Chapter 119: Meeting with the O5 Council
Leonard awoke in his seat, slightly dazed. His vision adjusted, and he found himself inside a small, yet incredibly luxurious helicopter. The soft hum of the rotor blades above mixed with the gentle vibrations of the cabin, a stark contrast to the chaos he had endured.
He glanced out the window, his gaze falling on the majestic Swiss Alps speeding past below him. Moonlight bathed the snow-capped peaks, their jagged forms cutting into the dark sky like ancient sentinels. The night was calm, eerily so.
Around him, an armada of black helicopters moved in formation, their silhouettes barely visible against the shadowy backdrop of the mountains. Military transport helicopters mingled with sleek attack helicopters, each flying low to the ground in complete silence. Their dark, streamlined forms were almost invisible in the night, save for the faint red and green lights blinking intermittently.
Leonard could barely make out the others, their machines blending seamlessly with the blackened sky. Despite the calm exterior, the weight of the night hung heavily over the fleet. Every rotor blade cutting through the air was a whisper of the Foundation's silent advance, their movements precise and purposeful.
He adjusted in his seat, taking in the opulence around him. The leather seats, polished wood panels, and dim lights felt surreal after the intensity of battle. Yet, even with the calm of the helicopter, Leonard's thoughts raced. His mind replayed fragments of the chaotic week he lived in another dimension.
He sat back, exhaling slowly, his gaze once again turning toward the night. The armada pressed on, cutting through the darkness.
Beside him, Graves, clad in full Resh-1 combat gear, kept a vigilant watch on their surroundings, his rifle held firmly in his hands. The faint glow of the helicopter's interior lights reflected off his visor as he turned slightly, noticing Leonard stir from his thoughts.
"Boss, need anything?" Graves asked, his voice calm but professional.
Leonard shook his head lightly. "No, I'm good. How much longer until we reach Site-02?"
Graves glanced at the small digital display strapped to his wrist, its faint blue glow illuminating the sharp features of his mask. "Twenty minutes. We'll be there soon," he replied, keeping his voice steady as his gaze shifted back out the window.
Leonard exhaled, leaning back into his seat as he looked out at the passing shadows of the Swiss Alps. The dark terrain rolled on endlessly, only broken by the occasional glimmer of moonlight against the snow. "I was supposed to be there a week and a half ago," he muttered, his tone edged with frustration. His lips twitched in a faint smirk. "Shame my plane decided to take a detour into another dimension…"
Graves froze for a fraction of a second, his fingers tightening ever so slightly around his rifle. Beneath his visor, his smile turned rigid, almost awkward. He didn't dare meet Leonard's gaze, focusing instead on the distant horizon. After all, it was his brilliant idea to have the Administrator travel incognito on a civilian flight, a decision that had, in hindsight, backfired spectacularly.
"Yeah, uh… about that," Graves mumbled under his breath, though he wisely decided to leave the thought unfinished.
Leonard chuckled softly, the sound carrying a faint edge of weariness as his eyes followed the darkness outside. The helicopter carried on, the low hum of its blades filling the silence between them. For now, there was nothing more to do but wait, and hope the next leg of their journey was less chaotic than the last.
---
Twenty minutes later, the armada arrived at a grandiose mansion perched atop a towering mountain. The sprawling estate exuded an air of authority and secrecy, its silhouette illuminated by the faint glow of the moon. Scattered across the mountainside were several helipads connected by intricately designed pathways, each leading to the mansion's main structure. As Leonard's helicopter descended onto one of the prominent helipads, the other helicopters veered off, landing elsewhere along the mountain.
Leonard's gaze sharpened as he noticed part of the mountainside shift with mechanical precision. The ground opened like a colossal door, revealing an expansive underground hangar. Inside were more than twenty additional helipads and a fleet of fighter jets lined up in perfect symmetry, their sleek frames gleaming under the facility's fluorescent lights. The sight left him momentarily confused, though he quickly masked it with his usual composure.
Graves was the first to disembark, stepping out of the helicopter with practiced ease. He circled the craft, his boots crunching softly against the frosty ground, before reaching Leonard's side to open the door. "Sir," he said curtly, extending a hand as Leonard stepped down.
The moment Leonard's feet touched the ground, he was immediately surrounded by a tight formation of ten Resh-1 operators. Their dark, intimidating uniforms blended seamlessly with the shadows of the night, their movements disciplined and silent. They left a clear path in front of Leonard, ensuring he could proceed unobstructed while maintaining a vigilant perimeter.
