One Night of Chaos | SCP-7819

As the fire alarm blares, Dr. Rebecca Lamier rests her elbows on the control panel, her head in her hands as she desperately rubs the base of her skull with her fingertips. Dr. Cas Holden asks from the doorway, Are you alright? Lamier groans, takes a deep breath, then swivels in her chair and tries to give her research assistant a friendly smile. Gotta be friendly. Can't have the assistants or guards or janitors complaining to the foundation that she's hard to work with now that she's research lead, as well as co-director of the site. I'm fine, Cas. Just a little headache is all. Lamier rubs her neck and then stands. Is there something you need? Headache? Do you want some aspirin or ibuprofen? Cas asks, trying to be helpful. Lamier struggles to keep the smile on her face. She has four PhDs, six master's degrees, and more certifications than she can count. So of course, she can't think to take analgesics herself. No matter how hard she works, even her research assistants underestimate her. No Cas, but thank you. Are you sure? I have some in my locker. I can- I said no Cas! Lamier snaps. Then she waves a hand at the confused young man. Sorry. He points up at the ceiling, indicating the still-blerring fire alarm. I just need that to stop. In this day to reset. Reset doctor? You don't mean we should use the anomaly SCP? No Cas. I am not suggesting we use any anomaly to force a reset. That would be a gross misuse of resources and potentially catastrophic. Oh, right. Yes, of course. Cas tries to smile, but gives up and just stares at the doctor. Is there something you need Cas? Lamier asks. Oh, right. Um, yes doctor. He produces a tablet. We received a strange alert a few minutes ago. What kind of alert? The appearance of an anomaly in the vicinity of a former agent. May I? Lamier holds out her hand, and Cas gives her the tablet. Let's see what we have. Lamier's eyes widen in shock. When did this alert come in? Like I said doctor, just a few minutes ago. He stares down at the information. SCP 7819 has finally decided to show itself after all of these years. Lamier doesn't have to click on the file. She knows it's been nearly 15 years since its last appearance. What surprises her is the name of the retired agent whom the anomaly has ensnared. Ruben Ortega. Lamier sighs, knowing she'll have to be the one to contact him. She's old school, and won't respond to anyone except for sight leadership. Having Cas contact him would be fruitless. Do we have an MTF assigned to the anomaly? Lamier asks. Um, well, we did doctor. Lamier doesn't like the tone in her assistant's voice. A mix of fear, regret, and was that resignation? Considering how the day has gone so far, Lamier supposes resignation isn't that far off the mark. Explain. She demands. Her patience more than pushed to the edge. Um, well, we were spinning MTF Gamma 43 up doctor, but... Cas shuffled his feet and looked down at the floor. God damn it Cas! Do I look like a woman who wants her assistant to be Koi? Spit it the fuck out! She instantly regrets her words, so much for being friendly and non-confrontational. Lamier has no expectations that Cas will keep her little outburst to himself. All of the assistant's gossip. She'll probably get a call from a higher up either later today or sometime tomorrow. They don't hesitate to hinder her ass. They hesitate to approve the extra funding she needs, sure, but never when the time comes to give her a good dressing down. Cas, looking thoroughly chastised, frowns and shakes his head. MTF Gamma 43 was lost two minutes after deployment, he says. Excuse me? Lost? I need clear information, Cas. What do you mean by lost? The research assistant looks her directly in the eye. They were spun up, flew off in their chopper and it, well, disappeared. Cas reaches out and taps the tablet. Scroll down doctor. We suspect one of the team members had an anomaly on them, possibly one of the esoteric weapons from Sector 8. We aren't sure, but we believe it activated prematurely. Yeah, no shit. Lamier reads the scant information in the short report. Any idea which anomaly may have done this? No, doctor, unfortunately. There are too many options. Like I said, we believe it has been narrowed down to one from Sector 8, but even that is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Which isn't as hard as it sounds, Lamier says. Needles are made of shiny metal. Hay is not. If you know how to search properly, you'll find that needle because it stands out way more than