Outpost Sierra-One, a fortress on Level 9, was the starting point for Operation Greenroot. MTF Theta-4 "Gardeners" were already immersed in Level 10's vast fields, evaluating wheat and barley, sending data reports that Scientist A processed with fervor. But the growing complexity of the Echo Foundation's operations demanded an even sharper mind, an expertise that Junior personnel, however capable, did not yet possess.
Alex, with his M4 and Agent One-Nine-Nine by his side, reviewed the reports in the control room. The Junior Intelligence Agent, though efficient, showed signs of overload. Threats were constant, information flowed non-stop, and the mysteries of the Backrooms grew ever deeper.
"Intelligence Agent, your performance is exceptional, but the Foundation is growing at an exponential rate. We need more capacity. We need a more experienced mind for information strategy," Alex said. His chest camera captured the seriousness of the moment.
The chat immediately called for upgrades:
[User_Upgrade]: "Time to level up the personnel, Alex!"
[Bruce Wayne]: "Experience is invaluable. A high-level strategic mind. Crucial for the information war."
[Rick Sanchez]: "Ha! More brainiacs for Alex's collection! Let's see if they don't go crazy with so much useless data!"
[The Professor]: "Delegating is key. But delegating to experts is mastery."
Excitement points generated: +10,000 (for personnel upgrade)
Just then, a new notification, accompanied by a deep, resonant ding, appeared in Alex's vision:
NEW SUMMONING OPTION UNLOCKED:
SENIOR INTELLIGENCE AGENT (SYSTEM-GENERATED) - COST: 25,000 Excitement Points
SENIOR SCIENTIST (SYSTEM-GENERATED) - COST: 25,000 Excitement Points
JUNIOR INTERNAL DEFENSE AGENT (SYSTEM-GENERATED) - COST: 10,000 Excitement Points
Alex smiled. The System always provided. He had 100,000 Excitement Points.
"Intelligence Agent!" Alex exclaimed. "The System has given us the solution. Summon a Senior Intelligence Agent and a Senior Scientist for immediate deployment to Outpost Sierra-One! We need their expertise."
With two flashes of light, an older man with a keen gaze and an unwavering calm (the Senior Intelligence Agent), and a bespectacled woman whose expression radiated intellectual brilliance (the Senior Scientist), materialized in the room. The Senior Intelligence Agent immediately turned to his Junior counterpart, whispering instructions and reviewing screens with astonishing speed. The Senior Scientist did the same with Scientist A, whispering about patterns and theories. The atmosphere in the room grew denser with the new expertise.
The chat erupted with excitement for the high-level additions:
[User_Expertise]: "The Seniors! Now the Foundation is unstoppable!"
[Dr. Sheldon Cooper]: "The integration of Senior-level knowledge will increase the Foundation's analytical capacity by an order of magnitude."
[Tony Stark]: "Brilliant minds! I like it! Alex is building a f*cking think tank on the carpet!"
[Rick Sanchez]: "Ha! Old wise men! Let's see if they don't die of boredom with so much anomalous wheat!"
Excitement points generated: +20,000 (for expertise and potential)
"Agent One-Nine-Nine," Alex said. "With the new Senior personnel, we can now formalize the training of new Intelligence Agents and Scientists from our own ranks. We will select civilians with the greatest aptitude for analysis and observation. The Scientific and Intelligence Branch will grow significantly."
The armored agent nodded. "Understood. Optimization of human capital is crucial for Foundation expansion."
Next, Alex focused on another summoning. Internal security. The infiltrators from Level 0 had taught him a lesson. "Administrative Assistant, summon a Junior Internal Defense Agent."
A flash of light, and an athletic-looking individual, in a lighter tactical uniform and discreet monitoring equipment, appeared in the base. "Junior Internal Defense Agent, ready for service. My mission is the containment of internal threats, key personnel security, and detection of infiltrations." His voice was firm, but with a quality of constant vigilance.
The chat approved of the new internal security measures:
[User_Security]: "Internal security! Very important!"
[Bruce Wayne]: "Internal security is as important as external. Prevents subversion and sabotage."
[The Professor]: "An elite team to protect from within. Trust is a privilege, not a right."
[Rick Sanchez]: "Ha! Internal spies! How fun! Now let's see if Alex doesn't become paranoid and start distrusting everyone!"
Excitement points generated: +15,000 (for internal security)
"Internal Defense Agent," Alex said, his voice clear. "You will report directly to Agent One-Nine-Nine. Your priority is the security of our Senior personnel, the monitoring of all internal and external accesses, and the detection of any suspicious activity among civilians. The main base on Level 0 is our priority."
The Internal Defense Agent nodded, his eyes scanning the environment with remarkable efficiency.
As the new personnel integrated, life at Outpost Sierra-One on Level 9 grew increasingly complex. MTF Theta-4 "Gardeners" sent continuous data on Level 10's flora. The Senior Scientist and Senior Intelligence Agent immediately delved into the analysis, their minds working at astonishing speed, interpreting energy patterns and anomalous compositions that would have taken days before.
Alex watched his teams. The Echo Foundation was now in a new league. They were no longer just survivors. They were pioneers, scientists, strategists, and guardians. With the knowledge of experts, the ability to train their own personnel, and guaranteed internal security, the Foundation prepared to unravel the deepest secrets of the Backrooms.
"The Crimson Garden and Level 10 are just the beginning, Agent One-Nine-Nine," Alex said, his gaze fixed on the Level 9 map. "With this new personnel, we can understand this place like no one before. And find what we are looking for."