As the helicopter's rotors wound down and silence settled over the helipad, Leonard's attention shifted to the group awaiting them a few meters ahead. More than thirty Alpha-1 operatives stood at attention in two perfect rows, their imposing presence a testament to their reputation as the "Red Right Hand." At their forefront stood a man wearing a beret, his expression firm yet respectful.
The man stepped forward, his boots striking the concrete with deliberate precision. He stopped a few steps from Leonard, straightened his posture, and saluted crisply. "Greetings, Administrator," he said, his voice carrying a tone of unwavering professionalism. "I am Commander Lance Cooper, in charge of Alpha-1, 'Red Right Hand.' I've been tasked by the Council to escort you to the meeting room. Please, follow me."
At his command, the Alpha-1 operatives parted, forming an open corridor for Leonard to pass through. As Leonard moved forward, his steps deliberate, Graves and Lance exchanged a firm handshake behind him. The handshake lingered for a moment longer than necessary, a silent recognition of two men who had once shared camaraderie on the battlefield but hadn't seen each other in years.
"Graves," Lance said with a faint smirk.
"Lance," Graves replied, his voice tinged with familiarity.
No more words were exchanged as Lance and Graves caught up to Leonard, resuming their place at the Administrator's side. The entire group began moving down a carefully maintained concrete path, flanked by a breathtaking view of the snowy mountain landscape. The chill of the air bit at their exposed skin, but none faltered.
Leonard's eyes scanned the path ahead, his expression unreadable. The mansion loomed closer with each step, its grandiose presence a stark reminder of the weight he carried. Behind him, the synchronized movements of Resh-1 and Alpha-1 operatives echoed the unspoken truth: this was no ordinary meeting.
They rounded the manor and entered through the grand front doors, which opened to reveal a striking sight. Over a hundred maids and butlers stood in neat, symmetrical lines, their heads bowed in reverence for the Administrator's arrival. The grandeur of the interior was unparalleled, marble floors gleamed under the soft lighting of chandeliers, and the scent of polished wood and fresh flowers filled the air.
Lance, walking beside Leonard, gave a slight nod toward the assembled staff and commented, "These ladies and gentlemen are all Alpha-1 operatives, tasked with maintaining, cleaning, and safeguarding Site-02. Their duties go beyond the ordinary; they ensure the site's security and efficiency at every level."
As Lance finished speaking, one of the butlers, a dignified older man with neatly combed white hair and a pristine uniform, stepped forward. His posture was straight and confident, his demeanor one of practiced elegance. Bowing slightly, he addressed Leonard with a calm yet authoritative voice.
"We welcome you, Administrator, to this humble estate. Our teams are at your service 24 hours a day for the duration of your stay. Should you require anything, do not hesitate to summon us."
Lance stepped closer to the butler, placing a hand on his shoulder with an easy familiarity. Turning back to Leonard, he added with a small smile, "This is the Chief Butler of Site-02. He is the head of the site's perpetual maintenance and security. Additionally, he acts as an ambassador to the O5 Council."
Leonard nodded in acknowledgment, his gaze meeting the butler's. "Thank you for your dedication. I trust everything is in order," Leonard replied, his tone neutral but respectful.
The group moved deeper into the manor, eventually arriving at an enormous staircase that split into two sweeping arcs leading to the upper floors. Its design was as practical as it was ornate, a masterpiece of engineering and aesthetic appeal. As they reached the base of the stairs, the Chief Butler stepped forward and pressed a discreet button concealed in the ornate railing.
A low rumbling filled the air as the staircase began to split apart, revealing a hidden elevator at its center. The metallic doors gleamed under the chandelier's light, a stark contrast to the classical architecture surrounding it.
Lance glanced at Leonard, his expression turning slightly sheepish. "Administrator," he began, scratching the back of his neck, "the elevator isn't large enough to accommodate your entire escort…"
Leonard waved a hand dismissively. "It's not an issue," he replied smoothly. "Black Eagle, take four operators and come with me. The rest of you, wait here until we return."
The Resh-1 operatives gave sharp nods of acknowledgement, immediately forming a perimeter around the staircase to maintain security. Leonard stepped into the elevator, followed by Graves, Lance, and four selected Resh-1 operators. The confined space buzzed with silent tension, each individual maintaining a disciplined composure.
Lance slid his security badge into a slot next to the single button within the elevator and pressed it. The doors sealed with a soft hiss, and the elevator began its descent, the faint hum of machinery filling the enclosed space. Leonard's expression remained unreadable, his eyes focused on the faint flicker of light from the button as the elevator smoothly descended deeper into the mountain.
As the elevator hummed softly during its descent, Leonard seemed lost in thought for a moment. Then, a memory surfaced, and he leaned closer to Graves, who instinctively bent down to match Leonard's height.
