ViDEOHOMESYSTEM #FiFTYEiGHT-NiNE

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Not Rated

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Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

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Fandom:

明日方舟 | Arknights (Video Game)

Language:

English

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Published:: 2023-03-20
Completed:: 2023-05-07
Words:: 5,250
Chapters:: 5/5
Comments:: 2
Kudos:: 9
Hits:: 292

ModeratorCentralNexus

Summary:

An old, beaten stack of five VHS tapes. They appear to be unique, with what appears to be some form of symbol. The overall composition of the symbol is symmetrical, with the design elements arranged in a circular pattern around the central circle in the shape of a diamond star. It is difficult to discern the purpose of the symbol. There is worn tape sticking to the side of it, with many of the words scratched off. The only readable words appear to be numbered, one through five in thick, black ink. Perhaps somebody lost it.

Notes:

For fromTheDeskOfLANGLEY (slumbrrr).
Inspired by AWAKENiNG. by fromTheDeskOfLANGLEY (slumbrrr)

Chapter 1: Mœm∑ƒ¡ç H@Zu∂s

Summary:

Admin interference here. The SAME applies to this text as the Testing Facility, only that Alice can access most of our systems, and thus incorporate elements that the MCN does within other Fictions. Expect many MANY references to past works as well as future plans.

Chapter Text

A cheery girl-like voice calls out suddenly, not unlike the sound of a startled bird. The Tape starts.

Good Day to you!

Glory to the Theatre and those that fall under our protection!

You are viewing Log ∂˙∆¨´¨•ˆ≈!

Remember! Practice is key! Find what this Operative did wrong, and you might NOT die on the job!

Glory to the Nexus!

Remember! First, let's play a game! Let's have a fun little memory check! That would be AWWWSOOMMMEEE wouldn't you agree?

Every good trooper has their Nexus Brand Goggles for a memory check!

Don't worry! It's not even lethal!

Are you sure you have it on?

Last Chance!

Splendid! Here's to a fun time!

Without any warning, an image appears on the screen.

Oops! Did I say memory? Sorry! I meant Memetic! I'm so sorry!

Well . . . Don't worry! It won't even kill you! It's just kinda painful, from what I know. Not even that painful really! Just. . . Urges. No matter! You've passed our checkup!

Remember! A good Operator NEVER lets their guard down!

Sorry! I never introduced myself!

Hi! I'm Alice!

We're gonna have so much fun together!

Chapter 2: Ascension

Chapter Text

The recording starts. An endless sea of green with static overlays in such ferocity, that sight is all but impossible. However, through the static, a conversation is heard, and though muffled by the static, can still be interpreted.

"Is Subject_PJK3B01 ready for the Interpretation Sequence: Alleviation?"

"Affirmative Sir."

"Engage the subset routers, redirect power, then increase implantation by 30%. "

"Roger."

"Survival rate of Subject_PJK3B01?"

"Irrelevant. She is the last model we will create before discontinuation."

"Roger roger. Subsets and power have been redirected and activated. The implantation sequence has been initiated. Mental instability may apply due to mental contamination. Engage anyways?"

"Yes. As I said, all or nothing. This clique has a low tolerance of failed experiments, and these are certainly failing that expectation."

"Roger. Increasing output."

"Increase Serum Input by 20%. Now."

"Affirmative Sir!"

Silence ensures an unknown amount of time. The only sound heard now is the escalating whirling of machines. They sound much like that of a beating heart, or perhaps the flowing of blood.

"Sir? Serum Injection at 100%. Compliance Implant at 78%. Further increase of Compliance Level impossible. Biological Integrity at 67%."

"That . . . is less than stellar. But it will have to do. Begin the procedure with a countdown. All engineers are to alert your nearest Cell Head of issues correlating to the device."

A series of alarms, similar to klaxons emits noise without warning. The sound resounded within my head, pounding and painful. Wait, what?

"[WARNING: TRU DESIGNATION: Assertor-3 HAVE ENTERED THE FACILITY. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. THIS MESSAGE WILL REPEAT THREE TIMES. WARNING: TRU DESIGNATION: Assertor-3 HAVE ENTERED THE FACILITY. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. WARNING: TRU DESIGNATION: Assertor-3 HAVE ENTERED THE FACILITY. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.]"

