Marvel: The Foundation

What makes an organization a organization, what makes a group a group. Well that all depends on the group and the organization, some had simple answers, others had more complex ones.

For an organization like the SCP Foundation, there were many things, but the chief among them was naturally the SCP objects themselves, as without them, there would be no Foundation.

Other parts that were considered as critical parts were containment's SITEs then the O5 council, all things that couldn't really be separated from the Foundation.

Other organizations weren't the same, though for some, there were things that couldn't be separated from them without removing the very reason for the organization's existence.

When it came to groups of interest, many relied on something, like Alexylva University, which required the existence of the campus, or The Children of the Scarlet King, which needed the Scarlet King.

The Factory needed a well, a physical facility, a factory. Others didn't need that, like Gamers Against Weed, they didn't really need anything but gamers and weed both being things. Same with Are We Cool Yet?

As for The Global Occult Coalition (GOC), it didn't really need much; it was an idea formed by the governments of the world; without their consent, there could and would be no GOC.

But now that the governments of the world had gotten together and once again affirmed their goal of a group to handle the extraordinary things of the world, the foundation of the GOC was in place.

Alexander was aware of the meeting, and with eyes and ears everywhere, the Foundation wasn't blind to what was happening. Given their control over Shield, they didn't worry about them. If anything, they welcomed more help in dealing with the abnormal, though they would have wished for the world leaders to have turned towards the Foundation.

After all, the Foundation did allow the leaders to know something about them, even if they were all told to be quiet about it. Yet, using Shield as a puppet wasn't a problem, and so they didn't care much about the entire issue.

The Foundation always had more to do, and Alexander, as O5-1, was always busy. Today, he might become even more so since it was time to relieve the pressure on Solomon and summon another few objects.

"Alright system, take us away."

--------------------------

Far from SITE-009 and the person unleashing the horrors of the SCP universe onto the Marvel Earth. It didn't take long before the first new SCP object started causing problems, not that anyone who saw the newest object was aware of just what they were seeing.

The trip had been planned for months—a chance for four old friends to get away from the bustle of everyday life and reconnect in the solitude of nature. Mark, Julia, David, and Sarah had all grown up together, but their lives had taken them in different directions over the years.

Now, with a rare break in all their schedules, they had decided to spend a few days in the remote wilderness, camping, hiking, and reliving their carefree past.

The first couple of days had been idyllic. They set up camp near a small creek, its gentle babble providing a relaxing backdrop to their long conversations around the campfire. They spent their days hiking up rugged trails, crossing rocky streams, and laughing as they recounted old memories.

Mark was always the joker of the group, lightening any tense moments with his sarcasm and quick wit. Julia, on the other hand, was the planner—she had organized their route, checked their supplies, and made sure everyone was prepared for the trek.

David was quiet, thoughtful, often trailing behind to take in the scenery or snap a picture. And Sarah was the enthusiastic one, always urging them to push on a bit further, see what was just beyond the next rise, eager to explore every inch of the forest.

They were deep in the wilderness, far from any towns or established trails, and that sense of isolation only seemed to bring them closer together. On the third day, after a long hike up a steep ridge, they found a small clearing perfect for their camp. They pitched their tents, gathered wood for a fire, and settled in for another peaceful night under the stars.

As darkness fell, they shared stories and roasted marshmallows over the fire, the warm glow casting flickering shadows around them. It was Sarah who brought up the idea of exploring a little further the next day. "There's got to be a lake or something nearby," she said, her eyes glinting with excitement. "We should find it and go for a swim."

Julia nodded, unfolding her map and tracing her finger along the contour lines. "There might be something west of here, a depression that could be a lake. We could check it out tomorrow."

David smiled, his eyes half-closed as he leaned back against a log. "I'm in. It's been a while since we've gone on a real adventure."

Mark snorted, poking at the fire with a stick. "Define 'real adventure,' David. The last time we did this, you got us lost for five hours, remember?"

David shrugged, unbothered. "That's part of the fun."

They laughed, the warmth of the fire and the company pushing away the chill of the night air. As the fire died down, they crawled into their tents, unaware that tomorrow's exploration would lead them into something far more sinister than any of them could have imagined.

The next morning, they set off towards the west, following Julia's map through thick underbrush and across narrow, winding animal trails. The sun was high in the sky, and the air was fresh, filled with the scent of pine needles and damp earth. They made good progress, each of them energized by the thrill of discovery.

