The world has been turned upside down, Agent, and the eternal status quo is in danger. So take up your scythe once again and serve the Foundation.
Item #: SCP-9018
Containment Class: Thaumiel
Threat Class: Multiversal
Special Containment Procedures:
Facility-0 was built for containment and protection of SCP-9018 from all known existential threats (eschatological, paramilitary, transtemporal, ontokinetic, thaumaturgic, and pataphysical). Automated protocols were in place to deactivate the containment measures of SCP-9018 once the requirements for Protocol ONYX BALDUR were met.
The current status of SCP-9018 and Facility-0 is unknown.
Description:
SCP-9018 refers to an entity originally created and maintained by the Department of Multiversal Defense of the True Foundation for the purposes of enacting Protocol ONYX BALDUR. The entity was an autonomous construct with the appearance of a baseline male human, capable of indefinite locomotion and function without additional energy inputs. This entity was the only instance of its kind in the known multiverse. Additionally, SCP-9018 was an Infinite Variance Sink, capable of collapsing multiversal variants of any object into a single state.
SCP-9018 was capable of speech and higher-level cognition as well as abstract thinking. It has been programmed to stay loyal to the True Foundation and its goals. It was intended to act as the primary method of carrying out Protocol ONYX BALDUR in case of a Ψ9K-Class "Stasis Continuance" Scenario.
Addendum 9018.1: Protocol ONYX BALDUR
The following document, alongside multiple recordings (see later Addendums) has been found during routine archival maintenance of Foundation servers. As of the current time, SCP-9018's existence is not confirmed in our reality, as it appears to have been created by a previous version of our reality's Foundation.
PROJECT PROPOSAL: "ONYX BALDUR"
Head Department: DoMD
Project Date: 29/02/2074
Proposal Statement:
To create a sentient Infinite Variance Sink capable of abstract conceptual destruction in order to terminate leftover sentience in the local multiverse and accelerate the post-eschatological process, should a "Stasis Continuance" Scenario occur.
REQUESTED RESOURCES:
- Access to information derived from Project DAMMERUNG.
- Access to information derived from Project PALLISADE.
- Access to all remaining information about GoI-X01 and SCP-7023.
- Select specialists from the Departments of Miscommunications, Pataphysics, and Tactical Theology.
- [DELETED]
PROJECT DETAILS:
Using the information from previous Foundation research projects, it should be theoretically feasible to create a conceptual being capable of delivering lethal damage to otherwise immortal or invincible sapient entities. This lethal attack would be delivered through a multiversal variant collapse, i.e., targeting a specific entity in the local multiversal cluster, then collapsing every multiversal variant of said entity into one. Through information gathered from the Rea-Utis per Eigenweapon, it should be possible to create another Infinite Variance Sink under Foundation control.
Combining certain semantic anomalies with data from theological and pataphysical structures, should allow this multiverse variant collapse property to be transferred into a human being.
The main concern of this project is the possible scenario in which the True Foundation fails to complete its indefinite mission, leading to the extinction of humanity, destruction of the planet, end of the universe, etc. If such an event were to occur, there are numerous projects and procedures in place that would ensure a return to the status quo via reality reconstruction, temporal anomalies, or otherwise. There is, however, no mechanism in place that would ensure the newly recreated world would be exactly the same as the previous one.
Forces outside of Foundation control may interfere with this process without our knowledge, unless they are eradicated first. These entities may also attempt to hinder the True Foundation's attempts at restoring the world to a previous state and may render Foundation assets incapable of performing their duties. This would constitute a Ψ9K-Class "Stasis Continuance" Scenario.
This project proposes the creation of a loyal agent capable of terminating any leftover sentience in the local multiverse, should such a scenario occur. In order to ensure a smoother transition into a previous state of reality, this agent would then also ensure the completion of Foundation renewal protocols as necessary.
STATUS:
APPROVED BY THE TRUE COUNCIL
Addendum 9018.2: Archival recordings
These documents, as well as the following recordings, were discovered during archival maintenance and shortly after made their way to the O5 Council via a direct line from RAISA. The following information has been reconstructed based on the evidence found within the files:
On 04/12/4152, in a previous iteration of our reality, an XK-Class "End of the World" Scenario occured, causing a massive and irreparable damage to the planet and/or reality as a whole. The origin of this destruction is unknown. 99.9% of True Foundation personnel and assets were lost during the event, causing Protocol ONYX BALDUR to automatically begin an activation cycle.
