Friends Forever | SCP-6026

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And as soon as she's done puking out all of her stomach's contents, she rolls over onto her back and stares up at the brilliant blue sky. Wisps of clouds drift by, and she almost drifts with them. Her eyes wanting to close, her mind wanting to return to its previous nothingness. But the memory won't let her go, so she rides it out. The thumping bass of the dance music, the sweaty bodies all grooving and grinding and getting down. Drinks. So many drinks. What her she thought was cocaine, but could have been something else. From the way her head feels, it was most definitely something else. Then the boat. The shouting. The gunfire. The screams. Linny pushes up onto her elbows. She should get to her feet and figure out where she is. She should call for help. She should find out what happened to her friends on that yacht. She should do a lot of things. Not all she can manage is resting on her arms, as she looks out at the clear aquamarine of the Indian Ocean. She takes a few deep breaths and squints against the sun's rays, reflecting off the low waves that continue to ease up onto the beach and cover her feet, her calves, her knees, her thighs. That's when she realizes she's pretty much naked. The $2,000 dress she'd planned on returning when she got home from vacation is long gone. All she has on is her strapless bra and her high-cut underwear. And while the sun's warmth is keeping her from slipping into a semi-conscious panic attack, she also knows that it's going to fry her pale skin to a crisp within the hour if she doesn't find cover. Of course, finding cover means standing up, and that's a task for future Linny. Linny ain't going nowhere. Oh dear, looks like someone had a bit of an oogie tummy. Linny screams and scrambles up onto her feet, turning toward the voice. While her instincts are sharp, her balance is not, and she quickly tumbles over, sliding back down to the sand and landing on her side. My apologies, darling. Didn't mean to spook you. Linny stares at the man, if that's what he is. His voice says he is, where his head should be says something else entirely. Terror and curiosity war within her. So do the substances she consumed the previous evening. Knowing she's probably still under the influence, Linny takes what her eyes are showing her with a grain of salt. The first part of the man she notices is his red, white, and black tuxedo. It's of another era for sure. White cut, meant for fast dancing and faster drinking. An image of some old movie comes to Linny's mind, and she hears ragtime mixed with hot jazz in the background of that memory. But it's what's on that man's head that has Linny close to panic. Or as she looks closer, it's not what's on his head. But what his head is made of that stabs at her guts and makes her want to flee screaming down the beach. Instead, she sucks it up, realizing she's found herself in extreme circumstances. Is your head a jellyfish? She laughs. I still must be wasted. I'm hallucinating. Oh darling, I'm far from an hallucination. The man extends his hand. A normal hand, thank God. I'm Leo, pleased to meet you. But knowing what else to do, and deciding to go with the hallucination rather than fight it, Linny shakes the man's offered hand. His skin is warm and smooth, and the faint smell of coconut comes off of him when he shifts. There's a briny smell too, but she doesn't know if it's from the man specifically, or the ocean in general. Possibly, and probably both, considering. The man puts Linny's hand to where his lips should be. Normal tentacles tickle her skin, and he lets her go before any revulsion can rear its ugly head. And what is your name, darling? He steps back, clasping his arms behind him as he rocks back and forth on his heels. Linny answers before she can stop herself. Despite the man's impossible appearance, there is something disarming about him. She looks about the area, frowning. Can you tell me where I am? Well, Miss Linny, you are here, right where you are supposed to be. I don't know what that means. My apologies again. I didn't mean to be cryptic. I was trying for philosophical, metaphysical, existential. Okay, great. But where am I, really? On a beach, on an island, in the Indian Ocean. The man shrugs, and his shoulders brush the tentacles waving about under his head. Unfortunately, I do not have more details than that. I myself was brought to this place by happenstance and unforeseen circumstances. I think the Yara was on sunk. That would be an unforeseen circumstance, he leans in, like he's telling Linny a secret. Unless you're a medium or spiritualist and have access to insights only perceived in the ether. I don't know what that is. Ah, the no precognitive abilities curse you, I take it. I still don't know what that is. You can't see the future. No, I can't do that. Linny glances out at the ocean. You say you're yacht sunk? It wasn't my yacht. Just a yacht a few of my friends and I were invited onto for a party. A party? Oh, that's swell. I do so love parties. The dancing, the ladies, the drinking, the ladies, the drinking. Have I mentioned the dancing and the ladies and the drinking? Yeah. A