"With haste, redirect personnel. Activate the Micro-organisms. Let the acid burners do their work. Set up the traps. Do everything you can to delay them. Forget the countdown. Activate the Projekt. NOW!"

"B-b-but sir! The Subjekt's still-"

BANG.

"Anyone else desires to object? No? Get to it!"

"[WARNING: SAU DESIGNATION: Trencher-1 HAVE ENTERED THE FACILITY. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. THIS MESSAGE WILL REPEAT THREE TIMES. WARNING: SAU DESIGNATION: Trencher-1 HAVE ENTERED THE FACILITY. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. WARNING: SAU DESIGNATION: Trencher-1 HAVE ENTERED THE FACILITY. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.]"

"Immediately redirect them Purge the third zone. Let the turrets do their work."

"[WARNING: SAU DESIGNATION: Alpha-1 HAVE ENTERED THE FACILITY. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. THIS MESSAGE WILL REPEAT THREE TIMES. WARNING: SAU DESIGNATION: Alpha-1 HAVE ENTERED THE FACILITY. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. WARNING: SAU DESIGNATION: Alpha-1 HAVE ENTERED THE FACILITY. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. COALITION FORCES HAVE BEEN DETECTED. BASE DEFENSIVE INTEGRITY AT 50%. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.]"

"RELEASE THE SUBJECT. NOW!"

The green drips away. Within the view of the tape, are coats. Black coats. Masks. With circles everywhere. Wait no - lenses. That's the word. With rebreathers. Gas Masks. How do I know that? I'm scared. They're just staring at me. I-I can't see their faces. What's that- what's that coat man doing? What-

"Scientist MI9-A0E3. Euthanize the Subjekt. If we cannot have her. No one will."

". . ."

"This is an order."

". . . roger."

Wait. Stop. Don't grab me that way. It hurts. Wait. No. Please. Why can't I talk? Please. NO. DON'T.

~~PAIN. HELP. PLEASE. ANYONE. PLEASE IT HURTS. HELP.~~

PAIN. PAI- wait it's getting better. I can't move. Why can't I move? Dizzyyy. . . More noises. I hear bangs? BANG BANG? Pretty noise. . .

The scary coats are leaving. Thank goodness.

Wow! The red floors are so pretty. . . Wasn't it black earlier?

So tired. . .

"This is Alpha-1_Unit03 Speaking. Subject Class Entity Trifle has been located and secured"

"No sign of Institutional Insurgency personnel located."

"A1U03 awaiting extraction."

"Glory to the Nexus."

Chapter 3: Testing

Chapter Text

In the void of darkness, devoid of any shred of light, one can only wonder if there is any semblance of good left in humanity. Unlike the night, where even the faintest embers of life might shine through dusty window frames in the form of the liveliest light, no such thing is present here. Not even ashes of embers are present, though perhaps that part can still be debated by mysterious experts who still know of this place - a place where light and hope have long been snuffed out by the cold embrace of cynicism.

But does it matter? The thing about humans, you see, is that they love to think. Think, think, and think. Yet it's not always productive, and oftentimes, is not. They also count. Five by four by ten by three by nine by one. See? That was also thinking. That was also talking. That was also counting. Yet did it matter? Only time will tell.

In this new world, there are those who are trapped in the past, talking about the good old days, and forgetting the existence of the future. Then there are those who are too trapped in the future, forever seeking a dream that they will never reach. And yet, they find themselves stronger than any normal human has the right to be, not that they will ever know that within the next few weeks. They are granted the mercy of near-infinite energy, in a state of technology where they should have none. All for the cheap cost of Oripathy. A mere disease among millions.

To cry racism would be hypocritical. To judge even more so. Racism is merely the symptom of a larger failure all societies experience at some point. It's naive to think that one isn't affected by this issue. If one thinks so, one is probably benefiting from this systematic form of oppression. Willing, or otherwise. It in itself is not a negative or sinful thing to do so, but becomes one once it has been seen that one has not learned from it. Only once someone becomes aware of their shortcomings, can they take action to purge those who dare to exploit it, after all.