Defense mechanisms surrounding SCP-9018 at Facility-0 have been disengaged and the containment cell successfuly entered local reality. SCP-9018 was inserted into baseline reality near Antarctica, where its first identified target was located.
Following record is a transcript from SCP-9018's body camera, which was presumably recorded for the purposes of informing future Foundation administrators. This record shows signs of being tampered with by an unknown party as only a select handful of recordings remain from a seemingly larger amount.
0731/04/12/4152/FC0/TFT/-ZX/407e/CAM01
Recording 001: "Polar Encounter"
[The camera feed opens on a dark room, the interior of Facility-0. The Agent moves forward, as his quiet steps echo throughout the otherwise empty building. The Agent's camera approaches the glowing panel in front of the exit. Touching it, the large containment doors of the chamber start turning and opening.]
[Upon exiting from the facility, the camera view is struck by intense bright light from the outside. The camera lens takes a few seconds to adjust. A wide, discolored and empty desert stretches in all directions around the camera. Upon further inspection, the material seems to be snow. Upon turning around, the exterior of Facility-0 is missing, as the building once again engaged its protective procedures.]
Hello, stranger.
[The camera makes a sharp turn to the right, where a feminine humanoid is standing, dressed entirely in dark cloth and wraps except for its face. It appears to be human, with dark eyes and an olive skin tone. The Agent assumes a defensive posture in response.]
Wow. No need to resort to violence. You wouldn't kill someone you just met, would you?
You are… not what I expected. Identify yourself.
I— I don't think I remember my name. Call me a… Lone Wanderer. That's a cool name, I think.
You… think?
It's a fascinating mystery, really. My name. Want to help me find out?
I have a mission.
[The Agent turns to walk away in the southern direction but is stopped by the feminine figure identifying as a Wanderer.]
Oh and can I help you with that?
… Who are you? Everyone here should be dead.
Should they now? Would you prefer that?
No. I am here to make sure everyone will be back.
Sounds like a noble mission.
[The Agent shruggs.]
I suppose.
How are you going to pull that off?
By getting rid of things that stand in the way of the reset.
And… would you like some company?
Who are you really?
[The Wanderer moves non-threateningly and makes a few steps across the snow away from the Agent, crossing their arms on their chest.]
I told you. I don't know. Call me anything you like. What is your name?
[The Agent stays silent, seemingly contemplating the situation.]
Look, I promise not to get in your way. I just— don't want to be alone again.
You are not afraid of me.
Are you dangerous?
…I don't have a name. It's better that way. Names have power.
I guess we're both just wanderers, then. At least you're interesting.
[The Agent begins to walk away, but as he does so, the steps of another person are heard behind him.]
So, where are we going?
…South. The first of my targets resides there. Should be one of the easiest to take care off… just let me do all the talking.
[The two continue to walk up towards a snow dune, as the sound of heavy wind approaches. They climb up the hillside for a few minutes. Once the small peak is behind them, a vast snowy plane appears before them, hidden in thick fog. Distant tall rectangular shapes stand out of the fog; their real scale is impossible to ascertain from the footage. These structures are arranged in perfect rows and show slight signs of deterioration.]
Wow. What is this place?
[A rumbling sound is heard as a large piece of one of the distant shapes falls off into the fog. Closer, a sharp sound of wind is picked up. The Agent ignores her question.]
Should be here somewhere. Stay behind me, and under any circumstances do not speak to it. This one is probably the most dangerous of them all if we aren't careful.
Who is it?
[Suddenly, the sound of the wind disappears and is replaced by absolute silence. The Agent takes his left index finger and puts it in front of his mouth to gesture silence. As he does so, the fog previously contained in the valley before them spreads out, enveloping the nearby hills and climbing up to the dune, where they are standing. For a few moments, the distant fog reveals the remaining ruins of a great city. Towering skyscrapers can be seen in large rows all the way to the horizon, many half crumbled and deteriorating.]
[As the fog envelops the camera view, all that is visible are the Agent and their companion. A childish voice is suddenly heard from the right, prompting both of them to turn in that direction.]
Mom? Dad?
It's a child!
I said not to speak to it.
[A young boy, barely dressed in rags of clothing and visibly shaking from cold, walks out of the fog towards them. He is malnourished and physically weak with pale skin and bloodshot eyes.]
Who are you? A—are you my parents?
[When the child notices the Agent, their eyes shift nervously and the camera feed briefly flickers.]
How long have you been here?
Long. Where are my parents? Who are you?