splendid time, parties. I miss those the most out of everything. Without warning, the man flops down onto the sand and paths the spot next to him. Rest, relax. Tell me all about this party, darling. Linny swivels her neck, hoping to see someone, anyone, who doesn't have a jellyfish for a head. But there is no one else on the beach except for her and the strange being still patting the sand. Come come my dear, unburden yourself. Unburden myself? I have found over the years that sometimes talking can help considerably when you are faced with an impossible situation. Leo sighs. There was a person I enjoyed talking to the most, but unfortunately, her time on earth has passed. Does that mean she died? Yes, Linny, she died. A sad occurrence indeed. I'm sorry for your loss. Thank you, Linny. I appreciate your condolences. Linny stops patting the sand and looks over his shoulder at the far off tree line. I am surprised they haven't arrived yet. Oh, my jailers. Linny stiffens and studies the tree. Jailers? What does that mean? Do you truly believe a sophisticate such as myself would be a willing castaway on such a remote location as this? He laughs. No, no, Linny. That is not who I am. I would much prefer to be at a party such as the one on that yacht. He pouts the sand again. Please sit and tell me what occurred. You said you had jailers. So there are other people on this island? I suppose there are, yes. Although they show themselves quite infrequently now. He cups his hand to his mouth and whispers. It may have to do with my less than cooperative nature. Lofty was the only one I would behave for. She was a marvel. My dear, dear Lofty. That's the person you lost? Her name was Lofty? Yes, yes. She was a researcher and her subject was me. Unfortunately, she was never able to finish her research. Linny's eyes are locked on the tree line. But there are more people than just Lofty, right? Oh, many, yes. And if there's people, then there's an entire facility or building for those people, yeah? There is, yes. Herbal essence is new Moroccan argan oil elixir infused with pure argan oil. Just one drop delivers up to 100 hours of hair nourishment with the indulgent scent of a Moroccan garden. Herbal essence is new Moroccan argan oil elixir, spa quality hair repair without the price tag. Try it now. Herbal essence. Lesson 6. Servers repair to smoothness nourishment with regimen use versus non-conditioning shampoo. Ah, but don't bother yourself with that place. They are eggheads of the highest magnitude. Hard in the armed thugs and well, the facility is not a place I'd recommend visiting. But they can get me out of here? Off the silent and back home? They have boats or helicopters or other vehicles? Yes, they have boats. And yes, they have those whirly birds. And yes, Linny, I suppose they could take you home. He lets out a deep breath and his tentacles flap wildly about his face. But they will not do that, I'm afraid. The odds, my dear, are not in your favor. Best case scenario, you will be stuck on this island, a captive like myself. A captive? What? No, they can't do that. They can and they will. He touches his chest. I do not think my existence is for the general population to know. These are secretive people, dangerous people, uncaring people. That is a bad combination, darling. Yeah, don't call me that. Leo laughs heartily. How splendid! Lofty did not like it when I called her darling either. You two are like peas in a pod, you are. The shame you could never meet. Okay, you said this lofty was a researcher. She worked for the people who own this island and keep you prisoner? Captive, a prisoner must commit a crime and I have done no such thing unless you consider my existence in this abhorrent form a crime. He pauses and thinks, I suppose you could in a way, a crime against nature. But then, who else other than nature could have made me what I am? He laughs. A paradox, a conundrum, a mystery. That is who I am, my dear, even to myself. How did you get this way? A fine question to ask. I wish I had a finer answer than I do. He pats the sand once more. If you will not tell me your story, perhaps you will sit and indulge me as I tell mine. Leni hesitates. Not too worried, darling. I do not bite. Then Leo stiffens and suddenly hops to his feet. He wades quickly into the surf and snatches up a crab, snapping it in half and shoving the bits of flesh into his mass of tentacles. In seconds, the shell is picked clean. Finished, Leo freezes and tilts his head toward Leni. Oh my, I am so sorry you had to witness that, my dear. My animal nature got the best of me. He dabs at his tentacles with a shirt sleeve as if he is wiping a mouth. I do love fresh crab though, so my apology is only half-hearted. He sits back down. Now, where were we? You were saying that you don't bite. Leni looks at the empty shell being washed out with the surf. You might want to let the crabs know. Leo guffaws, then it startles Leni. But after half a second, she can't help but smile at the strange creature's mirth. There is something pure and innocent about it. I like you, Miss Leni. I like you a lot. Leo continues to chuckle. Oh, you and lofty would have heated off like gangbusters. Yes, you two would