In a hushed tone, Leonard murmured, "Why is it that when I arrived at Site-01, I didn't get a welcome like this?"
Graves paused, clearly caught off guard, and glanced at Leonard with a slightly embarrassed expression. Lowering his voice, he replied, "That's because you arrived in a coma… on a hospital bed… after your fight with SCP-096."
Leonard blinked at him, his face blank for a moment before realization dawned. "Oh, right… that." He let out a small, resigned sigh. "Yeah, that tracks."
Graves smirked faintly but said nothing further, keeping his professional demeanor intact.
Finally, the elevator came to a smooth stop, and the soft ding of the arrival echoed in the confined space. The metal doors slid open with a quiet hiss, revealing a heavily fortified checkpoint.
The area was immaculate and intimidating. Over a dozen Alpha-1 operatives stood at attention, fully armed and clad in their signature black tactical gear. Their visors glinted under the harsh fluorescent lights, concealing their expressions. Each operative carried a mix of cutting-edge weaponry and personal SRA (Scranton Reality Anchor) modules, ensuring the checkpoint's security against both physical and anomalous threats.
The squad parted slightly to form a clear path as Leonard stepped forward, their movements precise and synchronized. Lance gave Leonard a subtle nod, gesturing for him to proceed, while Graves and the Resh-1 operatives flanked him closely, their gazes sweeping the checkpoint for any sign of danger.
The air was tense but disciplined, the atmosphere befitting one of the most secure areas within Site-02.
Leonard and his entourage, guided by Lance, traversed the vast, sprawling depths of the subterranean Site-02. The corridors seemed endless, their walls lined with reinforced steel and glowing faintly under the cold, sterile light of overhead lamps. Each step echoed faintly, swallowed by the sheer immensity of the underground labyrinth.
As they walked, Leonard passed numerous personnel, administrative staff bustling with files, field agents sharpening their skills, and operatives under the direct command of the O5 Council. Everywhere he looked, Alpha-1 operatives were stationed with unwavering vigilance, their presence a constant reminder of the facility's importance and secrecy.
On occasion, Leonard encountered personnel from the Ethics Committee, their composed and measured demeanor a stark contrast to the operatives' militaristic aura. One figure stood out, a high-ranking Ethics Committee advisor who nodded respectfully at Leonard as their paths crossed. Leonard acknowledged him with a brief nod, his pace unbroken.
Eventually, the group entered another elevator, its walls reinforced and its interior spartan. Lance swiped his badge and pressed a button with no label, initiating a descent even deeper into the earth. The hum of the machinery was all that could be heard as the cabin carried them further down.
When the elevator doors opened, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. They stepped into the heart of the O5 Council's domain, a sector where security was paramount. The corridors here were lined with Alpha-1 operatives, standing at attention or patrolling with disciplined precision. Nearly every door was flanked by guards, their faces hidden behind high-tech helmets and their weapons held ready.
The tension in the air was palpable, a mix of awe and unease as Leonard and his group approached the final destination. The journey ended before an imposing metal door, its surface engraved with layers of protective seals and security codes. The reinforced frame was flanked by over a dozen Alpha-1 operatives, their postures rigid, their eyes tracking every movement.
Leonard's gaze lifted to the engraved plaque above the doorway. The words were simple but carried immense weight: "O5 Council Meeting Chamber."
For a moment, silence hung heavy in the air. Lance stepped forward, exchanged a few words with the guards, and then turned back to Leonard, gesturing toward the door. "Administrator, the Council awaits your presence."
Leonard adjusted his coat, his expression unreadable, and took a step forward, the weight of the moment sinking in. Behind him, his escort remained still, their disciplined silence a testament to their unwavering loyalty.
With a soft hiss, the heavy door began to slide open, revealing the room beyond.
Leonard stepped into the dimly lit corridor, the faint glow of sporadic lights barely illuminating the long, foreboding path ahead. The air was heavy, thick with the weight of what lay at the end of this shadowy passage. A single door stood at the far end, shrouded in an ominous silence that seemed to beckon him forward.
Behind him, Lance and the chief butler halted in their tracks. Lance straightened his posture and gave a sharp salute. "Unfortunately, this is where I must stop. I'm not authorized to proceed beyond this point. Good luck, Administrator."
Leonard nodded without a word, his expression unreadable, and stepped forward. Flanked by the Resh-1 team, he made his way down the corridor, their boots echoing softly against the cold, metallic floor.
Upon reaching the solitary door, Leonard paused. He reached into his pocket, withdrawing his personal accreditation card. The device in his hand felt heavier than usual, as though the weight of responsibility itself rested within it. Without hesitation, he slid the card into the reader. A soft chime followed, and the door opened without a sound, revealing what lay beyond.