you might think. Cas only blinks at the doctor. Lamier considers doubling down and confusing the assistant even more, mainly for shits and giggles. Since it's been such an awful day, and she could use the amusement, but she's already one strike down with the young man and doesn't need more grief. Have security sweep Sector 8? Yes, doctor. From Cas's tone, she guesses that security is already sweeping Sector 8. Make sure they are careful. I'd prefer only hardened veterans conduct the search. She wences at the continuing fire alarm. We don't need any more rookie mistakes. Cas cringes, and Lamier knows for sure that security is in Sector 8. And if she had to guess, the team is not made up of Foundation veterans. She mentally prepares herself for the shit show to continue. Where are we with the fire? She asks. It has been chased into the recreation wing, Cas says, holding out his hand. Lamier frowns, then realizes she's still holding the tablet and hands it back to him. Cas nods and immediately starts scrolling. The latest report is that the fire is trying to bargain for screen credit on its latest script. We have tried to tell it that it doesn't write scripts, because it has made a fire and burns everything it touches. They told us all to fuck off and then asked for a phone so we could call its agent. Did you give it one? Doctor? A phone so we could call its agent? Um, Doctor, the fire is delusional and does not have an agent. Yes, Cas, I am fully aware of the fire's delusions. I was on the original research team when it was brought here. Give it a phone. Um, Doctor, it'll melt the phone. Lamier sighs, then fixes her eyes on Cas, making sure her hard stare gets her message across. Oh, well, yes. I probably can ask supply if we have any fire-resistant phones. Cas says sheepishly. Great idea, Cas. This is the SCP Foundation. I am sure we have more than a couple of fire-resistant phones sitting around somewhere. Yes, Doctor. Okay, so that's the fire part sorted. What else do you have for me, Cas? Cas gulps hard. Yes, about that. A warning klaxon joins the shrill fire alarm. Lamier groans. And that klaxon is going off because? She asks. The doctor blinks a few times, then rubs her forehead. Please don't tell me it's containment room 18. Cas doesn't tell her that it is containment room 18, only because he keeps his lips pressed tightly together. A frustrated growl forms in Lamier's throat. Just give it to me straight, Cas. She says quietly. He stares at her. She sighs and says it louder so that she can be heard over the fire alarm and the warning klaxon. Just give it to me straight. Oh, yes, of course. Cas checks his tablet. We currently have 13 lizard men loose within the site. All exits were already sealed due to the fire, so they cannot escape the site itself. But they can wreak havoc within the buildings. How many security teams do we have handling the situation? We had two security teams headed to sector 2 to contain the lizard men breach. So far, neither has reported in. Cas points at the ceiling. Hence the klaxon. Lovely. Just lovely. Cas's tablet beeps. Lamier closes her eyes, then opens them and tries to smile. Just tell me, Cas. Um, yes. It appears retired agent Ruben Ortega has pulled into the parking lot of SCP-7819. He has parked and has entered the rest easy in, which is the hotel form that SCP-7819 manifests itself as. I know, Cas. Do we have video footage? No, doctor, unfortunately. The drones we deployed did not arrive. Did not arrive or have not arrived yet. Didn't arrive, doctor. Jesus Christ! Do I even want to know why? Gremlins, doctor. Gremlins. And how did these gremlins get into the drones? We are not sure, doctor. So far, we haven't been alerted to any additional containment breaches. Yet we have drones downed by gremlins. Yes, doctor. This news isn't helping my headache, Cas. I am sorry for that, doctor. Do we have an MTF on route to capture the gremlins? We do, doctor. ETA 3 hours. Those gremlins could be anywhere by then. Yes, unfortunately, that is true, doctor. But we sent Alpha 99. They are top-notch. For a moment, Lamier breathes a sigh of relief. Alpha 99 truly is a top-notch mobile task force. The team has taken down way worse anomalies. Their cryptid containment techniques are taught throughout the Foundation network of sites. Okay. Keep me posted on their progress. Another klaxon rings out. Lamier holds up a hand. Do not tell me. Let's focus on SCP-7819. Um, but doctor, it appears we... I said not to tell me. Make sure a team is handling