That night, Luoshu found no opportunity to leave his dorm.
In fact, he couldn't even step outside—his door remained locked from the outside.
He had no idea how long this prisoner-like existence would last.
But the next morning, unexpected news arrived.
Big Beard Jack himself came to deliver it:
"The Site Director and I jointly petitioned the O5 Council to improve your conditions. It was approved!"
"Does this mean... I'm no longer a D-class?" Luoshu could hardly believe it.
But reality quickly corrected him.
Jack coughed awkwardly. "Not exactly. Under the agreement between the Foundation and the New World government, death-row inmates can only serve as D-class personnel—no promotions, ever."
Luoshu's excitement deflated.
Then what's the point?
Might as well go back to sleep.
Seeing his disappointment, Jack hurriedly added: "But the O5 Council recognizes your contributions. While your rank won't change, your conditions will. Starting today, you'll receive C-class privileges."**
"What's the use of a paycheck if I'm still locked up?"
Jack clarified: "It's not just pay. Your security restrictions are lifted. No more explosive collars or hoods during field ops. Inside the site, your door won't be locked anymore. Aside from not being allowed to leave Site-19 freely, you'll have all the rights of a C-class."
After the initial disappointment, Luoshu realized—this was actually a pretty sweet deal.
No freedom to leave Site-19? Fine. He had no family or friends to visit anyway.
Still technically a D-class? Whatever. D-20915 or C-20915—what's the difference?
The real win? He could now roam Site-19 freely.
Tonight, I'm paying SCP-126 another visit.
Testing the New Privileges
To verify Jack wasn't lying, Luoshu strutted out of the Epsilon-11 barracks right in front of him, heading to the central garden to "chat" with a female researcher.
After a full day of loitering around Sublevel-1, he confirmed:
He really did have freedom now.
As long as he didn't do anything outrageous, no one bothered him.
And if he did plan something outrageous? Anti-memetics would cover his tracks.
The Midnight Meeting
That night, after ensuring his room wasn't under surveillance, Luoshu activated his anti-memetic effect and slipped out.
He made his way to Sublevel-4, heading straight for SCP-126's containment wing—hoping to find IR1901 again.
Entering the unit, Luoshu hesitated.
The place looked like something out of a haunted house—dim lighting, antique furniture.
An empty bed, a vanity with a mirror reflecting the gloom.
How was he supposed to find someone he couldn't see?
If SCP-126 stayed silent, locating it was impossible.
Finally, Luoshu called out: "1901, I'm here!"
A deep male voice whispered right beside his ear: "You came!"
Luoshu nearly jumped.
Before he could respond, the voice continued: "Not here. Go lower."
Lower? Sublevel-5?
Luoshu glanced at the sonic sensors placed around the room.
Right. This place is monitored.
Even with his anti-memetic effect, a determined observer (like Marion Wheeler on mnestics) could still track him.
Without another word, Luoshu turned and headed for Sublevel-5.
He couldn't hear IR1901's footsteps, but he trusted the agent wouldn't lose him.
More importantly… if IR1901 knows about Sublevel-5, that means SCP-126 is connected to SCP-055.
The Chaos Insurgency's infiltration runs deeper than I thought.
The Truth?
Sublevel-5 was free of surveillance.
Luoshu dropped his anti-memetic effect and activated persuasion, ready to extract answers.
But IR1901 spoke first:
"You're stronger than I imagined. Not only did you find me so quickly—you wield anti-memetics. If you hadn't spoken, I wouldn't have even noticed you."
Luoshu relaxed.
So he wasn't tracking me perfectly earlier.
Before Luoshu could reply, IR1901 rambled on:
"If you joined the Insurgency, our strength would multiply! Together, we could overthrow Site-19 and claim its anomalies!"
Typical CI agent. Always thinking about stealing SCPs.
Luoshu cut him off: "That night, you said I was the one who would 'reveal the truth.' What did you mean? Isn't the truth with SCP-055?"
"No. 055 doesn't hold all the answers. You do."
Oh, great. More cryptic nonsense.
Luoshu had no patience for cultist riddles.
He cranked up his persuasion: "By the authority of an Alpha, tell me everything! How do you know about me? Why call me the 'truth-bringer'? No vague crap!"
IR1901 sighed. "I'm just a Gamma. My orders were: 'Wait at Site-19. When the right person comes, you'll know.' As for the why behind it? I truly don't know."
"You'll know when you see them"?
I can't even see you! How are we supposed to confirm anything?!
Either IR1901 genuinely didn't know—or his memories had been modified.
As an undercover agent, he likely wasn't trusted with high-level intel.
Frustrated, Luoshu switched tactics:
"What's your cover identity in Site-19? The one with the male voice."
IR1901 answered plainly:
"I'm MacDonald. From Human Resources."