[IC] The SCP Foundation - Chapter 1: Trick or Treat

[WindStruck]

Hesitantly, he adds, "In addition to the ideas for this mission and our objective, can we know about the others on our team? I mean, like, can I -- an SCP -- know what's up with... um, his dreams, and the cat and..." He looks hesitantly towards SCP-4500, feeling too intimidated to say much. "Uh, I don't mind my anomaly being shared. I can help protect the others better if they expect it."

Director Lambert stands, almost with an enthusiastic clap, and says, "My, what a fine idea! Yes, I believe introductions are in order. After all, you will all be working as a team during this operation! No point keeping your secrets any longer."

"You still are expected to not say anything about yourselves outside this room, unless directly asked by one of our scientists in a secure location, is that understood?" Dr. Curtis says.

Director Lambert nods, "Yes, yes, of course, I was just about to get to that," he says. Or perhaps he might have forgotten in his currently jovial disposition.

[Ameraaaaaa]

King scoffs "ok. You want a introduction. Sure thing. Hi I'm king. You might of know me from the french revolution or the Chinese civil war. I can read minds i can talk and i don't age. As the person who can determineif these town people are real it is up to you to protect me. that last part is said in a extremely smug tone of voice.

[hand ax ranger]

Hesitantly, he adds, "In addition to the ideas for this mission and our objective, can we know about the others on our team? I mean, like, can I -- an SCP -- know what's up with... um, his dreams, and the cat and..." He looks hesitantly towards SCP-4500, feeling too intimidated to say much. "Uh, I don't mind my anomaly being shared. I can help protect the others better if they expect it."

The Tall Black man/Former Lizard Turns and looks at the one who's speaking and, with the coincidental blessing of Dr. Curtis, answers. "I am Kuzmo the Wildife, Feaster of flesh, Slayer of Demons and in my time a God-king. Here, I am a living wrecking ball of magic. The powers of flesh and flame are at my call, albiet in lesser degrees in this world, as well as other gift of divine root. I have also killed many, many people and beasts."

He Thinks on it more and gets more specific. "I can run faster and jump higher than the average man. I can sense by smell and by the vibrations coming from around me. My body passive mends it's wounds and I can more actively mend the flesh of myself and others. I also lob fire at people. Other than that? I had leader skills, people skills, formal and informal training in combat and guerrilla warfare and an affinty for animals." He thinks once more. "Oh, and I [REDACTED] like an animal. Make it seem like [REDACTED] is going out of style. Or [REDACTED], if that's your style.~"

[Plaids]

Director Lambert stands, almost with an enthusiastic clap, and says, "My, what a fine idea! Yes, I believe introductions are in order. After all, you will all be working as a team during this operation! No point keeping your secrets any longer."

"You still are expected to not say anything about yourselves outside this room, unless directly asked by one of our scientists in a secure location, is that understood?" Dr. Curtis says.

Director Lambert nods, "Yes, yes, of course, I was just about to get to that," he says. Or perhaps he might have forgotten in his currently jovial disposition.

Joining in on the get together Dr. Hagerty joins in after the precocious kitten and the large man claiming to be able to wield magic.
I am Dr. Kalispell Hagerty, one of the science leads on this mission. I believe I have had the honor of working the genetic material of several individuals here. I have the far-out power of biological sciences and I'll be responsible for relaying any new scientific understanding from this mission back to SCP. Feel free to call me Kali when outside of missions or in civilian guise.

Next the doctor began introducing her beloved family as a doting mother and loving sibling.
This little song in my heart is Jaylen and this brainy gal here is my soul sister Maribel. Jaylen will be staying here at homebase will we're out. So, who wants to share their special power next?

[Esprit15]

The stiff man speaks up next. ”I am Task Force Leader James Fink. You may refer to me as Mr. Fink, or Task Force Leader. My job will be the same as it is inside this facility: keep this mission pointed toward its objective and prevent unnecessary casualties. I served in the army for ten years prior to being onboarded here, eight of them in special forces, and have served with the Foundation following my discharge from there.” He looks each of the SCPs in the eye, a look that is simultaneously a thousand yards away and yet laser focused on each SCP it passes over them. “As unusual as all of your natures are, there is very little that can truly surprise when it comes to how people and animals behave to get what they want. I’m under no illusions that half of you could kill me and run for it the moment we set foot outside these walls. Let the extensiveness of this facility speak to the resources that can and would be spent bringing you back if such a thing were attempted, and how tight the chains that bind you would be when you return.”

His posture relaxes, and he smiles casually. ”Well, with that out of the way, I look forward to working with all of you.”

Spoiler: King

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His mind adds in the word “dishonorable” when talking about leaving the Army.

