108 Natasha’s talent -104

[Three weeks after Stark's kidnapping]

[SITE-009]

Natasha had been very busy since she had been fully admitted into the Foundation as a formal member. Her identity now allowed her to learn a lot more about the organization and the way it worked, as well as how most normal personnel felt.

One thing she had noticed almost immediately was the fact that she felt her security clearance wasn't high enough. When she had cursed about that, the people near her had just laughed and told her that everyone always felt like that.

Having access to so many different files in the databases and having 99% of them completely redacted just really made one feel like cursing and complaining. She was, however, able to learn some more about the inner workings of the Foundation.

Information that would have been incredibly valuable if she was still here as a spy, but given that she had given up that identity, it wasn't quite as viable even if she personally still found it useful.

For while the Foundation still had a high level of secrecy, there was still plenty of information available for even people of her level, more than she could possibly hope to read in the few days since he was given her current access.

One thing she had read more about was the structure of the Foundation. While she had been told some things by both Graves and Ricci and allowed to even meet someone from the mysterious O5 council, she remained curious about more.

She also researched more about the SCPs; most of her time was spent trying to learn more there, with mixed success. Clearly, she needed to spend far more time proving her worth and loyalty before she could get more access to that kind of data.

Thankfully, she was at least allowed to get some information about the objects she was assigned to work with, like the current one she would soon examine. SCP-835.

This particular object was a strange one. She knew most objects had a nickname of sorts like 247 being called the harmless kitten in everyday speak.

SCP-835, however, had been given the name "Expunged data released," not that it could really be called a name. After all, if you released some expunged data like that, you wouldn't normally tell everyone.

Here, it was right in the name. As strange as it was, Natasha, after having been given access to both the expunged data and the real data, could understand that it wasn't much of an issue, as the data wasn't hidden for any important reasons reason.

This object just so happened to be really fucking disgusting, making people feel sick as they read about it. Even someone like Natasha didn't want to get closer than she was to this object, and she was hours away by jet.

After knowing about this object, she would never be able to look at a coral reef and think it looked pretty again.

"Seems we will be working together once again, Romanoff." Came the voice of her partner for this mission, Agent Jonathan Graves.

"Yep, sure seems like you will be stuck with me for a bit longer." Natasha replied, while she would have preferred to work with Sarah, she had gotten used to Graves, even if she had been under his thumb so far. He had always been professional while working.

 "Well, this might be the last time, so try not to miss me too much once we're done here." Graves said as he headed into the jet, ready to take off.

Natasha was shocked for once. For as long as she had known Graves, he had lived up to his name, always acting grave and serious. So she was very much not ready for him to jest like that.

…

"So, Graves, what's the mission this time? I wasn't briefed about that, only given access to the file about the object." Natasha asked a bit into their trip, not wanting to go into this blind.

"Not much of a mission, really. We will just be there watching. This is yet another mission for you just to see the Foundation in action and some object in the wild."

Natasha knew that she had been assigned far more missions than most normal agents would. She had talked with a lot of people and read some information, and she knew that many agents might never interact with a single object in their entire lives.

Something that might sound unlikely at first, until one remembers how massive of an organization the Foundation is, numbering properly in the millions with just a few thousand objects in total.

So clearly, she was given special treatment to help get her into the Foundation quickly; she didn't even blame them for it or mind it at all. She was well aware that joining a group like this would have taken considerably more time if she hadn't seen the work they do firsthand.

Even if she was thankful for many missions, and even if many of them weren't that dangerous, she didn't relax her guard at all because she was sure that even if she was just there to observe when it came to dealing with SCPs, 'just observing' could quickly become a 'critical incident response.'

As the jet neared the SITE, Graves broke the silence again, his tone more serious now. "Remember, the primary goal today is observation and data collection. The team responsible for the containment itself don't wish for our interference."

Nodding, Natasha followed closely behind Graves as he took the lead and spoke with the people at the SITE, ready to welcome them. After that, it was another short trip to the containment area, a strip of the ocean completely blocked off from the public.

…

Standing on the ship that served as the mobile HQ for observing this object, Natasha followed the containment team as they worked under the waters, using D-class personnel and remote-controlled equipment to ensure their safety.

"I believe this is your first Keter class object you are allowed to know about in detail, isn't it, Natasha?"

"That's correct. The other objects I worked on were all Euclid." Natasha replied while looking at the screens showing off this Keter class object in real-time.

"Tell me, from what information you have access to, why do you think it was given the Keter classification? I assume you are fully aware of what Keter means, right?" Graves asked her. Which she guessed was some kind of test.

"Yes, I understand the classifications," she replied, her voice steady despite the intensity of the situation. "Keter class refers to SCPs that are exceedingly difficult to contain consistently or reliably, with containment procedures that are often extensive and complex. The danger isn't just in the potential breach but in the regular handling and containment processes."

 She paused for a moment, recalling the briefings and the document details she had been allowed to access. "For SCP-835, it's its rapid adaptability and the aggressive nature of its growth. It can physically and biologically alter its surroundings in unpredictable ways. Additionally, its reproductive and regenerative capabilities make it a persistent threat. Any lapse in containment could lead to significant ecological impacts and potential loss of life."

Graves, listening to her explanation, nodded slowly. "And if it was up to you, how would you deal with someone like 835?"

Natasha pondered the question for a moment, the seriousness of the implications reflected in her eyes as she stared at the live feeds displaying SCP-835's activities below the ocean's surface. "The primary approach should always be containment integrity," she began, her voice reflecting her tactical acumen. "For SCP-835, specifically, the containment strategy needs to be robust—both physically and procedurally."

