Site-Ω-7, Corridor B-12 – 03:22 Local Site Time
The first wave of MTF Epsilon-6 didn't last thirty seconds.
Sergeant Harlan Reyes (no relation to the technician upstairs) led the squad—eight operators in full tactical gear, suppressed rifles chambered for specialized rounds: tranq-tipped, rubber, and one experimental "Hume-disruptor" prototype meant to scramble anomalous energy fields. They rounded the corner at a controlled jog, boots echoing on grated metal.
Ahead: the black-armored figure stood motionless in the center of the corridor like a statue carved from obsidian and hate. The red blade in his hand cast long, bloody shadows on the walls. Flanking him loosely were the small green entity (still unarmed, hands folded inside robes) and the Togruta woman (lightsaber ignited, blue blade humming low).
"Non-lethal preferred," Reyes barked over squad comms. "Suppressors up. On my mark—"
Vader's helmet tilted fractionally. The mechanical breathing filled the corridor, steady, unhurried.
"You trespass on matters beyond your comprehension," the voice rumbled. "Step aside, or perish."
Reyes gave the mark.
Four operators fired tranq rounds in a controlled burst. The darts streaked forward—only to stop mid-air, frozen as if caught in amber, then reverse course and embed harmlessly in the ceiling panels.
Vader's gloved hand clenched.
Two more operators lifted from the floor, rifles clattering. Their visors fogged as they clawed at collars that weren't there. One managed a choked gurgle before both dropped, unconscious but breathing.
"Kinetic suppressors—now!" Reyes shouted.
The remaining team switched to the Hume-disruptor: a bulky, shoulder-mounted device resembling a miniaturized particle cannon. The operator braced, aimed at the armored giant, and fired.
A shimmering wave of distorted air rippled outward, tuned to collapse anomalous phenomena by anchoring local reality harder. For a split second, the red blade flickered—dimmed—almost winked out.
Vader staggered half a step.
Then the blade snapped back to full intensity. He raised his free hand.
The disruptor weapon crumpled inward like tinfoil in a fist. Sparks flew; the operator screamed as feedback surged through the harness, electrocuting him where he stood. He collapsed in a twitching heap.
The green being—Yoda—stepped forward slowly, cane tapping the floor.
"Enough," he said, voice soft but carrying. "Fear you spread. Peace, we seek. Listen, you will not?"
Reyes leveled his rifle at the small figure. "All entities: stand down and submit to containment. This is your final warning."
The Togruta—Ahsoka—glanced at Yoda, then at Vader. Her lekku twitched in agitation.
"Master, we can't just—"
Vader cut her off with a raised palm. "Silence."
He advanced one deliberate step. The corridor lights overhead flickered as though flinching.
Reyes fired again—standard rounds this time. Bullets sparked off the black armor, leaving scorch marks but no penetration.
Vader extended his hand again.
Reyes felt it: an invisible vise around his chest. Not choking—crushing. Ribs creaked. Air refused to enter lungs.
Behind Vader, the rift in Sublevel 4 still pulsed faintly, visible through the open blast doors. More shapes were beginning to emerge—armored figures in white plastoid, blasters raised; distant shouts in a language none of the Foundation personnel recognized.
Reinforcements. On both sides.
**Site-Ω-7, Observation Post Alpha – 03:25**
Dr. Voss watched the feed from body-cams, face pale under the red emergency glow.
"O5, this is Voss. Containment attempt failed. Entity designated SCP-████-1 exhibits telekinetic lethality far exceeding current Euclid protocols. Casualties mounting. Requesting authorization for lethal force and full site lockdown. Also... we have secondary incursions. Multiple armed humanoids in white armor materializing. They appear organized—military."
Static answered first. Then a calm, anonymized voice from O5-7.
"Authorization granted. Lethal force permitted if containment impossible. Deploy MTF Nu-7 'Hammer Down' from Site-19 via on-site rail. Seal Sublevel 4. No entities are to leave the site. Amnestic protocols on standby for any surviving witnesses. And Voss?"
"Yes, Overseer?"
"Contain the rift. Whatever comes through next... we classify it. We do not negotiate with it."
Voss swallowed. "Understood."
She turned to the remaining technicians.
"Lock it down. Flood the chamber with Class-C sedative gas. If that doesn't work... prepare the on-site warhead. Low-yield. Just enough to collapse the sublevel."
In the corridor, Vader released Reyes. The sergeant dropped to his knees, gasping.
The Sith Lord regarded the fallen operators dispassionately.
"You are not the first to challenge me," he said. "Nor will you be the last to fail."
Yoda sighed, ears drooping slightly.
"Darkness grows here. Balance... lost, it is."
The rift behind them widened another inch. A low whine echoed through—engines, perhaps a ship powering up on the other side.
The facility's deepest alarms shifted pitch: not just breach now.
Invasion.
**End of Chapter 2**