The room was vast, circular, and dominated by a single platform in its center. The platform was surrounded by a semi-circular table raised slightly above it, emphasizing its prominence. Leonard's gaze shifted upward, drawn to the thirteen figures seated behind the table.
They were shadows, silhouettes darker than the void, their forms featureless save for the faint, eerie glow of two white points that served as their eyes. Their presence was oppressive, commanding, and otherworldly. The shadows moved in unison, standing as one in acknowledgment of his arrival.
The figure directly in front of him bore an insignia etched into the table before it: O5-1. Her voice, distorted yet firm, broke the silence.
"Boss, welcome to the O5 Council Chamber. We are finally pleased to have you here."
Another voice followed, this one originating from the shadow marked O5-3. Its tone carried a faint trace of humor beneath the distortion.
"I trust your second trip to reach us was far more enjoyable than the first."
Leonard's lips curled into a faint smirk. "It certainly was better than the first attempt."
O5-3's shadowy face shifted slightly, and for a brief moment, Leonard could make out a stark, toothy grin, white against the black void. "I have a feeling we're going to get along just fine, Boss."
Before Leonard could respond, O5-1 spoke again, her voice cutting through the moment with a sense of urgency.
"We can exchange pleasantries later. For now, there are important matters on today's agenda. Boss, we've prepared a seat for you."
A shadowy finger extended from O5-1, pointing toward a singular chair situated above even the Council's. Its form was imposing, towering over the others with an aura of authority that could not be ignored. The chair was as black as the void, carved with intricate, unknowable designs that seemed to shift when observed.
Leonard hesitated briefly, scanning the room to locate the stairs leading to the elevated seat. Finding them hidden in the shadows, he ascended slowly, his footsteps measured as if to emphasize the gravity of the moment. When he reached the top, he lowered himself into the seat, its cold surface sending a shiver down his spine.
From this vantage point, Leonard looked down upon the Council of Thirteen, their forms even more obscured from this height. It was a strange, surreal moment. For the first time, the Administrator truly felt the weight of his role. The O5 Council, the most powerful and secretive individuals in the Foundation, were now beneath him, waiting for his word.
O5-1 took the floor, her shadowy figure radiating authority. "First of all, good day to everyone, and welcome to the second official meeting of the O5 Council in this world. We have several critical matters to address today. Let's start with Univer'isle. Since the beginning of the conquest operation, our forces have employed a blitzkrieg strategy to swiftly seize control of key areas within the kingdom. At present, seven out of eight priority zones are under our control. The only remaining stronghold is Val-Celeste, which serves as the kingdom's main military bastion."
She paused briefly, letting the gravity of her words settle. "Currently, the Council is divided on how to handle this situation. Among the options, the two most favored are: one, to completely bomb the military stronghold into oblivion, or two, to negotiate their surrender. As of now, the votes are evenly split, six in favor, six against negotiations, with one abstention." All eyes turned to O5-13, who merely shrugged.
Leonard, seated in his elevated chair, leaned forward. "What are your arguments regarding these two options?"
O5-6, a cold and calculated voice, spoke first. "I'm against negotiations. It would cost us significantly more in resources, and frankly, it's an unnecessary delay. Bombing the stronghold would allow us to quickly secure the area and reallocate personnel to where they are desperately needed. Our armed forces are already stretched far too thin."
O5-10 immediately countered, his tone firm but measured. "I vote for negotiations. Absorbing their forces into our own would allow us to bolster our military strength and establish a second Foundation army. Yes, it will put pressure on logistics initially, but the long-term benefits would be substantial. We'd be better prepared for large-scale incidents, anomalous invasions, or even the continued protection of Univer'isle itself."
Leonard took a moment to consider both arguments. His sharp gaze shifted between the two O5 members before he finally spoke. "I'm in favor of negotiations. O5-10, you will be in charge of leading the negotiations and forming the Foundation's second army if they agree to surrender."
O5-10 saluted respectfully, a triumphant smile crossing his shadowed face. "Understood, Boss." He cast a smug glance at O5-6, who leaned back in his chair, visibly displeased but saying nothing.
O5-1 nodded, acknowledging the decision. "Very well, the matter is settled. We will proceed with negotiations for Val-Celeste's surrender. O5-10, you will oversee the process. However, should negotiations fail, O5-6 will have full authority to launch a strategic offensive. Is that clear?"
"Perfectly clear, O5-1. I won't let you down," O5-10 replied confidently.
O5-6 crossed his arms, giving a reluctant nod of agreement.