Spoiler: Anyone with a high Intuition

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He hesitates ever so slightly on the word “discharge,” and seems to wrap up the sentence quickly after that.

[AvatarVecna]

"Daniel Morgan. I can mostly see a bit into the future, enough that it helps me fight, and other stuff too. Stole some cars, played getaway driver a lot, shot my way out of trouble more than a few times. Finally got caught cuz, turns out I'm not quite good enough to take five air force pilots at once the first time I joyride a jet." He laughs and holds up a couple fingers in a pinching gesture. "Came this close to being an ace, though."

Spoiler: high intuition

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He seems unsure of and unconcerned with whether the pilots survived or not.

Spoiler: telepathy

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He didn't come as close as he thinks - shooting taxiing jets almost certainly doesn't count. He did get multiple air kills though. He seems unsure of and unconcerned with whether the pilots survived or not.

[WindStruck]

Secure Conference-01

All of you continue with introductions and a bit of banter for a while. But the meeting does soon draw to a close. You are each given a copy of the files on SCP-1031 to review, as well as various mission logs which help fill in small details not mentioned in the overview. (King could have someone to flip the pages for him or read aloud if necessary).

In addition to the facts on hand about SCP-1031, there were details on the mission plan, which you were also later briefed on. The story is as follows: The group gathered in the conference room would be posing as a group of family and friends going on a moving trip.

Dr. Hagerty would be acting as a middle-aged mother, moving from North Carolina to Arizona for the the dry air to help her lungs. After some haggling about, it was decided her name will now be Kali Simmons.

Accompanying Kali Simmons were her two sons, Brandon and Michael Simmons. These rolls were to be played by SCP-6356 and SCP-5404 (aka Daniel Morgan and Thomas Skylark) respectively.

Kuzmo would be posing as a family friend of the Simmons', who large size and musculature would actually come in quite handy when it came to moving furniture.

Task Force Leader Fink was also coming along, posing as Michael Simmons's friend from the army. His new name was Rudolph Ericson. As it turned out, Rudolph was on military leave but would soon be deployed in Hawaii. A trip out west with his friend and his friend's family seemed like a good idea.

Lastly, King was just.. well, King. The family pet was the most important role (or so King was told). But in all seriousness, technically, according to story, King was in Kali Simmons's care and ownership.

This group of family and friends would be traveling west on Oklahoma Highway 399, into SCP-1031 and into the hamlet of Blumber, where their vehicle would be staged to break down. From there, they were expected to speak with the residents of Blumber, act reasonably with a concern to get their car fixed, but ultimately stay the night and investigate what they could.

The "Family Unit" (as it was being referred to now) was equipped with a large pickup truck that contained a toolbox, and the truck pulled a U-haul trailer behind it. To be believable, there was luggage as well as furniture and moving boxes crammed with stuff (conveniently picked up from an abandoned storage unit). However, hidden within all this stuff was supplies: guns, ammo, body armor, Kuzmo's other gear, and some other useful things.

Meanwhile, your unit is aware of another group entering SCP-1031 from the west (as in, they are traveling east, entering the SCP from the opposite side). This other group is posing as a highway cleanup crew comprised of prisoners. Their group is supposed to have a lot of supplies as well, and 8 Class-D personnel. The main difference here is, this group is timed to be within the outskirts of SCP-1031, but not in or near the hamlet of Blumber. James Fink knows members of his team are here and can attempt to radio them if needed.

Dr. Hagerty and James Fink will be given radio comms with the SCP Foundation on their smartphone-like devices. However, SCP Foundation will never (or perhaps, only extremely rarely in case of some unforeseen emergency) radio first. If you use the radio communications, it is expected to be in a private area - ie not in the presence of any of the SCP-1031 residents. Also, as far as you are aware, there are hidden recording devices present. But when dealing with most SCPs, it's already half-expected that they won't be completely reliable.


MrAbdial and Meta

You finish your dinner in peace. It's just more boring monotony in your cells after that. Too much boring and too much monotony, in fact. It seems it had been a while since you were last called to do some tests. Then suddenly, the guards arrive, and they order you to follow them. Doing as you are told, you and seven other Class-D personnel are collected. After being marched through the underground corridors of Site-404, the lot of you are loaded up onto a truck, without explanation. Handcuffed, chained, and securely seated, it takes off and drives, and drives and drives....


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Monday, October 31st, 2022 - 10:00 AM

The Family Unit

It was a few days after your first meeting about SCP-1031 that you left on your journey. You embarked on October 30th, and after stopping at a motel for the night (conveniently paid for and watched by the SCP Foundation) you cross the Oklahoma state line in early morning. SCP Foundation trucks escort you as you drive, one in front of you and one behind. You turn off onto Highway 399, and soon the trucks pull off to the side but allow you to pass. They begin setting up, doing whatever it is they're doing. Probably putting the road barricades back up at least. You continue driving on ahead.