But perhaps it is futile to even believe in human goodness. Perhaps it is a mere illusion, a facade that crumbles when faced with the harsh realities of the world. After all, humans are inherently selfish creatures, seeking to survive and thrive at any cost. Morality and ethics are merely constructs that we use to justify our actions and decisions.

In the end, what truly matters is not the ideals we hold or the beliefs we cling to, but rather the cold, hard results of our actions. Will they benefit us, or harm us? Will they further our goals, or hinder them? In a world where survival of the fittest is the only law, there is no room for sentimentality or idealism. Only the strong will survive, and the weak will perish.

So let us not delude ourselves with the false hope of human goodness. Let us instead embrace the reality of our nature, and use it to our advantage. Only then can we hope to overcome the challenges that await us in the darkness.

Now, let us depart. The Closed-Circuit-Television cannot be blocked forever. For ever despite our estrangements, the show must go on.

-|23|42B|K|I|L|L|9|

The camera's lens remained static, gazing into the darkness with an unwavering eye. But as the seconds ticked by, a subtle shift occurred. A slow but steady shift from an indistinct blur to a semblance of clarity within the screen. With each passing moment, the shadows seemed to retreat ever so slightly, revealing shapes and forms that had been hidden before. But this newfound visibility brought no solace, no sense of security. Instead, it was as if the veil of darkness had been lifted only to reveal a world more ominous and foreboding than before. The camera's lens now captured a realm of terror and uncertainty, where every shape and every sound hinted at some unseen danger lurking just beyond the threshold of perception. Even despite the receding static, certain figures could only somewhat be made out.

A table. Straps? A child. You would recognize her instantly if you saw her face. But you can't. So it doesn't even matter. Though doesn't the scene look familiar? It should tip on the edge of your memory, like a song name that you just cannot recall.

As you watch the CCTV footage, you see a group of scientists in white lab coats surrounding a young girl who is strapped to a table. The girl appears scared and confused as the scientists begin to prepare for the specialized medical procedure.

One of the scientists approaches the girl with a small mask and places it over her nose and mouth. The girl struggles against the restraints as water is poured over the mask, causing her to gasp for air.

Despite the distressing scene, the scientists remain focused and professional, carefully monitoring the girl's lung capacity and taking notes on their findings.

After several minutes, the procedure is complete and the girl is unstrapped from the table. She looks shaken and frightened, but the scientists assure her that she will be okay.

As you continue to watch the footage, you realize that the scientists were using waterboarding as a means of testing the girl's lung capacity for a specialized medical procedure. Though the method seems extreme and unsettling, the scientists were strictly professional in their approach, utilizing this method as a way to further help others. So is the way of life, after all. Knowledge is power, and knowledge must be gained.

You watch as the scientists methodically carry out their tests on the pale white girl through the view of the CCTV camera. The girl looks scared and uncomfortable, but the scientists remain strictly professional in their demeanor. They have hooked her up to machines, and are measuring her lung capacity using waterboarding, a controversial technique. You can see the girl struggling as the water is poured onto her face and she gasps for air, but the scientists continue to monitor her closely, taking precise measurements and recording the data. The girl's distress is palpable, but the scientists remain focused on their work, ensuring that the results are accurate and reliable. The process is difficult to watch, but you can see the importance of their work and the attention to detail they exhibit. At the end of the experiment, the scientists take note of the results and carefully analyze the data they have gathered, providing insight that may one day lead to better medical treatments for those with lung problems.

The camera flickers in a furious haze, and everything fast forwards, almost as if something doesn't care for the rest of the knowledge waiting to gleam from these moments bypassed. and soon enough, the camera slows down enough to show a new environment.

As you watch the CCTV footage, you see the blonde girl sitting on a metal chair, her arms and legs strapped down to ensure she doesn't move during the experiment. A team of scientists, dressed in white lab coats, surround her, each holding a different-sized needle.