O5-1 continued, her shadowy figure exuding authority: "Next, we must address the bigger question, what do we do with this Nexus? Any ideas?"
O5-5 was the first to speak, his tone measured but insistent. "At the moment, we are in desperate need of resources and stable funding. As you all know, my office is in charge of the Foundation's treasury, and we've been bleeding our emergency reserves dry. We need sponsors and consistent economic revenue streams. That's why, while you were all busy in Univer'Isle, I took the initiative to establish several companies across various economic sectors. At the same time, I… 'convinced' a few major business moguls to work for us and sponsor our operations. This will give us some breathing room, but it's not enough to return to full operational capacity. After reviewing some reports from our exploration teams, I discovered significant resource deposits in the Nexus. Exploiting these would dramatically reduce our costs in acquiring raw materials."
O5-10 stood up next, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "I'm also particularly interested in Val-Celeste's stronghold. We could repurpose it into a massive military complex without worrying about space constraints. This could finally jumpstart the Foundation's military industry, which is currently nearly nonexistent."
O5-7 chimed in, nodding in agreement. "I support -10 on this. The Nexus provides a zone free from potential espionage by other Groups of Interest or governments. We could build a state-of-the-art weapons factory and research facility here."
O5-9, leaning back in its chair, turned to O5-7 with a smirk. "Don't you already have a base for your experimental weapons in the Sahara?"
O5-7 retorted quickly, her voice dripping with indignation: "You snitch!"
O5-1 pinched the bridge of her nose, exasperated by the bickering. "…Alright, let's move on. We'll vote on constructing a new military-scientific installation and factories within the Nexus. Let's proceed."
Leonard watched intently as voting interfaces materialized before each O5 member, displaying three buttons: green for approval, yellow for abstention, and red for rejection. Each member pressed their choice, and after a few minutes, a holographic display appeared, revealing the results.
O5-1 announced the outcome: "12 in favor, 0 against, 1 abstention." She cast a knowing glance at O5-13, who once again shrugged nonchalantly. Letting out a quiet sigh, she muttered, "Of course."
O5-1 continued: "Next topic, regarding the SCPs currently in containment. Due to the lack of suitable facilities before now, we were forced to house many of them in sites that are, frankly, not at all appropriate for their containment. Therefore, I propose initiating a comprehensive transfer plan for these SCPs. You have all received the list of proposed transfers attached to your interfaces."
Leonard noticed a document materialize on his desk. He picked it up and skimmed through it, finding a detailed list of the transfers:
SCP-082 to Area-14
SCP-008 to Site-19 and Site-234
SCP-8888, SCP-073, and SCP-105 to Site-19 under the Omega-7 'Pandora's Box' program
SCP-939 to Site-19
The list went on, detailing over thirty SCPs scheduled for relocation.
O5-1 added: "Most of these transfers will be heavily guarded by either tactical teams or specific Mobile Task Forces that are not currently occupied with other missions. Let's proceed to the vote."
Leonard leaned back in his chair, observing the now-familiar voting process. The same glowing buttons appeared in front of each O5 member. As they made their choices, Leonard couldn't help but think to himself: Am I really useful here? ;-;
After a few seconds, O5-1 announced the results: "6 in favor, 4 against, 3 abstentions. The motion passes."
---
A few hours later, O5-1 stood up and announced: "Very well, we have covered all the major topics requiring the Council's votes. I hereby declare this O5 Council session officially over. You may return to your respective duties."
All the O5 members rose from their seats. Meanwhile, Leonard was slumped over his desk, his brain utterly fried from the endless hours of discussions and votes. Graves and the four Resh-1 operators remained stationed like statues, unmoving and silent.
Finally, a voice pulled Leonard from his stupor: "Boss, the meeting is over."
Leonard lifted his head and saw O5-1 standing below, looking up at him with a smile. He muttered an excuse: "Sorry, I didn't sleep very well before coming here."
She replied kindly, "No problem. It's a shame, though, I was hoping to show you around the site. But since you're tired, I'll arrange for an escort to take you to a room where you can rest."
Leonard shot up from his seat, his exhaustion suddenly forgotten. "No, it's fine! I've got enough energy. Let's tour the site."
He descended the platform and joined O5-1, ready to follow her lead.
The two exited the council chamber, accompanied by Graves and the four Resh-1 operators. They made their way down the long corridor before arriving at the checkpoint that safeguarded the entrance to the O5 Council chamber.
O5-1 began to explain: "We're currently in the O5 Council Sector. This is where our private quarters, meeting room, and offices are located."
