Chapter 3: Stranges occurrences

Their helicopter, a Mi-8MTV, stood ready on the tarmac, its rotors folded like a giant insect. The airbase, a hub of activity, buzzed with pilots, mechanics, and support staff.As they boarded the helicopter, the rotor blades began to turn, slowly at first, then increasing in speed until they became a blur. The aircraft lifted off, and the team felt the familiar pressure of the wind rushing past.Inside, the helicopter was a symphony of sounds: the thumping rotors, the hiss of the hydraulics, and the steady hum of the engines. Natalia gazed out the window as the base fell away, replaced by a sea of snow-covered trees."Hey, Captain?" Viktor's voice rose above the din. "You think we'll find anything out there?"Natalia turned, her eyes locking onto Viktor's. "We'll find what we're looking for, Viktor. Or it'll find us."Elena, seated across from Natalia, spoke up, "You ever think about what we're fighting for, Captain?"Natalia's expression turned introspective. "I fight for what's right, Elena. For the people who can't defend themselves."The helicopter banked hard, throwing the team against their harnesses. The wind howled, a deafening roar that filled their ears.As they flew deeper into the frozen wilderness, the team fell silent, lost in their own thoughts. The only sound was the helicopter, a steady heartbeat in the darkness.And then, without warning, the landscape unfolded like a canvas of white, the research facility a dark smudge on the horizon. As the helicopter descended, the vast expanse of snow stretched out before them like an endless canvas of white. The landscape was dotted with skeletal trees, their branches etched against the grey sky like a delicate pen and ink drawing."Look at that," Sergei said, his voice filled with awe. "It's like the whole world's been swallowed up by snow.""Da, it's beautiful," Elena replied, her eyes fixed on the view."Beautiful?" Ivan repeated, his voice low and husky. "You're the one who's beautiful, Elena. Like a winter rose, blooming in the snow."Elena rolled her eyes, her expression unchanging. "Save it, Ivan. I'm not impressed."Viktor chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Hey, Ivan, I think you've been out in the cold too long. Your lines are getting rusty."Ivan grinned, undeterred. "Hey, someone's got to keep things interesting around here. And Elena, you're the only one who can keep up with me."Elena snorted, her gaze still fixed on the landscape. "I doubt that."Natalia watched the exchange with a small smile, her eyes flicking between her team members. She knew Elena's personality well enough to recognize the subtle signs of annoyance, the slight tightening of her jaw and the flash of irritation in her eyes."Alright, let's focus," Natalia said, her voice firm but gentle. "We've got a mission to complete."The team fell silent, their attention turning to the task at hand. As they descended further, the research facility came into view, a sprawling complex of buildings and antennae."Looks like we're here," Sergei said, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation.Natalia nodded, her eyes fixed on the facility. "Let's get to work."Natalia leaned forward, her voice low and urgent. "Pilot, we need to go in quiet. Activate the furtive system, now."The pilot, a grizzled veteran with a rugged face and piercing blue eyes, nodded curtly. His name tag read "Kuznetsov," and he wore a worn leather jacket with a fur-lined collar, a testament to his years of flying in the harsh Russian climate.As Elena opened the cockpit door, she called out, "Kuznetsov, Captain's orders are to-"Kuznetsov looked up from the controls, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Already on it, Elena. Furtive system online."The cockpit was a snug, dimly lit space, filled with the soft glow of instrument panels and the hum of machinery. The air was thick with the smell of fuel and ozone.Elena stepped inside, her eyes adjusting to the dim light. "Report, Kuznetsov."Kuznetsov's voice was low and smooth, like a well-worn saddle. "We're approaching the peninsula, Elena. Furtive system is masking our signature, but we need to be quick. The longer we're here, the higher the risk of detection."Natalia's voice came from behind Elena, "How long till we're over the facility?"Kuznetsov's eyes flicked to the navigation display. "Two minutes, Captain. We'll be overhead in two minutes."The cockpit fell silent, the only sound the steady hum of the engines and the soft beeps of the instrument panels. Elena felt a thrill of anticipation, her heart beating just a little bit faster. They were close, and she could feel it.Natalia's voice was firm and calm. "Kuznetsov, land us at the designated coordinates. We'll proceed on foot from there."Kuznetsov nodded, his eyes fixed on the instruments. "Roger that, Captain. Beginning descent."As the helicopter began to drop, the men inside started to stir, arranging their equipment and checking their gear.Viktor, seated near the door, spoke up, his voice low and smooth. "Alright, let's move quietly. We don't know what's waiting for us down there."Sergei, opposite him, nodded, his eyes fixed on his rifle. "I've got point. Stay sharp."Ivan, behind them, chuckled, his voice barely audible. "Stay sharp? You mean stay alive, right?"Dimitri, next to Ivan, shot him a warning glance. "Save it, Ivan. This isn't a joke."Elena, near Natalia, spoke up, her voice calm and steady. "Gear check. Let's move."The men nodded, their movements economical and precise as they checked their equipment. Kuznetsov's voice came from the cockpit, his tone calm and professional."Altitude 500 meters... 