SCP: A TRUE ANOMALY

Chapter 40: Divine ceremony - Advances



After a moment of everyone starting to organize in the seats, A'malther leaded the three members of O5 somewhere else. After some walk, they were brought to A'malther's laboratory.

They see a very high advanced laboratory, and they get speechless when they see every machine, even the so many monitor computer, and more, when they see some sort of replica of SCP-914 in the laboratory.

A'malther showed them his laboratory, and even the secret section where are the more of 8 billions of human souls, very organized and listed by color or trait, and even sections for special and 'True soul traits'.

The members of O5 observed how more brighter and lifelike are the 'True souls', as they are very low, but yet, more filled with greater power than the rest.

After a moment, the ceremony starts, and A'malther leads them back to the ceremony, and so, the ceremony does officially begin. A'malther starts the ceremony by being the first in going to the altar, trying to continue in a more human way, and then, A'habbat, respecting the humanity's way, but doing so in her own way, how gods and goddesses should.

The ceremony seems split up by two sides, the side of A'habbat with all her guests, and A'tellif; and A'malther's side, composed by the personnel of the Foundation, and in the front, SCP-049 holding SCP-035 to see, SCP-076-2, O5-1, O5-2, and O5-4.

After a moment, slowly, the ceremony changes to be more as A'habbat's way, as parts of human wedding's style are skipped, skipping quickly to the kiss, as she is who launches herself towards A'malther, who receives her and holds her with a grip on her waist.

After being officially married with A'habbat, the next part of the ceremony begins, and all guests start enjoying of the insane amount of food and variety available. From all types of fried meals, and other much more types of menus of humanity, to even plates and diverse of other species and types. Even the drinks, from water, different types of sodas, alcoholic drinks, wines, and more, to even other drinks from other species.

Everyone was enjoying of the food and drinks, except SCP-035, as for being a mask, it was unable to enjoy, but observe. At first, A'malther was even bringing plates and drinks to tables, even to the three O5 members and the two SCPs, who could eat and drink, before sitting and enjoying aside A'habbat.

The meal duration was one of near an hour to more, as if anyone wanted anything else, could either pick it up from the table, or ask A'malther to refill the options if were empty, and he did so in few occasions without doubt or hesitation, but with a small smile.

After an hour and around twenty minutes of the meal section being started, people started leaving, and receiving each guest a different style of gift bag, as per each specie, it seems the gift bag was different. When the personnel of the Foundation and the SCPs were about to leave, A'malther personally gave to each of the personnel of the Foundation a black gift bag with the white logo of the Foundation, while to each SCP including SCP-035, a gift bag personalized to each of them.

Then, each of them when got back, they were back to where they were before the ceremony, including the SCPs inside each of their containment chambers. And even O5-1, O5-2, and O5-4 gave to the rest of the O5 Council, Dr. Sophia Adler, and Raziel, a gift bag from part of A'malther.

All gift bags were personalized entirely for who it was, as from the style of the gift bag, to even what it was inside of each, as the inside of each bag, the containment was of things that could be valuable for who the gift bag was.

O5 Council Report: Observations and Analysis of A'malther's Ceremony and Laboratory Overview of Events

The ceremony, which began as a human-inspired wedding and transitioned into a more divine celebration reflecting A'habbat's influence, showcased A'malther's evolving identity and growing dominance. The preceding visit to his laboratory, containing a staggering collection of over 8 billion human souls, highlighted A'malther's mastery over both human and divine elements, leaving the O5 members in a state of cautious concern.

O5 Council's Analysis of Key Events

1. The Laboratory Observations:

The O5 members were stunned by the advanced technology and the sheer scale of A'malther's laboratory. The laboratory featured:

High-Tech Equipment: Advanced machines surpassing even the Foundation's current technology, including a replica of SCP-914.

Organized Human Souls: Over 8 billion souls categorized meticulously by color and trait, including sections for "True Soul Traits" that shone with an intense, lifelike brilliance.

"True Souls": These rare souls, radiating immense power, were organized in their own sections, signifying their uniqueness and importance.

O5 Comments:

O5-1: "The laboratory reveals the extent of A'malther's capabilities. His ability to store and catalog such a vast number of souls—not just ordinary ones but 'True Souls'—raises the question of his ultimate goal. Is he merely collecting, or is he preparing for something far greater?"

O5-2: "This display solidifies his position as a being beyond conventional containment. His ability to replicate SCP-914 is concerning—what else has he duplicated or improved upon? Furthermore, the focus on 'True Souls' suggests a larger purpose we have yet to uncover."

O5-4: "The lab is a testament to his meticulousness and godlike perception of order. The Foundation must approach him not only as an anomaly but as a potential force with an agenda that could reshape humanity's destiny."

2. The Ceremony

Observations:

Initial Phase: The ceremony began with elements of a human wedding, as A'malther intentionally modeled it after traditions familiar to him, demonstrating his lingering attachment to humanity.

A'habbat's Influence: As the ceremony progressed, it transitioned to a divine ritual, with A'habbat asserting her influence by skipping parts of the human tradition and culminating in their union with a kiss.