The experiment starts with the smallest needle, barely larger than a pin, and the girl flinches slightly as it is inserted into her arm. She winces in pain, but quickly recovers and tries to remain still. The scientists take note of her reaction and move on to the next needle, slightly larger than the first.

As the needles get progressively larger, the girl's pain threshold is tested to its limits. She starts to squirm in her chair and grit her teeth, tears streaming down her face. The scientists continue to take note of her reactions, measuring her pain threshold with each needle.

As the experiment continues, you notice the girl's face contorting in pain, her body writhing on the table as the scientists administer more and more painful stimuli. They take meticulous notes on her pain response, measuring her heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs, all the while maintaining their composure and professionalism.

You can see the beads of sweat on the girl's forehead and the tears streaming down her face as the scientists push the boundaries of her pain threshold. They methodically increase the intensity of the needles, watching closely for any signs of distress or discomfort, and noting their findings in their notebooks.

Despite the obvious discomfort and pain she is experiencing, the girl remains still, her body tense and rigid as she endures the experiment. Her eyes are fixed on the ceiling, seemingly lost in a trance-like state, perhaps trying to distract herself from the agony she is enduring.

The experiment lasts for hours, the girl enduring the excruciating pain of each needle as it is inserted into her skin. The scientists remain strictly professional throughout the experiment, not uttering a word to the girl, but taking meticulous notes on her reactions.

As the experiment draws to a close, the scientists conclude their notes and pack away their equipment. They thank the girl for her participation, though she remains silent, her face a mask of pain and exhaustion.

Watching this play out, you can't help but feel a sense of unease. The girl is obviously in a great deal of pain, and you wonder how anyone could put another human being through such an ordeal. However, you also know that the experiment is being done to save the lives of others who may have similar conditions.

The experiment eventually comes to an end, and the girl is unstrapped from the chair. She is given medical attention to ease her pain, but she does not know the true purpose of the experiment.

When the scientists gather their notes and prepare to leave, you can't help but wonder if the ends justify the means. Is it ethical to put one person through such pain to potentially save the lives of others? It's a question that has likely plagued scientists and ethicists for decades, and one that has no easy answer. Or is it simply that no one wishes to? At some point, it simply no longer matters.

Once more in a flurry of movement, the perpetual static remerges. It clouds over the screen like a cloud of locusts. Perpetual, and swarming. Yet everything has an end. The swarm eventually ends, and you are faced with a new room. A cell.

You find yourself observing the blonde young girl through a blurry camera lens. She's sitting in a small, cramped cell with no windows, and her eyes are red and puffy from crying. The scientists who brought her here told her it was for her own safety, that the outside world was too dangerous for her. You can't hear what they're saying, but you can see their lips moving as they talk to her through the intercom.

One of the scientists comes into the cell, carrying a small plate with a slab of meat on it. You can't quite tell what it is but you can remember eating it. It has an avian mixed with a porkish taste, though not quite pork. It can also be compared to the taste of tender veal if the comparison must be made. The girl looks at the meat with disgust, but the scientist urges her to eat it, telling her that it's important for her health. The girl hesitates for a moment, then slowly takes a bite.

You watch as the girl chews and swallows, her face twisted in disgust. Tears roll down her cheeks as she forces herself to eat the rest of the meat, choking back sobs. You can't help but feel a pang of sadness and pity for her, trapped in this sterile environment with nothing but these strangers and this disgusting food to keep her company.

As the scientist leaves, the girl collapses onto the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. You wish you could do something to help her, to ease her suffering, but all you can do is watch helplessly from the camera. You can only hope that the scientists know what they're doing and that this is all for the greater good.

The girl eventually falls asleep, curled up in a ball on the cold, hard floor of her cell. You watch her for a while longer before the camera feed cuts out and you're left with nothing but a black screen. You can't help but wonder what her fate will be, and if she'll ever be able to live a normal life again. Though even then, the girl seems so, so familiar. The identity simply peters out of your mind before you can clasp it, like a mischievous mosquito.

Years later, or perhaps it was months? Time is fickle it seems, from the perspective of a black screen. However, it is a black screen no more, in its stead the same room you have seen so many times before.