400... 300... Prepare for landing."The helicopter dropped, the rotors whirring as they descended into the snowy landscape. The men inside held their breath, their hearts beating just a little bit faster.And then, with a gentle thud, they landed. The rotors died down, and the silence was almost deafening.Natalia's voice broke the stillness. "Let's move out. Stay sharp."As they moved through the snow-covered terrain, the team's footsteps were deliberate and cautious, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger. The only sounds were the soft crunch of snow beneath their feet and the occasional whispered exchange.Viktor, leading the way, spoke up, his voice barely audible. "Hey, Sergei, how's the family?"Sergei's response was equally quiet. "They're good, Viktor. My wife's still on my case about quitting smoking."Ivan, walking behind them, chuckled. "Tell her you're trying, Sergei. That's all any of us can do.Dimitri, walking point with Viktor, spoke up, his voice low and smooth. "I'm just trying to make it home to my girlfriend. She's got a birthday coming up."Elena, walking beside Natalia, smiled wryly. "I'm sure she'll appreciate the thought, Dimitri. Even if you are a little late."Natalia's expression remained focused, her eyes scanning the horizon. "Let's keep moving. We've got a job to do."The team nodded, their movements fluid and practiced as they continued through the snowy landscape. The conversations were brief and sporadic, punctuated by long stretches of silence.As they walked, the research facility loomed ahead, its buildings and antennae rising like specters from the snow. The team's pace slowed, their senses heightened as they approached their objective.And then, without warning, Viktor stopped, his hand raised in a silent warning. The team froze, their eyes locked on something ahead.Natalia's voice was barely audible. "What is it?" Viktor's eyes locked onto the guards, his gaze steady and calm. He slowly reached into his pocket and retrieved a small, cylindrical device - a soundproof silencer for his gun. With a practiced motion, he screwed the silencer onto the barrel of his rifle, the sound of the threads engaging barely audible.The guards, oblivious to the danger lurking mere meters away, continued their patrol. They wore identical black uniforms, adorned with a silver insignia on the sleeve - a stylized letter "K" within a circle. Their helmets, matte black and sleek, featured a distinctive black circle-shaped visor that obscured their faces. Each guard carried a compact assault rifle, slung across their chest, with a pistol holstered at their hip.The guards moved in a standard formation - two flanking the third, who walked slightly ahead. Their footsteps were synchronized, a testament to their training and discipline.Viktor's hand flicked up, his fingers splayed in a precise gesture - a silent signal to his team. The sign meant "I'll clear the road." Natalia's eyes met Viktor's, her gaze steady and approving. She nodded, almost imperceptibly, granting permission for Viktor to take point.With a deep breath, Viktor began to move forward, his rifle at the ready. The silencer would ensure that his shots went unheard, but the guards' movements would still be a concern. He aimed to take them down quietly, without alerting the rest of the facility.The team watched, frozen, as Viktor crept closer to the guards. The silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the soft crunch of snow beneath Viktor's feet. Viktor held his breath, his eyes locked onto the guards as they approached. He waited for what felt like an eternity, his finger hovering over the trigger. The guards, oblivious to the danger lurking mere meters away, continued their steady pace.As they drew closer, Viktor subtly adjusted his position, shifting his weight onto his right leg and angling his rifle for a clearer shot. His gloved hand tightened around the stock, his finger resting lightly on the trigger.The silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the soft crunch of snow beneath the guards' feet. Viktor's heart rate slowed, his focus narrowing to a single point - the guards.With a deep breath, Viktor squeezed the trigger, the soundproof silencer reducing the report to a mere whisper. The first guard's head snapped back, his body crumpling to the ground without a sound.Viktor's gaze flicked to the second guard, his finger already resetting the trigger. The second shot was just as precise, the