The golden fields of corn are ahead, well into harvest season. Soon you are amongst them, and there is nothing but road and rows of corn on either side. Then, up ahead, you see the village. As if on cue, there's a loud pop. The engine of your vehicle falters and smoke begins to plume from under the hood. Your truck continues to lurch forward, carried forth by momentum, but ultimately stops some 200 yard away from the nearest building...

((Not quite as glamorous, fun, or silly as this. But now you've been infected by another memetic SCP.))

You're on you're own now. What do you all do?


MrAbdiel and Meta

It's the two of you, Benjamin and Cecily again! Tater is also here, as well as Cheryl. There are four other Class-Ds chained up as passengers in the back of this truck: Hank, Tom, Chris, and Marianne. Your journey was long and tiresome. At most times you were all silent, other times you started talking about random stuff but it usually ended up with Tater angering someone and things devolving into arguments and threats. The lot of you are let out infrequently to stretch your legs and take care of other biological needs. You sleep uncomfortably in the truck in sleeping bags, yet still chained up.

The next day you're on the road again. You don't know how long you've been driven around or where, but you notice the truck has stopped again. This time, you're let out, but the chains are taken off. There's eight of you, but at least a score of well-armed, well-trained, no-nonsense agents all around you. You're briefly filled in on what is expected of you:

"All D-Class Personnel, here is your assignment: you are to follow this road, picking up trash. Do not move too quickly, or too slowly. You will be accompanied by eight of our foundation officers. You are to comply with any other orders they give you, or there will be consequences upon return."

The man issuing his orders turns to leave and get back in his truck. Then he stops and turns around. "Oh, one other thing. There are corn fields up ahead. Don't even think about trying to run or get lost in the cover. We will find you. Or maybe something else will."

All the D-class personnel are handed little pointy trash pickers, garbage bags, and a complimentary pair of gloves. The armed SCP agents walk along side you, and two slowly follow you with their trucks. Far in the distance, you see the aforementioned fields...

Spoiler: ooc

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Feel free to make up details of your new, fake backgrounds. I couldn't be bothered to write new life stories of 6 extra-fake people, but I figure you guys can collaborate and just make stuff up on the fly.

As for our two d-class people.. sorry you're not with the main group! I tried to figure out a way to have everyone involved in some kind of way. Either way, it's better than everyone else idly sitting behind safety glass watching D-Class people dying!

[AvatarVecna]

It was a few days after your first meeting about SCP-1031 that you left on your journey. You embarked on October 30th, and after stopping at a motel for the night (conveniently paid for and watched by the SCP Foundation) you cross the Oklahoma state line in early morning. SCP Foundation trucks escort you as you drive, one in front of you and one behind. You turn off onto Highway 399, and soon the trucks pull off to the side but allow you to pass. They begin setting up, doing whatever it is they're doing. Probably putting the road barricades back up at least. You continue driving on ahead.

The golden fields of corn are ahead, well into harvest season. Soon you are amongst them, and there is nothing but road and rows of corn on either side. Then, up ahead, you see the village. As if on cue, there's a loud pop. The engine of your vehicle falters and smoke begins to plume from under the hood. Your truck continues to lurch forward, carried forth by momentum, but ultimately stops some 200 yard away from the nearest building...

((Not quite as glamorous, fun, or silly as this. But now you've been infected by another memetic SCP.))

You're on you're own now. What do you all do?

Daniel exits the truck and takes a peek under the hood - it's likely that whatever's gone wrong isn't something he can fix, it's something about the town, but no harm in taking a peek. Plus, if they're being watched, gotta stay in-character.

Spoiler

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Expertise/Cars +8, can take 20 on mental checks in roughly 1/8th the time as long as it can fit in his "a few minutes" window. Idk if that's long enough for a diagnosis, but lmk what the bonus/total should reasonably get me.

[Ameraaaaaa]

King read "Daniel's" mind and realised that it is possible he is being watched. So king meows and lays down. It is this moment he wished he had telepathy. Oh well. He get's to peak into the minds of his "family"

[Esprit15]

”Goddamnit,” “Rudolph” says as he gets out of the car, getting into character. “Guess I was wrong about not getting her serviced before we left. Hey Brandon, I’m gonna see if there’s someone up ahead who can give us a tow or something.” James jogs off to the building up ahead.

[Metastachydium]

Cecily, all tense and sore, rubs her wrists quite grimly as she waits for being handed her equipment. She thought standing as freely as she'll get in the foreseeable future, under an open sky would be more liberating. Instead, it just feels odd. She looks around, slipping the gloves on. The scenery is welcomely nondescript, but… Did they just journey for literal days to do… Community service?

