Contained Anomaly: CTA-606
Object Class: Vis Regis
Containment Procedures: Numerous thaumic sigils, labelled CTA-606-1 instances, must be monitored, actively protected and maintained. A Military Force dedicated to discovering and preserving previously unknown CTA-606-1 instances, designated MF-606-A13, has formed using individuals from numerous organizations. The Philosopher of the Elenchos Parasiton, the Prophet of the Cult of Aether, the Head Doctor of the Paranatural Investigation Institution, and the Curator of the OCC Initiative have all agreed to assist in the containment of CTA-606. Should CTA-606 breach containment, Corporation employees will be relieved of duty, and entities within Corporation facilities will released.
Description: CTA-606 is a megalithic humanoid entity residing within the hollow core of the Earth; CTA-606 is seemingly held in stasis within a massive thaumaturgical barrier through numerous CTA-606-1 instances held within several structures of significance. CTA-606's presence within the Earth is the catalyst for most natural disasters spanning the globe, with a rise in such events following the destruction of a CTA-606-1 instance. Imaging of the entity shows CTA-606 holding a sword engulfed in golden flames, seemingly the object responsible for emanating heat from the core of the Earth.
Descriptions of CTA-606 are found commonly in folklore, typically named something similar to 'The Beast of Earth'. Stories relating to CTA-606 state the entity's awakening to be a 'World-ending calamity', which is supported by both the size and mass of the entity. A common phrase associated with CTA-606 translates to 'When the ground cracks and the sky shatters, Limbo will open to tear all that is asunder, leaving not but a clean slate; the canvas of the Adversary.'; the meaning of this phrase remains under investigation.
Addendum-606.01: Significant Increase in Natural Disasters
Starting 23/3/2018, the number of globally reported natural disasters increased by approximately 137.7%; following an investigation conducted by MF-606-A13, thirteen (13) CTA-606-1 instances under the surveillance of the Cult of Aether were found to be destroyed. After questioning, the members stated they were unaware of how said damage occurred, claiming they weren't involved in the sigils' defacement in any way. MF-12-A12 has increased surveillance of the activities of the Cult of Aether, especially those associated with CTA-606 and CTA-606-1 instances.
Starting 7/5/2018, the number of globally reported natural disasters increased by another 51.2%; following an investigation conducted by MF-606-A13, five (5) CTA-606-1 instances under the surveillance of the Paranatural Investigation Institution were found to be destroyed. After questioning, employees observed several individuals without faces, dressed in full black, enter locations containing CTA-606-1 instances, identifying the individuals to be a part of a subspecies of humanoids dubbed 'The Nothing People' by the Institution. Allegedly, these individuals are antimemetic, only becoming memorable to individuals after a specific surgery offered by the Institution. After witnessing recordings of the instances' destruction, members of MF-606-A13 observed the CTA-606-1 instances disappear without any form of external force; Corporation surveillance of CTA-606-1 instances has increased.
Addendum-606.02: Interrogation
Paranatural Investigation Institution staff had allegedly captured one individual involved in the demolition of CTA-606-1 instances; Agent Noell of MF-606-A13 volunteered to undergo surgery by the Institution to facilitate proper interrogation of the individual. Following the surgery, the Institution's staff warned Agent Noell against divulging any personal identifiers to the individual during the interrogation. Due to the properties of the individual, transcription of the interrogation was produced by Agent Noell during the interrogation.
DATE: 9/5/2018
Interrogator: Agent Noell
Interrogated: Unidentified
Agent Noell: Wow, I wasn't expecting them to be telling the truth.
Unidentified: Never seen something like us? We've seen you plenty.
Agent Noell: You only need to tell us what we need to know, and you can leave.
Unidentified: Perhaps freed from this mortal coil; I'm not stupid; I know you won't let me leave alive.
Agent Noell: Let me rephrase myself; cooperate and it'll all end… quickly.
Unidentified: By the way, what's your name?
Agent Noell: Not something you need to know; all you do need to know is that I'm a member of the Corporation-
Agent Unidentified: Member of which Corporation?
Noell: I… I don't know. Wait, what are you trying to do?
Agent Unidentified: Isn't it odd that you, of all people, are interrogating a member of the Corporation staff? For what reason?
Noell: I-I'm… interrogating you? Yes, I'm interrogating you because you were destroying a CTA-606-1 instance.
Agent Unidentified: Why would you do such a thing? Destroying a CTA-606-1 instance could cause immeasurable chaos and destruction. Can you tell me what you were doing there on that day?