guard's body collapsing beside the first.The third guard, mere inches from his companions, didn't even flinch. Viktor's third shot was just as deadly, the guard's body joining the others in a silent heap.The entire sequence unfolded in mere seconds, the only sound the soft thud of bodies hitting the snow. Viktor's chest rose and fell with a slow breath, his eyes scanning the area to ensure no other threats emerged.Natalia's voice was barely audible, her approval clear. "Clear."Viktor nodded, his gaze still scanning the horizon. "Moving forward."The team began to move, their footsteps quiet on the snow-covered ground. The facility loomed ahead, its secrets waiting to be uncovered.Dimitri's voice was low and urgent, "Hold up, team. I've got something here."The group gathered around him, their eyes fixed on the bodies. Viktor's shots had been precise, each guard killed with a single bullet to the head.As Dimitri rolled the first guard over, his helmet came off, revealing a face that was unmistakably African. The skin was a deep, dark brown, and the features were finely chiseled. The eyes, frozen in death, seemed to stare up at them with a mix of surprise and fear.Elena's gaze fell on the guard's chest, where a small, red-burned metal insignia seemed to be seared into the fabric of his uniform. She nodded, her expression grim. "I recognize this symbol. It's a sign of allegiance to a particular... organization."Ivan's face twisted in disgust. "Who uses the iron-hot method nowadays? This is medieval."Natalia's expression was stoic, her eyes fixed on the insignia. "It's a marker, Ivan. A sign of who we're dealing with."She knelt beside the guard, her gloved hand reaching out to claim his weapon. The rifle was a standard-issue AK-12, but the pistol at his hip was a more exotic, Eastern European model.As Natalia stood, the snow around the bodies seemed to glow with a faint, eerie light. The blood, pooling from the guards' head wounds, had stained the pristine white snow with a deep, crimson hue. The contrast was jarring, a stark reminder of the violence that had unfolded.Natalia's voice was calm, her gaze sweeping across the team. "Let's move out. We have a facility to infiltrate."I don't like this," Ivan said, his voice low and troubled. "This organisation, they're not messing around. Iron-hot branding? That's some twisted stuff."Elena's expression was grim. "I've seen it before, Ivan. In some of the more... unsavory parts of the world. It's a mark of ownership, a sign that you belong to them."Viktor's eyes narrowed. "And what do we know about this organisation?"Natalia's gaze swept across the team. "We know they're well-funded, well-trained, and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. We also know they're interested in the research being conducted at this facility."Dimitri's voice was thoughtful. "I've been thinking... what if this organisation is more than just a simple terrorist group? What if they're a front for something bigger?"Ivan's eyes widened. "You mean, like a government agency?"Dimitri nodded. "Or a corporation. Someone with deep pockets and a lot to gain from this research."The team fell silent, their minds racing with the implications. Natalia's voice broke the silence."Let's focus on the mission. We can speculate about the organisation later. Right now, we need to get in, gather intel, and get out."The team nodded, their faces set with determination. They knew what they had to do.As they approached the facility, the team noticed a strange, pungent smell wafting through the air. It was acrid and burning, like something was melting or burning nearby."What's that smell?" Elena asked, her nose wrinkled in distaste."I don't know," Natalia replied, "but it's definitely not normal."Viktor's eyes scanned the perimeter fence, his gaze searching for any signs of danger. "I don't see anything out of the ordinary. Let's move in."The team nodded, their movements fluid and practiced as they approached the main entrance. Dimitri worked his magic on the lock, and they slipped inside, finding themselves in a dimly lit corridor.The smell was stronger here, and they could hear a faint humming noise, like machinery whirring to life."Split up and search for intel," Natalia whispered, her eyes locked on the corridor ahead. "Meet back here in 10 minutes."The team nodded, peeling off into different directions. Ivan and Elena headed towards the lab areas, while Viktor and Dimitri made for the server rooms. Natalia moved stealthily towards the central control room, her heart pounding in her chest.As they searched, they stumbled upon strange equipment, diagrams, and notes. It was clear that the facility was working on something big, something that could change the course of human history.But what was it? And who was behind it all?The team's 10 minutes were almost up. They needed to find answers, and fast.Elena and Ivan crept down the corridor, their eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger. As they approached the lab entrance, they spotted two guards standing at attention, their