have been fast friends. Great. Leni looks toward the trees again. So I could just walk into that jungle and maybe someone would find me? Take me to that facility and get me some help? Help? Are you injured? My apologies for not noticing immediately. No, I'm not injured. She stands there, arms out. But I am basically naked and the sun is getting hotter by the minute. Oh, yes, that could pose a problem to someone as fair as you. Here, take my jacket. He stands and slips his tuxedo jacket off, handing it to Leni. She quickly slips it over her mostly naked torso. He nods and retakes his seat in the sand. I would happily give you my pants as well, but that may not be appropriate so early in our relationship. Relationship? Friendship. I have to assume we will become friends since we are both captives on this island. I'm not a captive yet. I'll make them take me home. Make them? Darling, you are not hearing what I am saying. You cannot make these people do anything. They will not be taking you home. Leo Hanks has said. I do hope they see the benefits of allowing you to live. Allowing me to live? What the hell does that mean? Panicked, Leni stares at the jungle and takes a few steps backward, her feet once again in the surf. They won't kill me. They can't. That's murder. It is only murder if they were to be caught. To them, it would be a simple matter of security. They like using that word, security. It justifies their actions, tying their violence up neatly like a bow on a box. Oh god. Oh shit. I gotta get out of here. Leni spins and looks out at the ocean. There have to be ships out there, right? I could swim away and someone will find me. Oh yes, someone will find you. The question is, who that someone will be? He stares at the space next to him. You are not going to sit down, are you? Sit down? No fucking way! I need to figure out how to get out of here and fucking fast! Not to sound careless, but if you are to leave, would you mind giving me back my jacket? This is my only outfit. Sure, here! Leni slips out of the tuxedo jacket, throwing it at Leo. The man catches it easily and shakes his jellyfish head. I did not mean right this second, my dear. Once you are on your way, it is perfectly fine. Here, please, put it back on. No, I'm good. Darling, don't be stubborn. Don't fucking call me darling, asshole! Of course, of course. I forget myself sometimes. I do not mean it in any negative way. I must assure you, I am simply a man of my times. Well, screw your times! Oh, not to worry, my dear. They screwed themselves. That was a party, much like the one on your yacht, that had to end at some point. I told you, it wasn't my yacht. I was being figurative, my dear, not literal. He holds up a hand at Leni. And do not ask me to stop calling you my dear. That is an affecitation that I will not surrender. He offers the jacket again. Please take this before you do yourself irreparable damage. I have been told that skin cancer is quite the concern these days. My friend Lofty did not pass because of it. Hers was a brain affliction. But she did speak of it often. I believe you can counter the effects with a substance called SPF. Despite herself, Leni grins. No, SPF is just a rating. A rating? Please explain. I don't know what it stands for. But the higher the SPF, the better protection. I have to use at least 50 SPF because of your fair complexion. Yeah. And do you have 50 SPF with you? Do I look like I have anything with me? Leni waves her hands over her body. Where would I be hiding a genius? She blushes. Don't answer that. I wouldn't dare. The gentleman is never so crude. He shakes the jacket. But if I may make a suggestion, until you acquire this 50 SPF, perhaps you should accept my jacket again. You are too young to succumb to this dreaded skin cancer. Leni stares at the creature, anger heavy in her belly. But despite his horrid appearance, there's a sincerity about the man or whatever he is. Slowly, she reaches out, then snatches the jacket again. Thank you. She slips the jacket on once again. You are most welcome, my dear. A silence falls between them as they both turn and stare out at the ocean. After a couple of minutes, Leni clears her throat. I think it was pirates. Pirates, you say? I wasn't aware that pirates still existed in this day and age. Yeah, they exist. But now they have machine guns and tear gas instead of swords and whatever guns were called back then. I believe they were still called guns. But I am no expert on pirate armaments, so I couldn't be mistaken. It doesn't matter what they were called back then. All that matters is that I watched some of my friends. Leni falls to the sand, her hands to her face, tears streaming down her sun-pink cheeks. Leo starts to get up so we can go to her. But he stays and waits. Leni sobs for a few minutes as the waves crash against the beach. The tide slowly rising ever higher. You do cry a lot, my dear. Thanks. I do not mean to sound hot-less, simply an observation. Leo's attention turns to the ocean and at the white-capped waves cresting in the distance, sending rolling lines towards the beach. The sea hasn't always been my friend either. Leni wipes her eyes and glances at the man, the creature, the