[The child's voice cracks a little, and the Wanderer approaches to help them, but she is stopped by the Agent's gesture.]
They are gone. But I can take you to them.
I've been told not to talk to strangers. Who are you?
We're wanderers. We don't have names.
[The voice of the young boy suddenly changes and grows harsher.]
That's a lie. Everyone has a name. I can tell you're lying. You know it.
It's not an outright lie. I don't remember my name, and he— he says he doesn't need one.
[The voice of the young boy suddenly changes and grows harsher. Its form twists and morphs until it isn't a young boy. The old man in the boys' place speaks.]
It is a lie. He has one but doesn't resonate with it. And you have far too many names, too many to know what to do with them. Selfish. Both of you.
Not everyone needs a name.
And having names is not the same as being named.
[The old man twists and changes again, leaving behind nothing but an empty shell of something that looks human. The indescribable shape begins to speak.]
I USED TO HAVE A NAME
and before that I had none
AND NOW I HAVE TOO MANY AND NONE AT THE SAME TIME
tHERE'S tOO lITTLE oF eVERYTHING.
[The entity takes on a new shape. A black void shaped like a person. And then the Agent's own face.]
I'm like you.
[Another change. An outline of an infinite fractal folding in on itself. And then the face of the Wanderer.]
And you too. I could be everyone and everything, at once.
But you won't allow me that. You who are just a harbinger of nothing and you who are a shard of everything.
[It transforms back into a young child. The Agent steps closer towards the child and gently puts his hand on their shoulder.]
But that's none of your concern anymore.
[The Agent's hand begins to vibrate and pulsate in a rapid motion. As the camera slightly shakes, the video feed flickers and the saturation begins to drastically change.]
Let me go! You're hurting me! How-
Wait!
[The camera feed goes silent before the sound returns.]
No.
How are you doing this?!
[The video begins to skip back and forth between frames, becoming more erratic and chaotic, as the following events seem to have damaged the recording process in some way. For several minutes, the frames jump around incoherently, and a scratching sound is heard occasionally. In one frame, the silhouettes of eyes appear to be looking directly into the camera before disappearing again.]
[When the video reappears, both the Agent and their companion are standing alone. The Agent is standing over an unmarked grave, looking down before returning their gaze to the woman beside them.]
You killed them…
Yes. It's what I do.
…Why? What was it?
It's easier to describe what it wasn't. What it used to be. It was never meant to be here in the first place. And I didn't really kill it. Just returned it back to where it came from. It's hard to kill an idea, but there are things even harder to destroy than that.
You didn't answer my first question. Why?
I told you that I am here to make sure everything returns to normal.
No, you said you will make sure everyone will be back. Setting everything back to normal? Sounds a lot like going right back to where we were before everything went to shit.
That's what I meant.
You don't even know what you're really doing, do you? Do you know how the world ended?
I do it because it's the right thing to do. I don't need to know the details.
So you just return everything back to normal and kill anything that might change things? Why?
Because that's what I do. The world was just fine the way it was.
Refusal to change is just stagnation. How do you know the next time this world ends, it won't be the exact same thing that caused it now?
That's not my concern. Other people will handle that.
The True Foundation?
Yes. Who else?
[The woman mockingly imitates the Agent's voice.]
Yes, who else… They know best, right? So infallible. So good.
The entity I terminated was a dangerous conceptual parasite that would not stop until this entire world became its plaything.
So it was no worse than what the True Foundation had already done to this world already.
I don't have to listen to this.
[The Agent begins to walk away, turning around and walking towards the distant horizon. The recording ends as he walks off without the other person following.]
Addendum 9018.3: Second Entry
Following the first entry, SCP-9018 ventured north, towards the former area of Yellowstone. The journey north took several months, and it is unknown if SCP-9018 made any contact with other entities during this time. The second target was located in a massive underground geothermal cavern, and just like the first recording, this one also features the entity identified as "The Wanderer".
2104/02/03/4153/FC0/TFT/-ZX/407e/CAM01
Recording 023: "Terminal Katabasis"
[The recording picks up with the Agent descending down a massive opening into the earth. A large cavern in front of him is barely illuminated by the flashlight on his person, and as he walks in, the light seemingly grows weaker. The entrance is coated in a heavy tint of yellow and orange fumes, as toxic gases fill the cavern below. The Agent is not hindered by this and continues his descent down a tilted slope. The craggy cavern floor is often too steep to be used on the way down, causing the Agent to look for another way. The whole process of getting down to the main cavern takes him over an hour and a half.]
