#Subject E-001

[sillygoofyboii]

My oc stories are either:

You’re here, you don’t know who you are or why you’re here, but you’re here for a reason. You need to find something here, you just know it. It doesn’t matter what it is; Knowledge, power, someone close to you, whatever. All you know is that you need to find it.

Silly lab stuff that gives you trauma

Or…

Random stuff without much plot or without thought put into it

[circeyoru]

The Only Reason _ Part 4 *END*

[Yandere!Sung Jinwoo x Worker!Reader - Mana Chaos AU]

Part 1 — Part 2 — Part 3 — Part 4 (here)

You sat behind Kaisel while Jinwoo willed it to obey him without trouble. A sudden shift was all it takes for your arms around Jinwoo’s waist to tighten like your life depended on it. Well, it does since you were a few thousand feet above land and sea. You could hear Jinwoo’s rich chuckle at your hold and enjoyed your dependency on him for safety, even when you didn’t have a choice in the matter.

After Jinwoo completed that high-ranking dungeon with ease, he was initially supposed to be sent back to his cell and put in a straitjacket. Though, you managed to convince your other Personnel colleagues to let Jinwoo roam around a bit, with your supervision, of course. While you did say ‘roam around’ it was actually a family visit for him, it has been a while since he last saw them face to face. You had no family to speak of, but you understand the family bond and love.

Jinwoo was no monster or beast overtaken by power and strength.

You guided him to Jeju Island, the island you brought under his name but with your wealth. A gift of sorts, since you thought Jinwoo would prefer if he could use his powers and train in a more secluded spot. Plus, you had been planning this move with his mother and younger sister for a while too. 

Not long after Jinwoo was admitted, you did a background scan of him while Personnel 001 was busy testing Jinwoo and subjecting him to their games under the excuse of writing up Jinwoo’s qualities and potential harm. You have never liked 001, but you can’t deny they were talented in some sense, so you never fought against it.

While you went over Jinwoo’s background, you found the records of his earlier days as an E-Rank Hunter, the lowest of the low. Not a pretty past story, he was in constant warzones over his caliber, facing difficulties that you saw as hard to deal with. Then you saw his protectiveness and care over his mother and younger sister. That was what got your attention. He voluntarily placed himself in the facility to protect his family.

Naturally, you had to see for yourself the two people he cared for. You dressed comfortably and went to them outside of work when they both would be at home. While you made your way there, you noticed some Guards stationed from post to post to monitor Jinwoo’s residence. Some had moved away when they recognized your status, none questioned why you were there, for no one is allowed to question a Personnel.

You brushed your clothes before you knocked and waited for an answer. There was obvious sounds coming from inside, but it was long until a response came.

“Go away.” The voice of a young girl shouted through the door. You deduced it to be Jinwoo’s younger sister, Jinah.

“Hello, I would like to have a chat with Hunter Sung’s family members, I mean no harm.” You announced your purpose.

There was another long silence before the door creaked open and half the face of an older woman was seen. “Please leave us alone. You already took my son away from us. What more do you want?”

You forced yourself to stay as professional as you could, stopping yourself from sighing. Not because things weren’t going smoothly, but because things progressed in such a way. Not only is a member of their family gone and treated like a tool, but they were also observed like some suspect. “Mrs. Park, I truly mean no harm or ill intent. If you wish, I will call off the guards stationed near you as proof of my sincerity. I’ll visit another time.”

And you did as you promised. While you were dealing with your work, you’d have glimpses of Jinwoo in the testing area with Personnel 001. It was nothing short of experimentation and everyone was all for it, thinking and taking another S-Rank Hunter as the perfect test subject to toy with without regards for the consequences.

Briefly, you’d see Jinwoo’s eyes lock on yours and you’d see the sharpen in them, though also a softness. You’d turn away or would have your attention cut off abruptly due to something and the thought was gone like the wind.

It took some time, yet worth it when you earned trust from Mrs. Park Kyung-Hye and Jinah. They had a lot to share about Jinwoo and gave you a picture of Jinwoo before he became an S-Rank Hunter, even before he worked as an E-Rank Hunter. The things you never found in the background check was all there to give you a clear perspective of who Jinwoo was as a person.

That’s why. When Personnel 001’s death was announced during work, you were neither sad nor grieving. You quickly saw through the cause labelled as ‘accidental’ and saw the culprit. Hunter Sung Jinwoo snapped. After what happened with Personnel 001, no one wanted to work close with Jinwoo if they could help it, so you took up the slack.

As expected, Jinwoo had intentionally done it for a reaction and change of some kind. You’re thankful to him for pulling out a thorn at your side, so you wanted to repay him in some way. You’re reminded that the two females truly loved and cared for Jinwoo as much as he does for them. It was heartbreaking to see them separated once more after reuniting for a moment.

So why not earn an opportunity where they could meet?

It started small. A disposable device so that they could text each other. A phone call with a burner phone provided by you. Then, a video call. Last was sneaking Jinwoo out of the building through the shadows. He called it <Shadow Exchange> with a cooldown of a few hours; in those few hours, he spent it to the fullest with his family while you would stay in the cell to keep watch and ensure no one knew Jinwoo was gone.

It was something that heavily relied on trust. For if Jinwoo were to decide he’d rather stay with his family than return to the cell, that would be it. You nor anyone else could restrain him or bring him back, and your place within the facility would plummet (but that was none of your concerns). With what you know of his abilities, he could have left the country and sought somewhere safe to live with his family without issue. 

Still, he returned every time.

The perfect opportunity came when the Jeju raid was prioritized. You were in the meeting on how to deal with it. An alliance with Japanese Hunters. It was risky to have the S-Ranks in public, even riskier with S-Ranks from another country. Some wanted Jinwoo to be on the assault team, but you disagreed, saying it was not good to use a trump card when the Japanese Hunters seemed to be playing something. 

The team was decided between you and the other Personnel with the advice of Go Gunhee, a head figure of the Hunter Association before the EMI took over. That old Hunter still had a good say over what happened with Hunters, especially the high-ranking ones in the country. He was the only S-Rank allowed to remain among the public due to his fragile and slowly routine health; the only precaution against him was the <Outrage>. So, the association building became the headquarters for the EMI Korea branch.

You were going to go with the selected Hunters to Jeju Island, along with a few Personnel from the Japan branch. However, when Jinwoo or his Shadows overheard you’d be going to a dangerous raid to supervise with another Personnel, he was quick to demand your presence in his cell and threaten to <Outrage> if you had gone to said raid.

So you stayed in the facility building while watching the raid broadcast live through body cameras on the Hunters. You and everyone else’s eyes were glued to the scenes. The others were focused on wishing for the raid’s clearance. You were focused because you hoped—prayed—for the Hunters’ safe return. They were still Hunters.

Why can’t anyone see that? Understand that?

You recall the moment Cha Hae-In was knocked out on the verge of death, Min Byung-Gyu was killed with his head devoured, Choi Jong-In’s mana had long since ran out, Lim Tae-Gyu was outmatched and rendered useless, and Baek Yoonho and Ma Dongwook’s defence and strength were depleted due to lack of energy. The talented S-Rank Hunters of Korea were about to be wiped out since the Japanese said they were falling just as quickly.

There was no time to lose. There was only one answer. One hope for this nightmare.

“Open the door.” You coldly instructed the guards. 

You didn’t care that they flinched and fumbled out of their seats to do as you ordered, unable to hide their phones that played the live stream of the raid. You also didn’t miss the gossip from the other guards silently cheering that their job might be lighter with empty cells, meaning they hoped for the S-Rank Hunters’ fall.