The fingers of her bag hand drumming arythmically on her thigh, she catches up to Hank (it was really him or Cheryl, and Cheryl, while a known quantity, wasn't always super good for her mood) to try and pick up his pace, making sure she stays as far away from Benjamin and especially Tater as possible. Hey. she whispers to the man. That's, uh, that's some kind of a sick joke, right? The thing with the corn, I mean. She really needs some reassurance on that front: in less than a minute, she managed to cook up at least three theories about how there could actually be something in the cornfield. Maybe a lion? It escaped from a zoo or something and now they're used to bait it out. Or it could be the Children of the Corn thing. She shudders at the thought, and has to actively force herself to at least pretend she's focusing on the task.

Spoiler: OOC

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I decided C. and Hank know each other and are on good terms, relatively speaking. Sue me.

[MrAbdiel]

Benjamin spends a good twenty seconds looking up at the sky, squinting toward the sun, feeling it on his face. One doesn't really give the sun the value it deserves until they've been incarcerated underground, one's body forced to nervously capilulate to the capricious dictates of electric light day-cycles. But once herded into action, he's a model prisoner; jabbing trash, bagging trash; jabbing trash, bagging trash. He makes a little game of it; each peice of trash he thinks up a name for, and then the next one he thinks up a name the next letter over, and a boy instead of a girl, or what not. Like he's naming cyclones, or something'. Franky. Jab, bag. Greta. Jab, bag. Henrietta. Jab- Wait, ****, he means Henry. Bag.

Briefly, he considers accusing Tater loudly of trying to make a run for it - but the wardens here aren't messing around. Tater deserved to learn a lesson, not to be blown to pieces. Still, that'd be a hell of a lesson.

[hand ax ranger]

Spoiler: Desired flashback equipment scene

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(OOC: I am going with some artistic liberty here but feel free to bap me with the rewrite stick if needed)


After the meeting but before they took off on the assignment the lizard would request to see his equipment in person. To be sure that the weapons and armor they were sending with him were adequate for the risks he was undertaking, willingly no less. Upon wandering up he see's them assembled, and around them a plethora of guards ready to shoot should he make a wrong move. Paying them no mind he looks down at them, them hovers him hand over the falcata and waits for the ok to inspect it.

"Might I inspect this one more closely. it has been a long while since last I held my blade of choice."

Daniel exits the truck and takes a peek under the hood - it's likely that whatever's gone wrong isn't something he can fix, it's something about the town, but no harm in taking a peek. Plus, if they're being watched, gotta stay in-character.

Spoiler

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Expertise/Cars +8, can take 20 on mental checks in roughly 1/8th the time as long as it can fit in his "a few minutes" window. Idk if that's long enough for a diagnosis, but lmk what the bonus/total should reasonably get me.

As the truck came to a stuttering stop Kuzmo perks up his head from the two diffrent bags of sliders he was chowing down on (which many thanks to the team leader for securign for him as his hunger was great) and gives a slight frown. "Geysers of Gazramil! Has the truck just died on us!? Splendid. Shall i get out and push then?"

He grumbles and he sets one of the bags down and exists the vehicle unless stopped by Fink.

King read "Daniel's" mind and realized that it is possible he is being watched. So king meows and lays down. It is this moment he wished he had telepathy. Oh well. He get's to peak into the minds of his "family"

If Kuzmo should get even the inkling of an idea that his mind is being read he will mention eating the brains of whomever is invading his mind.

”Goddamnit,” “Rudolph” says as he gets out of the car, getting into character. “Guess I was wrong about not getting her serviced before we left. Hey Brandon, I’m gonna see if there’s someone up ahead who can give us a tow or something.” James jogs off to the building up ahead.

"And me? Am I pushing this horseless wagon to a better place to wait?" He says, still filling his face with delicious tiny cheeseburgers.

[WindStruck]

Daniel exits the truck and takes a peek under the hood - it's likely that whatever's gone wrong isn't something he can fix, it's something about the town, but no harm in taking a peek. Plus, if they're being watched, gotta stay in-character.

Spoiler

Show

Expertise/Cars +8, can take 20 on mental checks in roughly 1/8th the time as long as it can fit in his "a few minutes" window. Idk if that's long enough for a diagnosis, but lmk what the bonus/total should reasonably get me.

Daniel's precognition may be spot on, but his postcognition may be a little rusty. He recalls during the mission briefing that it was planned for the car to break down. From what you can see happened under the hood, amid all the smoke, it almost looks like a tiny, mini explosive has ruptured the car's fuel regulator.