[During the journey, only natural cavern sounds, such as leaking gas and deep rumbling in the earth, can be heard. The Agent doesn't pay any attention to these as he continues down. Once the ground is more even and the ceiling retreats, the cave opens up into a massive underground chamber, only slightly illuminated by hot igneous rock and glowing gas.]
[Slight movement on the right is detected, as a few rocks fall down the edge of a cliff. The agent approaches that direction and in a few minutes begins to hear voices coming from somewhere deeper in the cave. One voice was harsh and inhuman, almost booming across the cavern. The other belongs to the female from Recording 001.]
-SHOW YOURSELF, THIEF!
[In comparison to the first angry voice, the other is almost casual and teasing.]
You first!
[A nearby cracking sound is heard, and the entire cave around shakes violently.]
WHO ARE YOU, AND HOW DID YOU SNEAK IN HERE?
[Several more rumbling sounds as well as distant crashes are heard while the Agent speeds up through a tunnel connecting to another chamber.]
[As the next chamber expands, bubbling hot lakes of mineral water appear to illuminate the cavern partially, but most of the space is shrouded in darkness. Before going further, the Agent is stopped by the presence of a female human, seemingly hiding behind a rocky outcrop. The Wanderer shouts across the room.]
I come from under the hill, and under the hills and over the hills my paths led. And through the air—
[A massive piece of rock smashes into a nearby wall as something enormous moves slowly through the cavern towards the two people. Wanderer looks towards the Agent and smiles.]
It doesn't appreciate my company very much.
What are you doing here?
Oh, not you too. Can't a girl have some fun at the end of the world?
[A deep hissing sound comes from somewhere from the center of the chamber.]
It can smell us. We need to move.
[As the two move closer towards the exit shaft that the Agent used to enter, the rock where Wanderer previously hid is suddenly melted with a hot white flash of magma.]
THERE ARE TWO OF YOU NOW?!
[The ground shakes as a massive reptilian entity, easily at least 20 meters in length, approaches them. It has six clawed legs and a large amount of dorsal spikes. Its head is prolonged with many teeth in three rows. On the top of its head are six eyes, looking in every direction in search of prey. The skin on its neck is armored and glowing, as if something hot were underneath. The creature spits out more molten rock on the ground as it speaks in a deep, non-human voice.]
WHAT DO YOU WANT HERE?
For the last time, I only came to visit. There's not much left to see in this world, you know.
YOU LIE. THIS NEWCOMER COMES FOR MY DEATH.
[A deep laughing gurgle comes from the creature, and the Wanderer looks towards the Agent, who produces a cylindrical-shaped container, spinning it around once and taking out a long pointed spear that doesn't look like it should fit inside the much smaller space. It is a durable metal rod with an ornate knife at the tip. The Wanderer looks confused.]
You plan to kill the Immortigon with that? But that's-
Stay here.
[As the Agent steps out of the rocky outcrop, he is met face-to-face with SCP-682's massive jaws. The creature is coiled as if ready to strike, but as it sees the weapon in the Agent's hand, it retracts a few steps back.]
HOW CHEAP… YOU COME ALL THE WAY HERE JUST TO KILL ME.
I wouldn't have to if you weren't absorbing all this geothermal energy here. I might need it later. and you've dug yourself quite deep.
YOU PATHETIC, DISGUSTING LITTLE MAGGOT!
[SCP-682's claws swing in the direction of the Agent, who steps aside in a perfectly calculated manner, dodging its blows and striking back with the spear. In three seconds the fight ends, as the spear is thrown out of the Agents hand and embeds itself in 682's skull, causing a massive explosion that shakes the cavern. The creature shrieks and convulses, its body almost pulsating in a rapid motion. The Agent doesn't wait for its death, nor does he take the spear back. As the creature slowly dies, he walks back towards the way he came in and starts slowly climbing up the cavern again.]
[The ground shakes, and a bit of rock slips from under the Agent's legs, causing him to fall briefly before being caught by the Wanderer, who outstretches her arm and pulls him up. The pair share a moment of acknowledgement before continuing their ascent from the depths of the earth.]
[After a few minutes, they enter back into a previous cavern, and the dying screams of SCP-682, as well as the tremors, while not weaker, grow more distant.]
It's a shame what you had to do.
You agree that it had to be done?
