I am not the Scarlet King.

Chapter 4: A way out of hell.

(It's just outside of Linnton)

A security blockade was installed on the outskirts of the city to contain the situation in Portland, due to its proximity to the forest park, it was feared that the infection would reach further, for which the San Johns bridge was demolished, several squads were sent into the forest to eliminate threats that were in the vicinity.

Large barricades had been placed in the middle of the road to prevent entry and exit from the city, armored vehicles were parked in the middle of the road with several squads of soldiers patrolling the area and its surroundings. Some ambulances were on the side of the road as well as a large number of tents.

You could see a large crowd of people trying to be controlled by the soldiers of the foundation, many of the civilians were shouting and protesting trying to re-enter the city, due to this several military trucks arrived at the scene letting more soldiers out to help to calm the situation.

The helicopters turned on their searchlights and from above, several managers ordered the restless people through megaphones to remain calm and continue moving towards the transports. However, suddenly a strong glow illuminated everything at the same time that seconds later a strong explosion was heard in the distance, for which all the civilians threw themselves to the ground in fear.

The trees shook violently and the helicopters began to experience slight turbulence due to strong wind currents.

After the explosion, several armored vehicles and some soldiers on motorcycles began to move quickly into the dark forest. On the other hand, the wounded were being cared for in the medical stores, under the supervision of agents of the foundation. A helicopter landed in an area far from the road, a bespectacled man in an elegant black outfit got out of it, a badge with the foundation's insignia hung from his neck and behind him two other soldiers followed him.

The man looked for a moment at the crowd of people on the road and then was escorted into a store where there was a makeshift table with various maps and radio equipment, around some men were in the middle of a heated discussion something which was interrupted once the bespectacled man took a seat and cleared his throat to get the attention of the other two.

The two men regained their composure and cordially greeted the bespectacled man who returned the gesture and then motioned for both of them to take their seats. Before long both men complied with the other's order.

Director: Gentlemen, I hope you understand the seriousness of the situation out there, how is it possible that you are having trouble handling simple civilians?

Captain: Director, a series of unexpected complications arose, forcing us to change the plan that we had already implemented.

Director: As far as I understand, your main priority was to contain the infectious outbreak of SCP-008 not to house another anomalous creature, endangering the lives of the staff.

Lieutenant: With all due respect, sir, the SCP-001 instance is also an equal or even greater threat than SCP-008.

The man with glasses frowned and looked at the Lieutenant seriously and threateningly.

Director: Lieutenant, the O5 council has ruled that we must resolve this situation first, after which you can send as many men to die as you please trying to capture a creature that is out of your reach.

The resigned lieutenant bowed his head and then got up leaving the tent.

Director: Captain, how is everything currently?

Captain: We have evacuated 87% of the city's population, the number of infected is apparently under control, however, the virus seems to have mutated in a more aggressive way, and shooting them in the head is no longer entirely effective.