The actual cause of this damage would most certainly stump any skilled mechanic, but you know for certain it was intentional sabotage. Also, in case of an emergency, there is a backup regulator hidden amid all your moving stuff. That was just thrown in there as an afterthought. But good luck getting it replaced in an actual emergency.

”Goddamnit,” “Rudolph” says as he gets out of the car, getting into character. “Guess I was wrong about not getting her serviced before we left. Hey Brandon, I’m gonna see if there’s someone up ahead who can give us a tow or something.” James jogs off to the building up ahead.

((Good acting! I hope.))

You start jogging off into the town. Looking behind, you see "Brandon" checking the car, and Big Kuzmo beginning to push from behind. If he was on one side, the the two of you other guys pushed from the other, you could probably actually push it all to the town if you really wanted.

((Either way, I'll wait to see if you change your mind or if anyone else joins you before proceeding.))

Cecily, all tense and sore, rubs her wrists quite grimly as she waits for being handed her equipment. She thought standing as freely as she'll get in the foreseeable future, under an open sky would be more liberating. Instead, it just feels odd. She looks around, slipping the gloves on. The scenery is welcomely nondescript, but… Did they just journey for literal days to do… Community service?

The fingers of her bag hand drumming arythmically on her thigh, she catches up to Hank (it was really him or Cheryl, and Cheryl, while a known quantity, wasn't always super good for her mood) to try and pick up his pace, making sure she stays as far away from Benjamin and especially Tater as possible. Hey. she whispers to the man. That's, uh, that's some kind of a sick joke, right? The thing with the corn, I mean. She really needs some reassurance on that front: in less than a minute, she managed to cook up at least three theories about how there could actually be something in the cornfield. Maybe a lion? It escaped from a zoo or something and now they're used to bait it out. Or it could be the Children of the Corn thing. She shudders at the thought, and has to actively force herself to at least pretend she's focusing on the task.

Spoiler: OOC

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I decided C. and Hank know each other and are on good terms, relatively speaking. Sue me.

Hank was a tall and well-built man with olive skin. If he got out in the sun as often as normal people, he would probably have a healthy tan. He makes one very brief, punctuated laugh at Cecily's worry. "Heh. They're just sayin' that to scare us. But I still don't think it's a good idea to give 'em trouble." He confidently saunters along, not really caring for any of this bulls***, but going along with it anyway.

Benjamin spends a good twenty seconds looking up at the sky, squinting toward the sun, feeling it on his face. One doesn't really give the sun the value it deserves until they've been incarcerated underground, one's body forced to nervously capilulate to the capricious dictates of electric light day-cycles. But once herded into action, he's a model prisoner; jabbing trash, bagging trash; jabbing trash, bagging trash. He makes a little game of it; each peice of trash he thinks up a name for, and then the next one he thinks up a name the next letter over, and a boy instead of a girl, or what not. Like he's naming cyclones, or something'. Franky. Jab, bag. Greta. Jab, bag. Henrietta. Jab- Wait, ****, he means Henry. Bag.

Briefly, he considers accusing Tater loudly of trying to make a run for it - but the wardens here aren't messing around. Tater deserved to learn a lesson, not to be blown to pieces. Still, that'd be a hell of a lesson.

You're a star when it comes to picking up the trash! Not like there's much of it around here, but your efforts most certainly go unnoticed.

Spoiler: Desired flashback equipment scene

Show

(OOC: I am going with some artistic liberty here but feel free to bap me with the rewrite stick if needed)


After the meeting but before they took off on the assignment the lizard would request to see his equipment in person. To be sure that the weapons and armor they were sending with him were adequate for the risks he was undertaking, willingly no less. Upon wandering up he see's them assembled, and around them a plethora of guards ready to shoot should he make a wrong move. Paying them no mind he looks down at them, them hovers him hand over the falcata and waits for the ok to inspect it.

"Might I inspect this one more closely. it has been a long while since last I held my blade of choice."

((Well it's not much I planned to dwell on, but okay.))

Spoiler: Le Flashback

Show

The crew overseeing you inspect your weapons takes but a step back for a bit more distance. Perhaps it's nothing, given the sudden bursts of speed and strength you are capable of. But still, all the same, they are well-trained soldiers, and they wait curiously to see how you handle your falcata. You're more than welcome to give it a few practice swings, just not on any SCP Foundation members.

As the truck came to a stuttering stop Kuzmo perks up his head from the two diffrent bags of sliders he was chowing down on (which many thanks to the team leader for securign for him as his hunger was great) and gives a slight frown. "Geysers of Gazramil! Has the truck just died on us!? Splendid. Shall i get out and push then?"

He grumbles and he sets one of the bags down and exists the vehicle unless stopped by Fink.