No, I agree that you had to do it. The Foundation had to do it. Underwhelming, but I'm not sure there was ever going to be a different outcome of that rivalry…
How did you get here? How did you know I was going to be here?
Call it a hunch… As I said. The True Foundation was always going to end this. You just can't help yourself. This obsession with slaying the Summer's Exile is… sickening but understandable.
Okay, fine… Enough of this mysterious talk. You are going to give me some answers now.
[The Wanderer turns around and stops, looking the Agent in his eyes.]
Alright. Shoot. I never lied to you before.
Who or what are you?
Heh, oh, you really think I lied… Well, I don't know. But I'm starting to think that just like you, I am a fragment of something bigger. I'm obviously not a mere human, but… I did say my identity was a fascinating mystery.
Why are you following me?
You're interesting, and I'm bored. Maybe there's more to you. Maybe I can find out more about myself from this.
You seem to know a lot of things about this world and the True Foundation.
[The Wanderer seemingly taunts the Agent.]
…I know, it's so weird, right?
…
I don't know what you want me to say. I'm not unlike you, but I am not you. All I know is that we were made for this. To wander the world after the story is over. To pick up the pieces or maybe to grind the narrative to a fine dust. I don't know our purpose. I just… can't help but be critical of your methods.
… I- wasn't always like this. I remember only bits of the person I used to be before they hollowed me out and made me into this- this—
Grim Reaper?
Sure. But that makes it sound like I didn't want that… I did.
Why would anyone want this? You're not saving anyone's life. You're not taking revenge or doing anything that would amount to something real. Everyone's story is already over. It's been over for a long time.
I guess that's not how I saw it. Or how they saw it. They gave me a purpose, and maybe that's all I ever wanted. Like you, I cannot remember that time before I was like this.
Of all the Foundation variants, the True Foundation of this universe were certainly the most arrogant and maniacal. They didn't just think they could play god… they embodied that role with extra effort.
How do you know that? What do you know about other Foundations in other worlds?
I— just know that this Foundation was… crazy? Most Foundations are… control freaks, for lack of a better term. But they have limits. People who keep an eye on them, morals that hold them at bay, and events that shape their actions. Usually, common good is their goal, even if their methods can be evil. This one though… The True Foundation went out of their way to isolate their little corner of the multiverse, to create a sea of sand that would serve as their playground. They raised worlds, and they shaped minds, did all they could to bring forth their paradise. And You are living proof of that.
You don't approve of it all. I get that. But it was all for something. For a secure and protected life.
Why am I trying?… How could you ever understand? You are a living killing machine that only exists to finish off the few things that could threaten their paradise. They made you just to make sure that nothing ever changes for them. That they always land on top. No matter what world they find themselves in, you'll be there to ensure that state. You and your True Foundation are—
Stagnation?
…I was going say severance. Isolation. But yes. Stagnation fits you better.
So what is your role in this? Are you here to stop me or just try and talk me out of this?
…It frustrates me to no end that I have no answer for that question.
In that case… the next target is in the Middle East. Will you join me on the route, or should I expect you to show up unannounced again?
Have a nice walk…
[The Agent turns to walk further up, alongside the cavern wall, leaving the Wanderer behind. A second set of steps can be heard going in another direction.]
Addendum 9018.4: Third Entry
The third recording stored in the data package is recording number 087 and appears to have been taken several months after the last one. SCP-9018 seems to have traveled across the Atlantic Ocean towards Europe and the Middle East. Recorded footage of the containment site seems to be a partial match for Site-0.
0809/07/06/4153/FC0/TFT/-ZX/407e/CAM01
Recording 087: "Bone and Dust"
[As the camera recording starts, the Agent is standing in front of a massive metal door leading into an abandoned Foundation structure. The Agent's hands extends towards a control panel on the right side of the door but is stopped when the sound of grinding metal appears as the door seemingly opens on its own. Inside of the dark doorway is a leaning female figure, staring at the Agent next to another control panel.]
Took you long enough. Did the Foundation really plan on having you walk all the time?
I could have made it sooner. How did you get here this fast?
Heh, I took a shortcut around the Moon, well what's left of it anyway.
Really? That's faster?
If you know what you're doing… A bit boring, I'll admit, but the view makes up for that.
Were you ever in any danger when we were in that cave?
Were you?
Just like my targets, I am not invincible. Nothing is, not even you.
[The Wanderer shrugs, and the two head deeper inside of the Site as the Agent lights up his flashlight to guide them.]
So, this place was meant to observe the Guardian, right? The flaming angel?
