SCP: A TRUE ANOMALY

Chapter 48: Recruitment of SCP-049



After a moment, A'malther reaches the containment chamber of SCP-049. He used the O5 Keycard and entered inside, holding in his right hand the Keycard, and in the left still having SCP-999.

A'malther: "Oh, my so dear doctor. I do hope I am not currently interrupting you."

SCP-049 pauses in his writing, his quill hovering above a yellowed page of notes, he slowly turns to face A'malther. His gaze lingers on the figure before him, taking in every detail with a blend of curiosity and familiarity. He sets the quill down carefully and clasps his hands together, stepping forward with a measured grace.

SCP-049: "Ah... mon cher ami. You return once more, yet each time... profoundly transformed. No, you do not interrupt me, though your presence... demands my undivided attention."

SCP-049's voice is tinged with intrigue, the slightest bow of his head showing his respect.

He gestures to A'malther with a sweeping motion, his gloved hand trailing over the air as though tracing the outline of his radiant form.

SCP-049: "You... are an enigma, more so with each encounter. I observed you as SCP-9743—a mere curiosity then. I witnessed your ascent during your... how shall I call it? Cérémonie divine. And now... this. Tell me, monsieur, what is it you seek? Surely a being of your stature does not visit without purpose."

SCP-049's research team, standing just outside the chamber, diligently scribbles notes on their clipboards. Their expressions range from fascination to disbelief as they observe the interaction. One of them mutters to another:

"Every time... he grows more godlike. Look at the shift in SCP-049's tone—he never addresses anyone with this level of reverence."

SCP-049: (Noticing SCP-999, his head tilts slightly as though examining a specimen under his mask. He waves a gloved hand dismissively, a faint chuckle escaping.) "And you bring with you the little one... curious. The orange creature—a balm for humanity's ailments, yes? Yet, it seems to cling to you with an affection most peculiar. Do you not find that... amusing?"

SCP-049 steps closer, maintaining his composure, his voice softening as he continues.

SCP-049: "But tell me, mon cher, why have you come? Is it to share your knowledge, to further the cure... or perhaps to recruit me to your cause? You must know I am always seeking to eradicate the pestilence. If you have insights to offer, I am most eager to listen."

SCP-049's gaze remains fixed on A'malther, his posture both inquisitive and deferential, waiting for the godlike being's reply.

A'malther: "I did come for offer you a deal. I do have SCP-999 in my left hand, as maybe own it as my own pet. He is quite charming in his loving way of being."

SCP-049: (Crossing his arms, his voice calm but laced with intrigue) "A deal, you say? I am listening, monsieur. What is it you propose—something for your cause, or mine?"

A'malther: "For both, my dear doctor. For my part, I recruit you as one of my specialized entities, and for your part, you can reside in my voidful domain, where you will have your own room, medic station, all kind of tools, and more freedom than in here."

SCP-049: (Tilting his head, his tone contemplative but measured) "Freedom, resources, and the promise of a domain to further my work… It is a compelling offer, monsieur. But tell me—what would you demand of me in return for such... generosity?"

A'malther: "Well, my dear doctor. As basic, your assistance if is required, as for what I could study from your abilities, your lethal touch seems quietly useful. Maybe for study more deeper the biology of any specie, or for any other case if required. Medical attention is something more important as is for well-being, after all. And a God can not let those who belief in him to have a poor well-being."

SCP-049: (Placing a gloved hand to his chin, his voice thoughtful yet firm) "Your reasoning is… intriguing, monsieur. To apply my craft with such a purpose, under the guidance of one who sees beyond mortal constraints… Oui, it holds merit. Very well, I will entertain this alliance, but I must retain autonomy in my research. Do we have an accord?"

A'malther: "Of course, my dear doctor. I could not tell you how doing your own job. You are the professional in medicine, not me. I have all faith in you, and I am willing to assist you in all improvements of yourself, your tools, and knowledge, as far as I can."

SCP-049: (A slow, deliberate bow, his tone carrying a mix of respect and intrigue) "Then, monsieur, I shall accept your offer. If you honor your word and provide the means to perfect my work, I shall pledge myself to your cause. Together, we may yet uncover the purity this diseased world has long forgotten."

A'malther: "As the divine I am, and I want to really be, I honor my word, and in my voidful domain, I will not only give you a self room to be, nor only adding a medical room, but also sharing my laboratory with you, and all the knowledge I do have and can obtain from deceases and the biology of other species in other worlds."

Then, A'malther opens a portal, and gently like a deity, does a gesture inviting SCP-049.

SCP-049: (Straightens his posture, clasping his hands before him in a gesture of solemn acceptance, his voice steady yet touched with reverence) "Very well, monsieur. I shall follow you into your domain, where this humble physician might flourish beneath your divinity. Let us bring healing to the afflicted... and perhaps uncover truths that even gods have yet to see."

With a slow step, SCP-049 moves toward the portal, his research team hurriedly scribbling notes, their astonishment growing with every interaction. As he crosses the threshold, SCP-049 pauses briefly, turning his masked face toward A'malther.