whatever. It says nothing. I don't remember it all. I believe I used to, but I speak of it so infrequently that I worry the memories are slowly being lost. Talking helps. That's what my therapist says. Therapist? You know, for mental health. Leo cocks his jellyfish head. Do you mean psychotherapy? Yeah. Is your doctor named Sigmund Freud? What? No. That guy died a long time ago. Oh. The man had published some interesting papers back in my day. I thought maybe his legacy had lived on. Oh, it's lived on, but more in a cigar is just a cigar way. Now I'm afraid I must admit that I am the one who does not know what that means. Leo laughs and it's like a rumbling surf meets a set of wind chimes made out of seashells. How did you get this way? Lenny straightens up and sits cross-legged on the sand. Leo's jacket wrapped around her shoulders. How did I get this way? Leo muses for a moment. Well, I suppose it is because I took a swim after a night of revelry. I don't blame my circumstances on the revelry per se, but I am certain I wouldn't have plunged fully closed into the surf without it. You were drunk. If you feel the need to reduce it to such a term, you found me while I was throwing up on the sand. So I think we can be a little honest with each other, right? Well said, my dear. Well said. Leo pauses. Lenny waits. The ocean was so warm and my tuxedo was so heavy. I made it out past the breakers. And here, I will have to admit some weakness. But I thought I might not have the strength to return to the beach. An approximation of what Lenny suspects is a smile creeping across his face as tentacles lift and stretch, spreading where his mouth would be. But then the jellyfish arrived, a school of them, or whatever term is used for a group of jellyfish. I found myself floating there, surrounded. They were the most vivid colors of pinks and purples, and then this bright green, their bioluminescence was bedazzling. I could have stayed with them like that forever. And that's when it happened, when you were changed. To be honest, I am not sure. The warmth of the ocean, the brilliance of the jellyfish, the, yes, alcohol in my bloodstream. It all came together in a sort of, how do I put this? Higher state. I felt I was part of something more. Leo shrugs. Then I awoke on the sand with my beachgoers crying out and panicked. After that, it has been a blur of hiding and being found and hiding again and escaping, and then, well, he spreads his arms. This, yes, this. Linny looks about. Then her eyes go wide and she rushes up onto her feet. Who's that? Leo glances at her, then follows her gaze to a spot down the beach. Ah, yes, them, my captors, my jailers, my tormentors. If you count being as boring as possible a form of torment. It can be, Leo chuckles. I like you, Miss Linny. You are a welcome addition to this island. I can't stay, you know. I have to go home. Oh, Linny, if it were only so simple as that, you are not understanding me. There is no going home. A team of armored security officers races toward Linny and Leo. Ma'am, step away from the subject now. He will not be asked again. You should do as they say. Leo gets to his feet and faces the team. They can be quite unpleasant when they want to be. You should take this. Linny hands the jacket back to Leo. I'm sure this will all be fine. I'll explain what happened to me, and that all they need to do is take me back to the mainland so I can go to the embassy and sort everything out. Leo looks back at her. And even though he has no eyes or mouth or face at all, Linny can see the sadness. If you will allow me to do the talking, perhaps we can come to an arrangement that will result in an ending a little less... permanent. Permanent? What does that mean? Linny gasps. Are they going to kill me? Oh, shit! I will do everything in my power to not let that happen to you, Miss Linny. Ma'am, step away from the subject. The security team is only a couple yards away. Step away now! Do the opposite and get behind me, my dear. Linny slips up behind Leo, putting him squarely between her and the security team. 6026, please move away from the unauthorized visitor. Unauthorized visitor? How polite of you! And if I may ask, what are your intentions toward the unauthorized visitor? None of your concerns, 6026. Why does he keep calling you that? They love their numbers here. In fact, I believe it is all they love. 6026, if you do not comply, we will be forced to... forced to do what, good chap? Please enlighten me, sir. What will you be forced to do? As Leo speaks, his tentacles begin to glow with such strength that even the brilliance of the sun high above cannot mute the brightness. Uh, he's never done that before. We should call it in. They're watching. They see it. As if on cue, the security guard cocks his head, listening to orders coming in over the comm. It's your lucky day, lady. Looks like the director wants to speak to you. She is to remain with me, kind sir. Sorry, 6026, but you can't. We have orders. Good men who take bad orders can no longer call themselves good men. I'll mention that to HR during my next review. Ma'am, gonna need you to come with us. He focuses back on Leo. Don't worry, 6026. We have strict orders not to harm her. He taps at his ear. In fact, you may be seeing each other again sooner than you think. Forgive me if I do not believe you. Believe me or not, she can't stay out here on the beach in her underwear forever. This sun will fry her up. Is that what you want, 6026, to let her get cooked? Of course not. Don't be ridiculous. The woman obviously needs SPF. Hold on. He lifts the finger. Okay, sir. Yes, sir. The guard taps at his chest and a man's voice erupts from a small speaker. 