Nature’s Hidden Child -62

Bruce's eyes widened slightly at the mention of O5-1, the highest echelon of the SCP Foundation's command structure. The fact that such a high-ranking individual had personally assigned him to this mission spoke volumes about its importance—or at least, the unique perspective and skills Bruce could offer.

He handed the page back to Director Tremblay, his mind racing with the implications.

"I see," Bruce said, finally understanding the gravity of the situation. "This isn't just about containment or research. It's about establishing a connection, isn't it?"

Director Tremblay nodded, a serious look on his face. "Most likely. SCP-1338, despite being an anomaly, exhibits many characteristics of a young child. O5-1 probably believes that your unique experiences, both as a scientist and as a humanoid object yourself, could help establish a rapport with the entity.

We've seen how you manage your own condition, Dr. Banner, with a mix of scientific understanding and personal empathy. That balance could be key in interacting with SCP-1338."

Bruce leaned back in his chair, considering the task ahead. He was starting to get an understanding of the situation. He could bring both a scientific mind and personal empathy to help with the understanding of SCP-1338.

This had the potential to help the child and teach him more about Hulk, who was, in many ways, a child himself.

"Alright," Bruce said, determination settling over him. "I'll do it. I'll meet with SCP-1338. But I want to approach this with as much care and preparation as possible. We're dealing with a child, after all, anomaly or not."

Director Tremblay smiled, relieved and pleased with Bruce's decision. "We wouldn't have it any other way, Dr. Banner. You'll have full access to all our research on SCP-1338, and remember," he added, "this mission is as much about learning and understanding as it is about containment."

Bruce stood up, feeling a weight of responsibility on his shoulders but also a flicker of hope. This mission was a far cry from the rage and fear that had come to define so much of his life. It was a chance to use his abilities and experiences for something quietly profound: to connect, to understand, and perhaps to help.

He still had some worry about what might happen if the Hulk were to cause trouble, but from what he had learned about the hulk and SCP-1338, there was a chance that even if the hulk appeared he wouldn't hurt 1338 who had the ability to communicate with plants and animals, this could after all perhaps translate to communication with the Hulk.

He wasn't given much time to prepare before he had to head out. Apparently, another team had already left from a SITE much closer and if he didn't want to miss out on the chance of being there for first contact, he had to get there quickly.

…

The quinjet touched down in a small clearing between the trees. Bruce couldn't help but once more become impressed with the technology the Foundation had. This jet could land with greater precision than a helicopter yet fly further and faster than a jet.

Another thing he could be impressed with was how the Foundation had managed to set up this place so quickly. Looking all around him, he saw what seemed like a small village in the makings. Except the nature around was kept mostly undisrupted.

The buildings around seemed to have been flown in and set gently down between trees. Large solar panels sitting on huge stilts to reach up above the canopy. Clearly they knew not to mess up the environment when dealing with a nature loving entity.

"Dr Banner, glad you could make it." A crisp voice broke him out of his stupor.

"Ah, yes." He said, looking towards the voice.

Clad in a form-fitting, yet decidedly practical ensemble, she moved with the confidence of someone born for adventure. Her outfit, reminiscent of a modern-day Indiana Jones, was meticulously chosen for both form and function.

A pair of rugged, khaki cargo pants hugged her legs, the fabric durable enough to withstand the underbrush of the dense forest, yet flexible enough to allow for the full range of motion needed to navigate the challenging terrain. Tucked into her pants was a fitted, lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, its olive green color blending seamlessly with the forest canopy.

Around her waist, a leather belt cinched her shirt, from which hung various pouches and a compact, multi-tool sheath—each item carefully selected for its utility in the field. Her feet were shod in sturdy, waterproof boots, their soles designed for grip and stability on the uneven forest floor.

On her head, a wide-brimmed, felt hat shielded her face from the dappled sunlight, casting mysterious shadows that danced across her determined features.

Over her shoulders, she wore a canvas satchel, weathered from use but well-maintained, slung across her body. It was packed with essentials—maps, field notes, a compact camera, and other scientific instruments crucial for her research. Despite the load, she carried it with ease, a testament to her readiness and resilience.

Her attire wasn't just about practicality; it was a statement of her identity. She was a trailblazer, a seeker of truths hidden in the natural world. Every piece of her gear, every choice in her wardrobe, spoke of a woman who valued knowledge and adventure above all else, ready to delve into the mysteries of the uncharted with the spirit of an explorer and the mind of a scientist.

"Dr Banner? Dr Banner? Are you alright Dr Banner?" Her voice snapped him out of his daze. He couldn't help but feel embarrassed as he had been standing there checking her out like some kind of perv.

"Ah, yes, sorry about that," Bruce apologized, quickly regaining his composure. "I was just admiring the setup here. It's quite impressive."

She smiled, understanding the genuine curiosity behind his initial distraction. "It's all part of the job," she replied, extending her hand. "I'm Dr. Lena Morris, the lead researcher for the SCP-1338 containment operation. We've set up this base to minimize our impact on the environment while we study and protect SCP-1338."

Bruce shook her hand, appreciating the firm grip. "Bruce Banner," he introduced himself, though he figured she already knew. "I'm here to assist with SCP-1338. Director Tremblay briefed me, but I'm eager to learn more about the operation firsthand."