Leonard took a moment to observe his surroundings more closely. They continued through a long hallway lined with 12 evenly spaced doors on either side and a single door at the far end. O5-1 stopped at the first door, O5-13's office, and knocked. After a few seconds, an assistant opened the door from the inside and invited them in.
O5-1, Leonard, and Graves entered and found themselves in a beautifully styled office with a grand Oriental theme. Behind the large desk stood an elderly man of apparent Middle Eastern origin, sporting a long beard. He rose to greet them: "Boss, how may I assist you?"
Leonard replied, "I just came by to say hello and introduce myself."
O5-13 smiled warmly and turned to his assistant. "Anahita, could you prepare some mint tea for our three guests?"
Anahita gave a respectful nod and disappeared through a side door.
A few minutes later, she returned carrying a tray with three glasses filled with steaming mint tea.
Each of them took a glass and thanked her. O5-1 sipped her tea and sighed with contentment. "Your assistant truly makes the best tea I've ever had, I'm envious."
Leonard stared at his glass in astonishment; he had never tasted tea this exquisite in his life.
O5-13 chuckled lightly. "Well, you're always welcome, -1. The same goes for you, Boss."
They exchanged pleasantries for a few more minutes before finally leaving O5-13's office.
Standing outside the door, O5-1 sighed and remarked, "O5-13 is a peculiar one. He always abstains during votes and never involves himself more than his duties require. For the rest of us, the day -13 casts a vote will be a sign of an absolute emergency."
Leonard nodded. "Ah," he murmured before following O5-1 toward the door across the hall.
They knocked on O5-12's office, and the door was opened by an assistant wearing a striking red qipao embroidered with golden patterns. As Leonard stepped inside, he felt as though he had been transported to China.
The room was an immaculate display of traditional Chinese aesthetics. The walls were adorned with intricate silk tapestries depicting serene landscapes and calligraphy. Elegant wooden shelves lined the sides, filled with ancient tomes, ceramic vases, and decorative jade carvings. Lantern-style lights with soft, warm glows hung from the ceiling, casting gentle shadows on the polished dark wood floor. In the corner, a small koi pond bubbled quietly, with vibrant fish swimming gracefully under a bridge-like structure connecting two parts of the room.
At the center of this serene space was a grand, lacquered desk with a carved dragon motif running along its edges. Behind the desk sat an elderly man with a kind, wise gaze. He wore a gray tang suit, perfectly tailored and exuding simplicity and dignity.
The man rose from his chair and greeted them warmly. "Greetings, Boss," he said, his voice calm and respectful, as he offered a slight bow.
O5-1 gestured toward the elderly man and introduced him with a respectful tone. "This is O5-12, an expert in chemistry and a renowned scientist."
The man chuckled softly and responded, "This old man appreciates such compliments, my dear O5-1. But you should stop flattering me so much; I might end up as red as my assistant's qipao."
O5-1 laughed lightly at the comment. "Haha! By the way, would you be free later for a game of xiàngqí?"
O5-1 smiled warmly. "With pleasure, my dear, but don't think that just because you've flattered me I'll let you win."
O5-1 smirked. "We'll see about that. Until later, then."
With that, they exited the office.
As they walked down the corridor, O5-1 remarked to Leonard, "He's a very kind and wise man, but I'd advise you never to bring up Japan in conversation with him. He lived through the Second World War, and his son died during the Japanese Empire's invasion."
Leonard nodded silently, a look of understanding crossing his face.
Finally, they knocked on O5-11's door. Without a word, the door opened on its own, and Leonard was immediately struck with confusion. The room was filled with over 20 individuals, all of varying ages, genders, and appearances. Yet, each one wore an identical suit, adorned with insignias reading O5-15, O5-0, O5-X, and others that seemed to stretch beyond comprehension.
The rest of the room was shrouded in darkness, adding to the eerie atmosphere. Suddenly, a snap echoed through the room, shattering the silence. One by one, the 20 figures collapsed lifelessly to the floor like marionettes with severed strings.
From the shadows, a desk rotated to face them, revealing a lone figure dressed in a suit and wearing a mask. Leonard squinted, confused, it was impossible to discern whether the person behind the mask was a man or a woman. The individual stood and greeted him.
"Hello, Boss. It's a pleasure to meet you," O5-11 said in a calm, composed voice, extending a gloved hand.
Leonard eyed them suspiciously for a moment before shaking their hand.
O5-1 stepped forward and introduced, "This is O5-11. She is the Foundation's chief disinformation officer, and an absolute expert in her field."
O5-11 handed Leonard a small piece of paper. "Boss, should you ever need to cover up an incident or suppress information, this is my personal phone number."
O5-1 turned to her. "Have you started working on the fallout from the airplane crash yet?"