whatever has just happened. Cas finishes typing on his tablet. Already done, doctor. Great. SCP-7819? Oh, yes. Retired agent Ruben Ortega has... You don't need to say his entire title each time, Cas. My apologies, doctor. Um, Ortega is now... Just call him Ruben. The guy hates being called by his last name. Cas holds back a sigh, which Lamier notes instantly. She smirks and spins her hand over and over. Get on with it, Cas. Yes, alright. From one little surveillance we can gather, Ruben has entered the hotel. Satellite? Yes, doctor. When the drones went down, we had one retasked. It should give us a decent bird's-eye view of the situation, but nothing up close. And Ruben is inside? As far as we can tell, yes. Okay, where's my phone? Cas points at the empty space by the control panel. Well, empty except for Dr. Lamier's cell phone. The doctor nods and fetches her phone, bringing up her contact list the second it comes alive. I'll handle Ruben, Cas. I used to be the lead researcher for SCP-7819. I can't remember all the details, but I can bring up the file and try to assist him as he suffers through the night. Suffers through the night? I am not familiar with this anomaly, doctor. It's a fear cipher. Lamier is busy looking at her phone, but she can pretty much hear Cas blinking with confusion. She finds Ruben's number, then looks up and purses her lips. A fear cipher is an entity that creates a situation in order to feed off of it. The fear cipher does not intend any harm. Simply looks to scare any subjects it may capture in its orbit. SCP-7819 is not a prison, and Ruben can get out, but he'll need a little help. I highly doubt he remembers the rules for navigating this anomaly. Lamier sends a text reading. Where are you? She sees the dots wiggle immediately. Good. Ruben is still active. The response reads, Honestly, I am not quite certain, but if I have to guess, I have been corralled by anomaly SCP-7819. Lamier is more than relieved. At least the old man knows what he's in for. Although as she continues texting with them, her relief switches back to worry. Crap, she mutters. Ruben says he is in Alabama. Alabama? Cas checks his tablet and shakes his head. No, no. The manifestation is clearly in planes. Outside Lawrence, Kansas to be more precise. Lamier relays that information to Ruben. There's no response. She waits. Still no response. More clacks and blare. What is it this time? Lamier shouts. Her eyes bore into her assistant as Cas checks his tablet. Cas? What are we looking at now? Um, we should go take a look, Doctor. Cas says. He flips the tablet around. Gorgon. Are you kidding me? Lamier throws her hands up in exasperation. How in the hell did a Gorgon get free? Um, it hasn't gotten free. But it has somehow overcome the security measures. So far we have... Cas counts under his breath. Five security personnel turn to stone. Deploy countermeasures immediately. They have been. But the Gorgon is asking to speak to someone about their living space. They want whoever is in charge. Cas smiles at Lamier, who does not smile back. Great. Just great. Lamier tucks her phone in her pocket. She knows Ruben. He'll work it out. Take me to the damn Gorgon. As Lamier walks with Cas through the Foundation's Sites Hallways, she remembers a key element to successfully navigating SCP-7819. She texts Ruben to stay calm. His responses are snarky at best. She lets him know that the closest MTF is still several hours out, especially since a new team had to be sent. Of course, being Ruben, he tries to be all stoic and lone wolf. God, she always hated that about the man. How many times did he almost not return from an assignment due to his almost pathological independent nature? Then she's surprised by the next text. But, if you have the file close at hand, could you tell me one check out is? I don't want to oversleep or overstay my welcome. Doing first thing would be ideal. Well, that's growth. Maybe Ruben has matured since he retired. Only took him seven years. Or however long he's been gone from the Foundation. Not that anyone has ever gone from the Foundation. Just like multiple anomalies contained on the site, once the Foundation gets its claws in you, then you belong to it. But at least they offer the illusion of retirement. Lamier is looking forward to her illusion in a few years. First, she has to get through this hellish day. Or night. It's late, she realizes. She checks her phone and prepares a response. Yeah, it's late. Almost one in the morning where she is. Must be closer