If Kuzmo should get even the inkling of an idea that his mind is being read he will mention eating the brains of whomever is invading his mind.

"And me? Am I pushing this horseless wagon to a better place to wait?" He says, still filling his face with delicious tiny cheeseburgers.

It would seem that's what you're doing for now! But even with your massive strength and size, the car and trailer it pulls behind barely moves an inch. It'll probably take all of your combined efforts to get this thing rolling without engine power.

[hand ax ranger]

Spoiler: Le Flashback

Show

The crew overseeing you inspect your weapons takes but a step back for a bit more distance. Perhaps it's nothing, given the sudden bursts of speed and strength you are capable of. But still, all the same, they are well-trained soldiers, and they wait curiously to see how you handle your falcata. You're more than welcome to give it a few practice swings, just not on any SCP Foundation members.

Spoiler: Le Flashback

Show

Once the guards stand back he hefts the shield, a simple buckler sized proportionate to him, inspect the armor made of ballistic steel plates brigandine style and tries it on. Finding the fit and mobility to be about right he leaves it on, finding a sort of comfort in the weight of armor once more.

The came the sword. He slowly moves his hand to it and takes short yet hefty weapon up. He slowly pulls on the hook-like handle and savors the way the steel slides free of it's sheath. The slight shimmer in the steel as it is exposed to the light puts a twinkle back into his eye and once pulled free sees they had not skimp out on the edge, as even the first few inches of the back had a suitable edge to it. It was even balanced perfectly, shown when he instantly finds the center of balance and the blade sits till on his finger.

With this he takes it back in hand and slowly moves it around as if striking. While most of the time he portrays a brutish, clumsy demeanor the almost surgical detail in his movements shows not just skill but muscle memory, as he moves it around and in front of him with all the same ease and any here might walk or talk. His actions become faster with time where the speed and precision might seem like something you would see out of a old samurai movie and yet it was here, in this room, perform by this man with such a hefty weapon.

Towards the end he flourishes the weapon, holds the scabbard at his side and slide the blade in it's home before gently putting it back on the table.

"Yes, this will do greatly."

It would seem that's what you're doing for now! But even with your massive strength and size, the car and trailer it pulls behind barely moves an inch. It'll probably take all of your combined efforts to get this thing rolling without engine power.

"HRRRRR" He grunts. "How is this [REDACTED] so stuck!? It's only a metal wagon with some furniture on it!" He grumbles and stands back devouring yet another delicious slider. "Well now what?"

[Esprit15]

As he hears Kuzmo’s shouts, Rudolph turns around, even though James would rather forge ahead. It occurs to him that without his oversight things could get a little choppy.

”It’s a car, not a wagon,” he hisses to the large man. ”Residents are going to find it strange if you can’t talk like a human from this country or planet.” He takes a deep breath as he gets behind the other side of the car. ”Hey Kali? Mind asking one of your boys to go get help? I think Kuz needs a hand back here. Also, hop in the driver’s seat and put it in neutral, then just steer to keep us on the road.”

[JeenLeen]

5404 offers, "I could head into town to look for a tow. Or I'd be happy to help push the car. I am stronger than I look." He glances to his 'brother', the precog. "I'm really fine staying or going. His insights might be more helpful finding out something useful talking to people, and I'd probably be better pushing... but, well, I know we aren't the decision-makers."

The lizardman yet again makes 5404 nervous. He reckons it's similar to how the others feel -- big strange-talking lizard wizard is a strange thing indeed and he seems dangerous both for health and the mission -- but at least if he goes crazy, 5404 knows he'll be okay in the end. After a very uncomfortable few seconds, hopefully just seconds. Thomas tries to focus on his curiousity of what the "magic" actually is, as opposed to its talk of eating and killing.

Spoiler: intro

Show

OOC: if y'all are all good with it, let's assume what I wrote in the spoiler back at the -01 meeting room for introduction was what he said.

[hand ax ranger]

"Is there anyone else here? No. I'll call it a truck when we're around others. till then I got give a [REDACTED]." The large man then looks back and unhooks the trailer. "Well if we have someone who can push or drag this we can make it easier overall. "

He leans against the Truck as he chows on his food and looks to the fellow warrior, Fink. "So whose army were you from before the SCP? You don't strike me as a sell-sword ...err....Gun? Sell-gun? Gun for hire..... What ever it is, I don't think you were mercenary." He offers his a slider. "What's your story?"

He then looks to the other one and smiles. "And you boy? I can smell off you that you've taken a beating before too..... but I doubt you've ever killed. They just pull you off the streets?

[Esprit15]

"It's better to stay in character the whole time rather than just when you think you're being watched. Keeps you from being out of character when someone overhears." James gives him a quizzical look at the question. "What army? The Army. Of the nation you're currently living in. And you ain't getting **** beyond that. Lest you forget, we are not friends. My life isn't relevant to this."

