The Monster's Room - Chapter 26
“How do they know D-1705’s range of action?”
The question was about how the anomalous entity inside the containment chamber was able to track Marie’s movements outside.
“Is there a problem with the soundproofing?”
“It’s possible, given its sensitivity to noise.”
“But last time, we reinforced the containment door. And now it seems it has only erased the door again.”
“Could the sound have leaked through the cracks in the door?”
“Rather than focusing on the door alone, shouldn’t we consider that the entity’s intelligence might be higher than we previously assessed?”
“Oh no.”
A sigh of frustration escaped.
A high level of intelligence in an SCP was not a good sign. While some anomalous entities could be controlled through communication, this was rare. Most of the time, increased intelligence led to higher unpredictability and, consequently, a higher risk rating.
Thus, SCPs with cognitive abilities started at Euclid or higher levels.
“Alright, everyone, focus.”
The assistant supervisor called the scattered team members back to order.
“First, let’s operate on the assumption that the monster can assess the state of its subjects. Please submit your reports one by one.”
“Should we include the experimental plans?”
“Good idea. You’re up next for the assistant supervisor role.”
“When will you get rid of John Doe and become a senior?”
“What are you talking about? If you become an assistant supervisor next, it won’t be because I’ve been promoted but because I’ve died. Don’t you know our senior? The immortal who survived even after ruining a major project? I’m confident I’ll die halfway through but not surpass him, so you handle it.”
That was the case.
John Doe. A top power figure at this facility. A mad scientist who would make typical villains from horror to sci-fi movies look mild in comparison.
His current rank was B.
No one dismissed him for being a B rank while other team leaders were A rank. His rank was temporarily lowered due to the failure of a project. Besides, that project wasn’t a complete failure.
That’s why John Doe was still alive and continuing with the derivative projects.
“Derivative?”
“Huh? Doesn’t everyone know this?”
When the unexpected comment was made, the assistant supervisor turned. A slender but soft-looking man stood there.
“Who are you?”
“Connor.”
“Ah, Connor. I’ve heard of you. You transferred from another facility, right?”
“Yes, about three months ago.”
Connor’s expression was playfully nonchalant as he shrugged his shoulders, and the nearby researchers chuckled softly.
“Yes, you’re the Connor who showed up unexpectedly after we complained about the shortage of personnel.”
“That’s a bit too much of a title.”
“Typically, with a team of our size, we manage at the facility level. But why are we confined to just one sector, not even a whole floor? Are we trying to keep work-life balance?”
“…….”
“Don’t act like you don’t know. You must have come here with an interest in our grand project, regardless of the intentions and goals, and you’ve been looking into it.”
Connor raised his hands in surrender, prompting another round of laughter from his fellow researchers.
“You can’t give up so easily. Now, let’s get to the questions.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Straight to the counterattack, huh? You might have a future as a senior yourself. Anyway, let’s hear it.”
The assistant supervisor, known for his calm yet witty demeanor that won him the favor of his colleagues, posed a question to the new recruit.
“What do you think the project we’re working on involves?”
“May I have a moment to gather my thoughts?”
“How long?”
“Just a nap would suffice.”
Connor, with his arms crossed, tapped his fingers thoughtfully.
“Firstly, the serial numbers of the SCPs are locked.”
“Hmm?”
“Even SCPs with lower security levels should have accessible serial numbers. However, the fact that even the administrative staff can’t access these numbers is significant.”
Connor folded his thumb as he continued.
“Secondly, as mentioned by the assistant supervisor, this project involves managing only five SCPs.”
He folded his index finger.
“Thirdly, the seemingly unrelated abilities of these SCPs are effective against most SCPs.”
He folded his middle finger.
“Fourthly, the senior leading this project, John Doe, is known for his extreme approach to actively utilizing SCPs.”
He folded his ring finger.
“Putting it all together, it suggests one thing: Project Thaumiel, which involves using SCPs to contain other SCPs. This seems to be the underlying purpose of this project team.”
He folded his pinky finger.
Hearing Connor’s answer, the assistant supervisor shrugged his shoulders in acknowledgment.
It was the right answer.
* * *
Dealing with anomalous entities always comes with a cost, both big and small. While financial costs are significant, the most considerable cost is the loss of human lives. An SCP could result in the death of just one person or hundreds.
Yet, the Foundation used people without hesitation.
Why?
In this era of advanced technology, it’s akin to employing humans rather than robots.
“People are the cheapest option.”
The cost is lower.
It’s a regrettable reason, but SCPs don’t generate money endlessly. Resources are limited, and the threats posed by SCPs are endless, so choices must be made.
Should we protect all humans?
Let’s slightly alter this premise.
Is it necessary to protect all humans?
There are people in society who contribute nothing.
Specifically, there are those classified as unhelpful. People whose existence has no impact on society and, in fact, incur social costs simply by being there—death row inmates.