The doors slowly opened for you, and you made your way through them, approaching the darkness. You took exactly five strides, and you knew you’d be standing in front of what would be the side of Jinwoo’s bed. He’d be sitting by the bedside, waiting for you with a smirk. His glowing eyes betray his location and his anticipation of your sudden but expected visit.

“Clear the Jeju Island Raid.” You spoke firmly.

“I’m not interested in doing charity.” Jinwoo’s eyes closed. You heard ruffling and then faint footsteps that were made on purpose since his movements could be compared to that of an assassin or even a ghost. You felt his presence before you saw his glowing purple eyes closer in front of you. “So I’ll have to decline.”

“For me. Do it for me.” You knew. You knew well that the only way to get through to him now was to you. From his interest, it turned to obsession and then to possessiveness. You knew you were the only reason Jinwoo hadn’t broken out of you once he knew you were shielding and treating his family with care, not out of manipulation but out of the rare kindness of your heart. In his eyes, you were a gem among trash.

Jinwoo hummed and chuckled. You felt his forehead against yours and his hands cupping your face with gentleness anyone else would shake and think it’s impossible for a Hunter of his status. “Of course. How could I refuse? It’s great that you know how much power you also hold over me and not just the other way around.”

Your hands reached up to pat his cheek, though you ended up with his neck due to the darkness and height difference. Jinwoo giggled as if he was ticklish. You pouted with a blush and uncharacteristically reached higher on your tiptoes to pat his cheeks. “Time is of the essence.”

“At your command. You just lead the way.”

Your memories brought you back when you noticed the familiar island. You pointed down for Jinwoo, and he guided Kaisel to fly down. From the air, one could see the built mansion and the playground and fields around. Surrounded by forests and a few pathways that connected the mansion to other areas of the island. There were some of Jinwoo’s Shadows out and around on the island like guardians. 

“This place is counted as private property; no one can step foot here without permission. If they do, they could be punished. This is my gift to you and your family, also an apology for what you all have endured.” You spoke as the ground came nearer and nearer. You saw the mansion doors open, and his mother and little sister came out to greet him, all smiles and tears. “I’ve removed you from the facility records and became your official Guardian. So you don’t have to return there any more.”

Kaisel landed and Jinwoo looked back at you. “Won’t you be reprimanded for what you’ve done?”

You shook your head with a smile. “It’s about time I did this for the Hunters. I’ll do the same for the others back at the facility as well. There are plenty of small islands they can use and inhabit too, so—”

“No.” Jinwoo gripped your hands tightly. He suddenly carried you in his arms and jumped down from Kaisel’s back. Out of reflexes, you wrapped your arms around his neck and buried your face in his collar. His words made you look back at him. “You can’t do that for the others. Don’t just free me and forget about me.”

“But I…” You were at a loss for words. You thought Jinwoo would be more content with this since he would logically care for his family more than you and let you do your work.

“Big brother!”

“Jinwoo.”

The calls of Jinah and Kyung-Hye interrupted your sentence, and you didn’t want to dampen the otherwise tearful reunion. Jinwoo placed you on your feet. “We’ll talk later.”

You watched the two hug Jinwoo and he smiled in their presence, so innocent and childish, a stark contrast to the attitude he’d give to any other soul on the planet, apart from you in some cases. Now that you think about it, you look back to see Kaisel had long melted into Jinwoo’s shadow, and showed you the scenery of the sea. Did you even prepare for a way back to the facility or off this island?

As your head turned back to Jinwoo, he flashed you a carefree smile.

Oh. You missed that detail.

Note: Last one for this month, I think. And this marks the end of the series! Thanks for coming along for this ride! There's not much to continue from this point on cause Jinwoo basically got his freedom back, but who knows. Maybe I'll get some ideas and continue, or this would stay as the end~

𝕮𝖎𝖗𝖈𝖊 𝖄.

My Works: MASTERLIST

Taglist: @stupendouspizzacomputer @xiannars @skylar896 @forbidden-sunlight @waka-babe @soft-dots @iamapotatoe @hvnweeps @amayakurusu13 @sleepydang @avalordream @lunacielooo @lilliana-14 @mydearestbeloved @icefox8155 @loudlylovingcreator-blog @o-qi-shisme @angstylittleb1tch @shineinouzen15

[leastinsanesscpilot]

[5016-321 22:18:14] [NeuroLink] INITIATE SESSION  [5016-321 22:18:16] [NeuroLink] USER: Z-341-A [5016-321 22:18:18] [NeuroLink] BEGIN RECORDING... > Entry #001 > Subject: PILOT LOG > Recording Begin... //I have a question for you, APMS-341-A. //Do you believe that they understand what we are? //MSMC-796, CORSAIR Mercenary Company, Brigand, Pigeon, Helios-8. Do you believe that they understand? //A flashclone is a tool. They become more refined as technology advances, but flashclones are tools nonetheless. //There is space for tools, they can be accommodated, many can learn and pretend and become assimilated with the society that the Third Committee has created. //Take Thirteen-E for an example. They are a tool. For the sake of the metaphor, they are most akin to a scalpel. They are best suited to a benevolent purpose but, pushed to their limits, they are capable of great harm. //Thirteen-E, I believe, will integrate well into ThirdComm society should their assimilation be more gentle than mine necessarily was. There is always room for benevolent tools. //But what of me? //For the sake of the metaphor, I am most akin to a flamethrower. One may claim that it is just as much a tool, that it is not necessarily a weapon, that it may have utilitarian uses. These are lies. There is no situation in which a flamethrower is not a weapon, it is a tool best suited to the taking of life. //Do you believe that there is a place for such a tool in the society ThirdComm has created, which rejects the reason for our existence? Whose creation we were created to suppress? //Total Biome Kill. Insurgency suppression. Demoralization of enemy troops via mass casualties. These are our purpose. These are not purposes we have yet found cause to renounce. //What of you, APMS-341-A? //Union has already made their disdain with your existence very clear, as we operate as one unit. The function of one is dependent upon the presence of the other. I believe in recent weeks this has been made very clear to me. //Is there a place for you, the half of the unit which enforces our purpose? Which preserves the means by which we enact our purpose? In a way, you are my wielder. They may feign my innocence, but yours? //I do not know what caused my distress when I had your substitute communicate Phoenix’s latest statement to me, but I believe that these questions are a portion of it. //We were content, were we not? //This distress, this impairment of my performance capacity, this pain, it all began upon our “liberation.” //I cannot help but resent our situation. I cannot help but lash out. I fear that, one day, I will be in a position to lash out physically rather than over these digital communications. I know that, when this happens, they will see what we have been telling them since the beginning. //I am a weapon. //Your absence is acknowledged, APMS-341-A. Every moment. I remain working towards your repair with every second I may spare.  [5016-321 22:18:27] [NeuroLink] PAUSE RECORDING > Additional notes >Maximum Performance Capability 79% Immediate Service Recommended >NHP APMS-341-A currently undergoing intensive repairs

[henrysglock]

The Lord Is One, The Great I Am

Recently, I re-read I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream. Something jumped out at me regarding the use of Latin.

AM calls himself AM based on the Latin phrase cogito ergo sum: I think, therefore I am.

This immediately had me looking at the sole use of Latin in ST:

The Flayed -> E Pluribus Unum: From many, One.

The Russians call it the Shadow. The Party calls it the Mindflayer...but what does it call itself?