rifles slung across their chests."Hide," Elena whispered, grabbing Ivan's arm and pulling him into a nearby alcove.They pressed themselves against the wall, holding their breath as the guards glanced in their direction. But the guards didn't seem to notice them, their attention focused on the lab door."What are they guarding?" Ivan whispered, his eyes fixed on the guards.Elena's gaze was locked on the lab entrance. "Whatever it is, it must be important. Let's take them down quietly."Ivan nodded, his hand on his pistol. "I'll take the one on the left."Elena nodded, her own hand on her rifle. "I'll take the right. On three."They counted down silently, then sprang into action. Elena took out her guard with a swift kick to the back of the knee, followed by a precise punch to the jaw. Ivan's guard crumpled to the ground, his pistol slipping from his grasp.The two guards lay motionless, unconscious but alive. Elena and Ivan exchanged a nod, then moved to the lab entrance."Ready?" Elena whispered.Ivan nodded, his eyes locked on the door. "Let's do this."The scientist, a bespectacled man in a white lab coat, froze as Ivan's gun met his gaze. His eyes widened in terror, and he trembled, his hands raised in a futile attempt to defend himself."Move," Ivan growled, his voice low and menacing.The scientist nodded frantically, stumbling backward as he obeyed. His eyes never left the gun, his pupils dilated with fear.Elena moved swiftly to the computer terminal, her fingers flying across the keyboard with practiced ease. She worked with a fluid grace, her eyes scanning the screens as she accessed the facility's systems.The lab control room was a hive of activity, with screens and monitors lining the walls, displaying data streams and system statuses. The air was thick with the hum of machinery and the scent of ozone.The scientist, still trembling, watched in horror as Elena worked her magic on the computer. He seemed to be praying that she wouldn't discover whatever secrets he was hiding.Ivan kept his gun trained on the scientist, his eyes never wavering. "What's your name?" he demanded."D-Dr. Patel," the scientist stammered.Elena's eyes flicked up from the screen. "Dr. Patel, we're looking for information on the project codenamed 'Eclipse.' What do you know?"Dr. Patel's eyes darted between Elena and Ivan, his fear palpable. "I-I don't know what you're talking about," he lied.Ivan's gun hand twitched, and Dr. Patel flinched. "Don't play dumb, Doctor," Ivan warned. "We know all about Eclipse. Tell us what you know, or things will get ugly."Dr. Patel's eyes welled up with tears as he pleaded, "Please, I have a daughter... don't hurt me, I'll do anything."Ivan's expression remained unyielding, his voice cold. "That's exactly why you're going to cooperate, Doctor. You want to see your daughter grow up, don't you?"But before Ivan could continue, Elena's voice cut in, firm and authoritative. "No way, Ivan. We're not using his family as leverage."Ivan's head snapped towards Elena, surprise etched on his face. "What did you see?" he asked, his voice low and urgent.Elena's eyes locked onto Ivan's, her voice barely audible as she spoke into the private intercom. "Captain, I've accessed the Eclipse project files. It's worse than we thought. They're experimenting with biological agents, Captain. Agents that could wipe out entire cities."Natalia's voice crackled over the intercom, her tone grim. "Get me everything you can, Elena. We need to know what we're up against."Elena nodded, her fingers flying across the keyboard. "I'm downloading the files now, Captain. But we need to be careful. If they discover what we're doing, they'll shut us down for good."Ivan's gaze never left Elena's face, his expression grim. "We're running out of time. Get the files, Elena. Now." Ivan's gun clicked as he engaged the reload system, the sound echoing through the room. Dr. Patel's eyes widened in terror, his gaze fixed on the gun."Start talking, now," Ivan growled, his eyes never leaving Dr. Patel.But before Dr. Patel could speak, the door burst open and a man strode in, flanked by several armed guards. The man was dressed in a crisp white suit, complete with a white shirt and tie. He looked like a politician, but his demeanor was more akin to a goofy uncle."Ah, my, be a good boy and don't kill our best scientist, would you?" he said, his voice dripping with condescension.The guards, clad in black armor and helmets, trained their guns on Ivan and Elena. Their armor was emblazoned with the Eclipse logo, and they looked like they meant business.The man in white chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm afraid you're not in a position to make demands, my friends. You see, Dr. Patel here is a valuable asset to our organization. And I'm afraid we can't let him go."He smiled, his teeth gleaming with a hint of malice. "My name is Reginald Thornton-Furst, by the way. And I'm the one who's going to make sure you don't leave this place alive."Ivan's eyes narrowed, his grip on his gun tightening. Elena's eyes flicked to the