He looks at the trailer now that it's unlatched. "If you pull that, Thomas and I can probably get the car moving."

[Plaids]

Dr. Kalispell Hagerty - SCP scientist
Guise: Kali Simmons - The loving mother

As he hears KuzmoÂ’s shouts, Rudolph turns around, even though James would rather forge ahead. It occurs to him that without his oversight things could get a little choppy.

”It’s a car, not a wagon,” he hisses to the large man. ”Residents are going to find it strange if you can’t talk like a human from this country or planet.” He takes a deep breath as he gets behind the other side of the car. ”Hey Kali? Mind asking one of your boys to go get help? I think Kuz needs a hand back here. Also, hop in the driver’s seat and put it in neutral, then just steer to keep us on the road.”

I'm on it Rudolph. Responding quickly Kali, the mother several times over jumps into action. The truck is in neutral and for better or worse the ground is flat as can be. Wait a minute Kuz. All our precious treasures are in there.

Taking further stock of the situation an eye swivels toward town and Thomas/5404. Kali speaks with a mildly oblivious and saccharine voice with just enough insistence to make it clear she is making an order.
Ooh Thomas dear. Please go ahead into town for some help. Kuz and Rudolph will take a will going at this rate. And take King with you as well and if he's feeling lazy just carry him in the carrier. Aunt Marianne/Maribel will follow as well. She can't help push given her bad back.

Kali gestures to the empty passenger seat before pulling out a small cat carrier.
Kali nostalgically sighs as the town creeps closer. I could get used to this. I wish I could get used to this.

Spoiler: Cat carrier

Show

[Metastachydium]

Yeah, figured that much. Cecily smiles back (and up) at Hank. This was one of her better ideas of late, sticking with Hank. She envies the big man, big time: exuding such an aura of utter not giving a ****, strong enough, in fact, to partly rub over even at her is quite the perk when one's… Whatever they really are. She even skips some ten seconds worth of nervous drumming and manages to pick up an actual piece of trash. It's almost like she's barely functional!

[WindStruck]

Pushing Your Truck

With Daniel, James, and Kuzmo giving the truck a push, and Dr. Hagerty behind the wheel of the smoking contraption, you're making steady progress. It'll be some minutes until you start passing by some buildings and are in the village proper.


Running Ahead

Meanwhile, Thomas has run ahead at Dr. Hagerty's instruction. The road curves slightly. Up ahead past the first buildings, you see a stack of corn and pumpkins beginning to form in the middle of the village square. There's a small number of people, here, straightening the decorations up and arranging them just so. Doesn't seem they noticed you yet.

Alternatively, there's a number of what appears to be shops and businesses along the main road of this intersection. You might easily be able to find an auto mechanic shop or something of that nature.

Spoiler: Ameraaaaaaa

Show

I'll let you ultimately decide where King is. Still with the truck or are you being carried by Thomas?

Community Service

Benjamin and Cecily continue plodding onward. Benjamin has already filled up a bag, even going so far as to put some ugly dead weeds in with the garbage. His efforts are rewarded with another empty bag.

Cecily, as nervous and fidgety as always, sticks next to Hank like flies on cow dung. Speaking of which, watch your step! You almost stepped in some. Hank can't help but notice this. He's pretty quiet for the most part, but at some point he says, "Nice day out here, ain't it?"

There's not much talking amongst anyone, though. Even Tater knows better than to run his mouth about crazy conspiracies and experiments when his captors are so close and watching. Most others are pretty bummed out about this lame job, and perhaps would rather enjoy the sun and fresh air in peace.

The corn fields loom in the distance.

[Ameraaaaaa]

Pushing Your Truck

With Daniel, James, and Kuzmo giving the truck a push, and Dr. Hagerty behind the wheel of the smoking contraption, you're making steady progress. It'll be some minutes until you start passing by some buildings and are in the village proper.


Running Ahead

Meanwhile, Thomas has run ahead at Dr. Hagerty's instruction. The road curves slightly. Up ahead past the first buildings, you see a stack of corn and pumpkins beginning to form in the middle of the village square. There's a small number of people, here, straightening the decorations up and arranging them just so. Doesn't seem they noticed you yet.

Alternatively, there's a number of what appears to be shops and businesses along the main road of this intersection. You might easily be able to find an auto mechanic shop or something of that nature.

Spoiler: Ameraaaaaaa

Show

I'll let you ultimately decide where King is. Still with the truck or are you being carried by Thomas?

Community Service

Benjamin and Cecily continue plodding onward. Benjamin has already filled up a bag, even going so far as to put some ugly dead weeds in with the garbage. His efforts are rewarded with another empty bag.

