. His head throbbed with a dull ache, and for a moment, he couldn't remember where he was or how he had gotten there.

He blinked, trying to clear the haze from his mind. As his vision sharpened, he realized he was lying on a simple cot, the fabric stiff and unfamiliar beneath him. Confusion flickered in his eyes as he took in his surroundings. The dim light cast long shadows, making the space feel smaller, more claustrophobic. Around him, the other members of his team, all 74 of them, lay in similar cots, each one unconscious.

And there, at the far end of the tent, standing in the shadows, was a figure clad in a black trench coat. The figure's face was obscured by a mask that gleamed ominously in the low light. The operator's breath caught in his throat. The figure was still, too still, watching over the unconscious form of Colonel Dumont, who lay closest to them.

The operator's heart pounded as he struggled to make sense of the situation. Who was this person? Were they an ally or an enemy? The figure's presence filled him with a sense of unease, a gnawing fear that something was terribly wrong.

Before the operator could summon the courage to speak, the masked figure broke the silence, their voice low and filled with an unsettling mix of regret and determination. "Forgive me for putting you in danger" the figure murmured, the words directed at the unconscious Colonel Dumont.

The operator's eyes widened in shock and confusion. Who was this person, and what did they mean by those words? The questions whirled in his mind, but before he could ask any of them, the figure turned on their heel and exited the tent, leaving the operator alone in the dim light, surrounded by his still-unconscious comrades.

He remained frozen, too stunned to move, too overwhelmed to process what had just happened. The figure's words echoed in his mind, filling him with a growing sense of dread.

—————————

Information for those who don't know:

The Foundation's personnel class system is a kind of hierarchy that indicates someone's level of importance:

 Class A - Strategic Personnel

Class A personnel are crucial to the Foundation's strategy and are never allowed direct access to anomalies. If they must be near anomalies, they are restricted from areas containing them and must stay in secured zones. In emergencies, Class A personnel are evacuated to a secure off-site location. O5 Council members are always Class A personnel. Léonard , our MC, is a Class-A personnel.

 Class B - Key Personnel

Class B personnel are vital to local operations and can only access anomalies that have been cleared of any mind-affecting effects. In case of a containment breach or attack, they must be quickly evacuated to a secure off-site location.

 Class C - Operational Personnel

Class C personnel have direct access to most anomalies that aren't highly dangerous. If they interact with mind-affecting properties, they may face quarantine and evaluation. During a containment breach or attack, non-combatant Class C personnel must either go to secure areas or be evacuated based on security's decision.

 Class D - Disposable Personnel

Class D personnel are expendable workers used for handling highly dangerous anomalies. They must not have contact with Class A or B personnel and are usually recruited from violent criminals on death row. In emergencies, recruitment may extend to other sources, such as political prisoners or refugees. Class D personnel undergo regular psychiatric evaluations and are given amnestics or terminated monthly. In a catastrophic event, they are to be immediately terminated unless otherwise directed by security.

 Class E - Exposed Personnel

Class E is a temporary classification for personnel exposed to potential dangers while securing new anomalies. They are quarantined, monitored for harmful changes, and can only return to duty after being cleared by medical and psychiatric staff.