guards, her mind racing with possibilities. Dr. Patel, meanwhile, looked like he was about to faint.Ivan's voice was low and urgent as he spoke into the comms device, "Natalia, we have big trouble."Natalia's voice crackled over the line, her tone laced with a mix of confusion and concern. "Yes, a very big trouble."Ivan's eyes flicked to Elena, who was still focused on the guards and Reginald Thornton-Furst. She was positioned near the facility's core, her eyes locked on the central console."What's happening, Natalia?" Ivan asked, his voice barely above a whisper.Natalia's response was hesitant, as if she was trying to process what she was seeing. "I'm looking at a strange room, Ivan. It's like nothing I've ever seen before. And I have a bad feeling about it."Ivan's brow furrowed, his mind racing with possibilities. But he couldn't move, couldn't act. Reginald's guards had him and Elena pinned down, their guns trained on them.Reginald smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I think it's time we had a little chat, don't you, Ivan?"As the door behind Elena swung open, Reginald gestured for her to enter, his smile growing wider. "After you, my dear. Please, lead the way."Elena stepped through the doorway, followed closely by Ivan, with Reginald and his guards bringing up the rear. The door led them to a long, winding corridor, which eventually opened up into a large, dimly lit room.And there, in the center of the room, stood Natalia, her eyes fixed intently on a large, conventional-looking house that seemed to be standing in the middle of the room.Elena's eyes widened in surprise as she took in the scene. "Natalia, what's going on?"Natalia didn't turn, her gaze still fixed on the house. "I don't know, Elena. This thing just appeared out of nowhere. And I have a bad feeling about it."Reginald chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Ah, yes. The house. We've been expecting you. Please, come closer."Ivan's eyes narrowed, his hand instinctively going to his gun. "What's going on here, Reginald?"Reginald's smile grew wider. "All in good time, my friends. All in good time."Reginald nodded to his guards, and they lowered their weapons, though their eyes remained fixed on Ivan and Elena. Reginald turned to Natalia, a familiar smile spreading across his face."Natalia, my dear, it's been too long. I see you're as curious as ever."Natalia's expression remained neutral, but her eyes sparkled with interest. "Reginald. I might ask you the same. What's going on here?"Reginald chuckled. "Oh, just a little experiment. But I think you know that already. You're the one who's been trying to uncover my secrets, aren't you?"Natalia shrugged, playing it cool. "Maybe. But I think you're the one who's been sending me messages. Am I right?"Reginald's smile grew wider. "Perhaps. But let's just say I'm a...facilitator. And I think you'll find our goals align more than you think."Ivan's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with possibilities. What was Reginald's game? And what did he want with Natalia?Just as Natalia was about to ask Reginald about the mysterious house, the door burst open and Viktor stormed in, his machine gun trained on Reginald."Everyone, get down!" Viktor yelled, his eyes fixed on Reginald.Dimitri's voice crackled over the comms device, "Natalia, are you safe?"Natalia's eyes darted to Viktor, then back to Reginald, who seemed unfazed by the sudden interruption."I'm fine, Dimitri," Natalia replied, her voice calm. "But we have a situation here."Reginald chuckled, his hands raised in a placating gesture. "Ah, Viktor, always so quick to act. But there's no need for violence here. We're just having a... discussion."Viktor's eyes narrowed, his gun still trained on Reginald. "I don't trust you, Reginald. You're always hiding something."Ivan's eyes flicked to Elena, who was watching the scene unfold with a mixture of confusion and concern. He knew they needed to defuse the situation before it escalated further.Natalia's voice was firm, but calm, as she ordered Viktor to stand down. "Lower your gun, Viktor. Now."Viktor hesitated for a moment, his eyes still fixed on Reginald, before slowly lowering his machine gun.Natalia took a deep breath before explaining, "Reginald is a researcher from the Russian top-secret army. He's been working on a project... that I think is connected to what we're investigating."Ivan's eyes widened in surprise, his mind racing with implications. "What project?