Divine Marriage: The marriage symbolized the formal consolidation of A'malther's and A'habbat's power, marking a turning point in his ascension toward divinity.

Reception and Meal: The celebration offered an extravagant array of food and drinks, accommodating both human and non-human guests. A'malther personally attended to the guests, including the O5 members, demonstrating an unusual level of hospitality.

O5 Comments:

O5-1: "The ceremony underscores A'malther's duality—his lingering connection to humanity through human traditions and his inevitable shift toward divinity under A'habbat's guidance. It is a symbolic reflection of his transformation and growing dominion."

O5-2: "The meal showcased not only his hospitality but also his desire for control and admiration. By personally serving guests, he reinforced his role as a benevolent leader while subtly reminding us of his dominance."

O5-4: "The ceremony's transition from human to divine mirrored A'malther's journey. A'habbat's influence is undeniable, but A'malther's willingness to balance these aspects suggests he remains tethered to his human experiences, for now."

3. The Gift Bags

Observations: A'malther provided personalized gift bags to all guests, including Foundation personnel and anomalies.

Foundation Personnel: Black bags with the Foundation logo, containing items tailored to the individual recipients.

SCPs: Custom bags designed specifically for each anomaly, even SCP-035.

O5 Members, Dr. Adler, and Raziel: Gift bags from A'malther, delivered by O5-1, O5-2, and O5-4.

O5 Comments:

O5-1: "The gift bags are more than mere tokens of appreciation—they are strategic. Each gift seems tailored to appeal to the recipient, fostering goodwill while subtly reinforcing his position as a benefactor."

O5-2: "This gesture, though seemingly innocuous, underscores A'malther's psychological insight. He understands the value of individual connections, even among anomalies, and leverages it to strengthen his influence."

O5-4: "The personalized nature of the gifts is both impressive and unsettling. It demonstrates an intimate understanding of each guest, which raises questions about the depth of his knowledge and his ability to gather information."

4. Broader Implications

A'malther's Power and Intentions: The laboratory, ceremony, and interactions reveal A'malther's growing influence and calculated actions to consolidate power. His hospitality and symbolic gestures suggest a desire to be seen as a benevolent ruler, yet the scale of his actions signals a far-reaching agenda. A'habbat's Role: A'habbat's dominance in the ceremony demonstrates her role as both a guide and an enforcer of A'malther's divinity. Her influence, combined with A'tellif's enhancements, poses a significant threat should their intentions ever align against humanity. Risks to the Foundation: The forced participation of Foundation personnel and anomalies highlights A'malther's perception of ownership over the Foundation. His ability to balance kindness and control creates a precarious relationship that could shift at any moment.

Final Thoughts from the O5 Members:

O5-1: "A'malther's actions continue to straddle the line between humanity and godhood. While his gestures of kindness and hospitality are disarming, the scale of his power and the meticulousness of his plans cannot be ignored. His laboratory, in particular, suggests a preparation for something far greater than we currently understand. The Foundation must remain vigilant, balancing diplomacy with preparation for potential conflict."

O5-2: "We are witnessing the rise of a being who is both deeply human and undeniably divine. A'malther's ability to bridge these aspects is what makes him so dangerous. His intentions remain ambiguous—benevolent on the surface but with the potential for tyranny beneath. We must proceed with extreme caution, leveraging his attachment to humanity as a potential anchor while preparing contingencies for his ascension."

O5-4: "The ceremony was as much a declaration of power as it was a celebration. A'malther's willingness to serve guests personally juxtaposes his godlike authority, creating a dynamic that is both compelling and unnerving. His use of SCP-914 to enhance A'habbat and A'tellif only underscores his ability to reshape those around him to fit his vision. The Foundation must prepare for the possibility that this vision may one day extend beyond mere hospitality."

Dr. Sophia Adler's Observations:

Dr. Adler's perspective focused on the psychological and symbolic aspects of the ceremony, offering a more human-centric analysis.

On the Laboratory: "The laboratory is a window into A'malther's mind—structured, meticulous, and deeply focused on control. The collection of souls, particularly the 'True Souls,' suggests he sees humanity not as individuals but as pieces of a larger puzzle he intends to solve or reshape."

On the Ceremony: "The ceremony, while celebratory, was a clear display of dominance. Even in its human aspects, it served as a reminder of A'malther's ability to balance compassion with control. His actions are carefully calculated to project an image of benevolence, but the underlying power dynamics cannot be ignored."

On the Gift Bags: "The personalized gifts are a masterstroke of psychological manipulation. By appealing to individual desires and needs, A'malther fosters loyalty and gratitude, even among those who might otherwise resist him."

Summary:

The ceremony and laboratory reveal A'malther as a complex and multifaceted entity—compassionate yet controlling, human yet divine. While his actions suggest a desire for peace and cooperation, the scale and meticulousness of his plans signal a potential shift toward absolute dominance. The O5 Council and Dr. Adler emphasize the need for caution, diplomacy, and preparation as they navigate this delicate and ever-evolving relationship.


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