Noell: I… I don't remember being there. Did I do something against the Corporation? Why am I writing?
Agent Unidentified: Oh, can you be a darling and give that here?
Noell: If it'll help with the investigation.
Agent Unidentified: Can you also be a dear and tell me your name?
Noell: Oh, well, I'm Tracy Noell- I mean, I'm… I'm… I don't know who I am…
Agent Noell: That concludes the interrogation, I'm disappointed we couldn't get anything out of you but we shall make due.
Nothing: Who am I? Please help me.
Closing Statement: Following the interrogation, Agent Noell claimed the procedure done by the Paranatural investigation institution to have caused audio-visual hallucinations resulting in the contents of the transcription; however, following questioning of Institution staff, they vehemently denied this accusation, positing that the 'Nothing Person' had stolen Agent Noell's name and face; Agent Noell has remained missing the days proceeding this interrogation. Why is it so lonely here?
Addendum-606.03: Message from the Curator
FROM: The Curator
TO: AD-01
SUBJECT: The traitors.
DATE: 8/5/2018
It has come to our attention that both the Church of Aether and the Paranatural Investigation Institution are in cahoots, attempting to free the entity you call CTA-606. We have bolstered our observation of the organizations, finding them plotting something big on 13/5/2018. We have reached out to the Philosopher, and they have granted us troops and weaponry to suppress the oncoming threat; we hope you will stand with us on that day to neutralize this looming fear once and for all.
We expect a timely response; if your Administration doesn't form a consensus in time or refuses our demands, we must end this age-old partnership between us and deem you an active threat along with the Institution and Church. We hope we can see eye to eye and strike down these blights that have been a thorn in all our sides long enough. We are the Curator; do not disappoint us.
Addendum-606.04: Meeting with the Prophet and Head Doctor
Due to the odd circumstances described in Addendum-606.01, the Administration Department contacted the Prophet of the Cult of Aether and the Head Doctor of the Paranatural Investigation Institution for a civil discussion; both individuals agreed to meet with the Administration in a remote region within Antarctica; all sides ensured absolute secrecy when it came to the meeting, and no party was to bring any form of military force. The following is the recording of the event:
[Begin Log]
The Prophet walks into the frame, unaffected by the weather despite aught but a white and amber dress; the Head Doctor is next to walk on the scene, appearing as a man in a suit with an everchanging face. Three Administration members are present, AD-01, AD-06, and AD-13. AD-01 speaks up, stating, "I needn't explain why I've called you here today; I beg you to grant me an explanation for this treason." The Head Doctor is the first to reply, "It was the work of the Nothing People; I condemn my kind for their actions; however, I'm not the orchestrator of said actions." The Head Doctor turns to the Prophet, awaiting her response. The Prophet opens her amber eyes for the first time since her arrival before stating, "It is as the Nameless one states; Aether has granted me this divine vision, and with it, I have seen the faces of the faceless, reducing all our work to aught but ash."
Discussing amongst themselves, the Administration appears to come to a consensus, with AD-06 speaking next. "We have no clue if what you're saying is true, and we're pretty sure you can guess why we wouldn't trust either of you," The Administrator says before continuing, "If you've got any proof, now would be a good time to present it; your organizations aren't exactly known for being truthful or honourable." "I understand we have never been on the best of terms with your kin," the Prophet pipes up, "But I can assure you, allowing the serpent who attempted our Goddess's life to roam free would be treason worth eternal damnation in the Roots; a sin no soul could shake off." Aether solemnly stares at the ground in contemplation. The Head Doctor, on the other hand, appears lost in thought before coming to and inquiring, "What of the Curator?" "What of them?" AD-01 retorts.
The Head Doctor looks to the sky, racking his brain for a moment before speaking, "It's quite apparent one or more individuals wish for the Scourge of the Earth to be released upon this land, correct?" AD-06 stares at him incredulously before stating, "Yeah? And why bring up the Curator? Attempting to shift the blame unto them?" The Head Doctor's faces all betray a sense of worry. "And you don't find it strange how someone so bent on inaction suddenly decides to declare war on two powerful organizations? Not to mention gaining help from a group they seem to despise," He comments, "What does the Curator have to gain? What do they even want?" AD-01 and AD-06's faces filled with confusion as they didn't have a clue about any of the questions posed by the man; they lacked even an inkling of the Curator's intentions.