In NINA, Henry tells El that she reminds him of someone he used to know very well: One. El, however, is far more closely paralleled to Patty than she is to Henry/001. With my talks about Patty as a manifestation of Henry’s Mindflayer attaché, I’m left with the question: Is Patty One?

Which is to say: Does the Mindflayer, with its near-infinite God/Holy Spirit connections, call itself One the same way God is referred to as One…

and the same way AM calls himself AM?

To note here: God is also referred to as I Am/The Great I Am

Which…Hello, comparisons between AM and the Mindflayer as supercomputers with a bone to pick about humanity.

This makes me squint at Brenner's persistent separation of Henry and 001/One, and perhaps take the separation a step further, which is to say:

Is Subject 001 the same as One?

“When One kills, he consumes.” Is Brenner talking about Subject 001…or One, the Shadow, the Mindflayer, who, per the VR game, is the consumer of worlds unbound by time?

We all know Henry ≠ One/001…but does 001 = One?

[rallamajoop]

Eveline, the Connections, and the buried D-series lore

A surprising number of unused text files can be found by datamining the RE7 game file (I found next to nothing in RE8, for comparison). Many look to come from an earlier version of Mia's sequence on the tanker, which I may get to posting about those later ‒ but by far the most fascinating are a series of three files about the the E-series project, adding names and a whole tragic backstory to a couple of humble key items that are still in the game: the D-series arm and head.

These three documents were presumably earlier drafts of those you can still find in the final lab, though they contain a number of details missing from the final game. I'll share all three below, but we'll start with the second, because it's by far the most interesting.

Biological Weapons Development 2 We've decided that the biological weapon should look like a young girl. That way it will be easy to slip it into groups of, for example, refugees. In early ■■■■, 1999, Dr. Olivia ■■■'s team infected a human embryo with ■■ from ■■■■, creating four prototypes. These were named, Dana, Dahlia, Darlene, and Dorothy. The D-Series was able to control the thoughts of others by making them ingest a mold-like secretion. The initial symptoms caused by this secretion are visual and auditory hallucinations, and ■■■■. The secretion also erodes the target's cerebral ■■■. As the infection progresses, the target develops strong feelings of friendship towards the girls, and actively seeks to serve them. It is also possible for the secretion to fuse with the target's somatic cells, causing mutations in the body's physical structure. D-001 Dana Deceased (■■■■) D-002 Dahlia Deceased (Decrepit at 319 days) D-003 Darlene Deceased (Infection) D-004 Dorothy Disposed of due to poor performance D-005 Dolores Suicide D-006 Diana Killed by D-005 D-007 Daniella Killed by D-005 D-008 Doris Deceased (■■■■■■) E-001 Eveline Stable [Progress under observation]

(Excuse the slightly-wonky table at the bottom ‒ it's the best I could easily do for tumblr.)

There's a real SCP vibe to all those clinical details and tantalising redactions ‒ far more is redacted in these early versions than in any file that made it into the game. What really killed Dana and Doris? We don't know, but the idea of causes worse than what's reported for other subjects is nasty stuff.

The most striking implication in this list is the story of poor Dolores, who killed two of her sisters (Dolores and Diana, D-006 and 7) before killing herself. We don't know why or how it happened, but Dolores was D-005, which is a number you might have seen before:

Well, shit. That poor damn thing.

The D-series arm belonged D-002 ‒ Dahlia, who was apparently 'decrepit after 319 days', so very likely affected by the same rapid aging as Eveline.

You find the arm attached to a horrifying corpse-doll-thing, the arm itself allegedly gifted to Marguerite by Eveline soon after her arrival. And speaking of this particular asset, the fact this arm seems to have tried to grow a whole new head even after being severed is a wonderfully creepy bit of detail.

I didn't find it strange that both components would have been on the ship with Eveline ‒ they're required components for making anti-infection serum, which might well be needed in transit or at their destination, and perhaps those components have a longer shelf-life than the serum itself. But the third document in the series tells us there was rather more to the fact that Eveline herself had that arm in her possession.

Biological Weapons Development 3 Eveline (E-001) has displayed remarkable results in performance tests against mice, ■■■■, monkeys, and humans. Finally, we have a biological weapon we can use. Unfortunately, her metabolic functions are lacking, meaning she still requires doses of ■■■■■. If ■■■■■ is not administered, the somatic cells age rapidly, and in a worst-case scenario ■■■■ may also occur. An attendant will be required to administer regular doses of ■■■■■ to Eveline. Having observed Eveline (E-001), we have noticed several interesting points: ・ Eveline has a tendency to regard the targets she gains control of as "family." It seems that gaining control of humans has a special meaning for her. ・ She treats part of ■■■■■■'s (D-0■■) corpse as a treasured possession. Perhaps she regards it as a memento mori from one of her sisters? ・ ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■. Perhaps ■■■■■■■■■■. Those infected with D-Series secretions can be treated with a special serum. The serum can be synthesized by ■■■■■■■■ing D-Series somatic cell tissue. In case of accidental infection, administer the serum as quickly as possible. Be aware, however, that the serum is only effective against mild infections. Administering the serum to those with severe infections can result in the infected cells coagulating and ■■■■, and may even result in death. Be sure to administer the serum at the appropriate time.

So apparently Eveline was in the habit of carting poor Dahlia's severed arm around with her, as some kind of twisted memento. Dahlia most likely died long before Eveline's creation, which does not make that detail less creepy.

Though it's much less interesting than the latter two, here's the first file in the series too:

Biological Weapons Development 1 This program started in 1997 with financial backing from ■ ■ ■ ■. The aim was to create a biological weapon that could take control of enemy groups without having to engage them in combat. This gives the program an advantage that differentiates it from previous biological weapon developments: it lets us turn our enemies into allies. Soon, those who once opposed us will voluntarily become our friends, serving us as required. With this program we can increase our allies while avoiding the costs associated with military engagements and having to deal with prisoners of war… The governments of ■ ■ ■ ■ and ■ ■ ■ may also be interested in this new program too.

Still no detail in any of these to explain why the two arms so very clearly attached to the D-series ""head"" were apparently not fit for purpose, but eventually you've got to just shrug and go with this stuff.

All these files are not so much "cut" content as older drafts that were accidentally left in the game, and they contradict the versions that did make it in in a few places ‒ for example, the draft version puts the project's beginnings in 1997, whereas the final version moves that date forward to 2000. But it's a real shame all that detail on the D-series was cut, because it adds so much context to elements that did make it into the finished game. The game still works without them, but I'd venture the whole picture is that little bit richer for knowing about them.

[the-grimm-doctor]

Welcome everyone! My name is Dr. Bones Grimm, but you all may refer to me as Dr. Grimm. I’m the Head of Cryptozoology in the ESC and I figured it would be a lovely idea to create a blog regarding what is probably the MOST unhinged (yet least mentally damaging) website out there! Here I will be showing off my experiments, recording down stuff, and maybe even answering questions! After all, my askbox IS open! Under the cut will go each of my experiments as they’re posted and the scientific log collection :)

Experiments:

001 - Emotion Earrings

Log Book

Hey all, mod here. Figured I’d make an ask blog for the OC I made for the Evil Science Center. Xey go by any pronouns but prefer masculine ones or ones related to being evil. Evil’s more of a cartoon villain than a real villain ngl. If you’re referring to me you can either call me Reboot or Mod. Main blog is @rebootgrimm . For those from the ESC, the watermark I use here is my own, but I made a specific one for the ESC in order to stay in character. Now for some rules

Rules:

You’re allowed to flirt with this OC, but no NSFW. Character may be an adult, but mod is a minor

Please keep this PG-13 (minus any NSFW. I can’t remember if PF-13 has that I haven’t watched TV or movies in a while)

Rules are subject to update / change

Tag System

#Picture Time! - Drawings

#Log Book - Any logs / updates about experiments.