Behind the mask, O5-11's lips curled into a subtle smile. "Maybe I have. Maybe I haven't."
O5-1 sighed, rolling her eyes before stepping out of the office, accompanied by Leonard and Graves.
They knocked on O5-10's door, and an assistant opened it. The man was dressed in a formal black military uniform, complete with a black beret bearing the Foundation's insignia, reminiscent of modern American generals' attire. He gave a sharp military salute before stepping aside to let the group enter.
The office was modestly furnished, featuring a traditional desk, a display of weapons mounted on the walls, and a large American flag hanging prominently behind O5-10. The Overseer himself was dressed identically to his assistant. Rising to his feet, O5-10 greeted them.
"Boss," he said curtly, saluting Leonard.
Leonard returned the gesture.
O5-1 took the opportunity to introduce him. "As you likely already know, O5-10 is a brilliant military commander. He oversees all the Foundation's armed forces, on the ground, in the air, at sea, and even in space."
O5-10 turned to Leonard and spoke with a commanding tone. "Boss, in an hour, I'll be heading back to the Nexus. If you have any orders to relay, I'll be available on-site."
Leonard nodded. "Understood. Good luck."
With that, they exited the office and made their way to O5-9's quarters.
They were greeted by an office that, to Leonard's relief, finally resembled a "normal" one with a Western design. Behind the desk sat O5-9, a man of Caucasian appearance with dark hair, dressed in a sleek black suit. He stood and greeted them politely.
O5-1 introduced him. "This is O5-9, the director of the Foundation's Intelligence Agency. He is in charge of gathering intelligence on anomalies, governments, and Groups of Interest."
After a few minutes of formal conversation, they left the office and moved on to knock on O5-8's door.
They were greeted by a middle-aged man of European appearance, who offered a polite nod.
O5-1 introduced him, "This is O5-8. He's rather reserved but a pleasure to work with."
Leonard shook hands with him briefly, exchanging a few polite words. Afterward, they left the office and moved on to knock on O5-7's door.
The door was opened by O5-7's assistant, who immediately apologized, "I'm terribly sorry, but O5-7 has already left for Univer'Isle to oversee the construction of a research center."
O5-1 sighed and muttered, "That science-obsessed lunatic hasn't changed one bit."
They moved on and knocked at O5-6's door.
The door creaked open on its own, revealing a scene that made Leonard feel as though he'd stepped straight into a Western movie. The floor was covered by a cowhide rug, while the walls were adorned with mounted animal heads and antique hunting rifles. Behind a large wooden desk sat a man in his middle years, dressed in a crisp white suit. His long leather boots and the "Boss of the Plains" emblazoned on his white cowboy hat completed the striking ensemble.
Using a cane for support, the man rose to his feet and grinned widely. "Hahaha! Boss, welcome to my humble abode," he said, his voice booming with the charm of an old-time gunslinger. He extended a hand, which Leonard accepted with a firm shake.
O5-1 stepped forward, her tone laced with mild exasperation. "Allow me to introduce O5-6, a former Foundation field agent. These days, he's more of a jack of all trades for the O5 Council."
O5-6 let out a hearty laugh. "Hahaha! You're just too shy to admit I'm the best O5 there is!" With a mischievous glint in his eye, he reached down and grabbed a pristine white cowboy hat. Placing it atop Leonard's head with dramatic flair, he declared, "Here you go, Boss. A gift from yours truly!"
O5-1 let out a resigned sigh while Graves, standing rigid behind them, clenched his fists. The stoic soldier was visibly holding back his urge to reprimand O5-6 for what he considered an insolent display.
With the visit concluded, the group exited the eccentric office and moved toward the door of O5-5.
They were greeted by O5-5's assistant, who informed them with a polite but apologetic tone, "O5-5 has already left."
Unfazed, the group continued their search, heading next to O5-4's office. However, much to their annoyance, it was empty as well. Finally, they arrived at the office of O5-3.
Upon entering, they were met by O5-3's assistant, who looked at them with visible distress.
O5-1 narrowed her eyes. "What's going on?"
The assistant hesitated before finally answering, "O5-3 isn't in his office… He's in his private quarters."
O5-1 pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration, muttering under her breath, "Don't tell me he's playing video games again instead of working."
The assistant lowered her head, giving a silent nod of confirmation.
Without a word, O5-1 stormed into O5-3's office, followed closely by Leonard and Graves. They moved past the pristine workspace and approached a smaller, inconspicuous door on the side. Opening it, they stepped into a completely different world.
The private room was dimly lit, illuminated only by the bluish glow of multiple monitors. The floor was a tangled mess of cables, game controllers, and discarded snack wrappers. Console boxes and gaming merchandise lined the walls, and the faint sound of intense keyboard clicking filled the air.
