The Echo Foundation's base was a hive of quiet activity. Scientist A processed the initial mapping data that civilian explorers sent through their GPS watches, drawing a rudimentary outline of Level 0 on the improvised screens. Junior Medic attended to the recovered civilians, who now, with stronger bodies, offered to help in the kitchen or the warehouse. The Generic Security Guards and One-Nine-Nine maintained constant vigilance, their movements fluid in the confined space.
Alex observed all this from the base's small window, Level 0 stretching infinitely beyond. He felt a mix of pride and a growing unease. The Foundation was growing, yes, but with every person they rescued, with every meter they mapped, more attention they attracted. And attention in the Backrooms often meant danger.
The chat, ever analytical, discussed the implications of their growing visibility:
[Bruce Wayne]: "Visibility is a double-edged sword. It can attract allies, but also enemies. Control the narrative."
[The Professor]: "Reputation is built by actions. Ensure the stories told serve your interests."
[User_Curious]: "How do others find out? Is there radio in the Backrooms?"
[Rick Sanchez]: "Ha! Reputation! As if it matters in a place where reality shits on you! This is a reality show, not a popularity contest!"
Excitement points generated: +4000 (for reputation intrigue)
Hours, or perhaps days, passed. The civilian explorers returned with more data, their backpacks filled with basic supplies they found, and their eyes, with new stories of monotonous hallways. They hadn't had significant dangerous encounters, which was a relief, but Alex knew luck was a temporary luxury.
It was during an information exchange with a small group of merchants from the B.N.T.G. (Backrooms Non-Aligned Trade Group), who they encountered at one of the M.E.G. outposts—a purely fortuitous meeting, as the B.N.T.G. was known for being more nomadic—that Alex first heard the rumors.
The merchant, a shrewd man with scars and a wandering eye, was haggling with David of the M.E.G. over rations. At one point, the merchant turned to Alex, his gaze curious. "They say there's a new group around here. A 'Foundation.' With a base on Level Zero. And a... a weird guy in heavy armor. Have you heard anything, David?"
David, who had been talking to Alex in a low voice, tensed slightly. "Those are just old stories. Level Zero is a transit point, not a settlement." But David's gaze shifted towards One-Nine-Nine, who remained imperturbable.
Alex felt a chill. The rumors were already spreading. And the M.E.G. was trying to control the information.
The chat immediately picked up on the implications of the spreading rumors:
[Fox Mulder]: "Disinformation is a powerful tool. If the truth is known, it must be contained."
[User_Intrigue]: "The rumors are real! The Foundation is famous!"
[Tony Stark]: "Network Effect! Reputation goes viral! Now leverage the free publicity!"
[Rick Sanchez]: "Ha! A carpet cult! I like it! Let's see if they make shirts with the logo!"
Excitement points generated: +6000 (for rumor expansion)
Days later, the rumors returned, but this time, with a more ominous note. One of Alex's Generic Security Guard patrols, which had ventured further out to detect possible threats, returned with a report. They had found a section of wall where they had seen fresh scribbles, painted with what looked like dried blood. The scribbles were symbols they didn't recognize. And below, words barely legible: "The Echos will burn."
Alex looked at the images the guard had recorded with his chest camera, transmitted directly to Scientist A's screen. Scientist A analyzed them, her face concerned. "This doesn't match any known entity pattern. But the message... 'The Echos'... sounds like the Echo Hunters."
"It is," Alex said, his voice grim. "They're referring to me. And to the Echo Foundation." His chest camera captured his serious expression. His lens camera showed the menacing message.
The chat reacted to the direct threat:
[Rick Grimes]: "A direct threat. They know you're here. They're sending a message."
[Batman]: "Fear is a tactic. But also a weakness. What do they seek with these scribbles?"
[User_Threat]: "Oh no! The Hunters! They're going to attack the base!"
[Freddy Krueger]: "Oh, how beautiful are warning messages. Soon, the dream will become real, Alex."
Excitement points generated: +8000 (for the direct threat)
The rumors about the Echo Foundation were not only spreading among merchants and explorers, but now they were reaching the ears of their enemies. The Echo Hunters, with their fanaticism for the "Reincarnated ones" and the "key," had detected Alex's presence and his organization. The base, once a promise of security, had become a target.
One of the civilian explorers, Elena, returned with a panicked expression. "Alex, we saw more people. They were... different. They moved silently, their faces covered. They didn't look like merchants or explorers. They stared at us. And they had what looked like... tattoos on their arms? Something like a flame."
Alex and One-Nine-Nine exchanged glances. Flames. The message on the wall. The Hunters.
"The flame symbolism is recurrent in apocalyptic cults. It suggests purification or destruction," One-Nine-Nine commented, his robotic voice.
The chat's theories quickly formed around the new information:
[User_Conspiracy]: "It's a cult! They want to burn Alex!"
[The Professor]: "Identify the enemy. Know their motivations. Information is your most powerful weapon."
[User_ProtectEcho]: "Reinforce the base! They're coming!"
[Rick Sanchez]: "Oh, wow! A flame cult! How original! Now do they have to sacrifice carpet virgins?"
Excitement points generated: +7000 (for confirmation of organized threat)
Alex headed to the base's improvised control room, where Scientist A was still working. "Scientist, we need to understand these symbols. And we need more information about these Echo Hunters. What do the M.E.G. or B.N.T.G. know about them? And is there a pattern in their movements?"
Scientist A nodded, her face serious. "I will, Agent Echo. The threat is confirmed."
Alex looked at the main System screen. His Excitement Points counter had skyrocketed with the drama. But the fun of the show was over. The Echo Foundation had taken root, grown, recruited. And now, it had been noticed. War, Alex knew, was about to arrive at their door. And this time, a vote wouldn't decide the outcome.