"Of course, Dr. Banner. Let's walk and talk; I'll show you around the camp and fill you in on the details," Dr. Morris suggested, turning to lead the way through the makeshift village.

As they walked, Dr. Morris explained the setup: each building served a specific purpose, from research labs and observation posts to living quarters for the team.

 The solar panels provided clean energy, reducing their reliance on generators and minimizing noise pollution. Even the paths between buildings were carefully laid out to avoid harming the root systems of the surrounding trees.

"The heart of our operation is the observation post," she continued, pointing to a structure built with large windows and an open design that allowed for unobstructed views of SCP-1338's known habitat areas. "From there, we can monitor SCP-1338's movements and behavior without intruding too much into its space."

Bruce listened intently, nodding along. The Foundation's commitment to preserving the boy's natural environment resonated with him. It was a delicate balance, studying such a unique anomaly while ensuring its well-being and the integrity of his home.

When they reached the observation post, Bruce was struck by the clarity of the view. Through the glass, he could see the dense forest stretching out before them, a green expanse teeming with life. It was a reminder of the world outside the confines of labs and containment cells—a world SCP-1338 belonged to.

"Dr. Banner, your role here is well… not well defined," Dr. Morris explained as they stood side by side, looking out at the forest. "You are here because someone up high thought you would be of use, you are allowed to interact with 1338. That said, I do expect you to follow all Foundation protocols."

Bruce turned to Dr. Morris, acknowledging the responsibility placed upon him. "Understood, Dr. Morris. I'm here to help in any way I can, following the protocols is a given," he assured her, his tone reflecting his commitment to the mission's success and his deep respect for the Foundation's goals.

Dr. Morris nodded, satisfied with his response. "I appreciate that, Dr. Banner. We're dealing with an entity that, while not dangerous in the conventional sense, requires a nuanced approach. SCP-1338 is unique, and we believe that your background—both your scientific expertise and your personal experiences—could provide valuable insights into how we interact with him."

She paused, allowing Bruce to absorb the information, then continued, "SCP-1338 has shown a remarkable ability to communicate with and influence plant life. It's a fascinating subject for study, just imagine they ways it understand nature in ways we can't hope to."

As they talked, Bruce felt a sense of purpose. This mission was more than just a task; it was an opportunity to learn and experience how the foundation worked outside of merely reading the finished reports.

"Let's take a closer look at the area where SCP-1338 is most often observed. We have some preliminary observations, but we have held off making contact until you came." Dr. Morris explained as she started leading Bruce away from the camp and into the forest.

The time spent on the run and the times he had to get himself back from the wilds after an episode was the only reason he was able to keep up with her. He even suspected she was moving slowly to let him keep up.

Along the way, she would point out hidden cameras or sensors in the trees and bushes, explaining that they were used to keep an eye on 1338. They were mostly used to log appearances, allowing them an idea of where he might be roaming at a given time.

"Given the calculations we have from the data collected over the past two days of observation we expect the area right up ahead to be where the object is normally staying." She whispered to him as they slowed down.

Bruce nodded, his heart rate increasing slightly with the anticipation of meeting SCP-1338. They had reached a denser part of the forest, where the canopy formed a natural dome above them, filtering the sunlight into a soft, ethereal glow. The air was rich with the scent of earth and foliage, a testament to the untouched nature of this area.

Dr. Morris gestured for Bruce to follow her lead as they moved forward with cautious steps, mindful not to disturb the tranquillity of the surroundings. Every so often, she would pause, scanning the area with a practiced eye, searching for signs of SCP-1338's presence.

Finally, they came to a clearing where the sunlight poured through the gaps in the trees, illuminating the forest floor in patches of light. It was here that Bruce first saw SCP-1338, a figure that seemed both a part of the forest and distinctly separate from it.

SCP-1338 was sitting on a fallen log, surrounded by various animals, and Bruce couldn't help but slightly worry seeing a child surrounded by wild animals like that. Yet was a silent communication between him and the natural world around him. Bruce was struck by the serene scene before him; it was a moment of pure, unspoiled connection between a being and nature.

Bruce felt Dr. Morris's hand on his shoulder, a silent reminder of their purpose here. Taking a deep breath, he stepped into the clearing, his movements slow and deliberate to avoid startling the boy or the wildlife. As he approached, the boy looked up, his gaze curious but unafraid.

"Hello," Bruce said softly, stopping a few feet away from him. "I'm Bruce. I've come to meet you."

SCP-1338 tilted his head slightly, observing Bruce with a thoughtful expression. After a moment, he responded. "why?" he simply asked. His voice matching the appearance of a young boy, full with innocence.

Bruce couldn't help but smile at the response, a sense of wonder filling him. Here, in this moment, he was not the Hulk, not a scientist, not an SCP object. He was simply a human being, reaching out to connect with another sentient being, one who held the secrets of nature within him.

"Because I heard that you can help people, and I have this… this friend, he needs help I think." Bruce was surprised by his own words. Yet he didn't regret them.

The boy looked around, his gaze stopping at Morris for a moment before settling back at Bruce. "Her?"

Morris, for one, stayed back and observed, recording the interaction between the two and ready to step in if ever needed. For now, though, she was happy to merely observe.

A/N

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