SCP-049: "You have given me faith, monsieur. Let us see if this world, or the next, can truly be cured."

And with that, he steps through, disappearing into the voidful domain.

Incident Report: Interaction Between SCP-049 and A'malther (3rd Encounter) Submitted by: SCP-049 Research Team

Date: ██/██/████

Location: Site-19, SCP-049 Containment Chamber

Observation Team: Dr. ███████, Dr. █████, Research Assistant ████, and three guards (MTF Beta-7 "Maz Hatters")

Summary of Interaction:

At ██:██, A'malther (formerly SCP-9743) entered SCP-049's containment chamber using a Level-5 O5 Keycard, bypassing all security protocols. SCP-049's Research Team observed the interaction from the observation room and documented the event in real-time. This marks the third recorded interaction between A'malther and SCP-049, with significant differences in A'malther's appearance and behavior compared to prior encounters.

Key Interaction Details:

A'malther's Appearance and Presence:

A'malther's current form is significantly altered compared to prior appearances, now standing at approximately 10 feet tall, with divine features, luminescent heterochromatic eyes (one purple, one blue), a flowing silver mane, and robes adorned with cosmic patterns. His presence emitted a palpable aura, described as "overwhelming yet serene," which SCP-049 noted as divine in nature. SCP-999 was present, perched in A'malther's left hand.

Proposition to SCP-049:

A'malther offered SCP-049 a position as one of his "specialized entities" and extended an invitation to reside within his voidful domain. Promised benefits included:

A personal room and medical station. Access to advanced tools and resources. Full freedom to conduct research. Access to A'malther's laboratory and his vast collection of knowledge on diseases and biology across species and dimensions.

SCP-049's Reaction:

SCP-049 displayed an unusual level of respect and deference toward A'malther, referring to him as "monsieur" and acknowledging his divinity.

SCP-049 appeared intrigued by the promise of expanded knowledge and resources, aligning with his goal of curing "The Pestilence." The entity expressed a willingness to follow A'malther into his domain, concluding with a statement of faith in A'malther's offer.

Portal and Departure:

A'malther opened a portal described as "majestic, with prismatic hues resembling a fractal starfield." He gestured to SCP-049 with divine poise. SCP-049 willingly entered the portal after affirming his faith in A'malther, expressing hope for uncovering new truths about disease and healing.

Post-Interaction Notes:

SCP-049's Research Team Observations:

The team noted SCP-049's significant behavioral shift. In previous encounters, SCP-049 maintained a clinical and reserved demeanor, but during this interaction, he displayed reverence and eagerness, a stark contrast to his usual interactions with personnel. SCP-049's willingness to leave Site-19, despite his historically protective stance over his containment chamber and materials, indicates an exceptional level of trust in A'malther.

Security Concerns:

A'malther's ability to bypass containment protocols using an O5 Keycard raises questions about his current autonomy within Foundation operations. The loss of SCP-049 to A'malther's domain may hinder ongoing research into SCP-049's abilities and goals.

SCP-999's Role:

SCP-999 showed no resistance to A'malther, remaining perched on his hand throughout the interaction. Its behavior toward A'malther continues to deviate from standard patterns, warranting further study.

O5 Council Comments on the Report:

O5-1: "While A'malther's ability to commandeer SCP-049 is concerning, this interaction highlights an unusual dynamic: a formerly uncontrollable anomaly is now attempting to build alliances. This could either be an act of consolidation for benevolent purposes or a precursor to something far more dangerous."

O5-2: "The loss of SCP-049 as an in-house asset is a blow to our research efforts. However, we cannot ignore the opportunity to monitor A'malther's domain through SCP-049's reports—if such communication remains possible. This is a calculated risk we must take."

O5-3: "A'malther's rhetoric about providing freedom and resources to SCP-049 sounds dangerously similar to Scarlet King's strategy of empowering his daughters. If A'malther is assembling his own pantheon, the potential ramifications could be catastrophic."

O5-4: "The fact that SCP-049 willingly submitted to A'malther raises an important question: is A'malther's aura or presence inherently manipulative? We must investigate whether his divinity influences the free will of those he interacts with."

O5-5: "We need contingencies. SCP-049's departure might only be the beginning of A'malther's recruitment drive. If other SCPs align with him, the balance of power could shift irreparably."

O5-7: "This entire situation reeks of hubris—both on A'malther's part and ours for believing we could ever truly contain or control him. We must prepare for the worst-case scenario: A'malther fully embracing divinity and using it to assert dominance over both anomalies and humanity."

Conclusion:

The O5 Council is divided on how to respond to A'malther's actions. While some members advocate for continued observation and cautious diplomacy, others are pushing for the development of countermeasures against potential threats posed by A'malther's growing influence. The loss of SCP-049 is acknowledged as both a strategic setback and a potential opportunity to learn more about A'malther's voidful domain and his long-term intentions.

The Council has agreed to monitor A'malther's recruitment efforts closely and to reassess his status as an ally or adversary depending on the outcomes of his actions. Contingency plans for further anomalies defecting to A'malther are currently under development.


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