to three where Ruben is. Not that SCP-7819 follows temporal or spatial logic. That anomaly does what it wants. There is no check out time. And don't bother setting your alarm. You will wake when you wake. Then you may check out. She texts back. He's not pleased with the answer. But he's not displeased either. Typical Ruben. As they walk, Lamier can tell that Cass has something on his mind. Spit it out. She says as she waits for Ruben to text her. Um, this SCP-7819. It's a hotel? He asks. Yes. A rest easy in. It's not a chain that actually exists. This anomaly took the name and has run with it for decades now. What can it be contained? It's an entire hotel, Cass. Where would we contain it? Site 6666 might. Lamier hisses and glares at Cass. Whoa, let's not bring that site into this. She looks around, glancing up at the security cameras they are passing as they walk. A little advice. Keep that site's name out of your mouth. They are always looking for good research assistance. They are. I hear they have some of the most dangerous anomalies that the Foundation has ever found. So crazy stuff that can warp all of reality. Yes, that's true. And if they can warp reality, what do you think they'll do to someone like you? Do the math, Cass. There's a reason why the site always needs new research assistance. Cass gulps and nods. But Lamier isn't sure she's gotten through to him. Well, it's his mistake to make. SCP-7819 is in the form of a hotel that preys upon its guests. Once it locks onto you, you cannot drive past it. It'll return you a couple of miles back until you finally give up and pull into its parking lot. It's a trap anomaly. You would think so, yes. But it's not permanent. It is a feeder anomaly, though. It ratchets up the emotions of the guests, feeding off their fear and apprehension. Then, while they sleep, it suckles at their dreams. I'm sorry. Did you say it suckles at their dreams? You mean like a baby? Simplified, yes. But there's nothing simple about it. Lamier's eyes go wide. Oh crap, I just remembered something. She texts Ruben and is relieved when he texts back. I'm telling him that there are no stairs and that anyone he encounters in the elevator is not human, she says to Cass. He's on an elevator with a woman now. If he keeps lying to her, then she won't get angry. And this manifestation is not one Ruben wants to be angry with him. Cass nods as if he understands. Lamier shakes her head. She tucks her phone back in her pocket, glad to have helped Ruben navigate the elevator situation. Something else nags at the back of her mind, but she can't grasp it. She has more important issues to deal with than an old, cranky, retired agent. Here we go. Cass says as they reach a massive vault door. Six security guards stand outside the door, one steps forward and offers them each a blindfold. For your protection, Dr. Lamier. The guard says. The gorgon is quite active. Thank you, Middleton. Lamier says, taking the blindfold. She secures hers and faces where she believes the vault door is. Firm hands turn her 45 degrees to her right. Thank you. Cass, are you ready? Ready, doctor. Cass says from her side. There is the sound of the huge vault wheel being spun. The massive clang is lock after lock after lock is thrown, followed by a screech and a heavy vibration as the door swings open. Straight ahead, 27 paces, Dr. Lamier. Middleton says. Then 14 paces to your left, followed by 46 paces to your right. She is waiting for you, so you won't miss her. Oh, I am sure she'll let me know when I arrive. Lamier says with a sigh. Damn gorgons. She and Cass walk inside the vault. She jumps when the door is closed behind her. Glad Cass can't see her anxiety. The two follow Middleton's directions and are soon stopped by a silky voice saying. Rebecca, how nice of you to come. What's the occasion? Cut the crap, Antonia. You've frozen several of my personnel. Just tell me why and what you want, and I'll see what I can do. I want to be free, Rebecca. That can't happen. Can't or won't? Yes. There's a quiet chuckle. That witty. Antonia, what do you want? I am extremely busy today. Lamier thinks of the text thread with Rubin and the downed drones, free gremlins, and the MTF teams. She is not joking when she says she's busy. Oh crap. And she forgot about the fire in the lizard men. She needs to check on the status of the lizard men right away. They can truly be troublesome. Are you listening, Rebecca? Antonia the Gorgon asks. You seem distracted. I just told you that I am extremely