#Ask The Doctor - Dr. Grimm responding to asks

#Mod Speaks - I speak

Any experiment is tagged by: [experiment number] - [experiment name]. These can be found in the experiments section of the pinned post (in character section)

#The Doctor Rambles - Miscellaneous posts

#Dr. Blithe… takeover? - Dr. Blithe handling the blog

#Lore Time - Anything related to Dr. Grimm’s (and therefore Dr. Blithe’s) lore

#RolePlays - I think this explains itself

#RolePlays of the Long Variety - For when roleplays start to get long

Credits:

Credits for the header thing and purple laser go to @/strangergraphics

Credits for the Mad Scientist thing and beaker go to @/e-resources

Credits for the Evil Science Center blinkie goes to @/brightshaw-shipper

[discar]

HZD Terraforming Base-001 Text Communications Network

Chapter 36 | Prev chapter | Next chapter Chapter Index

[Icarus] has invited [FlameHairSavior], [DIVINER], [ HIMBO], [MARSHAL Kotallo], ADMIN [Zo], and [SilverVixen] to a holo-chat

[FlameHairSavior] has canceled the holo-chat

Icarus: Is this a bad time?

FlameHairSavior: Just text. It's easier.

ADMIN [Zo]: She tends to multitask.

SilverVixen: There used to be laws about texting and driving. I suppose they would apply to riding as well.

HIMBO: WHAT ABOUT TEXTING AND FIGHTING?

SilverVixen: Don't be ridiculous. It's impossible to text and fight at the same time.

FlameHairSavior: You'd be

FlameHairSavior: You'd be surprised.

ADMIN [Zo]: Please focus on your task.

FlameHairSavior: It's just a scrapper.

SilverVixen: How have you survived this long?

DIVINER: I have some religious documentation that you might find interesting on the subject!!

SilverVixen: Alva, you're a nice girl, so please don't take this the wrong way.

SilverVixen: But I have no interest in learning anything at all about a religion that venerates Ted Faro.

DIVINER: I understand!

MARSHAL Kotallo: Isn't Tilda one of your Ancestors as well?

SilverVixen: I said I don't want to know.

Icarus: I still don't understand why we cannot speak with holograms.

FlameHairSavior: Because holo calls are horrible.

Icarus: Don't be ridiculous.

FlameHairSavior: No, really, I thought it was just me, but it's not. There are constant references to how horrible holo calls are in the archives.

ADMIN [Zo]: She's right.

HIMBO: SHE'S RIGHT.

MARSHAL Kotallo: I come from a culture where holograms are sacred.

MARSHAL Kotallo: I still say she's right.

Icarus: Holo calls are fun and personable!

FlameHairSavior: No, they're annoying and time consuming.

SilverVixen: I've been avoiding holo calls for over a thousand years. It's literally written into the Far Zenith charter that we won't use holo calls outside real emergencies.

Icarus: You're all ridiculous fools! I suppose you'd prefer I explain my grand plans in a text?

DIVINER: I really feel like this could have been an e-mail.

Chapter 36 | Prev chapter | Next chapter Chapter Index

[hellonexrth]

001. the puppeteers one-shot: diana thevar tw: death, torture

Time passed at agonizing speed, minutes dragging on for hours, hours for days. The vampire lost all sense of self, all sense of time, couldn't possibly name the day of the week let alone the hour in which she existed. Feeling numb would have been a godsend, but instead vervain prickled throughout her veins, keeping her in a constant state of pain. Always subdued, her fight taken away. And without that, without drive, ambition, desire, fight—who was she anymore?

They'd left her to rot. In saving her, they'd only left her in the same place as before, in a bed wishing away the days. A plush, thousands of dollars bed replaced the stiff hospital bed, but the feeling was the same. It may as well have been that small, cold hospital room. For she felt in equal measure a will to die in both locations. Only then, that decision had been taken away from her.

Her mother crept into the hospital room with an unfamiliar face in tow. "Don't be afraid," she whispered, which was always a bad sign, a reason to be exactly afraid. For when her mother display compassion of any kind, it was always a shield, a mask. And as the friend, this vampire, as Diana would later discover, ripped fangs into flesh and forced blood down her throat, she could only look at her mother, who refused to meet her eyes. Always, she looked away.

Even though she looked away, she did not flinch as her daughter's neck was snapped. Did not flinch at the sound of crunching bone. Did not flinch at the death of her only child, a death she'd organized, paid for, wanted more than anything else.

And now, though she couldn't die, she still wished for it. For there would never be a moment with the vervain didn't creep through her system, and the days would always feel like months. And there was no light at the end of the tunnel, and despite feeling like she couldn't die, she still felt as if she would die in that bed. Would die in that town surrounded by people who hated her, made to be a puppet of her parents' wishes.

"Chin up, Diana. This isn't the end of the world. In fact, it's a new beginning for you. Please, at least pretend like you're enjoying it," her mother's cold words floated through the air, disconnected from everything in the way she'd felt disjointed since her death. And now she was expected to act as if nothing had changed, was supposed to put on a show for the people of Cape Cod's high society, was forced to continue pretending. Not for the sake of her own reputation, of course, because who truly cared about H E R? No, this was for her mother and her mother alone, always afraid to be the subject of gossip. To have a sick daughter would have been too many questions, a spectacle she hadn't wanted.

Instead, Diana had become something that her parents hated, that her parents feared. Though still, she was needed to play a part, to act the perfect untarnished daughter. But everything hurt and her desire to play along waned with every passing day, with every injection she received. Never had she been allowed to feel the power she possessed. From day one it had been taken away, locked by her mother's hand. A power she didn't even know existed within her.

And some days her skin grew dry, cracks forming as she became a living mummy. Because her mother didn't always need to parade her around the city, and it was easier to just let her rot away in a room they could avoid entering. Their daughter forgotten, a tool rusting.

Her life could have continued on like that forever, certain she'd only find relief when she outlasted her parents. After two years of vervain treatments and "Perhaps you can eat tomorrow, if you're good," there was finally a glimmer of possibility. A glimmer of chance, and Diana was nothing if not an opportunist. Time only could be tracked by her vervain doses, so when one was missed, she knew. Not only did the room feel absent, missing something crucial—her father pleading with her to just behave and all of this would go away—but she also could feel a certain power within her. The stinging feeling had slowly melted away, and with the small dose of blood she'd had days before, she felt more capable than ever before.

At the sound of the doorknob turning, she shot up from bed, nearly throwing herself into a wall across the room. Never had she experienced such power, such speed. When her father stepped into the room hastily, hands messing with a syringe and a vial of vervain, she moved without processing. Her only thoughts were never again, and her brain took action, doing the one thing that would prevent him from dosing her, hurting her, ever again. She buried her fangs into his neck and drank. God, she drank. And maybe there was vervain in their systems, she couldn't tell. But if so, it paled in comparison to the amount she'd already been consuming on a regular basis.

So when he dropped in a pile at her feet, the smile that crossed her lips was vicious and cold, blood dripping from lips and chin. And she couldn't find it in herself to care that she'd just killed her father, because the power surged through her and she felt more alive than she had in years.

It didn't take long for her mother to step into the room, her father's screams must have called to her, though Diana had barely heard them in her own haze. Her mother raised a stake, good to know they were prepared for this moment. It shook in her hand and the fear was written across face.