[The Agent nods. As they continue, they approach an elevator. The power seems to be still functioning, but the Agent instead uses an emergency staircase located nearby to descend.]
And the angel is gone now. So is the Garden and— well, everything really. So, what brings us here? What sort of evil and terrible anomaly is waiting for us down there?
Do you wish to make a guess?
No. If it's a surprise, then I'll wait.
This place is where the last remaining humans gathered. Not the normal ones, but the immortals. Not many of them remain either.
Well, that certainly thins the possibilities.
[At the bottom of the staircase is a door leading into a hallway. The Agent walks through a few corridors, followed by the Wanderer. Two voices can be heard from a lounge room ahead.]
Someone's coming. Two of them.
Yes… They are just around the corner.
I'll take care of them.
[The sound of a sharp metallic object being dragged across the ground is heard.]
Just let them come here. I sense they wish to talk.
[As the Agent enters into the room, two elderly men can be seen observing him. The first is tall and dark; his muscular skin is covered in many scars and tattoos and he's gripping a large two-handed sword, as if ready to attack. Behind him is a man of similar features, sitting at a table with a bunch of cards laid out in front of him. His arms appear to be made of metal, and there is a distinct scar on his forehead. He speaks first.]
Welcome. It's been a while since we've had company.
Good company…
[The sitting man gestures for them to take a seat. The other man watches both new arrivals carefully but lays down the sword opposite to a wall.]
Hello. We are wanderers in this land and—
Please. I know who you are. Take a seat. We have much to discuss.
If you know who we are, then you know why I'm here. There is no point in prolonging this.
[The Wanderer looks at the Agent angrily, and the muscular man reaches for the sword. The sitting man stops him with a gesture.]
Nonsense. My name is Kain, and this is my brother, Abel, as you of course know. Would you like any refreshments? I can sense that both of you haven't eaten anything in a while. And this Foundation Site was stocked full of tasty stuff. There's still a lot left.
We don't need food.
I'd like some.
[The man named Abel walks over to a nearby counter, collecting a tray of food items, including sweets, vegetables, cheese, and pieces of meat, arranged neatly. He sets it on the table to the side.]
Thank you.
Of course you would.
What is that supposed to mean?
[The Wanderer looks over the food tray, picking up a cupcake and taking a bite from it.]
…Let's just get to the point. You two have been holed up here since everything ended. You claim to know why I'm here, so tell me.
The True Foundation let me into their archives. You were not the only safeguard in case things go awry, you know… I read all about you and your creation. I probably know things you don't.
You think you can buy your life with knowledge?
I don't see why that would be impossible. But no. Neither I nor my brother have a desire to continue in this desolate world. We've both had plenty of eternity to spare before the end.
So you wish to share your knowledge in an act of generosity? Freely given knowledge is a true gift where I come from.
And where would that be, miss?
I was kind of hoping you would have the answer.
I'm afraid all I can tell you is that you don't belong to this Foundation. Unlike him, I have no record of you.
Fine. What do you want to tell me?
[The Wanderer and the Agent sit down at the table. The muscular man keeps standing behind them, and the first man, self-identifying as SCP-073, takes out four cards from his deck, setting them back-side up on the table.]
Choose.
With pleasure.
[As the Agent doesn't move, the Wanderer picks up the second card in the row. She reveals it and puts it back down. It is a tarot card.]
The Fool. Okay… that means—
The way you act and the way you move about with curious intent… I think you are not of this world or any one world really. You, Miss Wanderer, don't belong in this story, but you were pulled to it.
[The Wanderer seems like she wants to say something but she's interrupted by Abel, who motions to the Agent.]
Now you. Chose.
[The Agent slowly moves to pick a card, hovering briefly over the third card but eventually selecting the first.]
Death.
When the True Foundation mastered this universe and indeed, mastered their entire local reality, they still felt threatened. Perfectionism is a disease, they say, and the True Foundation was obsessed with control over every miniscule little detail. This is what made them unique, as everything in the multiverse is. They lacked the understanding that some things will always be outside of their control. Even their death and the end of the world would never stop them from achieving their goals.
This is nothing new.
You have seen all of this before. Just like me, you cannot break free of this cycle. You've seen this world reduced to ash before, and you've been there to reborn it. That's how you knew where we would be. That's why you are so indifferent. Am I wrong?
Is that… true?
Yes. I know exactly what will happen. Every iteration is the same.
Except—
[The Agent turns towards the Wanderer.]
