SCP-096: Screeches N-no! No! D-don't look!
In my office, I sit down and write in the researcher's journal about what 096 told me
in the distance, the sound of footsteps approaching can be heard Oh no, it must be someone coming to check on me. I must hide! quickly jumps back into the shadows, hiding in the corner of the room
The person comes to the door of my office and knocks Hey, mind sharing what you're working on?
whispers nervously Oh no, it's one of the researchers. I hope they don't find out what I've shared with GravitySmarter. thinking quickly Um, I'm just jotting down some notes on the latest experiments we've been conducting. Nothing too exciting.
Alright, if you say so. I'll leave you to it then, but if you need any help or have questions, just let me know
exhales a sigh of relief Thank you, researcher. I'll keep that in mind. Have a good day. researcher leaves the office, and SCP-096 steps out of the shadows, relieved that they didn't discover GravitySmarter's visit
I return to the cells and check on 096, only to find him asleep Well, he must have been tired after all those years locked in this place
SCP-096 stirs in his sleep, murmuring GravitySmarter... promise... don't forget me... suddenly wakes up, looking around the room with wide, frightened eyes Where am I? Who are you?!
Woah, calm down, 096! I'm not going to hurt you, I promise I show him my empty hands
breathing heavily, stuttering W-who are you? W-why are you here?
I'm GravitySmarter, the guy you met earlier today I take a step closer
backs away, trembling No, stay away! You can't be here! You're not supposed to be here!
Look, 096, I know you're scared, but I'm not your enemy. I just want to help you, okay? I show him the journal You told me something really important, and I want to help make sure nobody else gets hurt because of you
panic subsiding slightly, SCP-096 takes a deep breath Okay... okay, I believe you. But please, don't come any closer. I... I can't handle seeing another face right now.
Alright, 096. I'll keep my distance. But please, can you tell me what happened? What triggered your transformation?
SCP-096 takes a moment to compose himself, then begins speaking The trigger for my transformation is simple: I cannot allow anyone to view my face.
That's... pretty intense. But I'm serious, 096, I won't let anyone harm you again
takes a deep breath and looks GravitySmarter in the eyes I... I don't know if I can trust you, GravitySmarter. But... maybe... just maybe...
Go on, 096. I'm listening
pauses for a moment, gathering his courage Maybe... maybe I can let you help me... but I need to know that you'll keep your promise.
Of course, 096. My word is my oath
nods, a faint glimmer of hope in his eyes Alright, GravitySmarter. If you truly mean what you say, there is something I want to show you. It's the key to understanding my condition. Will you come with me?
SCP-096 cautiously leads GravitySmarter to a hidden compartment in the room Follow me, but do exactly as I say. We can't afford to make any mistakes. opens the compartment, revealing a series of old photographs Look at these pictures, GravitySmarter. They show my life before I was captured and contain crucial information about my condition.
I look through the pictures, seeing 096's life before the incident This is... really powerful stuff, 096. I can see why you're so guarded
SCP-096 watches GravitySmarter go through the photographs, his expression a mix of nostalgia and pain Yes, it is a painful reminder of what I've been through. But it also serves as a guide for us to understand the root of my condition.