busy. Get to the point, Antonia. The point is, Rebecca, that I want a different enclosure. Lamier sighs. Of course she does. Why, Antonia? Well, as you can see, this enclosure is much too small. I'm a Gorgon. I need room, Rebecca. I'm blindfolded, so no, I cannot see. But I know what your enclosure looks like, and it is more than adequate for your needs. I beg to differ. Beg all you want, but there is nowhere else to move you to. This enclosure was built for you, so this is where you stay. Lamier claps her hands together. If that is all, then I need to go check. No, that is not all! Antonia the Gorgon screams. You will move me, or I will turn every last person in this damn place to stone! Lamier growls low in her throat. Out of exasperation, she almost yanks the blindfold off so she can look the damn Gorgon in the eye and really tell her off, which is exactly what the anomaly wants. Taking a few deep breaths, the doctor gathers her thoughts. How about we compromise? I do not do compromises, Antonia snarls. Yeah, well, you don't have a choice, do you? Lamier clears her throat. Cass, how long will it take to fix Antonia's enclosure so that her Gorgon abilities can no longer harm sight personnel? Oh, well, we'll have to do a full assessment of the issue, allowing her to turn personnel into stone. Then we'll need, so it'll be a while. Lamier interrupts. Oh yes, a long while. There you go, Antonia. It'll be a while before your current enclosure is fixed. How about in the meantime, we work together on what improvements can be made to the space, since we'll be working on it anyway. And me? What is to become of me as you work? The Gorgon asks. Well, you'll have to be moved to a temporary enclosure, of course. It won't be as comfortable as this one, but there is nothing we can do about that. You will be moving me to a worse enclosure. Antonia roars so loudly and with so much power that Lamier can feel it through the floor. There is another option, Lamier says. Cass, has an assessment been done on cryogenic containment of a Gorgon? She asks the question, already knowing the answer. No, Doctor. Not that I know of. Don't you dare, Rebecca! Antonia hisses. I am no. What are they called? Guinea pig? I am not that. It sure would benefit the Foundation considerably to know whether or not a Gorgon can be viably frozen. Lamier says, trying to keep the amusement out of her voice. A brutal silence follows. You are quite the bitch. You know that, right, Rebecca? I'll take that as consent to start work immediately. Lamier holds up a finger, even though she can't see it. But she knows the Gorgon can. But this is your one free chance, Antonia. Harm any more of my personnel, and I'll seriously consider ending your containment altogether. Do I need to spell out what that means? I hope you die a horrible death when your time comes. And I hope I get to witness it. The Gorgon growls. Great. Our work is done here. Cass, do you know the way back? Yes, Doctor. Take my arm. I'll help lead you out. Lamier slaps about and then finds Cass' arm. The sound of the vault, they each yank off their blindfolds. She turns to Middelson. She's grown too strong. Middelson eyes her for a moment, then nods. He starts barking orders into his comms for a termination crew to report to him immediately. Cass is quiet for a while as they walk back to the observation room, where Lamier still has business. Say it, Lamier orders. Does she have to die? She's figured out our systems. She'll manipulate it again, and next time, we'll lose Personnel permanently. We've gotten what we need from her. It is time she moves on to whatever afterlife her kind has. Cass nods but doesn't say anything. At the end of the hallway, six lizard men appear, freezing Lamier and Cass in their tracks. Then gunfire erupts and the lizard men keep running, followed shortly by a team of security personnel. I need some sleep. Lamier says. They reach the observation room, and Lamier returns to the chair in front of the control panel. The subject in the glassed-off space before her is still fast asleep. Thinking of how much she envies it triggers something. Ruben, shit! She pulls out her phone. She hasn't missed anything. In fact, Ruben is texting right now. Seems to be working. She loves the lies, is what his text reads. She asks him if he is still in the elevator. He replies he is. She sighs and lets him know he's been in there for 45 minutes. As she waits and her eyes almost close, he finally texts again. I'm off the elevator, finally, looking for my