In the middle of the chaos sat O5-3, his attention entirely focused on the screen in front of him. He was yelling into his headset with an almost manic intensity.
"YOU IDIOT! PLANT THE BOMB AT POINT B, NOT A! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! HELP ME! THEY'RE ALL AT POINT A, FOR GOD'S SAKE!"
Just as he finished shouting, his in-game character let out a death animation. Furious, O5-3 ripped off his headset and threw it against the wall.
"USELESS! THEY'RE ALL USELESS!" he screamed.
Before he could vent any further, a loud smack echoed through the room as O5-1 delivered a punishing strike to the back of his head.
"OW! THAT HURTS! THAT HURTS!" O5-3 cried, rubbing his head as he turned around. His eyes widened in horror when he saw who it was.
"O-O5-1?! What are you doing here? Weren't you supposed to be with TA today?"
O5-1 crossed her arms, her glare unwavering, and gestured toward Leonard, who stood silently to the side.
"Hello, O5-3," Leonard said with a polite smile, clearly amused by the situation.
O5-3 gulped, his face pale. "B-Boss…"
Before he could stammer out an excuse, O5-1 grabbed his head with both hands and began furiously rubbing her knuckles into his skull.
"STOP PLAYING VIDEO GAMES AND GET BACK TO WORK!"
"Ouch! Ouch! I'm sorry! Please, have mercy!" O5-3 whined, flailing helplessly under her wrath.
The sight was so absurd that Leonard couldn't help but laugh. As he observed the young man, he realized that O5-3 was surprisingly young, likely around his own age.
Finally releasing her hold, O5-1 sighed and introduced him to Leonard. "This is O5-3, our so-called expert in data, IT, and cyber warfare. He's also the acting head of the Foundation's Recordkeeping and Information Security Administration, RAISA, for short. Since RAISA hasn't officially launched yet, he and his office are temporarily handling all of its duties."
O5-3 muttered under his breath, "Boss, please get RAISA up and running soon so I don't have to deal with this witch anymore…"
O5-1's eyes flared with anger. "WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!"
Before O5-3 could answer, O5-1 turned to Leonard. "You can go meet with O5-2 on your own. I need to have a private conversation with this child."
O5-3 froze in terror, then turned to Leonard with pleading eyes. "Boss, don't leave me with her! She's going to kill me!"
Leonard, suppressing a grin, slowly backed away. Meeting O5-1's fiery gaze, he decided it was safer to retreat. "O5-3, I'll commemorate your sacrifice."
With that, he slipped out of the room.
The last thing he heard before the door slammed shut was O5-3's desperate cry, "Boss, don't abandon me, !" followed by a loud smack.
Once outside, Leonard and Graves exchanged glances.
"Well," Leonard said with a chuckle, "he's certainly… unique for an O5."
Graves nodded solemnly. "I can confirm that."
Leonard knocked politely on O5-2's door, and it was opened by her assistant. The assistant's eyes widened at the sight of the Administrator and a Resh-1 operator accompanying him, quickly stepping aside to let them in.
Inside, they found O5-2 seated behind her desk. She looked no older than twenty, her youthful appearance contrasting with the air of professionalism exuded by her glasses and demeanor. Rising from her seat, she greeted them with a respectful nod.
"Boss. How can I assist you?"
Leonard offered her a friendly smile. "Good morning, O5-2. I just wanted to stop by and say hello to all the O5s. How are you doing?"
"I'm well, thank you," she replied. "And yourself?"
"Doing well, thank you," Leonard said.
They exchanged a few pleasantries, chatting briefly about minor updates and Foundation matters. After some time, Leonard decided to take his leave, bidding her farewell as he stepped out.
As the door closed behind him, the assistant turned toward O5-2. "Ma'am, aren't you going to ask him about it?"
O5-2 gave a small, bittersweet smile. "No, not yet. I've only just met him. It's still too soon."
Meanwhile, outside the door, Leonard and Graves began walking down the corridor in the opposite direction. They exited the O5 Council Sector, where the remaining four Resh-1 operators stood waiting for them.
Leonard glanced at Graves. "What's next on the agenda?"
Graves replied, "We've got one more meeting left, with Chairman Odongo Tejani. After that, we'll have completed the site inspection."
Leonard nodded and approached an Alpha-1 guard stationed at the sector's entrance. "Could you escort us to Chairman Tejani's office, please?"
The guard saluted crisply. "Yes, Administrator. This way, please."
The group followed the Alpha-1 guard, their footsteps echoing softly as they made their way down the long corridor.