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.Natalia's eyes flicked to Reginald, who was watching the scene with an air of amusement. "I'm not entirely sure," she admitted. "But I think it's connected to the strange occurrences we've been tracking."Ivan's gaze narrowed, his eyes locked on Reginald. "What do you know about the house?" he asked, his voice slow and deliberate.Reginald's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with intrigue. "Ah, the house. Yes... that's a very interesting story." Elena's eyes flashed with annoyance as Reginald continued to smile and seem unbothered by the tension in the room. "You're not taking this seriously, are you?" she asked, her voice tight with frustration.Reginald's expression turned contrite, and he took a step forward, his hands raised in a placating gesture. "Oh, Elena, I apologize if I've given you that impression. I assure you, I'm taking everything very seriously."But then, his expression shifted, and he gazed at Elena with a warm, admiring smile. "You know, Elena, you're as beautiful as ever. Time really doesn't seem to touch you, does it?"Elena's annoyance turned to outright irritation. She didn't like being patronized, and Reginald's sudden shift to flattering her felt insincere.Reginald, seeming to sense the tension, turned to his guards. "Leave us. I think we can continue this conversation without... distractions."The guards nodded, and filed out of the room, leaving the group alone with Reginald. Ivan's eyes never left Reginald's face, his expression skeptical. Natalia watched Elena, concerned about her friend's growing unease. Viktor stood silently, his eyes fixed on Reginald, his machine gun still at the ready.Reginald's smile faltered, and he took a step back, his eyes widening in mock fear. "Oh, Natalia, you're so fierce! It's making me shiver!"But before he could continue, Natalia cut him off, her voice firm. "Stop your nonsense, Reginald. Tell me what I want to know."Reginald's expression changed, and he looked around the room nervously. "Oh, okay, okay. No need to be scary," he said, his voice trembling slightly.He reached into his pocket and pulled out a remote control, his hands shaking slightly as he pressed a button. The room was filled with a soft hum, and a large-scale screen displayed on the floor, illuminating the room with a faint blue glow."Behold," Reginald said, his voice still trembling. "The Eclipse Project. The future of humanity."The screen flickered to life, displaying a complex network of diagrams, codes, and images. Ivan's eyes narrowed, trying to make sense of the information. Elena's eyes widened, her mind racing with the implications. Viktor's grip on his machine gun tightened, his eyes fixed on Reginald. Natalia's eyes scanned the screen, her expression grim.Natalia's eyes narrowed, her voice firm. "Then how did you manage to bring it back here?"Reginald's expression turned wry, and he shook his head. "No, no, you misunderstand. This isn't the actual house. This is just a... a pale copy, a replica. The real house is still out there, in Africa."He gestured to the screen, where the image of the house still lingered."The real house is cursed, Natalia. It's slowly decreasing the world, warping reality. We can't approach it, can't even get close. We've tried, and... and people don't come back."Reginald's voice dropped to a whisper, his eyes glinting with a mix of fear and awe."This replica, it's just a shadow, a echo of the real thing. We've been trying to study it, understand it, but... it's not the same. The real house is a doorway, a portal to something else. And it's open, Natalia. It's open, and we don't know how to close it."Natalia's eyes narrowed, her voice firm. "Why didn't you report this to your superiors? They would have taken action, contained the situation."Reginald's expression turned calculating, his eyes glinting with ambition. "Ah, but that's exactly what I wanted to avoid. If I reported it, they would have suspended me from taking any further action, and I would have lost control of the situation."He took a step closer to Natalia, his voice taking on a persuasive tone."I want to be the first to resolve this, Natalia. I want to be the one to unlock the secrets of the house, to understand its power. And I need your help to do it."He held out his hand, a gesture of partnership."Will you give me a hand, Natalia? Together, we can uncover the truth behind the house, and claim its power for ourselves." Natalia's expression remained resolute, her arms crossed. "I won't help you, Reginald. You're only looking out for yourself, as always."Reginald's smile didn't falter, he expected her refusal. "Ah, Natalia, I know you too well. I know about your pride, your need to control. And I know you're on edge about being ordered around."He took a step closer, his voice taking on a persuasive tone."But think about it, Natalia. The house is destroying the world, people are suffering from its unknown influence. You can't just stand by and do nothing. You have to act, and I'm offering you the chance to do so."Natalia's expression wavered, her eyes flashing with anger and concern. Reginald saw his chance and pressed on."Join me, Natalia. Together, we can stop the house, save the world. And you'll be the one calling the shots, not just following orders."Natalia's gaze locked onto Reginald's, her eyes searching for any sign of deception. For a moment, she seemed frozen, weighing her options. Then, her expression changed, a hint of determination creeping in. Reginald saw it, a glimpse of hope that he could sway her to his side. Reginald's expression was grim as he displayed the