room. Lamier glances back at Cass. What's the MTFCTA? Three hours. Cass says, yawning. Lamier relays that to Ruben. He's a grumpy bitch about it. Sit down, will you please? Lamier orders Cass. Cass smiles and grabs an extra chair, pulling it over to the door. It's his usual spot, always standing close to the door. It doesn't matter what room Lamier has found herself in, Cass posts up at the door. Several minutes pass and Cass sleepily relays the site's progress in containing all of the breaches. Good, good. The doctor says with a long, wide yawn. Maybe we're getting close to being out of the woods. Cass is about to respond, but then stops as he receives an alert. Lamier can tell by the look on his face that it's not good news. We lost another MTF. Their chopper went down. No casualties and only minor injuries, Cass says. Makes me wonder how wide SCP-7819's influence is, Lamier says. She takes a deep breath and texts the bad news to Ruben. He takes the news and stride. Lamier can only imagine what he's dealing with. She knows that the rooms never match the key cards and that stepping into the wrong room can have, well, disastrous and even deadly results. She tells Ruben to reach his room ASAP. He responds that that is a great idea. Lamier smiles, knowing the text drips with sarcasm. Lying her head in her arms, Lamier risks trying for a couple of quick winks. Then she realizes she forgot to pass on important information. Give me your tablet. She orders Cass. The assistant snorts himself awake and hands her the tablet. Lamier goes to and studies the SCP-7819 file. Crap, she mutters, then texts. Just read in the file that you need to barricade the bathroom door if it is occupied. Then you need to get into bed, pull the covers completely up over your head and try to sleep. Ruben doesn't respond. Ruben, respond please. She texts. There is nothing but chaos happening around me, but you are of great concern to me. Please respond. Finally. Are you kidding me? Is his response. No, get under the covers and go to sleep. Trust me. Lamier waits and waits and waits. Nothing. She thinks she's still just waiting until loud snores from Cass bring her around. Shit, shit, shit! She mutters. Fall asleep. Damn it! She stretches and cracks her neck. Cass, wake up! Cass nearly falls out of his chair. Um, yes. Sorry, sorry. Yes, let me see. He looks around. Um, you have my tablet, doctor. Lamier realizes he's right and goes to hand it back. Then she sees the report that came in while she napped. Lizard men returned to their enclosure, only minor injuries sustained by staff. The fire has been put out after firing its agent, its screenplay never to see the light of day, and Antonio the Gorgon has been terminated. Okay, not a bad night's work, even if it was all emergencies and not really research. A message beeps and she looks down. Then she smiles at the tablet. The MTF reports that they are minutes away from SCP-7819, but they are fairly certain they saw retired agent Ruben Ortega speeding by them going the other way. Good for him. Lamier sends him a text. The man doesn't respond. She can't blame him. Dealing with an anomaly like a sentient, physically hungry hotel takes a lot out of a person. And he's retired, so there's that. So that'll be me too. Lamier mumbles. What was that, doctor? Cass asks. Nothing. Everything looks good. She stretches. Can you fetch me some coffee and croissants from the cafeteria, Cass? Certainly. As soon as he's gone, Lamier looks toward the glassed-off space in front of her and the still sleeping form inside. She has work to do and really needs to run some tests on the anomaly, but she'll let it sleep a little longer. Coffee and croissants first. SCP-7819 is a predatory location that manifests along exits of the United States' numbered highway system, typically appearing as a roadside motel. It appears only when specific conditions are met between midnight and 4 a.m. After a driver has been on the road for over five hours, excluding short breaks, is alone, and is a past or present Foundation employee. As the driver approaches SCP-7819, they experience overwhelming fatigue, whether natural or induced is unknown, compelling them to pull in. If they attempt to pass SCP-7819, they are unknowingly transported several miles backward, forcing repeated encounters until they stop. This loop cannot be escaped until the driver exits their vehicle, enters SCP-7819, and completes a set of variable but partially understood actions necessary for survival. The code is released.