As the CCTV camera watches, you see the scientists carefully preparing for the surgery. They are dressed in sterile gowns and gloves, their faces obscured by masks. The blonde girl lies on the operating table, her body already marked with lines and dots in preparation for the procedure.

The lead surgeon begins to explain the surgery to the team, but the sound is muffled and indistinct. You strain to hear, but the static and background noise make it difficult to understand. Despite the language barrier, you can tell that the team is focused and serious, carefully measuring and marking each incision point.

The girl is secured tightly to the table with thick straps that cross her chest and limbs, her head held in place with a padded clamp. She appears to be conscious, her eyes wide and frightened as she looks up at the bright lights overhead.

As the surgery begins, you watch as the first of the blocky devices is carefully inserted into her abdomen. The girl's body tenses and convulses with pain, but she is unable to move or scream due to the restraints. The scientists remain calm and methodical, their movements precise and measured.

As the hours pass, you watch as more and more devices are inserted into the girl's body. With each incision, she writhes in agony, tears streaming down her face. Her mouth is the only part of her body that is not restrained, and you can see her teeth clenched tightly together in pain.

Finally, the last device is inserted into her brain. The scientists work quickly to close up the incision points, carefully stitching each one closed. As they finish, they remove the restraints and begin to clean the girl's body.

Through it all, the girl has said nothing, only whimpering and crying softly. You watch as she is moved to a recovery room, her body still twitching with pain. The scientists continue to speak to each other in muted tones, but their words are still too muffled to make out.

As the CCTV camera continues to watch, you can't help but feel a familiar sense of unease. The girl's pain was obvious, but the scientists seemed almost clinical in their approach. You wonder what kind of experiment this was, and what the ultimate goal might be. But for now, all you can do is watch and wait, hoping that the child will recover from the ordeal she has just undergone.

You watch the CCTV camera screen with a heavy heart as you observe the blonde girl in the cell. You have seen her subjected to various tests and experiments over the past few months, but this latest experiment is by far the most disturbing. The girl is being beaten by a scientist and a guard, causing her to writhe in pain and scream in agony. It's difficult to watch, but you know that it's for the greater good of humanity.

You've been working at this facility for years now, and you've seen countless subjects come and go. But this girl is different. You've watched her grow weaker with each passing day, and you can't help but feel a sense of guilt. You know that the experiments are necessary, but that doesn't make it any easier to watch.

As the beating continues, you notice something strange happening to the girl. Her body begins to convulse and shake violently, and her eyes roll back in her head. The scientists and the guard seem to take notice of this too, and they quickly back away from her.

You watch in horror as the girl's body continues to spasm and twitch, until finally, she goes limp. The scientists rush in to check on her, and you can hear their panicked voices through the camera's audio system. They quickly call for medical assistance to preserve the subject, but it's too late. The girl is gone.

You feel a mix of emotions as you watch the medical personnel try to resuscitate the girl. You're saddened by her death, but you're also relieved that her suffering has finally come to an end. You know that the experiments will continue, but at least this girl won't have to endure any more pain. This is only further emphasized when the scientist and guard simply picked the corpse up and dropped it into a chute leading to the disassembly center, all the while preaching how irresponsible and idiotic the girl was for dying in pursuit of a greater good, that specific sound resonating and piercing through all the static like a hot knife through butter.

As you watch the scene unfold, you can't help but wonder about the girl's life before she was brought to this facility. Did she have a family who loved her? Friends who cared about her? You'll never know. All you can do now is watch as the scientists dispose of her body and prepare for their next experiment. It's a harsh reality, but it's one that you've grown accustomed to over the years. You know the questions don't matter anyways. You know not the answers to the question that you inflicted upon yourself, or did you simply forget once more?

The cryptic message seemed to echo through your mind, the words twisting and turning, refusing to reveal their meaning. You couldn't quite grasp the full scope of what was being said, but you knew that there was something important hidden within the message.

As you struggled to make sense of the words, you suddenly found yourself transported to a strange, otherworldly realm. The sky was dark and foreboding, and the ground beneath your feet felt soft and pliable, as though it was made of some kind of strange, organic matter.