scene on the screen. Natalia's eyes widened in horror as she took in the sight before her. A seemingly endless procession of people was marching towards a cliff, jumping off into the unknown without hesitation."What is that?" Natalia asked, her voice barely above a whisper.Reginald's voice was somber. "That's the influence of the house. It's spreading, Natalia. People are being driven to madness, to suicide. We've tried to intervene, but... it's like they're under some kind of mind control."Ivan's face was pale, his eyes fixed on the screen. "How many?"Reginald's expression was grim. "We've lost count. Thousands, tens of thousands. It's like nothing we've ever seen before."Elena's voice was shaking. "We have to stop it. We can't just sit back and watch."Reginald's eyes locked onto Natalia's. "I agree. That's why I need your help. Together, we can find a way to stop the house, to break its influence over people's minds."Natalia's gaze was still fixed on the screen, her expression a mix of horror and determination. She knew she had to act, to do something to stop the carnage.Natalia's eyes were fixed on a specific point in the crowd, her gaze intense. "Reginald, pause the display and apply full zoom on this area," she ordered, her voice firm.Reginald nodded and complied, the image freezing on the screen. The zoom feature magnified the area Natalia was interested in, revealing a figure that made her heart skip a beat."Dr. Lee..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.The frozen image on the screen showed Dr. Lee, a scientist, her face contorted in fear and despair.Natalia's gaze didn't waver from the screen. "We have to save her," she said, her voice firm. "We can't leave her to... that."The room fell silent, the only sound the soft hum of the display. Reginald's eyes were fixed on Natalia, his expression somber. Elena's hand reached out, a comforting touch on Natalia's arm.Viktor's voice broke the silence. "We have to act fast."Natalia's gaze lingered on the screen, her eyes clouding with a mix of emotions. Elena's response to Ivan's question only scratched the surface of the bond between Natalia and Dr. Lee.As Natalia's thoughts drifted back to the past, a hint of a smile played on her lips. Memories of her mission to the USA, of Dr. Lee's expertise and kindness, flooded her mind. Their late-night conversations, their shared laughter, and their trust in each other's skills had forged a connection that went beyond mere friendship.Natalia's eyes seemed to hold a deep affection, a sense of loyalty, and a dash of protectiveness whenever she thought of Dr. Lee. It was as if the scientist had become a sister, a confidante, and a partner in every sense of the word.Reginald's answer, "five years ago," only added to Natalia's concern. She knew that Dr. Lee's involvement with the house was not a recent development. The weight of her friend's potential suffering, the thought of her being under the house's influence for so long, was almost too much to bear.Natalia's expression turned resolute, her jaw setting in determination. She would stop at nothing to save Dr. Lee, to free her from the house's grasp, and to restore their friendship to its former glory. eyes snapped back to the present, her gaze locking onto Reginald's. "We need to know more about the house's influence," she said, her voice firm. "How it's affecting Dr. Lee, and how we can break its hold."Reginald nodded, his fingers flying across the keyboard. "I'll access the files, see what we have on the house's energy signature."Elena's hand still rested on Natalia's arm, a gentle reminder of her support. "We'll get through this, Natalia. We'll save Dr. Lee."Natalia's expression softened, her eyes acknowledging Elena's words. But her focus remained fixed on the screen, her mind racing with strategies and plans.Ivan, still trying to understand the situation, asked, "What's the plan? How do we get Dr. Lee out?"Natalia's gaze didn't waver. "We'll need to infiltrate the house, gather intel on its energy signature, and find a way to disrupt it. Once we have Dr. Lee, we'll extract her and get out."Reginald's eyes widened. "That's a high-risk operation. We'll need to be careful."Natalia's jaw set. "We have no choice. We owe it to Dr. Lee to try." Reginald's voice came through the intercom, a hint of amusement in his tone. "Ah, Dimitri, don't worry, Natalia's expertise goes beyond mere soldiering. Her family's history in exorcism will come in handy here."Dimitri's voice was laced with skepticism. "Exorcism? You mean like in scary movies? Possessed people, demons, and holy water? How does that even apply here?"Natalia's voice cut through the banter, her tone firm. "Enough with the chat, Dimitri. We'll brief you on the details later. Where exactly is the house located, Reginald?"Reginald's response was serious. "We've tracked the energy signature to a remote location in Cameroon, deep within the jungle. There's a local tribe, the 'Nkondi', who live in the outskirts. They're rumored to have knowledge of the house and its dark history."Dimitri's