"Firstly, the containment area must be isolated from any natural body of water to prevent accidental spread. This includes physical barriers that are resistant to the bio-corrosive properties of SCP-835. Considering its capability to alter and degrade materials, the containment materials should be regularly inspected and replaced as needed."

She shifted slightly, indicating the screens showing the underwater operations. "In terms of procedural safety, rigorous decontamination protocols for any personnel or equipment that comes into contact with or near the SCP should be mandatory. Given its aggressive nature and potential for exponential growth, any breach could be catastrophic."

Natasha continued her strategy by outlining preventive measures beyond containment. "Continuous monitoring using remote technologies would reduce human risk. Automated systems could help in early detection of containment breaches and initiate emergency protocols without waiting for manual intervention."

Finally, she addressed the ethical and long-term considerations. "Research into understanding its biology could potentially lead to more effective containment measures or even a way to neutralize its growth without resorting to extreme measures like incineration or chemical destruction, which might not always be feasible or safe for the environment."

Graves listened intently, nodding in agreement with her thorough analysis. "That's a solid approach, Romanoff. It shows a clear understanding of the risks and necessary precautions. It's this kind of thinking that could prevent a major disaster."

"So, why do you think the current containment procedure isn't at that level?" Graves continued and asked a question that had Natasha pause as she suddenly had to think deeply about the answer.

Natasha took a moment to gather her thoughts before responding to Graves. "Well, containment procedures are often a balance between practicality, resource allocation, and the specific behaviors of the SCP in question," she began thoughtfully.

"It's possible that the current containment measures were the best compromise at the time they were implemented based on the information and resources available."

"Very well-reasoned and observed Romanoff, It's clear to see that you have spent what little time you have been with us to familiarize yourself with the way we do things here at the Foundation." Graves honestly praised her.

Natasha did feel slightly good about being praised for her hard work. It was always nice to have your effort recognized and appreciated. And she had been working hard to read up on what information she could.

She also understood that while better containment measures could be implemented, like using large-scale physical barriers to isolate this part of the ocean, they would be too expensive and difficult to do without drawing attention.

Not only did the Foundation have to balance between practicality and resources, but it also ensured security at all times.

"Can you tell me why the Foundation is focused on containment of something like this rather than attempting to destroy it?" Graves continued his line of questions.

Natasha considered Graves' question carefully, understanding the complexity behind the Foundation's decisions. "The Foundation's primary mandate is to 'Secure, Contain, Protect,' not destroy," she began, reflecting the core principles she had learned.

"Destruction can sometimes lead to unforeseen consequences, especially with SCPs whose properties aren't fully understood." She glanced back at the screens displaying SCP-835's containment efforts. "In the case of SCP-835, attempting to destroy it might release hazardous biological materials into the environment or trigger a defensive mechanism we're not yet aware of.

The ecological ramifications could be disastrous." "Furthermore," Natasha continued, "destruction is often seen as a last resort. Preserving SCPs allows for ongoing research and the potential to learn from them. Understanding SCP-835's unique biological traits could lead to advancements in biotechnology or containment technologies."

"A very good response indeed Romanoff, almost textbook in fact. Did you ready up on the case with SCP object 1609?" Graves couldn't help but ask, given how close her answer sounded to the one he had been given when he had asked that question long ago.

"I'm afraid not. I didn't have access to many object files, so I focused on other data available to me." Natasha confessed.

"That's surprising." Graves almost sounded shocked and impressed. "Most people keep going from file to file until they find those they can read, and 1609 is available to everyone with a level 1 clearance with minimal redaction."

Natasha smiled, a slight nod acknowledging Graves' observation. "I found that focusing on the policies, procedures, and historical records offered more comprehensive insight for my current clearance level. It helped me understand the why behind the what, which is often more telling and essential for effective operation within the Foundation."

Graves regarded her thoughtfully for a moment, his expression one of mild surprise mixed with respect. "That's an astute approach, especially for someone new. It shows a depth of understanding not just for immediate tasks but for the overall mission of the Foundation. It's impressive."

"However, I do believe the story of SCP-1609 is an important one to know about because it very much answers my earlier questions of why we have special containment procedures instead of Special destruction procedures. Let me see if I can do the tale justices."

Graves leaned back slightly, the gentle hum of the ship's operations filling the brief silence as he collected his thoughts. "SCP-1609 was originally a harmless object, a wooden chair that teleported to people who needed to sit. However, an attempt by another organization to destroy it turned it into something far more dangerous."

He paused, ensuring he had Natasha's full attention. "They tried to grind it into woodchips, thinking that would neutralize its anomalous properties. Instead, it became a vengeful entity. Now, it teleports fragments of itself into the lungs of those it perceives as a threat, often causing fatal injuries."

Natasha listened intently, her gaze fixed on the screens, but her mind absorbed the implications of Graves' story. "So, the destruction attempt made it worse?"

"Exactly," Graves confirmed. "It transformed from a benign, even potentially useful object into a lethal hazard. This incident underscores a fundamental principle of our work: the unpredictable nature of SCPs means that destruction can lead to unintended and often worse consequences."

He glanced at her, a serious expression etching his features. "This is why we prioritize containment over destruction. Our job isn't just about keeping these objects locked away; it's about understanding them and respecting their capabilities, whether benign or malevolent. Destruction is a last resort, reserved for situations where there's no feasible alternative."

As the story time came to an end, Natasha couldn't help but curiously ask about how she did in this little test of Graves. "So, how did I do?"

"I do believe you are a natural Romanoff, You will make it far with us, that I'm sure of." Graves said, not holding back his honest praise while also not letting Natasha know that she did far better than he did when his mentor gave him this test.

A/N

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