6026? Do you know who this is? Of course, Dr. Williams. I'd know that pompous voice anywhere. Cute, 6026. I want to let you know that you have my every assurance that Miss... Linnie. Miss Linnie here will not be harmed. In fact, we believe she has great value and should remain here in this paradise with you. And if she does not want to remain here, doctor? Then I am afraid she has seen too much and is not worth the trouble. The statement hangs there over them all. It's fine, Leo. They said they won't hurt me. Maybe they'll let me come visit you. We can easily arrange that. 6026? Leo? I will refrain from being a nuisance to your men if you promise me one thing, doctor. And what would that promise be? Do not call me Leo. You have not earned that privilege. Understood. Does that mean you will allow Miss Linnie here to leave the beach with my men peacefully? If no harm comes to her, and she is allowed to return so we may talk more. Deal, 6026. Excellent. Leo steps aside. Gentlemen, please be kind and courteous to our guest. He turns to Linnie. You will be fine, my dear. OK, yeah, sure. The team steps aside and motions for her to walk. She takes a few steps, then rushes back and wraps her arms around Leo. Thank you. My dear, I am the very reason you are being held captive. I do not believe thanks are in order. Could have been worse. Yes, well, that is true. He gently untangles her arms from around his neck and pushes her back a step. Taking her hands, he kisses the back of it once more. Until we meet again, Miss Linnie. Yeah, until then, Leo. Linnie allows herself to be led away from Leo, away from the beach, and up into the tree line of the jungle. Where are you taking me? She looks back and can no longer see the beach behind them. To him. The guard walks her to a man with a lab coat standing a few feet away. Before Linnie can do anything, attack hurries out of the bushes and places an injection gun to her upper arm, depressing the trigger faster than she can object. Linnie stumbles a second, but maintains her balance. The man in the lab coat watches closely. Do you know who I am? Linnie takes a deep breath and nods. Yes, Dr. Williams. And do you possess all of your memories regarding your conversations with 6026? Um, yeah, I do. Linnie shakes her head slowly. Wow, I actually believed I was that party girl. Linnie glares over at the tech. Can someone get me some damn clothes? Dr. Williams snaps his fingers and the tech reaches into the bushes and retrieves a small duffel bag, tossing it at Linnie's feet. Linnie crouches and unzips the bag, taking out a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, a pair of sandals, and a baseball cap. She quickly gets dressed. My idea worked, Dr. Apparently so. I'd always suspected he had a bit of a hero complex. More than a bit, it would seem. From here on out, when I arrive as Linnie, he should be receptive to sharing more of his origins. That would be ideal. Dressed in back to her old self, Dr. Linnea Crutchfield smiles at Dr. Williams. I hope you recorded everything. We did. Wonderful. I'll want to review the footage immediately. Then we should formulate our schedule and plan for Linnie's occasional returns. An excellent idea, Dr. Let's get to work. The security team takes the lead and walks the two doctors back to the massive research facility sitting in the middle of the jungle, in the middle of the island, in the middle of the Indian Ocean. On the beach, Leo watches the waves and hums an old tune, missing the good old days and his freedom. SCP-6026 is a humanoid anomaly, standing at 1.82 meters tall and weighing 87.5 kilograms. It has a distinctively masculine figure, typically seen wearing a black, red, and white tuxedo ensemble in the style made popular in the early 20th century. SCP-6026 has a jellyfish in place of its head. The species of jellyfish is unknown, yet it resembles the tenet-four species. The jellyfish radiates a neon blue glow, similar to the water in its environment. The stinging tentacles extend from the head by a length of two meters. The oral arms to aid with ingestion are roughly 0.25 meters. SCP-6026 has been known to eat smaller sea creatures, as well as man-made food due to its humanoid attributes. SCP-6026 has been tested and demonstrated high intelligence levels. It's able to properly communicate with personnel through verbal methods. Verbal sound point is most likely through the tentacles, due to them being the only part of the instance's body that emitted sounds resembling language. Bioluminescence can be used as well, yet it is difficult to do so without proper equipment and testing grounds. Instance has shown the ability to communicate through writing, although its ability to do so is very limited.