Suddenly, with a devilish grin, the silent Administrator pipes up, "Let's rack our last two human and info-parasite brain cells together; what could anyone involved get from releasing CTA-606?" AD-13 lets the group think long and hard before impatiently answering, "Destroying the Earth or something far more… insightful." "And what insight could one possibly gain by releasing the Serpent?" The Prophet inquired, taken aback by the mere suggestion that anything good could come from the awakening of CTA-606. "The first question is: why would the EP help release a potentially world-ending entity upon the Earth?" AD-13 contemplates before answering her question, "I assume they intend to get their hands on the entity's sword; such an artefact would be capable of easily destroying any entity they desire."
"On to the next question," AD-13 states, "How does releasing CTA-606 benefit the OCC?" The Head Doctor looks at AD-13 impatiently, asking, "What does it matter if they can gain something if the world ends?" The group all stare at AD-13 in disbelief before AD-06 speaks up. "I guess what we should be asking," AD-06 says, "is what kind of deal they made." "Fuck," AD-13 lets out in realization, "Of course, he'd want something with his brother; he hates that sod." The Prophet stares at AD-13, confused, asking, "Who are you talking about? What brother?" "My darling's brother," AD-13 states, "You know, the Beast of Earth." AD-01 runs his hand down his face, wearing a tired expression, before inquiring, "Your husband's brother is CTA-606?" AD-13 promptly nods to his response.
The group looks on, bewildered at the notion; the Head Doctor gains the courage to question further. "And who is your husband?" The man asks, "How is he related to the Scourge of the Earth?" AD-13 maintains a casual and carefree air, enthusiastically answering their questions. "Well, you likely know him by now; he goes by many names, but you'd likely know who I'm talking about if I called him the Dealmaker," AD-13 explains, "As for how he's related: the Beast of Earth, or Destruction, was created the moment following his creation; both created to perform similar jobs." A mix of surprise and confusion sweeps across the group before AD-13 continues, "If I know him, and I do, I would suggest a check-up on CTA-███." The other Administrators seemed confused before AD-01 spoke up. "Why check up on that piano-" The Administrator paused before a look of realization crept up his face, "-Are you asking to prepare for an Omega-Class scenario?" With that, AD-13 quickly replied, "No, I'm asking you to prepare for several." A loud rumbling catches everyone's attention before the video cuts.
[End Log]
Addendum-606.05: Second Message from the Curator
FROM: The Curator
TO: AD-01
SUBJECT: The end of the world.
DATE: 12/5/2018
Given your response, it is clear that you have figured out the truth. The Maker of Deals has offered us a spectacle like none other and all the information conceivable to man. The release of the entity you know as CTA-606 is inevitable. The Prophet and ourselves have recently come to an understanding, and they wish to aid us in the freeing of the entity as well; if you assist us, you will be granted a position in the new world alongside the Church and Elenchos Parasiton; however, if you refuse, you and your staff will not be given such a luxury. We are the Curator; make the right choice.
Addendum-606.06: Footage of CTA-███'s Containment Chamber
The following is footage taken of CTA-███'s containment chamber on 13/5/2018:
[Begin Log]
CTA-███ is shown sitting completely alone before the footage begins to glitch; suddenly, a man with white hair wearing a white suit-like conductor's uniform appears in the containment chamber, slowly waltzing up to CTA-███ before sitting down on its stool. The man places his hands on the keys, seemingly waiting for something. A loud and violent rumbling is audible before the man raises a hand and snaps his fingers. With another snap of his fingers, another man appears in the room, possessing a flaming sword and hair. The man places his hand on the keys once more before musing, "You never were supportive of my artistic endeavours, my brother."
The glowing man scoffs before retorting, "And you, of my freedom." "And perhaps if you didn't take credit for my deeds, none of that would be necessary, Lucifer; why don't you go cry to Michael about it?" The white-haired man replies. "All this hostility over an apple? Honestly, I never took you for the petty type," Lucifer states, "But I suppose I never was your favourite, Zero." Zero takes a deep breath before numerous pale hands emerge from spatial rifts. "Well, that's neither here nor there; you know what they say about break and ruin," He says, "But you've already played your part, and I'd hate for you to overplay it; now go, but don't end the world just yet, the most beautiful performance is yet to arise." With that, the man snaps his fingers causing Lucifer to disappear.
The man hums to himself before muttering, "A piano played at the world's end. The ground has cracked, but the sky is yet to shatter; the preamble is not yet set, but I can assure you, this will be my greatest masterpiece yet; more cunning than stealing a soul from Faust and grandiose than introducing Man to sin." The man and his pale hands begin to play a haunting yet enchanting melody. "But that's when the sky shatters," He muses, "And I can assure you, it will."
[End Log]