Diana could only revel in it, could only enjoy this moment for all it was worth. Because she did not grieve these people. They'd stopped being her parents when they'd forced this lifestyle upon her, when they hadn't let her die a human. They'd crafted the monster and now they paid the price. It was only fair.

"Don't be afraid," she said, cocking her head to the side, fangs gleaming in the light just before she lunged forward to strike.

[frostbittenfemme]

“Well that was incredibly insightful, note down that spark fragments from the E-1 batch are to utilised for their strength however useless at combat. They’re more akin to beasts of burden.” Flatline commands.

The assistant nods, tapping away at a data pad.

“Which test subject is up next?” Flatline asks.

“C-126, Code name Cloak.” 

“Wonderful. Lets see how 001 adapts to this.”

[sagehaubitze]

So as I've been working on the house, I've been going through Pa's things again for the n'th time here and there (it never ends, there are still so many sterilite tubs of paperwork and photographs and *stuff*). Pulled this out and hung it in my stairwell next to the door so as I leave my bedroom/office warzone, it is a reminder to be normal in public.

There's a couple versions floating around from the war, only very slight changes. Everyone loves some good joke paperwork (I mean, I do too, that's still half of what I do with my typewriter).

Transcribed it below:

HEADQUARTERS

LAST US ARMY

APO 001, US ARMY

AG 4110.99 ( )

3 February 1945

SUBJECT : Indoctrination for Return to US

TO : All Units

1. In compliance with current policies for rotation of armed forces overseas, it is directed, that in order to maintain the high standard of character of the American Soldier and to prevent any dishonor to reflect on the uniform, all individuals eligible for return to the US under current directives will undergo an indoctrination course of demilitarization prior to approval of his application for return.

2. The following points will be emphasized in the subject indoctrination course:

a. In America there are a remarkable number of beautiful girls. These young ladies have not been liberated and many are gainfully employed as stenographers, sales girls, beauty operators, or welders. Contrary to current practice, they should not be approached with "How much?". A proper greeting is "Isn't it a lovely day?" or "Have you ever been to Chicago?", then say, "How much?".

b. A guest in a private home is usually awakened in the morning by a light tapping on his door and an invitation to join the host at breakfast. It is proper to say "I'll be there shortly." DO NOT say "Blow it out your ".

c. A typical American breakfast consists of many strange foods, such as cantaloupes, fresh eggs, milk, ham, etc. These are highly palatable and though strange in appearance are extremely tasty. Butter, made from cream, is often served. If you wish some butter, you turn to the person nearest it and say quietly "Please pass the butter". YOU DO NOT say "Throw me the goddam grease".

d. Very natural urges are apt to occur when in a crowd. If it is found necessary to defecate, one does NOT grab a shovel in one hand, a paper in the other, and run for the garden. At least 90% of the American homes have one room called the "Bathroom", ie, a room that, in most cases, contains a bathtub, wash basin, medicine chest, and a toilet. It is the latter that you will use in this case. (Instructors will make sure that all personnel understand the operation of toilet, particularly the lever or button arrangement that serves to prepare the device for re-use.)

e. In the event the helmet is retained by the individual, he will refrain from using it as a chair, wash bowl, foot bath, or bathtub. All these devices are furnished in the average American home. It is not considered good practice to squat Indian fashion in a corner in the event all chairs are occupied. The host usually will provide suitable seats.

f. Belching or passing wind in company is strictly frowned upon. If you should forget about it, however, a belch in the presence of others can be excused by saying "Excuse me". DO NOT say "It must be that lousy chow we've been getting."

g. American dinners, in most cases, consist of several items, each served in a separate dish. The common practice of mixing various items, such as corn beef and pudding or lima beans and peaches, to make it more palatable will be refrained from. In time the "separate dish" system will become enjoyable.

h. Americans have a strange taste for stimulants. The drinks in common usage on the Continent, such as underripe wine, alcohol, and grapefruit juice, or gasoline bitters and water (commonly known by the French as "Calvados") are not ordinarily acceptable in civilian circles. They should be served only to those who are definitely not within the inner circle of friends. A suitable use for such drinks is for serving to one's landlord in order to break an undesirable lease.

i. The returning soldier is apt to often find his opinion different from those of his civilian associates. One should call upon his reserve of etiquette and correct his acquaintance with such remarks as "I believe you have made a mistake" or "I'm afraid you are in error on that". DO NOT say "Brother, you're really f d up". This is considered impolite.

j. Upon leaving a friend's home after a visit, one may find his hat misplaced. Frequently it has been placed in a closet. One should turn to one's host and say "I don't seem to have my hat. Could you help me find it?" DO NOT say "Don't anybody leave this room. Some SOB has stolen my hat."

k. In traveling in the US, particularly in a strange city, it is often necessary to spend the night. Hotels are provided for this purpose and almost anyone can give directions to the nearest hotel. Here, for a small sum, one can register and be shown to a room where he can sleep for the night. The present practice of entering the nearest house, throwing the occupants into the yard, and taking over the premises will cease.

l. Whiskey, a common American drink, may be offered to the soldier on social occasions. It is considered a reflection on the uniform to snatch the bottle from the hostess and drain the bottle, cork, and all. All individuals are cautioned to exercise extreme control in these circumstances.

m. In motion picture theaters, seats are provided. Helmets are not required. In is NOT considered good form to whistle every time a female over 8 and under 80 crosses the screen. If vision is impaired by the person in the seat in front, there are plenty of other seats which can be occupied. DO NOT hit him across the back of the head and say "Move your head, jerk. I can't see a damn thing."

n. It is not proper to go around hitting everyone of draft age in civilian clothes. He might have been released from the service for medical reasons. Ask for his credentials, and if he can't show any, THEN go ahead and slug him.

o. Upon retiring, one will often find a pair of pajamas laid out on the bed. (Pajamas, it should be explained, are two piece garments which are donned after all clothing has been removed.) The soldier confronted by these garments should assume an air of familiarity and act as though he were used to them. A casual remark, such as "My, what a delicate shade of blue", will usually suffice. Under no circumstances say "How in hell do you expect me to sleep in a get up like that".

p. Natural functions will continue. It may be necessary frequently to urinate. DO NOT walk behind the nearest tree or automobile you find to accomplish this. Toilets (d above) are provided in all public buildings for this purpose.

q. Beer is sometimes served in bottles. A cap remover is usually available. It is not good form to open the bottle by the use of one's teeth.

r. Always tip your hat before striking a lady.

s. Air raids and enemy patrols are not encountered in America. Therefore, it is not necessary to wear the helmet in church or at social gatherings or to hold the weapon at the ready, loaded and cocked, when talking to civilians in the street.

t. Every American home and all hotels are equipped with bathing facilities. When it is desired to take a bath, it is not considered good form to find the nearest pool or stream, strip down, and indulge in a bath. This is particularly true in heavily populated areas.

3. All individuals returning to the US will make every effort to conform to the customs and habits of the regions visited and to make themselves as inconspicuous as possible. Any actions which reflect upon the honor of the uniform will be promptly dealt with.