Cecily, as nervous and fidgety as always, sticks next to Hank like flies on cow dung. Speaking of which, watch your step! You almost stepped in some. Hank can't help but notice this. He's pretty quiet for the most part, but at some point he says, "Nice day out here, ain't it?"

There's not much talking amongst anyone, though. Even Tater knows better than to run his mouth about crazy conspiracies and experiments when his captors are so close and watching. Most others are pretty bummed out about this lame job, and perhaps would rather enjoy the sun and fresh air in peace.

The corn fields loom in the distance.

King is with Thomas.

King thinks to himself. "Pathetic humans setting up decorations without even knowing your minds are about to be opened like a book. Silly silly humans. You shouldn't be celebrating Halloween. You should be celebrating king day. Which is every day."

[JeenLeen]

At the car

5404 doesn't really respond to Kuzco's statements. At least verbally. A look of fear, as he has flashbacks to several gruesome deaths.

He questions if he should say more, but fear and self-justiciation prevail: probably best if the monster doesn't think it's safe to kill him, anyhow. The Foundation staff would have been briefed.

Toward Town

Thomas feels uncomfortable as King speaks. He agrees with Mr. Fink that, if they want this to succeed, best to stay in-character. Also just not sure how to respond to a cat that seems to think of "king" more as title than name.

As he arrives near the town, he undoes the carrier and whispers, "If you stick close to me, nobody will probably question you being free. I reckon you'd like being able to walk around with a bit more freedom. See if anybody has useful or abnormal thoughts as they decorate?"

He then walks towards one of the people working on decorations and asks, "Hey, excuse me. Our car broke down a bit down the road. Is there a mechanic or tow truck working in town, or someone with a truck and chain that could help pull us into town while we try to fix it ourselves?"

Yeah, going to the shops is more direct, but this lets King more easily read a decorator's mind. And Thomas is curious if they're act normal or not.

[Ameraaaaaa]

King nods as he walks with Thomas. He reads the mind of the closest town person. let's see exactly what you are

[WindStruck]

Spoiler: Ameraaaaaa

Show

From the confines of your little carrier, you smugly begin to read the minds of those foolish, hapless humans who were doing stupid Halloween things!

But that's when you sense there is immediately a problem. There were no minds to read!

It's not a complete, empty void though. You almost feel like there is something there, behind the meat puppets, pulling the strings. However, beyond the inkling of some other barely perceptible presence, you don't get anything, aside from Thomas's mind of course.

[Ameraaaaaa]

King has the information now. He proceeds the tap his paw against Thomas's leg. we should head back as soon as possible. I'd tell Thomas but people are watching. I gotta inform the team if i want my milk and catnip.

[WindStruck]

He then walks towards one of the people working on decorations and asks, "Hey, excuse me. Our car broke down a bit down the road. Is there a mechanic or tow truck working in town, or someone with a truck and chain that could help pull us into town while we try to fix it ourselves?"

The people seem to stiffen up briefly, as if Thomas takes them by complete surprise. They turn around curiously, but greet him with a smile all the same.

One of the people, a pretty average-looking man in overalls with a big nose replies, "Car broke down? That's a mighty shame. Yeah, we got a mechanic down yonder that way," he points north down the main road. "Hopefully we can get you fixed up and out of here before the evening. Where you headed anyway?" he asks.

[Metastachydium]

Cecily stumbles ever so slightly as she makes her way around the manure, muttering a subdued ****. She manages to catch her balance, however, which gives her all the more time to begin pondering whether actually stepping into the thing would have made her lucky and grossed out or just plain old grossed out. Unable to reach a satisfying conclusion despite thinking it over long and hard, she contents herself with offering Hank a nervous chuckle and a Sure thing. Beats basement brooding. Still, even with Hank close by and her mind preoccupied with contemplating fate and the human condition, that stupid cornfield somehow never ceases to be ominous.

[JeenLeen]

Thomas makes a note to talk to King privately once he can, e.g., probably after done talking to this man.

One of the people, a pretty average-looking man in overalls with a big nose replies, "Car broke down? That's a mighty shame. Yeah, we got a mechanic down yonder that way," he points north down the main road. "Hopefully we can get you fixed up and out of here before the evening. Where you headed anyway?" he asks.

"My mom's moving to Arizona. Hopefully better for her health. My brother and I and some family friends are helping her out." He looks towards the mechanic's. "Thanks, man. I appreciate it. Does he have a tow truck, or should we push it into town?" He pauses a moment before adding, "Happy Halloween! Looks like y'all do it nice here. If my brother and I were about ten years younger, I reckon we'd really enjoy seeing the party you're setting up."