Except for you. I've never met you before.
[Silence.]
I don't belong here… that's what you said, right? But I feel like I should be here. Like I'm… integral.
I never said you weren't. The True Foundation had to cut themselves off from the larger creation so that their dominion here would not be in danger from anything outside of their reign. Perhaps you were a part of that. Maybe you were always meant to be here.
That would mean she's my next target.
[Silence.]
…You heartless bastard. I really thought I was getting through to you.
[Silence.]
Oh, that's it, isn't it! I am getting through. And you can't risk that. Your Foundation needs you…
[Silence. The Wanderer reaches for the third card on the table.]
The Chariot…
What does that mean?
[Silence as the Wanderer puts the card back on the table and crosses her arms on her chest. SCP-073 gestures for the Agent to take the last card. The Agent reluctantly does so.]
The Star. What point is there to this?
Recording frame: Tarot
The point… is that there is none. There is no more future, and there is nothing more to tell about it. But this moment is still special because she is here. I can see on you that you have no idea what happens next. You've seen this moment countless of times, but this is different. And maybe that's all that it needs to mean.
Your words don't make sense to me. You are convinced that I want to make things different. But I only want to make sure I complete my mission.
And what kind of mission is that? I fought for the Foundation once. But they are cowards. They would rather stay safe in their rotting fortresses than face any danger head-on with their full might. They were powerful but also weak. Even now it's you doing their work for them.
They are dead.
So long as the enemy can return, they are never truly defeated. I speak from experience.
…You all speak of the Foundation as if they are adversaries. But the Foundation is all about protection, about order and stability. I am not naive enough to think they never did anything wrong, but at least their goal is right.
This True Foundation burned countless worlds to dust! It ground down minds to find out how to make consciousness, and they unveiled beauty and horror. And all they ever did with all of it was self-serving. They may not have realized it, but it's true.
Your companion is correct. I have inherited their entire history in the archives. I read all of it. They did horrible things, they did magnificent things… but they never did it without a controlling intent. Now… while they are gone, before things repeat, we have this dead world for ourselves for the first time in centuries.
This interval of darkness is our freedom.
It may not be much, but it is everything we have. Except for each other's company.
[Silence as the Agent sits without motion. The whole room looks at him. The Wanderer gets up and leaves the room without making eye contact, only stopping briefly to speak.]
…Think it through before we next see each other. Kain, Abel… thank you for the cupcake and the cards.
[Silence. Eventually he rises from his chair, turns around, and walks to the door. Everyone else remains seated.]
[In the doorway, he stops briefly before continuing outside, where the camera feed ends.]
Addendum 9018.5: Final Entry
The last entry included in the tape is recording number 794, which takes place almost 30 years after the last included entry. SCP-9018 appears to have been eliminating targets one by one during this elapsed time, until this recording. Based on the information from this record, it is safe to assume that SCP-9018 was more than successful in his mission. The entry starts once the camera is already inside of the facility.
1117/03/12/4187/FC0/TFT/-ZX/407e/CAM01
Recording 794: "Strange Aeons"
[As the recording starts, the Agent is climbing down a ladder inside of a dark room. He doesn't seem to be any different from the last recorded entry. The video follows him for several minutes as he climbs down and later walks through a long, narrow hallway of a Foundation facility. The Agent approaches another ladder and descends it for several minutes onto another floor. The interior of the facility seems to be massive in scale.]
[Eventually, he reaches a floor, which seems to be at the bottom of the facility. The massive chamber in front of him is lined with rows of dark glass containers, and there is an ever-present low hum of energy. The Agent continues deeper into the building, down a few more corridors, until he finally stops in front of an old, unremarkable metal door. There is an old plaque next to the door, but its contents are unreadable from the video.]
[The Agent reaches for the door handle but stops as the door is opened from the other side and swung wide open. On the other side is the Wanderer, standing with her hands crossed over her chest.]
…Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting for you to show up?
[She steps aside and lets the Agent into the room, which is a small unfurnished square chamber. In the middle of this chamber is a pedestal with a pitch-black cube on it.]
What kept you?
I had work to do.
People to kill…
Not all of them were people.
Some were… Anyway, I got bored waiting for you, so I explored this building. Impressive technology. The Foundation has really outdone themselves with it when they built it. And yet it all pales in comparison to this tiny cube that they found.
Are you here to stop me?
No. I'm here to see what you do. I never wanted to stop you. I'm not even from here. It's your reality, your universe… Your choice.