By early afternoon, they began to hear the faint sound of water. It wasn't a rushing stream, but something calmer, broader—the sound of a lake.

"See?" Sarah said, grinning as she turned to look at Julia. "I knew there had to be one."

Julia gave a satisfied nod, and Mark rolled his eyes playfully. "Alright, alright. You guys win. Let's find this mythical lake."

Pushing through the last of the thick trees, they finally emerged into a small clearing. Before them lay a body of water—a tranquil lake, its glassy surface reflecting the clear sky above. The scene was picturesque, almost too perfect, as if untouched by anything other than the hand of nature itself.

"Whoa, that's... beautiful," Mark said, his voice softening. He took a step closer, his eyes drawn to something in the lake. Julia followed his gaze, squinting at the far shore.

It was then that she saw them, figures seemed to float in the water. They were eerily still, their forms indistinct in the fading afternoon light. A chill ran down her spine, but she brushed it off as the cool breeze coming off the lake.

"Are those people?" Sarah asked, moving closer to the water's edge. She sounded curious, but there was an edge to her voice, a note of uncertainty that Julia couldn't ignore.

 David, however, seemed unfazed. He moved towards the water, his eyes locked on the distant figures. "I think I know them," he murmured, his voice strangely flat. He stepped forward, the water lapping at his boots as he waded in.

"David?" Julia's brow furrowed, and she reached out, but he was already moving deeper, his eyes vacant. Mark was following him, his face slack, his gaze fixed across the lake.

"David! Mark!" Julia called, her voice sharp with alarm. She felt her pulse quicken, her sense of unease growing into outright fear. She grabbed Sarah's arm, trying to pull her back. "We shouldn't be here."

Sarah blinked, as if coming out of a daze. She looked around, confusion clouding her features. "What... what's happening?"

Julia didn't answer. Panic clawed at her chest as she watched Mark and David wade deeper, their movements slow, deliberate, as if they were being pulled forward by some unseen force.

"We have to leave," Julia said, her voice trembling. She pulled Sarah away from the water, her heart pounding. The figures across the lake seemed to sway, and for a moment, Julia thought she recognized the bodies in the water.

Good evening, this is Channel Seven News, bringing you the latest updates on a developing story out of the northern wilderness. Authorities are currently investigating the mysterious disappearance of four hikers who vanished earlier this week while on a camping trip.

The missing individuals—identified as Mark Thompson, Julia Lewis, David Carlson, and Sarah Jenkins—were last seen setting off into the remote woodlands near the Elk Ridge area four days ago. The group, consisting of long-time friends who grew up together, had been looking forward to an extended hiking and camping trip to reconnect.

Family members of the hikers became concerned when they missed their scheduled check-in and failed to return home at the expected time. Authorities were alerted, and a search team was immediately deployed to the region. Search and rescue operations, involving both aerial drones and on-foot patrols, have since scoured large portions of the forested area but, so far, have found little evidence regarding the hikers' whereabouts.

Search coordinator Officer Michael Reynolds held a brief press conference earlier today. "We've located their campsite, which appeared undisturbed, but there was no sign of the group," Reynolds stated. "so far clues seems to point in the direction that everything were normal and that the disappearance was sudden, so signs of a struggle or anything, we are still investigating the surrounding area."

Family members and friends have expressed their worry and frustration as search efforts continue. "Mark loves the outdoors. He's always been careful, always prepared," said Emily Thompson, Mark's sister. "We just want them back safe. If anyone knows anything or has seen them, please, we're begging you to come forward."

Rumors have begun circulating on social media, with some locals speculating about the strange and often eerie nature of the Elk Ridge area, a region known for its dense forests and frequent fog. Some have even claimed that the area has a "strange energy" and spoken of eerie occurrences—though authorities have dismissed these claims as baseless and unhelpful.

The search continues as local law enforcement, supported by volunteer search teams, widen the scope of their operation, covering more of the surrounding wilderness in hopes of finding any trace of the missing hikers. Officials urge anyone with information to contact the Elk Ridge Sheriff's Department immediately.

We'll keep you updated as new details emerge. Our thoughts are with the families of the missing hikers during this incredibly difficult time. Stay tuned for more updates.

This has been Channel Seven News. We'll be right back after a short break.