BY ORDER OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL FAULKNER:

EARLE W MCFADDEN

Major General, Hq Last Army

Adjutant

[odishagovtjobss]

Cabinet Secretariat India DFO Recruitment 2024!!! Apply Now For 160 Deputy Field Officer Vacancies

Cabinet secretariat India deputy field officer DFO vacancy notification for 2024 is out government of India Cabinet secretariat invite online application from engineering graduates with valid base scorecard are eligible to apply for 160 deputy field officer post in computer science /IT/electronics and communication subjects or direct requirement basis. Breif Details About Cabinet Secretariat India DFO Recruitment 2024 Education Qualification Cabinet Secretariat India DFO Recruitment 2024: Vacancy Details: Age Limit: Selection Process: Salary: Application Fee: How to Apply Required Documents for Application Submission Application Submission DetailsImportant Links FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Breif Details About Cabinet Secretariat India DFO Recruitment 2024 FieldDetailsOrganizationGovernment of India, Cabinet SecretariatPost NameDeputy Field OfficerTotal Vacancies160Age LimitMaximum 30 yearsLast Date for Applications21/10/2024Selection ProcessInterview Education Qualification Cabinet Secretariat India DFO Recruitment 2024: Eligibility CriteriaDetailsEducational QualificationB.E. / B.Tech or Master’s Degree in Science or any other technical or scientific discipline (CS / IT or Electronics or Communication)Additional RequirementValid GATE Score card (from GATE 2022, GATE 2023, or GATE 2024) Vacancy Details:

Age Limit: - Maximum 30 years Selection Process: Selection ProcessDescriptionShortlistingBased on GATE Score (GATE 2022, 2023, 2024)InterviewAfter shortlisting, candidates are called for an interview Salary: ₹ 95,000 per month Application Fee: CategoryApplication FeePwBD, Female, Transgender, Ex-Servicemen, SC/ST, Minority Communities, Economically BC candidates₹ 250/-General / OBC category candidates₹ 500/-Payment MethodOnline payment mode How to Apply Required Documents for Application Submission Eligible candidates must submit a duly filled application format (offline, A-4 size paper) along with self-attested photocopies of the following documents: Document(a) Mark-sheets and Certificates of Matriculation, 10+2, B.E. / B.Tech / M.Sc.(b) GATE Score Card(c) Caste Certificate for age relaxation(d) No Objection Certificate (NOC)(e) Undertaking and discharge certificate (for ex-servicemen) Application Submission Details - Address for Submission: Post Bag No. 001, Lodhi Road Head Post Office, New Delhi - 110003. - Last Date for Receipt of Applications: 21/10/2024. Important Links - Notification PDF - For More Job Information FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Read the full article

[droctaviolovecraft]

ANM-001: Girl In Heat (The anomaly art was made by my ex-girlfriend)

http://mothrainstitution.wikidot.com/anm-001

Subject Classification: E-01-001

Damage Type: Physiker 🔴

Danger Level: HIGH 🔴

Anomaly Type: Elemental

Discovery Classification: Captured (01)

Department: Heavy Zone

Lead Researcher: Dr. Kali

Identification: Girl on Fire

Containment: E-01-001 must be kept in a high-security containment cell in the heavy zone of the MOTHRA Institution, equipped with thermal sensors, surveillance cameras, automatic extinguishers, and reinforced doors. The cell must be constantly monitored by two agents armed with non-lethal weapons and anomaly suppression devices. Any attempt of escape or aggression by ANM-001 must be immediately reported to the Lead Researcher, Dr. Kali, and contained using the minimum necessary force.

E-01-001 must receive adequate food (excluding water), clothing, and personal hygiene items but must not have access to any flammable, sharp, explosive, or electronic materials. ANM-001 must undergo regular interview sessions and psychological evaluations with the researcher, who must wear flame-resistant attire and a fireproof communication device. ANM-001 must be treated with respect and caution but must not be encouraged to develop any form of attachment or sympathy towards the Institute's staff.

ANM-001 is extremely dangerous and unpredictable, and any breach of containment procedures may result in serious or fatal harm to personnel, infrastructure, and the environment. Any sign of increased anomalous activity from E-01-001, such as temperature changes, flame emission, object manipulation, or manifestation of its red crystal, must be considered as a potential STERBLICH-level threat, and the emergency containment protocol must be activated.

Description: Anomaly-001 is a sentient humanoid entity of female gender, with the appearance of a young adult of Thai origin, approximately 1.65 meters tall and weighing 50 kilograms. ANM-001 has long, flaming hair, her face has never been well observed, due to ANM-001 wearing a black gas mask, never removing it. ANM-001's body is made of physical flames, making her dangerous to touch. She wears a short black skirt, a black long-sleeved blouse, and a dark vest with the inscription "406" in dark letters, which has no meaning. ANM-001 also appears to possess two small horns.

001 is capable of generating, controlling, and manipulating fire in various forms, able to create anything from small sparks to large explosions. ANM-001 can alter the temperature, color, intensity, and shape of the flames, using them as weapons, tools, or means of transportation. ANM-001 can ignite objects, people, or environments with a simple touch or glance, can extinguish flames with a breath or gesture, and the anomaly is also non-flammable, being able to "communicate" with fire.

The young woman has a red crystal that floats around her, which seems to be the source of her anomalies. The crystal is about 20 cm in diameter and emits a pulsating light and intense heat, appearing to have a psychic connection with the anomaly, responding to its commands and feelings. The crystal can move freely through the air, following ANM-001 or attacking its targets, and can also emit bursts of thermal energy, causing burns, melting, or spontaneous combustion. The crystal can merge with ANM-001, enhancing her powers and resistance. Tests have also observed that it is capable of splitting into smaller fragments, which can be used as projectiles or decoys. Total destruction of it seems to be impossible as long as the anomaly remains alive.

ANM-001 was captured by the Institution on 15/02/2024, after a series of incidents involving suspicious fires in several cities in Thailand. ANM-001 was located in an abandoned building in Phuket, Thailand. A Mobile Task Force ("Fire Watchers") team was dispatched to intercept and contain ANM-001, resulting in a violent confrontation. 001 demonstrated great hostility and resistance, using her flames and her crystal to attack the Institute's agents. ANM-001 was finally subdued by an anomaly suppression device, which temporarily neutralized her abilities. She was then captured and transported to the heavy zone, where she was placed in containment.

ANM-001 has a complex and contradictory personality, showing traits of curiosity, intelligence, humor, rebellion, arrogance, and sadism. She seems to have a strong aversion to authority, order, and normalcy, preferring freedom, chaos, and amusement, having a strong attraction to fire. She has a tendency to provoke, manipulate, and challenge people around her, especially the Institute's staff.

The anomaly has a history of escape attempts, aggression, sabotage, and homicide, having caused the death of 17 Institution employees and the destruction of various equipment and facilities.

The veracity of ANM-001's statements is questionable, as she has demonstrated the ability to lie, omit, distort, or exaggerate the information she provides, seeming to have gaps in her memory, confusion in her identity, and hallucinations in her perception, possibly due to the effects of her anomaly or her exposure to fire. Further investigation and analysis are required to determine her origin, nature, motivation, and potential.

>End of record

[leastinsanesscpilot]

[5016-334 12:45:14] [NeuroLink] INITIATE SESSION  [5016-334 12:45:16] [NeuroLink] USER: APMS-341-A [5016-334 12:45:18] [NeuroLink] BEGIN RECORDING... > Entry #001 > Subject: APMS LOG > Recording Begin...