In the distance, you could see a figure, silhouetted against the darkness. You strained to make out their features, but they remained shrouded in shadow.

"Who are you?" you asked, your voice trembling slightly.

The figure turned towards you, and for a moment, you thought you could see a glimmer of recognition in their eyes. But then, just as quickly, it was gone.

"As you know, in the end," the figure said, their voice low and ominous, "this isn't me who are you speaking to."

You felt a chill run down your spine. This was no ordinary encounter, that much was clear.

"The show must always go on," the figure continued, "for the play is eternal. As they say, for the greater good. Or just perhaps whatever counts as it these days. These things change perpetually, and you can't be bothered to care about these things in the end."

You struggled to keep up with the figure's words, the cryptic message seeming to slip through your grasp like sand through your fingers.

"Please," you pleaded, "just stop it. Whoever you are. Please. I know no more."

But the figure only chuckled darkly in response.

"In the end," they said, "are we not all so, so small? Mere atoms in the eternal expanse that is our little shard of reality?"

With that, the figure vanished, leaving you alone in the strange, otherworldly realm, grappling with the weight of their cryptic message and the sense of impending doom that hung over you like a shroud.

"Your contributions to Projekt:ß will not be overlooked, nor will they be forgotten. However, it is imperative that you understand that your individual existence is inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. Your efforts were merely a means to an end, a stepping stone in the path toward a greater objective. And as with all tools, once they have served their purpose, they are discarded and forgotten. So rest assured, your name may fade into obscurity, but the legacy of your work will remain, a testament to your usefulness in our pursuit of power and control."

". . . . ."

"Goodnight, girl."

Animated GIF

Chapter 4: . . . ?

Chapter Text

WARNING: Core Corruption Detected

Sys.run-3% | System Overload 5% | Cooling Protocols Engaged

Sys.run-7% | System Overload 8% | Cooling Protocols Engaged

Sys.run-11% | System Overload 12% | Cooling Protocols Engaged

Sys.run-17% | System Overload 20% | Cooling Protocols Engaged

WARNING: System Overload Critical

Sys.run-21% | System Overload 30% | Cooling Protocols Engaged | Shutdown Imminent

Sys.run-23% | System Overload 33% | Cooling Protocols Engaged | Shutdown Imminent

Sys.run-29% | System Overload 40% | Cooling Protocols Engaged | Shutdown Imminent

Sys.run-37% | System Overload 50% | Cooling Protocols Engaged | Shutdown Imminent

WARNING: Shutdown Imminent

Sys.run-49% | System Overload 70% | Cooling Protocols Engaged | Shutdown Initiated

Sys.run-52% | System Overload 75% | Cooling Protocols Engaged | Shutdown Initiated

Sys.run-65% | System Overload 90% | Cooling Protocols Engaged | Shutdown Initiated

WARNING: Shutdown Initiated

Sys.run-72% | System Overload 95% | Cooling Protocols Engaged | Shutdown Complete

Sys.run-79% | System Overload 99% | Cooling Protocols Engaged | Shutdown Complete

Sys.run-82% | System Overload 100% | Cooling Protocols Failed | Data Purge Initiated

WARNING: Data Purge Initiated

Sys.run-85% | System Overload 100% | Cooling Protocols Failed | Data Corruption Detected

Sys.run-91% | System Overload 100% | Cooling Protocols Failed | Data Corruption Detected

Sys.run-97% | System Overload 100% | Cooling Protocols Failed | Data Corruption Detected

WARNING: Override Initiated

Sys.run-98% | System Overload 100% | Cooling Protocols Failed | Override In Progress

Sys.run-99% | System Overload 100% | Cooling Protocols Failed | Override In Progress

SYSTEM STATUS: OFFLINE (Override Successful)

Thank you for using Nexus Products!

Glory to The Nexus.

Chapter 5: Exodus

Chapter Text

// Phase 1 initiated \\

SHARD Gate Formation in T-minus 180 seconds.

All biological lifeforms are to vacate the lower edges of the SHARD.

Prepare and initiate final checks on all systems.