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Actually, I've been thinking… Yesterday, the doctor let me and Henry (D-87465) go because he finally noticed something strange. Even though I deliberately hid my ability, I survived *five* Keter-level experiments. That's definitely not normal! And Henry? He just sat there picking his nose, and the experiment ended by itself!
I don't know what the doctor's thinking, but I'm panicking. If they discover my ability and classify me as an SCP, I'll be locked up for life! I'm just a good guy—well, a nerd at most! I don't deserve this kind of treatment!
This morning, Henry and I were dragged out of our cell again. It was Mondo who came to get us, saying we were needed for another experiment. When has Mondo *ever* lied? Never. Which is exactly why I got nervous. I mean, I've barely been here a week and I already feel like I'm riding a bicycle into a tiger exhibit.
And the worst part? I still don't fully understand my ability. If it fails even once, wouldn't I become the fastest time traveler in history? Dead in seconds.
Man, I'm still young. I don't wanna die yet!
Because SCP-682 broke containment yesterday, the whole site is on edge. You can tell from all the extra guards around. Word is, 682 escaped the containment zone, and the Foundation had to mobilize every available Mobile Task Force to trap and bring him back. After being locked up for so long, my sense of time is totally screwed. I just know I was stuck in that tiny room forever, and when they finally caught 682, they came for *us*.
Mondo led us to a new room. Henry got shoved in first while I awkwardly lingered by the door, wondering what fresh hell this experiment would be. Not that I was worried about Henry—after five experiments, I'm *convinced* he has SCP-level luck. Nothing else explains it.
"Boss Mondo, what kind of experiment is it this time?" I asked.
"No idea," he said flatly.
Tsk. Tight-lipped as ever. Everyone in the Foundation is like a walking horror story. Half the time, they don't even tell you what you're about to be tested on.
The air was tense. After who knows how long, I heard the doctor's familiar voice from inside.
"Next."
I scratched my head, glanced at Mondo, then walked in. Whatever. Worst case, I just stop time. Even if they jump me, they can't land a hit.
The door slammed shut behind me—definitely Mondo's doing.
"Come in, have a seat," said the doctor. He was sitting at a table, and the chair opposite him was clearly for me. But my first thought was—where's Henry? The room had a few armed guards, the doctor, and… that's it.
I sat down, trying not to look as nervous as I felt. God knows where they took Henry, but I figured he'd be fine. That guy's luck is ridiculous.
"Despite all these experiments, you still don't know my name?" said the doctor. "D-2333, you can call me Dr. Rhine."
He sounded polite, all calm and refined… yeah, that doesn't work on people like me. This guy has almost gotten me killed *multiple* times. Just because I can stop time doesn't mean I'm immortal! These SCPs are getting scarier every day!
"Hello, Dr. Wright. I'd like some vodka," I said.
"Oh, no, it's Dr. Rhine."
"Okay, Dr. Reiner, I'd like some vodka."
"No, it's Dr. *Rhine*."
"No problem, Dr. Cao Li Lailai, I would like some vodka."
"I… forget it. Call me whatever you want." Rhine sighed and gestured to the guard.
To my surprise, the guard actually pulled a bottle of vodka from behind him and set it in front of me. As if they *knew* I'd ask. I popped the cap and took a solid swig.
Comrade. Vodka. Life is okay again.
"So, I've had a drink. Now what, introductions?" I asked.
"Yes, please. Your background, your experiences," Rhine said.
"Oh, well, I'm Gaia. I'm twenty-five. I'm a good person."
"…I meant your *past experiences*."
"Oh, right. When I was sixteen, I fought off a bear with a wooden stick. That was back in junior high."
Rhine: "…"
"…Did you notice anything unusual when fighting the bear?" he finally asked.
"Yeah. That bear was kind of a coward. I hit it a few times and it ran off with its tail between its legs."
Bear? What bear? I made that story up. But hey, the original body *was* strong enough to fight a bear, so who's gonna argue?
Rhine rubbed his temples. "Do you remember how you ended up in prison?"
Boom. Right to the sore spot.
"Look, I swear, I didn't do anything weird. I was framed! Sure, I smoke, drink, and beat up wild animals, but I'm still a decent person!"
Rhine leaned forward, hands folded. "Then how do you explain surviving five Keter-level experiments? That's not exactly like beating a bear."
"Because I'm NB," I said confidently.
Rhine facepalmed, then waved to the guards.
"D-2333—Mr. Gaia—we need your cooperation. Your friend D-87465 has already completed the test. We hope you'll do the same."
"Wait—what?" Before I could finish, the guards raised their weapons and *fired*.
"DAMN IT!" I yelled.
And then—everything *stopped*.
Bullets hung in the air, inches from my face. The guards were frozen, still mid-shoot. Dr. Rhine sat there, frozen in time like a wax statue.
Oh crap. Is this an SCP test?! Did they *figure me out*?! They said Henry passed… does that mean he got marked as an SCP too?
I looked around. Everything was still. I could stay like this until the danger passed, or willingly return to normal time.
First things first—I swiped Dr. Rhine's keycard.
Then I paid back the guards. A swift kick to ensure future generations were *canceled*.
Time to *go*! I'm not spending the rest of my life as a lab rat!
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Dr. Rhine snapped out of it moments later, just in time for a bullet to whiz past his cheek. His guards were on the floor, groaning and clutching their groins. D-2333's seat was empty. The room key was gone. The door was wide open.
There was no question what had happened.
Rhine grabbed his Foundation-issued radio, paused a moment, then said grimly:
> "Unnumbered SCP. D-2333 has breached containment. All available units, move to intercept."
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