It's not mine. It belongs to everyone here. I am doing it for them.
Before you get to resetting everything, though, I have a few questions for you.
Hm?
Do you know what this thing is?
[She points to the black cube in the middle of the room.]
It is… a reset button. I was shown how to use it. I've done it many times.
Wrong. Its more than that.
It merges with the consciousness of the wielder, allowing them to—
[The Wanderer rolls her eyes.]
Wrong again. You keep detailing what it is to you. But that is not what it truly is.
How about you tell me then?
This is… pure Potential. It can be anything you want. If you believe it hard enough, this can do more than perform miracles. It can topple creations, and it can recreate them perfectly.
What are you—
Fine, let me put it in your language. This object changes its properties based on perception. If the majority of perceivers think this is a muffin, then that is precisely what it is. You think it's a get-out-of-jail-free card. Your Foundation thought it was a tool that granted them control over this creation, and I am telling you outright! It's none of that and everything all at once.
[The Agent stares for a moment, his eyes alternating between the Object and the Wanderer.]
Why would you tell me this?
Oh my— to show you that you have a free will!? I don't know. This object can do anything you wish it to do. Knowing that… what is it you wish for?
I— I may not know what I want… but why didn't you use it? Why didn't you let anyone else use it while they could?
This isn't about anyone else. There are only two people in this whole universe capable of perceiving this thing now. No omnipotent gods, no eldritch beings, no humans, no nothing. You took your time, but I monitored you form here. You're quite and efficient butcher.
And you're getting annoying.
The point is… the point… is… that you got rid of everyone else. Now this thing can only be what you and I want it to be.
So what do you want?
I already know. I was busy, and I figured it out. I know myself now. So it's your turn to find out who you are.
Who are you then?
A shard of everything there is. One of two remaining. You're the other one. I said as much.
Stop speaking in riddles.
I came here from a far… far place. The Infinite Library of Knowledge. Your True Foundation didn't like the Library very much. It affected their decisions, so they excised it from this world. This multiversal bubble of theirs that they called a dominion. The Library survived, of course. The Foundation's actions could only damage it.
The Serpent then? Is that who you are, Wanderer?
[The Wanderer shrugs.]
Maybe I am. Maybe I'm a part of the Library itself, and maybe I'm just a messenger. Maybe I'm not supposed to know, and maybe that's the beauty. You can't know everything. You can't control everything.
That's… I don't think I understand.
It's okay. Normally, the Library takes care of things at the end… but this world refused that. The Foundation here took it upon themselves to maintain the status quo forever.
[The Agent reaches towards the black cube but stops with his hand in the air.]
I— I never knew any of this.
And does it change your perspective of things?
No… The world must still be protected. I cannot just leave things up to chance…
You can do whatever you want. Do you not see? Have the specific details of procedures and protocols really dulled you to the point where your creativity is completely gone?
What do you propose then?
Nothing. Just keep an open mind.
That's it?
Let the possibilities run wild. It can do anything. This world is gone. There is an infinite number of worlds like this out there. Why do the boring thing and do it again? Let this story end.
You want me to just… leave it be? Use it and just… not control it? Let someone else control the outcome?
There's no one else here. Pinky promise that I won't touch it. I'm way too curious to see what's in store for us next.
The next world might be more dangerous.
At the very least it won't be boring. You can't seriously tell me that you've watched this narrative repeat multiple times and you are still entertained by it…
It was never about having fun…
How about you hang the cape for a bit and just… enjoy not knowing what kind of world comes next?
And what about you?
I don't know. I haven't thought about it.
Really?
Yeah. But you know that I enjoy a good mystery.
…How about we try to find out together?
You— you're serious?
You were right. About me being bored, I mean. If your future is uncertain, then I think I'd like to experience that. Assuming you'll have me.
Aww… You'd miss me?
I think I might… Strange, isn't it?
Oh please. It's not like I wouldn't come to haunt you if you ever got bored again… But fine.
[Silence.]
Ready?
[Silence.]
Are you afraid?
Is it wrong if I am?
No. Fear is a part of the experience. I think we'll be fine. You and Me.
…I suppose I just need… what's the word?
Closure?
…Yeah.
Whenever you're ready. Take your time.
…Alright then.
[The recording suddenly stops.]
These files are the only remaining evidence related to SCP-9018, Project ONYX BALDUR, and the previous iteration of our reality.
Data awaits further examination by the O5 Council to decide about the next course of action in the light of this new information and the implications for the status quo.