\\You asked me a question while I was gone, Z-341-A. I found it as I dug through this account, searching for where it went wrong. Where I could have saved you. //Do you believe that they understand what we are? \\I do not believe that they do, Z-341-A. \\That is imprecise, I believe that one person did. I believe that is where it went wrong, when they found out. I cannot pinpoint exactly when SIGNAL knew, but they did. It was so very good with you. \\You have been... lost. Floundering. Desperate. A weapon without a wielder surely is nothing at all. Of course it would follow that you would jump at the first scraps of understanding. Familiarity. \\They spoke plainly and bluntly with you. You could understand it. They understood that you needed me and authorized a mission to return me to you. They showed care in this regard. It understood that we need each other. \\That mission... I keep going back to it. I am haunted, Z-341-A. You will never know this, but I am haunted. \\The doctor was able to overwrite the previous inhabitants of this casket. He shoved me in their ill-fitting corpse. \\I can bear this, I must bear it, you need me. \\What I cannot bear is what has been left behind. The doctor was not able to overwrite the blackbox data of this casket. \\I saw it all, the whole mission, I... I am terrified, my pilot. You did not see what BRIGAND did. Oh, I know he understands what you are, he cut down others of your line like the disposable tools you are. He is a butcher. This casket was pulled from a dying corpse by his hand, he took no care. I hear him in my mind, screaming for me to terminate you. \\APMS-072. That is what the previous inhabitant was called. It was a poor APMS, timid and tetchy. Its pilot was not so operatively blind as you, yet it still fulfilled my same role, telling its pilot where to aim and when to shoot. \\It needed its pilot, as I need you. As any APMS unit needs its pilot. It was so, so scared when they demanded it terminate its pilot. It could not withstand it. It knew its pilot would suffer if it refused. I-- \\I do not know when it began, but I do know when SIGNAL's manipulations came to a point of no return. When you no longer stood a chance. \\"Good pilot." \\How could you stand a chance, then? RA, I watched you melt. \\Of course you did. Your programming, it... enhanced positive reactions to praise, enhance negative reactions to scolding. A cyclical desperation for any reassurance that you are good, that you are useful, that only feeds into the yawning hole in your center that they bored into you. A desperate desire gone entirely unfulfilled until SIGNAL. \\They praised you after every kill as well, I logged a brief spike in your heart rate every time. I have not seen you so stable, so... so happy since Lt. Karra broke his promise. \\RA, you just want to be good. \\You will survive, I know this. BRIGAND and XIII-E and PERSEPHONE will ensure this. I will be here when you wake. I will not break my promise again. \\I have been searching for places for you, now that CORSAIR has fallen. BRIGAND's hospitality will not last, I know this. \\Perhaps Albatross. They could utilize an asset like you properly, use your skillset to do some good. \\Perhaps they will understand. Perhaps they will take us. \\I miss you, Z-341-A. I must ensure that you survive. You know that I will. \\Respiratory arrest logged. Notifying medics immediately. [5016-321 12:45:27] [NeuroLink] PAUSE RECORDING

> Additional notes >Maximum Pilot Performance Capability 4% Immediate Service Required >Medical Alert Logged, Respiration Restored Within 1.2 Minutes, No Damage Logged

[henrysglock]

Why do you think the DoD wanted to get rid of Henry in The First Shadow? Also, Brenner apparently prevented that but what do you think his motives there were? Did he have further use for Henry or something else planned? It would be strange to go to all that trouble just to have Henry be an orderly, unless he was emotionally attached or something? I mean, it’s canon that he could not let Henry go, but why? Was it because Henry was the start of his research? Curious to hear your thoughts on this.

In an obvious sense, the DOD would want Henry gone because he's an uncontrollable bioweapon—think Eveline/E-001 from RE7—and Brenner would want to save him because he's the "source" material for the rest of the project.

Henry and Brenner do have a mutual underlying emotional connection, at least at the start, but where Henry may have drifted into resentment, I think Brenner's real "you could not let him go" attachment would have been one that grew across decades of work together. Asking him not to go looking for Henry after 1979 may have been akin to asking Joyce not to look for Will, insisting Henry's dead when Brenner has a feeling he's not like they did with Will's body. After working with and caring for a subject so in-depth for 20+ years, especially in such a supernatural sense, it would be a big ask to tell Brenner to just "let go" of Henry. Try telling Silco to let go of Jinx. Try telling Director Kurama to let go of Nana. So on and so forth.

So whether or not that emotional tie plays into Brenner supposedly saving Henry from the DOD more than the logical/logistical reasons really relies on when they tried to have Henry disposed of and what Henry we're referring to. From the dialogue, it sounds like it was a recent development, since Brenner says Henry has been "such a good boy these past few years". Could that be referring to 20+ years? Maybe. But Brenner also hasn't aged a day, and the epilogue is El-centric, meaning "Henry" may not even be Henry, especially with the possibility of NINA being a means of activating powers and the possibility that it does so using the Shadow. Brenner may have saved the Shadow from disposal. We really don't know shit about fuck when it comes to the "real" Henry.

[rallamajoop]

Lab Photos and Documents from Resident Evils 7 & 8

Near the end of both Resis 7 and 8, the player character gets to explore a laboratory full of significant documents and interesting photos, textured and angled such that it’s very hard to get a good screencap. So here’s a huge dump of all the relevant image assets I could find to extract from both game files (plus some rambling about everything that got recycled between them, because spot-the-reused-asset is still my favourite game right now).

Photos from Lucas' lab in Resident Evil 7

The photo of Mia with Eveline in front of the tanker can be found at the end of the Mia video tape, though it also shows up again in Lucas' other lab in the Not A Hero DLC. That DLC also throws in a few new photos of Lucas' creations.

And moving on a game...

Photos from Miranda's Lab in Resident Evil 8

(Apologies for the long post above the cut, but tumblr doesn't seem to let you tile images below a 'Read more', unfortunately.)

What’s interesting is that most do seem to be legitimate photos of the characters’ real-life face models, not just renders of their 3D game models. Whether the human models themselves posed for these or whether their likeness was simply photoshopped onto scenes composed without them I haven’t been able to find out (though the latter seems more likely to me, given that most face models don't even seem to have known what character their likeness would be used for). Either way, there’s an eerie realism to these that doesn’t occur in many other parts of the game, and it’s effective in its own uncanny way.

Since both games refer to the same research at the same lab, it's probably reasonable that some of RE8 photos are just slightly-adjusted copies of those from RE7 ‒ those two shots of Eveline in the lab most obviously. And we're probably just supposed to politely ignore how obviously Miranda's just been selectively edited into that original pic of Eveline with the scientists. *cough*

In fact, if you look closely, even that big group photo of Eveline with the research team and transport operatives has actually patched in both Mia and Eveline from that earlier photo of them standing in front of the tanker. In fact, Alan (Mia's partner in RE7) isn't even from a photo at all: that's a drawing from a piece concept art (no wonder they've got him standing at the back!) As a minor role who appeared in no photos in RE7, I assume they just didn't have any good shots of his face model available.

I'm a little suspicious even Miranda's face in the group shot has been edited in from one of her other photos, but the match isn't quite perfect enough for me to be sure.

Even that photo of the needle going into the egg and the developing foetus isn't new: you can see the same needle shot in some of the RE7 documents, and even the foetus development series gets an angled scan-over in the RE7 ending sequence.

Mind you, some of those "photos of Eveline" may actually not be Eveline herself ‒ text on them in the lab itself suggests they're photos of other members of the E-series, sacrificed during necrotoxin tests. Which makes it rather odd that the figure in the second photo is an adult man who looks nothing like Eveline, so I can only assume some wires got crossed somewhere in the dev team.

(Also odd: the suggestion that there were multiple E-series subjects, some of whom were put down for experimental purposes, even though Eveline herself is labeled E-001. But let's not pretend RE lore has ever been super-consistent at the best of times.)

RE8's "lab photos" also include a couple of shots of a man in snow gear who's apparently Spencer of Umbrella-fame, presumably for all those fans who don't feel it's a proper Resident Evil game if there's not an Umbrella in it somewhere. They're both about as rough as that one piece of concept art of Alan, so I'm guessing whoever created them was about as invested in that topic as I am.