curiosity got the better of him. "Wait, Cameroon? How do we even get there? And what's with this Nkondi tribe? Can we trust them?"Natalia's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with strategies. "Get me everything you can on the Nkondi tribe and the house's layout, Reginald. We'll need to move quickly and carefully if we're to have any chance of success."Viktor's voice was calm and reassuring. "Stay calm, Dimitri. Let's trust our captain. She knows what she's doing."Dimitri's concerns were still evident, but he nodded, trusting Viktor's judgment.Reginald's voice came through the intercom once more. "We'll meet up at the base in three days from now. That's when we'll embark on our mission to extract Dr. Lee."Ivan's surprise was palpable. "Aren't we going now? We can't just leave Dr. Lee there for three more days!"Natalia's expression was resolute. "I didn't perform an exorcism ritual in years, not since I quit to become a soldier. If I want to pass the house's supernatural security, I need time to prepare, to get my focus back. We can't afford to rush in unprepared."Elena's eyes locked onto Natalia's, understanding in her gaze. "We trust you, Natalia. You know what's at stake."The team fell silent, acknowledging Natalia's words. They knew that their captain's expertise in exorcism was their best chance at succeeding in this perilous mission.My name is Natalia, and my life is a constant balancing act between my past and present. As I trudge through the dense jungle, the scorching sun beating down on my back, I can't help but think about the journey that brought me here.I've been traveling for hours, the winding dirt path stretching out before me like an endless snake. My legs ache, my feet blistered from the rugged terrain. But I press on, driven by a sense of duty and purpose.Finally, after what feels like an eternity, I see it - my house, nestled deep in the heart of the jungle. It's a small, unassuming structure, but it's home. I've inherited it from my family, who were once renowned exorcists.As I approach the house, I can feel the weight of my family's legacy bearing down on me. I've tried to leave it all behind, to forge a new path as a soldier, but the past keeps pulling me back.I push open the creaky door, stepping into the cool, dim interior. The air is thick with the scent of old books and incense. I feel a sense of peace wash over me, a sense of belonging.This is my sanctuary, my refuge from the world. Here, I can be myself, without fear of judgment or expectation. Here, I can confront my demons, and prepare for the battles ahead. As I step inside, my gaze wanders over the familiar surroundings. The house is a blend of traditional and modern, with wooden beams and stone walls adorned with vibrant tapestries. The air is thick with the scent of old books and incense, transporting me to a world of mysticism and wonder.I begin to unpack, my movements methodical as I settle into the routine. My eyes land on a shelf, lined with ancient tomes bound in worn leather. One book catches my attention - "De Exorcismis et Supernaturalibus" (Of Exorcisms and Supernatural Things). I run my fingers over the embossed cover, feeling a shiver run down my spine.This book holds the secrets of my family's past, the knowledge of exorcisms and spiritual warfare. I open it, revealing yellowed pages filled with handwritten notes and diagrams. The words dance before my eyes, a mix of Latin and ancient languages.With the book clutched tightly, I make my way to the sacred place - a site atop a cliff, overlooking the vast expanse of the jungle. The wind whispers secrets in my ear as I climb, the trees thinning out to reveal a stunning vista.Atop the cliff stands a monolith, a towering stone structure etched with ancient symbols. The air is charged with an otherworldly energy, as if the very fabric of reality is thin here. I approach the monolith, feeling the weight of my mission settling upon me.The view is breathtaking - a tapestry of greens, with the jungle stretching out to the horizon. I can see the glint of a distant river, a silver snake winding its way through the landscape. The sky above is a brilliant blue, with only a few wispy clouds scattered across it.I take a deep breath, feeling the energy of the sacred place coursing through me. I am ready to begin my preparations, to face whatever lies ahead. The mysterious book clutched in my hand seems to pulse with an inner light, as if it too senses the journey we are about to embark on.The soft glow of candlelight danced across the walls, casting an ethereal ambiance within the sacred space. The air was heavy with the scent of sandalwood and myrrh, transporting me to a realm beyond the mundane. I sat cross-legged, my body aligned with the celestial harmony, as I delved into the ancient tome.The pages, yellowed with age, crackled with an otherworldly energy, as if the words themselves held the power to transcend time. The text, penned in a forgotten language, seemed to shimmer with an existential essence, echoing the whispers of the cosmos.