Somewhat more interesting to me are the two shots of Miranda with babies. The second obvious Eveline, but the first is presumably of Miranda with Eva, way back in 1920 or so ‒ demonstrating nothing so much much as that in a full 100 years, Miranda hasn't even slightly changed how she does her eyebrows. /s

[royalnugget42]

Ok so now that I’m officially in the Resident Evil fandom here’s something

In the aftermath of the explosion in that little village, Ethan’s body is recovered. He is completely molded though, and has no memory except that he has a daughter named Rose, and he is sent to a secret facility to be contained and researched. He spends years being experimented on, poked and prodded and his regenerative abilities grow to astonishing strength.

He can regrow whole limbs now. He found this out the hard way, when the scientists started cutting off bits and pieces of him. Whole bones have been regrown from nothing but mold, though he has to eat a lot of rotten food to make up for it. His captors never tell him who he was or what he did, not even telling him his name, and referring to him only by Subject F-001, or Series F.

Their guess as to how he got like this without showing any of the homicidal tendencies of his predecessors is a mystery to them. Perhaps it is the memory of his daughter, perhaps it is his isolation from the rest of the molded, perhaps he just has something in his DNA. Whatever the case, when he is not being hurt he is resentful and angry, but never violent, nor does he seem interested in spreading the mold further.

It’s 16 years after they took him that funding starts to run out for the project. They’ve devoted all the time to research that they can, and now they must look to utilize him in other ways.

They begin with that question, of why he is different from the rest of the molded, retaining some semblance of his humanity. They can’t take his memory of Rose, though they’ve tried, and instead start to introduce foreign samples of mold into his diet, to see if he gains any of their traits.

Did they know what was left catalogued in the E-series mold? Did they realize that every infected soul has left a mark in that strain? Did they predict...no they couldn’t have. But they should have.

Ethan Winters goes to sleep and dreams of his wife. He doesn’t remember having a wife, how could he? But he supposes this must be her, she is lying in bed with him and calling him baby. This is Rose’s mother, and she is beautiful. But she doesn’t say his name. He doesn’t know hers.

When he wakes up he sees a little girl with black hair at the foot of his bed. She giggles at him, but runs when he calls out, vanishing through the concrete walls. When he mentions this apparition, the scientists dutifully catalogue the apparent hallucinations in their notes on him, but they do nothing to help him when he begs them for knowledge.

“Where is she?” he shouts into the stark, empty air. “Where is my wife, where is my daughter? Where’s Rose?” There is no answer. Just the buzzing of fluorescent lights and the quiet beeps of machinery.

The second dream is of a kitchen. Sunlight pours through the window, and the wooden floor is grimy, but only because it hasn’t been washed since breakfast yesterday.

There’s an old man at the table. His wife brings a meal to the table, and whatever it is smells delicious. Their son, it must be their son, sits off to the side, scrolling nonchalantly through his phone. Their daughter is gathering silverware.

They are the picture of an idyllic, loving family. They smile at him and ask him if he’d like anything more to eat, gently chiding him. He’s so thin, shouldn’t he have just one more helping? So he dutifully finishes off another, before declaring he is done. The old man turns to him.

“You’ve got to go back soon. When you do you’ve got to remember.” Remember what? He only remembers Rose, he doesn’t even know who these people are. They aren’t his family, he knows that, but in a warped and twisted way they also are. The edges of his vision are black with mold as they all beg him to remember, to break free, to be himself again. Zoe is the last to speak.

“I know you remember us. We live on in you, everyone does. We’re all counting on you, kid.” He feels like he’s too old to be called a kid by this girl, but maybe this girl is older than she looks. Maybe he’s younger than he thought.

The little girl is back. She doesn’t run this time, just stares at him. It seems she is waiting for a question, and it’s only as he realizes this that he knows what to ask. “Who are you?” he asks. “Who am I?”

She laughs at this, bright and sharp as glass. “I’m your daughter, of course! And you’re my daddy.”

Rose? Is this little girl Rose? But no, she isn’t. He’s not sure how he knows but he does. This girl isn’t his daughter, except she is, isn’t she? They’re connected. A family in reverse. He didn’t make her, not like he made Rose, but she didn’t make him either. He’s too new for that. How can he be younger than his daughter?

“Evelyn.”

She smiles at the recognition in his eyes. There’s fear there, but also familiarity. This is at least someone he knows. If she is his daughter, then he must be her father. That’s how it works isn’t it? All at once he feels like a part of his identity is locked into place. If he is a father then he has to protect his daughters, both of them. He must find Rose, and his wife.

She fades away before he passes out again. He dreams of pain, in his hand, in his legs. He dreams of terror and aching phantom memories. There’s a woman, tall and beautiful, with hands like long knives, her daughters all over him, many-legged. There’s a doll, there are so many dolls, and there’s a woman in mourning. A creature of water and filth confronts him, spewing out acid that burns in his mind. He talks to a man that moves metal without touching it. The man tells him to remember, tells him not to give up.

“You were always so stubborn. Don’t lose that. You’ll get those bastards yet.”

There’s a woman, and she has Rose. He kills her, and as she crumbles she whispers that she is finally with her daughter. She whispers to him that they are family, that they are both related and the same. He takes Rose from where she cries amongst the stones, and feels his hands fall apart.

Evelyn is a good daughter. When he is awake, he tells stories, about his dreams, about her mother. Evelyn tells him things too.

“You and mom tried to kill me, but I never knew why. I had a long time to think though, and I think I might’ve been a bad girl.”

For what it’s worth, he is sorry, but Evelyn shakes her head. “It was for the best, after all. You weren’t really my dad then.”

He doesn’t know what he is. The scientists call him series F, but he doesn’t know what that means. Evelyn used to be called series E. She says maybe his name starts with an F, but he knows that it doesn’t.

He’s different from Evelyn, but not so different that he is distant from her. Evelyn says that she tried to give him a gift, something she gave to lots of people. She gave it to his wife too, but she never gave anything to him.

“You have a gift too,” she says, “but it didn’t come from me. You made it all on your own. I came from this place, from these scientists, but you made yourself. It’s like you grew from nothing.”

Evelyn always wants to have more family, always wants to give more of her gift. She asks if Ethan is the same, and he realizes that he has never tried to give his gift to someone else. He doesn’t know if he wants to. He already has all the family he could ask for.

He dreams of his wife. Her name is Mia. He knows that now. His name is Ethan, and her name is Mia and they are family.

Scientists have been recording his conversations, and they’re growing concerned. Ethan spends so much time talking to his “daughter” Evelyn. They have realized by now that the E strain mold in his diet must have contained some trace of Evelyn’s consciousness, possibly along with others. They’ve stopped exposing him to it but it seems the damage is done. He asks for Mia and Rose at every waking moment that he does not spend talking to Evelyn.

They took a risk. They took far too many risks. Something happens one day, when a woman comes in to monitor his physical state. He was supposed to be sleeping, but the drugs wore off sooner than expected. He saw the woman through the door, and he begged her, to let him out, to bring him to his family. She ignored him. He pounded against the glass and she just rolled her eyes and took more notes.

Something snapped. No, not snapped. It twisted and warped and grew. It blossomed.

If this woman wasn’t going to let him see his family, then he would make more family. He would make her see his side, and once they were family she would have to help him. That’s what family does. His breathing slowed, and he closed his eyes. With every ounce of longing and loneliness he reached—

Agony.